IDP Waiver Wire for Week 12
The NFL’s bye schedule this year is making it tough for fantasy leagues. It’s about as unbalanced as I’ve ever seen. If you have looked at your lineup screens for Week 12, you’re probably noticing some holes in your lineup. If you’re just missing one or two players, consider yourself lucky! Regardless, there’s nothing we can do but submit our best lineup and weather the bye week storm. If you don’t have options on the bench to make it through, here are my week’s waiver recommendations!
The numbers in parentheses next to the player’s name represent their ownership on Sleeper. Any scoring references will be in the IDP123 system.
Defensive Line
Green Bay decided to part ways with veteran edge rusher Preston Smith at the deadline and shipped him off to Pittsburgh. It was a head scratching move because the Packers have struggled to get pressure on the quarterback all season. They must have faith in former first round draft pick Lukas Van Ness and Rashan Gary (9%). He has 2.5 sacks in the past four games. I wouldn’t exactly say he’s on fire, but he is heating up after a slow start to the campaign. He’s averaging 60% plus in snaps and will likely continue at that share. Gary is widely available in most formats and is someone I’d target for bye weeks. He is DL/LB eligible on Sleeper.
For those in 12 team leagues or smaller, the Ram’s Kobie Turner (33%) offers consistent upside at the DL position. He posted sacks in both Weeks 10 and 11. While he didn’t continue the streak in Sunday’s game versus the Patriots, he amassed seven tackles (three solo) and one fumble recovery. He’s a set-and-forget type of player that needs to be on your roster if available.
Other options: Denico Autry (20%), Texans; Leonard Floyd (33%); Nik Bonitto (21%), Broncos; Za’Darius Smith (19%), Lions; and Pat Jones II (2%), Vikings.
Linebackers
I guess the Titans don’t love linebacker Jack Gibbens as much as I do. Recently-acquired Jerome Baker (33%) seems to have eaten into, if not taken his role on defense. Gibbens left the game with a season-ending ankle injury, but Baker was already out-snapping him at that point. With Gibbens out for the year, Baker will start next to Kenneth Murray and should be a top waiver priority this week.
Another linebacker that I’ve enjoyed watching this season is Henry To’oTo’o. He’s developed nicely in Houston under DeMeco Ryan’s tutelage. Yet, newcomer Devin White (10%) almost doubled his playing time (60% compared to 31%) on Monday. We haven’t seen quality IDP production from White in almost two years, so I’m skeptical of a career renaissance. However, if anybody can get the best out of the former All-Pro, it’s Ryan. Speculatively add him if you have a need at linebacker and let’s see if somebody emerges as a fellow starter next to Azeez Al-Shaair.
Other options: Jordan Hicks (6%), Browns; Tyrice Knight (2%), Seahawks; and Nate Landman (14%), Falcons.
Defensive Backs
Third round rookie Kamren Kinchens (<1%) continues his ascension as a key piece of the Rams’ defense. He has played snap shares of 51%, 74%, and 54% over the past three weeks and he has three interceptions in that time. Don’t add him because of that because turnovers are inconsistent, but I believe he will keep expanding his role. Kinchens is somebody to grab now, preferably as a free agent, and monitor his situation going forward. He could come in handy during the fantasy playoffs.
The Saints traded Marshon Lattimore at the deadline and Ugo Amadi (<1%) looks to be the beneficiary of the available snaps, primarily playing in the slot. He played 100% last week and 90% this Sunday. Amadi secured nine tackles (four solo) against the Browns in Week 11. The Saints are on bye now but scoop him up before their clash versus the Rams in Week 13. I have confidence that he’ll do the job at DB for most formats the rest of the season.
Other options: Renardo Green (2%), 49ers; Taylor Rapp (40%), Bills; Harrison Smith (33%), Vikings; and Jalen Ramsey (33%), Dolphins.
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