Perhaps you have lost one of your star players to injury? Or maybe your team just needs some added reinforcement. Whatever the reason might be for you dipping into the waiver wire, these are the players you should be looking to pick up in IDP fantasy ahead of Week 9.
Defensive line
Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans – It might come as a surprise, but Simmons is rostered in just 61% of IDP leagues. This is despite him averaging an impressive 15 points per game, which ranks 12th amongst defensive linemen. He has a tough test next week against the Chiefs, but then gets a good run of opponents with Denver, Green Bay, and Cincinnati.
Za’Darius Smith, Minnesota Vikings – Smith made this list last week and he went on to score 46 points against the Cardinals in Week 8. He’s still only rostered in 48% of IDP leagues, but I’d suggest you grab him while you still can. Next weekend he faces a struggling Washington offensive line that has been constantly rotating personnel. He should have another big week.
Linebacker
Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions – Everybody’s favourite Hard Knocks player had a breakout performance against the Dolphins in Week 8. Rodriguez finished the game with seven tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. He finished with 27 points, the second time he has scored 20+ points this season. He has also been averaging 16 points per game, yet is rostered in just 45% of IDP leagues.
Divine Deablo, Las Vegas Raiders – Deablo has earned a starting role in his second season and has been a solid presence at the heart of this Raiders defense. He has been a tackling machine, averaging an incredible 10.4 per game. This has helped him to average 15.5 points per game. He has also scored double digit points in every game this season.
Frankie Luvu, Carolina Panthers – Luvu has been an excellent option in IDP this season. He has two games of 30+ points and is averaging 18.8 points per game. He seemed to be back to full fitness against the Falcons in Week 8 and managed to score 20 points. Despite all of this he is rostered in just 44.7% of IDP leagues.
Defensive back
Mike Edwards, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Edwards certainly isn’t the biggest name on this Bucs defense, but he’s been hugely productive from a fantasy perspective this season. He has managed to score double digit points in six of his seven outings at an average of 16.1 points per game. You should also have no problem picking him up as he is available in 53% of IDP leagues.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles – No defensive back has been more productive than CGJ over the last three weeks, as he has scored 89 points. These numbers are helped by a handful of interceptions in recent weeks, but you can’t ignore that kind of production. With games against Houston, Washington, and Indianapolis coming up he should have a good opportunity to add to those picks.
Rayshawn Jenkins, Jacksonville Jaguars – Jenkins has been a solid asset in IDP this season, averaging 14.7 points per game. He is playing plenty of snaps near the ball, with over 250 snaps in the box or the slot. He has also managed to score double digit points in each of his last five games. Despite all of that, he is available in 76% of IDP leagues.
