IDP Waiver Wire: Week 14

It's go time, baby! Let's grab some nice pieces off of waivers and fly into the playoffs.

With only one more week of bye weeks to go, that can mean only one thing: THE PLAYOFFS! Hopefully, your team has been able to navigate the multitude of injuries, the frustrating snap rotations, and those goose egg games by your so-called studs in order to make a run at your championship.

For that, I say congratulations and good luck… but the work is not over yet. Oh no my friend, far from it. Having a successful playoff run is sometimes more about getting defensive about players on the waiver wire so that your opponent cannot add them and use them against you. With that said, let’s get after this week’s targets!

Defensive Line

Chris Wormley, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers may not have the scariest of defenses in the NFL anymore, but they still have some studs, especially in the trenches. Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt command a lot of focus and attention to opposing offensive lines, and rightly so!

Fifth-year pro, Chris Wormley, enjoyed seeing Michigan win on Saturday and then went out himself and had a game on Sunday. Wormley has played more than 60% of snaps in every game but one this season and has been much more productive on the stat sheet over the last three weeks. With a very good schedule to end the season, you may want to look to add Wormley to your roster to finish out the season.

Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins

If he’s available in your league, not only is Jaelan Phillips a great in-season add, but also a long-term dynasty acquisition. Phillips is making a big splash in Miami. He continued his sack-a-thon this past Sunday, making it 5 consecutive games with a sack. Phillips is not quite getting the heavy snaps we would like to see or can trust (especially in more shallow leagues), but it would be a great idea to add him to your roster before he makes it impossible for coaches not to have him out there.

With Miami suddenly winning and leading in games, opposing offenses need to start throwing more frequently, which means Phillips just might be able to run his sack streak to 6 games after his bye week against the Aints!

Defensive Backs

Divine Deablo, Las Vegas Raiders

Divine Deablo is much more than just a sweet name. (I can totally see him being a WWF wrestler walking out into the ring with flames and a sweet walk-out song blaring… but I digress). Deablo had not seen many snaps until this past weekend when Cory Littleton exited with a stinger in his injured shoulder and then Denzel Perryman left the game with an ankle injury. If one or both of them are going to miss any time, Deablo is in line for some very meaningful snaps.

He a combined 11 tackles on just 38 snaps! He definitely looked and played the part. As a bonus for Deablo, you can start him as a DB, but could be playing linebacker, meaning a few more opportunities for some tackles playing closer to the line.

Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals

When you think of a safety for the Cardinals, you probably could guess two times and not mention Jalen Thompson (unless you’re Bobby). Thompson has been playing lights out the last 3 weeks and has a great pass-happy schedule on deck for the remainder of the season. He’s played more than 75% of the snaps in every game this season, so you know he will be out there regardless of the matchup.

Over the last 3 contests, Thompson has 25 combines tackles, 3 PBUs, and 2 INTs! Remarkably, he is rostered in less than 15% of leagues, so take advantage of this hot streak and see if he is available in your leagues.

Linebackers

Kwon Alexander, New Orleans Saints

I mentioned Pete Warner a few weeks ago as a deeper stash and future dynasty asset as Demario Davis is getting a little long in the tooth, but it has been Kwon Alexander who has taken over in the last few weeks as he has come back from his injury.

Demario Davis is IDP royalty, but recently he has started to disappoint on a weekly basis. Kwon Alexander on the other hand has not. Alexander has had 4 really strong outings in the last 4 games and a great schedule in your fantasy playoffs to boot. If Alexander is available, make him a priority this week!

Germaine Pratt, Cincinnati Bengals

Germaine Pratt’s appearance on the waiver wire additions this week is due in large part to the injury sustained by Logan Wilson. Wilson left the game early on Sunday and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game, which is usually bad. Pratt stepped in and racked up 9 tackles and forced a fumble, which he recovered. If Wilson does in fact miss some time with his injury, Pratt gets 3 very run-heavy teams in the next few weeks, which is right during the heart of the fantasy football playoffs.

Nick Vigil/Blake Lynch, Minnesota Vikings

These two—Blake Lynch and Nick Vigil—are bonus picks this week. If Eric Kendricks and/or Anthony Barr miss another game due to injury, they should also be rostered and potential starters for 12 team leagues that start 3 or 4 LBs (edge to Vigil). Be sure to monitor the situation this week and see how things unfold. The Vikings play on Thursday this week, which means you will know sooner than later.

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Well my friends, there you have it: Week 14. Crazy how quickly the season has gone! Be sure to keep those start/sit questions coming my way at @Boobam131 and I will be more than happy to help with anything. Regardless of league size; always happy to help you out. Also, be sure to check out The IDP Show for more insight into the game we love. Have a great week and we will see you next Tuesday!

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