As expected, it was a wild first week of the fantasy playoffs with a mixture of blowup games, disappointments, and injuries. Hopefully, you were all able to survive and advance. 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
Troy Andersen, Atlanta Falcons
Week 15 Stats: 7 tackles (5 solos)
Rookie Troy Andersen had been gaining ground on Mykal Walker for playing time over the past few weeks. However, in Week 15, he passed him up. Andersen got the starting nod next to Rashaan Evans, playing 45 defensive snaps (82%). Walker, on the other hand, saw a season-low 13 snaps (24%).
Atlanta is showing they want to give their rookie class some more run on both sides of the ball as the season draws to an end. Andersen has been productive when more involved, as seen by his seven tackles (5 solos) this week and 13 tackles (7 solos) back in Week 6 (his only other start). In redraft leagues where you start three to four linebackers, Andersen is worth considering if you need reinforcements.
Damone Clark/Anthony Barr, Dallas Cowboys
Clark Week 15 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos)
Barr Week 15 Stats: 7 tackles (6 solos)
Unfortunately, Leighton Vander Esch suffered a neck injury this week that limited him to just five defensive snaps. We are still awaiting more information on the injury, but let's hope for the best, as Vander Esch has dealt with neck injuries throughout his career. With Vander Esch unavailable, Anthony Barr and rookie Damone Clark were the top two options at linebacker for Dallas. Barr played a season-high 65 defensive snaps (93%), while Clark also logged a season-high 52 snaps (74%).
Both linebackers turned in solid days (see stats above) and would continue to be relied upon if Vander Esch misses extended time. Clark has a little more upside in his game IDP-wise, making him a bit more appealing as a waiver wire addition. However, if Barr continues to see this type of snap volume, he makes for a worthy pickup in deeper leagues.
Robert Spillane, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 15 Stats: 7 tackles (6 solos), 1 tackle for loss
With Myles Jack (groin) out for Week 15, Robert Spillane saw his role grow in importance. Spillane played all 46 defensive snaps against Carolina, producing a solid seven tackles (6 solos) and one tackle for loss. While Spillane saw a significant increase in playing time, Devin Bush only logged 25 defensive snaps (54%). Bush had seen an 80%+ snap share in each of his past three games—the roller coaster continues.
If Jack continues to miss time, Spillane looks to be the prime beneficiary and has a solid matchup against Las Vegas in Week 16. If you're looking for an injury fill-in or spot-start candidate in deeper leagues, Spillane is worth a look. Just make sure you monitor Jack's status throughout the week.
Joe Thomas, Chicago Bears
Week 15 Stats: 6 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
In more unfortunate injury news, rookie IDP-darling Jack Sanborn suffered an ankle injury against Philadelphia on Sunday. Sanborn played 30 defensive snaps before the injury knocked him out. Veteran Joe Thomas stepped in at linebacker after Sanborn's exit. Thomas was active with his 43 snaps (59%), compiling six tackles (3 solos) and a sack.
If Sanborn is unable to go this week, Thomas would be his likely replacement. If you're a Sanborn manager who wants to wait out the situation, scoop up Thomas. Thomas is also worth considering in deep roster leagues where options are thin, but only if Sanborn is ruled out.
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