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In Week 11, we have four more teams on bye (Jacksonville, Miami, Seattle, and Tampa Bay). I did my best to navigate through the snaps and stats to find some potential waiver wire options for your IDP leagues. Please keep in mind there are many fun ways to play this IDP game we love, and if you ever have any league-specific questions feel free to reach out. Alright, let’s get to it.
Linebackers
Sione Takitaki, Cleveland Browns,
Week 10 Stats: 10 tackles (8 solos), 1 tackle for loss
Sione Takitaki’s role continues to grow within the Cleveland defense as he leads the Browns linebackers in snaps over the last two games. In Week 8, Takitaki played 45 defensive snaps (85%), while Deion Jones logged 41 snaps (77%). Coming out of Cleveland’s Week 9 bye, that situation didn’t change. In Week 10, Takitaki saw a season-high 66 defensive snaps (96%), while Jones came in second once again with 51 snaps (74%). Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has missed the past two games due to a knee injury.
Not only has Takitaki seen an uptick in playing time, but he’s been producing in the box score as well. Over his last two games, Takitaki has compiled an impressive 23 tackles (14 solos), two tackles for loss, and one sack. If Takitaki is sitting on your waiver wire, scoop him up.
Kaden Elliss, New Orleans Saints
Week 10 Stats: 7 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble
With Pete Werner (ankle) unable to go, the Saints turned to Kaden Elliss as his replacement. Ellis drew the start and played a season-high 81 defensive snaps (96%) in Week 10. Elliss filled in admirably, producing seven tackles (3 solos) and a sack against Pittsburgh. If Werner is forced to miss extended time, Elliss will continue to be involved. In deep roster leagues, Elliss is worth an add as Werner's insurance or as a spot start candidate if Werner is out again.
Jayon Brown, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 10 Stats: 8 tackles (4 solos), 1 fumble recovery
What a rollercoaster it’s been for the Raiders' linebacker unit. First, they lose Divine Deablo (forearm) to the IR. Then, a week after Blake Martinez saw his highest involvement this season, he retired from the game of football. To make matters worse, Denzel Perryman was unable to go this week as he’s dealing with rib and hip injuries. Who’s left, you ask? It was Jayon Brown and undrafted rookie Luke Masterson in the starting lineup at linebacker for the Raider defense.
Brown led the way playing all 65 defensive snaps, while Masterson logged 47 snaps (72%). We haven’t seen Brown take the field since Week 4, but given the state of the Raiders’ linebackers, they had no choice but to lean on the six-year veteran. Brown is worth a waiver wire addition in deeper leagues. Just make sure you monitor Denzel Perryman’s participation throughout the week.
Dylan Cole, Tennessee Titans
Week 10 Stats: 5 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
David Long (stinger) was forced out of this week’s game early and now faces a short week as the Titans take on Green Bay Thursday night. If Long isn’t ready for the quick turnaround, Dylan Cole could see his role increase in significance in Week 11. Cole generally doesn’t see an ideal weekly snap share but can be productive with his limited reps as seen by his stats above. Cole is on spot-start alert if Long is unavailable this week. Long’s practice participation will be one to keep an eye on leading up to the game Thursday night.
Tyrel Dodson, Buffalo Bills
Week 10 Stats: 3 tackles (2 solos)
Tremaine Edmunds was iffy heading into the week, and his groin injury forced him to leave this week’s game early. Tyrel Dodson filled in for Edmunds after his departure, sliding in alongside Matt Milano. Dodson filled in for Edmunds back in Week 5, producing a solid 11 tackles (7 solos) and a sack. If Edmunds isn’t able to go this week, Dodson would likely fill in once again. Soft tissue injuries are tough to gauge, so monitoring the news around Edmunds throughout the week will be important.
Defensive Line/Edge
A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills
Week 10 Stats: 3 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble
With Gregory Rousseau (ankle) unavailable, A.J. Epenesa got his first start of the season. Epenesa played a season-high 50 defensive snaps (60%), turning in a solid day with three solo tackles and a sack. It was a nice uptick for Epenesa, who only carries a 40% snap share on the season.
Currently, Rousseau is being labeled as week-to-week. Epenesa looks to be getting some extra run in his absence and could be in line for more work against Cleveland in Week 11. If you’re looking for DL/Edge help, Epenesa is worth a look. Just make sure you monitor Rousseau’s status throughout the week.
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