IDP Waiver Wire – Week 3
Only two weeks into the season and NFL starters are dropping like flies. Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there to reinforce your fantasy team. Here are my suggested waiver claims for Week 3. They are based on a IDP123 scoring system in a redraft league.
If for some reason the following players from last week’s article are still available in your league, I’d prioritize them: LB Zack Baun, DL Keion White, and DB Quentin Lake.
Defensive Line
Will McDonald IV, Jets
A three-sack game is an easy way to earn a place on this list! Haason Reddick is still holding out for a new deal and now Jermaine Johnson will miss the rest of the year with a torn Achilles. McDonald is in line for plenty of opportunities going forward. He’s only rostered in 3% of MFL leagues.
Pat Jones II, Vikings
I didn’t think much of Pat Jones’ two sacks in Week 1. After he added another two versus the 49ers? He has my attention. We should still temper expectations as Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard are the main pass-rushers in Brian Flores’ defense. That said, if you have some room on your bench or are in need of a defensive lineman, he’s worth a stash. His ownership is at 4% on MyFantasyLeague.
Other options: Odafe Oweh (10%), Ravens; Gervon Dexter (2%), Bears for DT-required leagues.
Linebackers
SirVocea Dennis, Buccaneers
I admit, I fell for Todd Bowles’ hyping up of K.J. Britt this offseason. I really thought he was going to nail down a three-down role next to longtime stalwart, Lavonte David. It’s clear to me now that SirVocea Dennis is going to be the guy going forward. Sure, Britt and Dennis are locked into a timeshare at the moment, but I expect that to end as we get further into the season. For his 52% snap share in Week 2, Dennis racked up 11 tackles (six solo). Add him while you can.
Henry To’oTo’o, Texans
DeMeco Ryans does a heck of a job developing linebackers. To’oTo’o was everywhere on Sunday Night Football versus the Bears as he finished the night with 13 tackles (nine solo), one sack, and three tackles for loss. Christian Harris is eligible to return from IR after Week 4, but To’oTo’o should continue to thrive in the meantime and may see a three-down role next week too if Azeez Al-Shaair faces a suspension for throwing a punch at Bears running back Roschon Johnson. He’s rostered in 6% of leagues.
Other options: Baylon Spector (<1%), Bills
Defensive Backs
Andru Phillips, Giants
For those in CB-required leagues, we have a new slot cornerback savior. After only playing a 29% snap share in the opener, Andru “Dru” Phillips reached 91% in Week 2. He posted 12 tackles (seven solo) and one sack. Not only does Phillips look comfortable in coverage, but he’s constantly around the ball and not afraid to make tackles or blitz. He should be available in almost all 16 team leagues.
Damar Hamlin, Bills
Hamlin is probably best known unfortunately for going into cardiac arrest on the field during Monday Night Football back in 2023. Two years later, he’s an integral part of a revamped Buffalo safety room and needs to be on your IDP radar. He won the free safety job next to Taylor Rapp and has played almost every snap in the first two games. Hamlin made 10 tackles (eight solo) this week and while I don’t expect those numbers on a weekly basis, his production so far is encouraging.
Other options: Jaylen Watson (2%), Chiefs; Jamel Dean (2%), Buccaneers
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