IDP Waiver Wire – Week 7
I won a fantasy football game by 0.19 points last week. It came down to Chris Olave in the Monday night game and his one catch for 10 yards was not quite enough for my opponent to finish me off. I’m not bringing it up to brag. It’s just a reminder that the margins can be incredibly thin, and we have to give ourselves the best shot to win each game. Stick with this column and keep up with waiver claims. You never know how close your matchup will be.
The numbers in parentheses next to the player’s name represent their ownership on Sleeper. I limit this article to players that are owned in less than 15% of leagues. However, the goal is to highlight players that are even rostered less, so that as many people as possible can pick them up.
Defensive Line
Jer’Zhan Newton (4%), Commanders
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Newton looks like his direct replacement. The rookie was considered one of the top defensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft. He hit a snap share of 54% against the Ravens, but I’m bullish that he could be in the 60-70% range next game. If you are in a defensive tackle-required league, I’m grabbing him as a free agent addition. No need to burn FAAB or priority until we see some IDP point hauls.
Azeez Ojulari (2%), Giants
Superstar edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is on IR. Azeez Ojulari received the uptick in snaps as he increased his usual share of 30-40% to 77% in Week 6. He rewarded the Giants with four tackles (two solo) and two sacks. I really like Ojulari and his tools as a pass rusher. Obviously having Brian Burns on the other side of the defensive line doesn’t hurt either! Ojulari is the guy I’m looking to add if you need DL help.
Other options: Denico Autry (4%), Texans; and Calijah Kancey (3%)
Linebackers
Neville Hewitt (<1%), Texans
Houston suffered injuries to both of their starting linebackers in Week 6. Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o went down in their victory at Foxborough. Hewitt was the replacement for Al-Shaair and turned 59% of snaps into nine tackles (six solo). That’s fantastic IDP production! Of course, we’ll need to monitor practice reports and observe the situation further, but it’s possible Hewitt inherits a solid role at least temporarily.
Krys Barnes (<1%), Cardinals
Kyzir White left Sunday’s game against the Packers with a knee injury and did not return. Krys Barnes stepped in and played 74% of snaps. He finished the afternoon with nine tackles (eight solo) and one tackle for loss. Depending on what happens with White, Barnes would be a LB2/3 if he took over the green dot for the Cardinals.
Defensive Backs
Taron Johnson (8%), Bills
The king of slot cornerbacks is back! Taron Johnson made his return after missing the past four games with a forearm injury. He posted eight tackles (four solo) and ended the game with an interception. Johnson is one of the premier options at his position and if he is out on the waiver wire in your league, he’s a priority claim!
Renardo Green (<1%), 49ers
Renardo Green earned his first start on Thursday Night Football and did not disappoint! He stayed busy as Geno Smith targeted him 12 times. Green turned those opportunities into a nice stat line of six tackles (four solo), two passes defended, and one interception. Even when Charvarius Ward returns, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Green take Isaac Yiadom’s role as the third cornerback. So, if you are in a cornerback-required league, I’m adding the former Seminole in anticipation of an increased role.
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