Tag: waiver picks IDP

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 5

Check your waiver wire for these IDP Week 5 pickups.

We’re through four weeks, and bye weeks begin to rear their heads. The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans are first up, and the roster crunch is about to become very real. Keep an eye out for guys who should not be dropped and act on their availability.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers

The probable future Hall of Famer has made his presence felt the last two weeks as he reached the quarterback. He had four tackles and a sack in Week 3 and six tackles and a sack in Week 4. He’ll be chasing Dak Prescott in Week 5.

DT Maliek Collins, San Francisco 49ers

Collins is the rare tackle entry, but he is benefiting from one of the top EDGE rushers in the game in Nick Bosa on the other side. That has opened things up for him to reach the QB in two straight weeks. He had four tackles in Week 2, a tackle and a sack in Week 3, adding three tackles, a fumble recovery, and 1 1/2 sacks in Week 4.

Linebackers

LB Ventrell Miller, Jacksonville Jaguars

He took over the weakside linebacker spot when Foyesade Oluokun went on IR. Miller had 11 tackles in his first game since doing so. There’s really nothing more to consider here, and he should be rostered.

LB Raekwon McMillan, New England Patriots

The eight-year vet has played well after a goose egg in Week 1. He had seven tackles and a pass defense in Week 2, 10 tackles in Week 3, and seven tackles last week. He’s a good depth piece to mix and match in your flex spot.

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LB Tyrice Knight, Seattle Seahawks

The fourth-round rookie has had a similar ascension as McMillan. He had a goose egg in Week 1, and seven, six, and nine tackles in the last three weeks, respectively. The Seahawks have a slew of injuries on defense that should give him some runway, and he could be a budding starter in the making.

Defensive backs

SS DeShon Elliott, Pittsburgh Steelers

The 27-year-old had a couple of solid seasons with the Lions and Miami Dolphins the last couple of years. He is off to a pretty good start thus far in Pittsburgh. He had four tackles, a pick, and two pass defenses in Week 1, nine tackles in Week 2, and five tackles in Week 3.  Elliott posted 12 tackles and a forced fumble last week. Scoop and stream him.

S P.J. Locke, Denver Broncos

Locke came on with five tackles in Week 3 before he busted out for 10 tackles and a sack in Week 4. Was this Locke’s ceiling or a mirage? Time will tell, but he’ll be a back-end option to mix and match at flex.

CB Dee Alford, Atlanta Falcons 

The 26-year-old nickel back has been busy the last couple of weeks. He had 10 tackles in Week 3 and nine tackles, a sack and a pass defense in Week 4. You can’t deny those numbers or the notion he could replicate them against Tampa Bay in Week 5.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 4

Check your waiver wire for these IDP Week 4 pickups.

Three weeks in, and you should have a good idea where your roster stands. This is a big week on waivers, though, because this is the final chance to set things up before bye weeks enter the fold. The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans are first up in Week 5. So owners of DE Aidan Hutchinson should be looking for a potential replacement this week, for example.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Will McDonald, New York Jets

The 2023 first-round pick had a quiet Week 1 and has busted out with two straight strong games. He had four tackles, a forced fumble, and three sacks in Week 2 and three tackles and two sacks in Week 3. It’s time to believe.

DE Za’Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns

Smith benefits from having Myles Garrett on the opposite side of him. He’s hurting, though, with injuries to both feet. He will still command the attention of offensive lines, which should open things up for Smith. He had a sack in Week 1 and Week 3 and provides useful depth.

Linebackers

LB Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins

Remember this former IDP stud? He had 184 tackles in his sophomore season of 2021 and has rapidly depreciated since then, largely thanks to a major injury in 2022. Brooks looks to be on the comeback trail, though, with 19 total tackles in three games. He had nine tackles against his former team in Week 3 and appears to be getting stronger as the season progresses.

LB Kyle Van Noy, Baltimore Ravens

The 11-year vet definitely takes the “Tough Man” award of the bunch. He broke an orbital bone in Week 1. All he has done in two games since is three tackles with two sacks and two tackles, two sacks, and a pass defense. He’s definitely an option to consider in leagues that value sacks.

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LB Nakobe Dean, Philadelphia Eagles

The former third-rounder in 2022 was in line to be a breakout candidate last season before a foot injury derailed his ’23 campaign. Dean looks to be showing that potential with seven tackles in Week 2 and eight in Week 3. He does have a Week 5 bye, but if you have the space, scoop and stash him in more casual settings.

Defensive backs

FS Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints

The Honey Badger is back and eating well through three weeks. He had four tackles, a FF, and a FR in Week 1; three tackles, an INT, and two PDs in Week 2; and seven tackles, an INT, and PD in Week 3. History shows he’s likely to come back to Earth and/or get hurt, but run him out there while you can.

SS Chuck Clark, New York Jets

Clark had ho-hum Weeks 1 and 2 with five and four tackles, respectively. He opened up a can in Week 3 with seven tackles, a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and a sack. He’ll have Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix in his sights in Week 4 in a good matchup.

S Chamarri Conner, Kansas City Chiefs

He plays the “big nickel” role, and his numbers warrant the pickup. In Week 1, he had six tackles. In Week 2, Conner had six tackles, a fumble recovery, a sack, and a TD. Last week, he had 10 tackles, an INT, and 2 PDs. You can’t ignore those stats any longer.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 3

Check your waiver wire for these IDP Week 3 pickups.

The season rolls right along into Week 3. We hope you’re 2-0, but regardless, there are key decisions to make as bye weeks inch closer and closer.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Patrick Jones II, Minnesota Vikings

Jones has begun a breakout season through two weeks. He had 5 career sacks in three years entering the year, and he has 4 sacks in the first two weeks. He has 13 tackles and a forced fumble to go with it. Make him an elevated option on waivers.

DE Keion White, New England Patriots

While his torrid pace is unlikely to last, White is one of the top DL in fantasy from the first two weeks. He had four tackles, a forced fumble and 2.5 sacks in Week 1. The second-year pro followed it up with seven tackles and 1.5 sacks in Week 2; look his way in all conventional formats.

Linebackers

LB Germaine Pratt, Cincinnati Bengals

He could have been drafted in deeper leagues, but he’s getting the job done without a lot of flair. He has increased his tackle output every year in the league, topping it off with 118 last season, and Pratt is off to a fast start with 24 tackles through two games. If he’s out there, change that.

LB Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets

After a ho-hum, four-tackle Week 1, Sherwood emerged with 12 tackles and a pass defense last week. Sherwood becomes a prime candidate this week, because MLB C.J. Mosley missed practice Monday due to a toe injury. The Jets play the New England Patriots Thursday night, and Sherwood makes a banger of a play.

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LB Henry To’oTo’o, Houston Texans

The second-year man has flashed his versatility through two weeks. Head coach DeMeco Ryans was one of the best linebackers of the last 25 years, and he has clearly worn off on the former fifth-round pick. To’oTo’o has 20 tackles, 1 sack, and a PD.

Defensive backs

S Chamarri Conner, Kansas City Chiefs

Conner plays in a lot of nickel packages, and he has flashed through two weeks. He had six tackles in Week 1 and really showed his potential in Week 2. He had six tackles, a sack, and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

CB Alontae Taylor, New Orleans Saints

The former second-round pick’s game lines will pop out your eyeballs. He had six tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a pass defense in Week 1. He backed it up with nine tackles in Week 2. Corners are dicey, but you can’t deny his hustle, especially if Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) misses more time.

CB Andru Phillips, New York Giants

The third-round rookie is making plays early in his career. He had four tackles and forced a fumble in Week 1, notching 12 tackles and a sack in Week 2. Pick him up to see what’s in store against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 2

Check your waiver wire for these IDP Week 2 pickups.

Week 1 is in the books, and we’re looking for those IDP gems to supplement your roster. Whether you’ve had an injury or just aren’t feeling a Week 1 underperformer, head to the wire and check for these options.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys

He didn’t get a lot of fanfare in drafts at the grizzled age of 32, but Lawrence came out with five tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in Week 1. DE Micah Parsons looked like the best player on the field frequently in Week 1, and Lawrence really benefits on the other side.

DE Darrell Taylor, Chicago Bears

Taylor was an impact performer in Week 1 with eight tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Here’s the problem. He was fifth among DL on his own team in snaps played in Week 1. His production can’t be overlooked, but temper expectations based on playing time.

Linebackers

LB Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles

Why not leave the oil paintings affixed to the wall the next time you bust the door down, Zack? He had 15 tackles and two sacks in what was mightily a career game for him. He’ll have plenty more tackle opportunities against the dinking-and-dunking Atlanta Falcons next week.

LB Mack Wilson, Arizona Cardinals

The 26-year-old Wilson had nine tackles and a PD against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. He’s a weakside linebacker, and he may not have this tackle luster on a weekly basis. He should have some chances against the LA Rams in Week 2, though.

LB Darius Muasau, New York Giants

The sixth-round rookie had a solid debut in Week 1 with six tackles, an INT, and a pass defense. He’s the right inside linebacker in the team’s 3-4 defense, and he’ll have Kayvon Thibodeaux rushing on his side a lot. So don’t expect a ton of sack figures, but his tackles and coverage numbers equate to a good depth piece.

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Defensive backs

FS Tony Adams, New York Jets

Adams had a career game with 12 tackles, a sack, and a pass defense in Week 1. This could be a bit of an aberration as the San Francisco 49ers rushed 38 times in Week 1, which put Adams in a position to pile up tackles. Give him credit for taking advantage, though.

FS Nick Cross, Indianapolis Colts

With his Week 1 stat line, “Nick Cross will make ya Jump, Jump.” He busted out with 14 total tackles as three Colts defenders reached 10 tackles against the Houston Texans. Houston ran the ball 40 times, which you can’t count on every week, but he’ll be a high-end pickup for his tackle potential this week.

 

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 1

Check your waiver wire for these IDP Week 1 pickups.

Welcome to the 2024 season. If you’re an IDP league, you already know the grind that is ahead, which makes raising that league title over your head even sweeter. We’ll be here along for the ride with you.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Marcus Davenport, Detroit Lions

Davenport is a boom-or-bust candidate, and he’s in a make-or-break season. He missed all but four games with the Minnesota Vikings last season due to an ankle injury. He’ll be lining up opposite of third-year stud Aidan Hutchinson, who is expected to make a jump from his 11.5 sacks last season. That will only benefit the 27-year-old Davenport, who had a career-high nine sacks in 2021.

DE Gregory Rousseau, Buffalo Bills

After tallying eight sacks in a promising sophomore campaign in 2022, Rousseau only had five sacks last season. He’s entering a pseudo-walk year as the team has a fifth-year option they can choose to utilize or pass on after this year. The 24-year-old had a strong preseason among the league leaders with 2.5 sacks.

Linebackers

LB Dorian Williams, Buffalo Bills

The Bills lost Matt Milano to a biceps injury, and the second-year man from Tulane is expected to start in his place. Williams had 40 total tackles and a pass defense in 17 games last season. It’s hard to find bulk tackles on waivers, and Williams could supply that in the opening weeks.

LB Omar Speights, Los Angeles Rams

The Rams traded Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans in a preseason move. That opened a spot potentially for the undrafted rookie from LSU. He had 12 tackles in the preseason and could be an early-season diamond in the rough on waivers.

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Defensive backs

SS Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings

“Harry the Hit Man” is a potential Hall of Famer, but at age 35 this season, he’s going undrafted a lot. He had 93 tackles last year, but for just the second time in his career didn’t have an interception. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 34th-best safety in the NFL last season out of 95 qualifying players. He played the seventh-most snaps among safeties in 2023 at 1,111. So any concerns about his role being tapered are probably overstated. Scoop him up if the injury bug has bitten you.

FS John Johnson, Los Angeles Rams

Johnson is kind of an enigma in fantasy circles as he has been a stud every other season in the league. Years 2, 4 and 6 tackles: 119, 105, 101, respectively; Years 1, 3, 5, and 7 tackles: 75, 51, 61, 42. If that pattern continues, he could be on the verge of another 100-tackle season. The team let Jordan Fuller walk in free agency and drafted SS Kamren Kinchens, but JJ III appears the favorite to start alongside Kamren Curl.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 18

Check your waiver wire for these IDP one-week plays.

We have reached the NFL regular-season finale. If you’re going of all the marbles this week, let’s help put them in the right places.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

EDGE Travon Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars 

The 2022 No. 1 overall pick was considered a bit of a project when he was drafted, but he has taken a significant step forward in Year 2 going from 3.5 sacks to nine. He also is on fire with four sacks in the last three games. The cherry on top? He faces the Tennessee Titans in Week 18, who have allowed the most fantasy points to D-linemen over the last five weeks. Whether he serves as a DL/EDGE/LB, he’s a strong play in Week 18.

DT Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams

We have another nose tackle this week, and for good reason, the third-round rookie has 3.5 sacks the last two weeks. He’ll face the San Francisco 49ers this week. The Niners aren’t a good matchup at face value, but they’re expected to rest some starters. Only four defensive tackles have more than his nine sacks on the season.

Linebackers

LB Sione Takitaki, Cleveland Browns

The BYU product typically hovers on the fringe of a pickup. He’ll deliver some weeks and disappear the next. What he did in Week 17 was deliver in a big way with 17 tackles. He’ll have a midrange matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals to pile on.

LB Devin Bush, Seattle Seahawks

Another outstanding stat line in Week 17 came from Bush, who had 17 total tackles. Albeit, 12 of them were assisted tackles, so his point total may not have been as high in some leagues. He had six tackles in Week 16 as well, so he’s on a hot streak. He’ll have a midrange matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.

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LB Deion Jones, Carolina Panthers

A former fantasy stud with the Atlanta Falcons, Jones had his best performance of the season with seven tackles and a sack in Week 17. He has a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he’s playing for a contract for next season and looks to be motivated.

Defensive backs

FS Donovan Wilson, Dallas Cowboys

It’s not a great matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 18 as they’ve allowed the fewest points to the position the last five weeks. However, Wilson has been on fire, totaling 11-plus tackles in the last two weeks and five-plus in six straight games.

SS Jordan Battle, Cincinnati Bengals

Battle has lived up to his name with at least seven tackles over the last three games. He has seven stops in six of the last seven games as well. He just doesn’t add much outside of that category. He has a chance to finish strong against a top-five matchup the last five weeks in the Cleveland Browns.

SS Nick Cross, Indianapolis Colts

Freshly thrust into the starting lineup, Cross finished Week 17 with nine tackles. He added six in the previous week as well. He has a chance to go for the trifecta against the Houston Texans in the season finale. The Texans are a solid matchup for opposing DBs the last five weeks.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 17

Check your waiver wire for these IDP options ahead of Week 17.

Two weeks left in the season, and whether you’re in the fantasy playoffs or a season-long grind, there are important decisions to make on the defensive side of the ball.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders

DE Maxx Crosby is drawing all the attention on the other side, and he hasn’t had a sack in the last two games. Koonce has five! He had two forced fumbles two weeks ago and six tackles last week. He faces the Indianapolis Colts this week, who have allowed the sixth-most points to the position the last five weeks. Put him atop your wish list.

DT Christian Barmore, New England Patriots

The 315-pound tackle has been feasting on quarterbacks the last two weeks. He has 12 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble combined in the last two games. He has a “meh” matchup against the Buffalo Bills this week, but it’s hard to ignore what he has done of late.

Linebackers

LB Shaquille Leonard, Philadelphia Eagles

He may have been picked up and stashed when he signed with the Eagles, but it took a few weeks for him to get acclimated. He showed he still has some fantasy prowess left in the tank with seven tackles and a sack in Week 16. He has a midrange matchup against the Arizona Cardinals this week and is at least a flex candidate.

LB Duke Riley, Miami Dolphins

Riley has been steady at the position the last four weeks. He broke out with eight tackles in Week 13 and has delivered five tackles in three straight games. He sprinkled in a half-sack and a pass defense, but you’re not looking for elite counting numbers here. He provides a high floor, though.

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LB Myles Jack, Pittsburgh Steelers

He went back to the practice squad after a solid Week 16 game, so this may be a fringe candidate. However, he delivered six tackles and a sack in his first action of 2023. The Seattle Seahawks are the toughest matchup against LBs in Week 17, but he’s a good depth piece if you’re still playing come Week 18.

Defensive backs

SS D’Anthony Bell, Cleveland Browns

Bell has settled in as the starter and produced the last three weeks. In Week 16, he had six tackles, a forced fumble, and two pass defenses. Bell had five tackles and an INT in Week 15. So the production continues to increase, and he has a midrange matchup against the New York Jets.

CB Desmond King, Houston Texans

After 11 tackles in Week 16, King has at least 10 tackles in three of the last four weeks. He had a one-tackle game in there, too, and those are the ebbs and flows you deal with when using corners. He’ll have a midrange matchup against the Tennessee Titans this week.

S Jartavius Martin, Washington Commanders

Martin had his worst game in Week 16 over the last three weeks. He secured only six tackles. That shows how good he was in the two previous games with 10 tackles and a sack and seven tackles. There’s a midrange matchup against the San Francisco 49ers for him this week to build on his binge.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 16

Check your waiver wire for these IDP options ahead of Week 16.

The fantasy football playoffs are underway, or if you’re in a full-season league, these last three weeks will decide it all. Rosters are mostly set, but injuries occur. We’re here to provide options if the bad bounce comes your way.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DT Zach Sieler, Miami Dolphins

It’s not often we recommend 300-pound tackles, but Sieler has played at the level of his size. He has sacks in three of four games and had a fumble recovery and a pass defense to go with his sack in Week 15. He also had four tackles each in Week 13 and 14.

DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, New Orleans Saints

The 29-year-old has been off the fantasy radar all season, but he certainly busted the door open in Week 15. He had six tackles and three sacks against the New York Giants. The Saints had a couple of injuries on the ends to open up the playing time for Kpassagnon, and you’ll need to monitor that. But how can you sit a guy after three sacks and four QB hits?

Linebackers

LB Khaleke Hudson, Washington Commanders

One way to come out of a late-season bye week is with … 14 tackles! He had 22 on the season before that game. The job on the weak side is his, and ebbs and flows should be expected. However, when you can acquire a player who delivers 14 tackles in a game this late in the season – it can be a game-changer.

LB Christian Rozeboom, Los Angeles Rams

Rozeboom had a solid first half of the season, and he kind of went in the tank after the Week 10 bye. He had just two tackles in each of the Week 13 and 14 games. He had five tackles and a pass defense in Week 15. With the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants on the docket the next two weeks, he’s worth the speculative grab.

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LB Mack Wilson, New England Patriots

At least one “Mac”k has worked out this season for New England. Wilson has sacks in two straight games. He’s not going to wow you with tackles as he has four, three and two the last three weeks. However, Wilson had three straight games with a pass defense before Week 15, and he’ll sprinkle a little in those three categories.

Defensive backs

SS Brandon Jones, Miami Dolphins 

Injuries in the secondary gave Jones another window, and he has taken advantage. He had seven tackles, a forced fumble and a pass defense in Week 14. Last week, Jones had five tackles, two INTs, and two pass defenses. He has a potential shootout against the Dallas Cowboys this week.

SS Ifeatu Melifonwu, Detroit Lions

The 2021 third-round pick wowed the judges with nine tackles, a forced fumble a sack, and two pass defenses last week. He has a good matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this week and then plays a pass-heavy Cowboys team in Week 17.

SS Andrew Wingard, Jacksonville Jaguars

The veteran Wingard has a stretch every season it seems where he stands out on the fringe. Eleven tackles in Week 15 will definitely put you over the edge. He had a seven-tackle game earlier this season, but this one was by far his biggest. So temper expectations, but Wingard has a solid floor.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 15

Check your waiver wire for these IDP options ahead of Week 15.

It’s Week 15, and we have four games left in the regular season. Bye weeks are done, and your roster should be set except for maybe a spot or two. Whether you’re in the fantasy football playoffs or a season-long league, let’s do this!

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Charles Omenihu, Kansas City Chiefs

He has had two identical weeks in a row with three tackles and a sack. He has played 67, 69 and 56% of the snaps the last three weeks, so there is some volatility if Omenihu is not recording sacks. But at this point in the season, you look for upside, and he has it right now.

EDGE Arden Key, Tennessee Titans

Key has at least a half-sack in three straight games. His fantasy viability hinges on his ability to reach the quarterback, though. His tackle numbers the last three weeks are two, one, and two. So if your league incentivizes sacks, Key is a fringe option to target.

Linebackers

LB Andre Smith, Atlanta Falcons

This one will heavily depend on the status of Nate Landman (knee), who missed Week 14. Smith stepped in and posted eight tackles and a forced fumble. If Landman is out again, Smith would be a great play against the Carolina Panthers this week.

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LB Nicholas Morrow, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles made a splash picking up former All-Pro Shaquille Leonard, but Morrow continues to ball out. He had six tackles and two pass defenses last week and has 12, eight, and six tackles the last three weeks. Leonard is still being acclimated, and Morrow should continue to shine.

LB Duke Riley, Miami Dolphins

Riley stepped in for the injured Jerome Baker and played a whopping 71 snaps in Week 14. He finished with five tackles in Week 14, but he had eight tackles and a forced fumble the week prior. The jury is still out on what Riley can contribute, but he’s worth taking a flyer on.

Defensive backs

FS Darnell Savage, Green Bay Packers

Savage played 95% of the defensive snaps in Week 14 and delivered seven tackles. He returned from injury the week before and had four tackles in 91% of the snaps. Savage vastly overshadowed Jonathan Owens, who had just two tackles last week. The Packers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears to close out the year.

FS Mike Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs

Edwards stood out with 11 tackles in Week 14. The six tackles he had in Week 13 were a season high. So while there isn’t a big floor there, the ceiling has risen the last two weeks.

SS Jordan Howden, New Orleans Saints

Howden said, “How you doin’?” in Week 14 with 10 tackles, a forced fumble, a sack and a pass defense. He had two four-tackle games and an eight-stop game this season but really hasn’t done much consistently. The banner performance last week was enough to take notice, though.

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 14

Check your waiver wire for these IDP options ahead of Week 14.

It’s Week 14, and two teams are on vacation in the final week we have byes this season. Whether you’re in the fantasy playoffs or a season-long league, crunch time is upon us.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Kwity Paye, Indianapolis Colts

Last week, we highlighted another Colts DE, Samson Ebukam, who has two sacks in each of the last two games. Well, Paye had six tackles, two forced fumbles and two sacks last week. He also has sacks in consecutive games. The Colts play the hapless Cincinnati Bengals this week, and both players could go off.

DE Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans

The No. 2 overall pick showed flashes earlier in the season, but he really didn’t produce consistently. He has sacks in three of the last five games, and he has nine tackles in the last two games combined. Anderson will have peaks and valleys, but he looks to have his feet under him and is finishing his rookie season strong.

Linebackers

LB Mykal Walker, Pittsburgh Steelers

Starters Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander landed on IR, which gave Walker a chance to shine. And shine he did in Week 13 with 10 tackles, which led the team. He had five tackles last week and has played in only three games this season, which could keep him flying under the radar. Take notice.

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LB J.J. Russell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs’ linebacker corps has been decimated with injuries, which thrust the 25-year-old Russell into action. He responded with seven tackles and a sack last week. He’ll need those injuries to remain an issue to keep his playing time, but he’s worth the speculative grab.

LB Jack Cochrane, Kansas City Chiefs

Sticking with the filling-in-for-injury theme, Cochrane took over when Drue Tranquill was concussed in Week 13. The second-year man from South Dakota finished the game with seven tackles. The hit Tranquill took to the head looked ugly, if he’s out this week, Cochrane is worth the plug-and-play.

Defensive backs

SS P.J. Locke, Denver Broncos

The fourth-year man took over when S Kareem Jackson was suspended four games. Locke has had two huge games in a row. Two weeks ago, he had seven tackles, a forced fumble, a sack, and a pass defense. Last week, he had eight tackles and a sack.

FS Tashaun Gipson, San Francisco 49ers

The Niners haven’t missed much of a beat when S Talanoa Hufanga went down for the year when Gipson stepped up. He had five tackles each of the last two weeks, and he added a sack two weeks ago. His ceiling is pretty low, but he has a relatively safe floor as well.

S John Johnson III, Los Angeles Rams

The former fantasy stud is back where his fantasy prime took place, and he has put together three solid games in a row. Johnson tallied three tackles and a pass defense in Week 11, four tackles plus two pass defenses in Week 12, and six tackles, an INT and two pass defenses last week. Those are too solid of weeks to gloss over.