IDP Waiver Wire: Week 16

Jeff Pomazal gives you the week’s best waiver targets.

With any luck, you’re reading this article and getting geared up for a big semifinal matchup this coming week in all of your fantasy leagues. If you are, congrats! If you aren’t, well, I know that feeling too. I went into the weekend with 5 of my 6 dynasty teams in the playoffs, and only 2 will be playing for something meaningful next weekend. That doesn’t mean that we stop looking for talent and players to help us make a better run next season. Today’s list of players is a mix of something for this year and something for down the road. Let’s jump in, starting with the DL.

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Defensive Line

Previous Weeks: Carl Granderson, Drake Jackson, Harrison Phillips, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Jonathan Cooper, Jarran Reed, David Onyemata, Nik Bonitto, Josh Uche, Tuli Tuipulotu, Yetur Gross-Matos, Zach Allen, Justin Madubuike, Darrell Taylor, Mike Hoecht, George Karlaftis, Jermaine Johnson, Kyle Van Noy, Kentavius Street, BJ Ojulari, Mike Hoecht, Leonard Floyd, YaYa Diaby, Andrew Van Ginkel, Samson Ebukam, Jadeveon Clowney, Kobie Turner, Jonathan Greenard, DJ Wonnum

Byran Bresee, New Orleans Saints

When Byran Bresee was drafted by the Saints late in the first round of 2023, many were expecting big things from the 300-pound defensive tackle from the get-go. Sunday may have been just the start of those big things. Breese recorded his first multi-sack game of the season, getting to Tommy DeVito not once but twice.

Bresee excelled at Clemson with his pressure rate during his three seasons in college. Saints fans, as well as fantasy managers, are hoping he continues playing like he did against the Giants next week versus the Rams. Bresee is a raw prospect, but on Sunday we saw glimpses of what could be. If you play in leagues that require DT, Bresee is a great grab and stash going forward. He is only rostered in 21% of leagues at the moment, so chances are pretty good he is available. 

Charles Omenihu, Kansas City Chiefs

Charles Omenihu is a name I’ve been trying to work into this article for a few weeks now. After being reinstated following his suspension, Omenihu was just what the Chiefs defense needed: someone to draw some pressure and attention away from Chris Jones while George Karlaftis develops his craft. Omenihu has done just that.

Since Week 7, Omeninu is tied on the team with 4 sacks and second on the team in tackles with 8 among all defensive linemen. Speaking of sacks, Omenihu now has sacks in back-to-back games and gets games with the Raiders and Bengals to finish out the season. Game scripts should be favorable in both matchups. If you are in a sack-heavy league and looking for a DL3/4, we just may have found your man! 

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Defensive Back

Previous Weeks: Reed Blankenship, Christian Gonzalez, Camryn Bynum, Jason Pinnock, K’Von Wallace, Jordan Whitehead, Daxton Hill, Rudy Ford, Juju Brents, Devon Witherspoon, Marcus Maye, Darious Williams, Sam Franklin Jr., Jaylon Johnson, Cam Taylor-Britt, Sydney Brown, Xavier Woods, Nate Hobbs, Johnathan Owens, Keanu Neal, Paulson Adebo, Jordan Battle, Ji’Ayir Brown, PJ Locke, Trenton Thompson, Mike Hilton, John Johnson III, Jordan Howden, Geno Stone/Marcus Williams

Ifteatu Melifonwu, Detroit Lions

Ifteatu Melifonwu has been taking over the starting strong safety spot for Tracy Walker the last 2 weeks and there is very little to suggest they will be going back to Walker anytime soon. Over the last two weeks, Melifonwu has registered 12 tackles, 1 sack, and a FF. He is currently a top 12 overall safety over the last 2 weeks according to PFF grades (he is #1 in pressure rate on QBs). The Lions will play at Minnesota this weekend in a big divisional game, and over the past 3 weeks, the Vikings have been a better-than-average matchup for opposing secondaries. I am willing to bet Melifonwu is available in your leagues if you need a safety this weekend. 

Taylor Rapp, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo secondary has been set for years with Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Both have had very productive seasons, Poyer especially. Taylor Rapp had some flashes in Los Angeles but was signed in Buffalo this offseason, which squashed any chances of him being relevant unless something happened to one of the starters.

Well, something happened. Hyde suffered a neck injury and was ruled out of Week 15 and is considered likely to be sent to IR. Anytime there is a neck injury and the term “flexible situation” is used, it doesn’t sound optimistic. Rapp stepped up in a big way, racking up 8 tackles against the Cowboys in a very hard-hitting physical game. Rapp played 100% of snaps and I would be willing to bet with his performance they will not rush Hyde back anytime soon. Rapp is rostered in 10% of leagues; I would prefer Rapp over Melifonwu if both were available, but that is just me.