IDP Waiver Wire – Week 8
I took a trip to my wife’s hometown to visit her family in rural Minnesota this weekend. Whenever we visit, her grandpa likes to take us out to his land, and if it is the appropriate time of year, we’ll go hunting. In mid-October, it’s pheasant season. Now, one of the rules is that you can’t shoot females (called hens). You can tell the difference between males and females by the colors. Males (called roosters) have red and green on their head, while the females are all kind of a grayish brown. Well, two days of hunting and we couldn’t flush a single rooster. We must’ve found ten hens. Sometimes that’s just how things go.
Same thing applies to the waivers in fantasy football. We’re all looking for roosters when we put in our claims. Most of the time, we find hens. That doesn’t discourage us from going out into the field the next time. Just keep your head up and take a look at my Week 8 IDP waiver recommendations.
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. Any scoring references will be in the IDP123 system.
Defensive Line
Josh Paschal (<1%), Lions
The entire IDP community was curious how the Lions would adjust to Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury. So far, they haven’t traded for a reinforcement. Josh Paschal, Isaac Ukwu, Trevor Nowaske, and James Houston all received pass rush snaps against the Vikings in Week 7. Among those players, Paschal played the most with an almost 87% snap share. That’s incredible for an edge! He took advantage of the opportunity by making four solo tackles and one sack. Is all of this sustainable? Probably not. For now, I recommend adding Paschal as we continue to monitor the situation.
Dante Fowler (2%), Commanders
It’s back-to-back massive weeks for the first year Commander. Dante Fowler posted two sacks in Baltimore in Week 6. He secured two solo tackles, one sack, and a pick six against the Panthers to keep his hot streak going! Fowler’s snap share has fluctuated mainly in the 50% range and outside of these past couple games he’s not produced in IDP this season. However, he’s a decent stash for the last spot on the bench in deep leagues. Playmaking defensive linemen are rarely available in the free agent pool at this point in the season.
Other options: Rashan Gary, Packers (11%); A.J. Epenesa (5%)
Linebackers
Payton Wilson (7%), Steelers
In a perfect world, every player I recommend would ideally play 90-100% of snaps. However, we are entering Week 8 and we need to dig a little deeper. Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson has carved out a role that yields 50-60% of snaps weekly. He’s been very efficient and posted stat lines with at least six tackles in the past four games. That yielded fantasy performances of 10, 14, 13, and 14 points. Wilson is one of my main priorities this week.
Kwon Alexander (<1%), Broncos
I have no idea what Justin Strnad did to upset Sean Payton. He had played well from a real-life standpoint alongside green dot Cody Barton. Against the Saints on Thursday Night Football though, Alexander ate into Strnad’s role and saw 30% of snaps. Alexander made one solo tackle and recovered a fumble. Strnad remained productive in IDP in a slightly smaller role (60%), but this is something we need to keep on eye on. It could just wind up a messy linebacker rotation where neither player is startable. Either way, I’d add Alexander as a free agent without priority or FAAB if you want a linebacker lottery ticket.
Other options: Grant Stuard (<1%), Colts; Eric Wilson (<1%), Packers; and Christian Elliss (<1%), Patriots
Defensive Backs
Jalen Mills (<1%), Jets
The Jets have suffered a multitude of injuries on defense. Safety Jalen Mills started in place of Chuck Clark, who was placed on IR with an ankle injury. He racked up eight tackles (five solo) and one pass defended on 96% of snaps. Ashtyn Davis and Tony Adams left the contest with injuries of their own. While Mills isn’t an exciting name, he should see plenty of playing time going forward and can be used as an IDP flex or bye week fill-in.
Cooper DeJean (9%), Eagles
DeJean finally made his first start in Week 6 against the Browns. The rookie did not disappoint as he finished the game with six tackles (three solo) and a half sack in a 91% snap share. He followed that up this week by nabbing four solo tackles and returning a punt 28 yards. His playing time dipped a little (19% less snaps), but that happens for slot cornerbacks. If this is the floor, DeJean is a decent IDP flex with upside because of his involvement in the return game.
Other options: Nick Scott (<1%), Panthers; Evan Williams (<1%), Packers; and Mike Sainristil (3%), Commanders
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