This season continues to be a wild ride, and we are only three weeks in. We saw upsets, role changes, and several unfortunate injuries during the action in Week 3. 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
Josey Jewell, Denver Broncos
Week 3 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 QB hits, 1 fumble recovery
After missing the first two games with a calf injury, Josey Jewell made his triumphant return to the Denver defense in Week 3. Jewell wasted no time getting to work in his first game, recording a team-high nine tackles (5 solos) and a sack. Jewell paced the Bronco linebacker unit with 53 defensive snaps (95%), and Alex Singleton was relegated to special teams duties as he didn't see a defensive snap Sunday night. Jonas Griffith saw his regular part-time role, playing 33 defensive snaps (59%).
Jewell was expected to be the anchor in the middle of this defense, and that's precisely what he was in his first game. The snap share and hot start are exactly what IDP managers were hoping for. Jewell is the top linebacker waiver wire pickup of the week where available.
Jacob Phillips, Cleveland Browns
Week 3 Stats: 7 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
The Cleveland defense took a hit this week as linebacker Anthony Walker suffered a season-ending quad injury on Thursday night against Pittsburgh. Jacob Phillips was pressed into more action with Walker out and saw his highest usage so far this season, playing 46 defensive snaps (78%). Phillips's previous high was 27 defensive snaps (39%) in Week 2.
Phillips should continue to be more involved, and the hope is he can continue to hover around an 80% snap share going forward. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah also suffered a groin injury on Thursday, making his status one to monitor this week. Phillips is a solid waiver add as we see if he can take advantage of his new opportunities.
Rashaan Evans, Atlanta Falcons
Week 3 Stats: 12 tackles (9 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 2 passes defended
It's been Rashaan Evans and Mykal Walker operating as the two full-time linebackers in Atlanta with Deion Jones on injured reserve. Evans carries a 95% snap share through the first three weeks and played all 71 defensive snaps this week against Seattle. Evans produced his biggest IDP output so far in Week 3, recording a team-high 12 tackles (9 solos).
Deion Jones could be returning soon, but until he does, Evans should continue to be heavily involved. It was a really solid week for Evans, and hopefully, he can carry some momentum into Week 4 against a Cleveland team who isn't shy about running the ball. Evans has some LB4/flex appeal if you need linebacker help.
Jamin Davis, Washington Commanders
Week 3 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 1 QB hit
It's been a bit of a rollercoaster snap share-wise to start the year for Jamin Davis. In Week 1, Davis played a hefty 65 defensive snaps (93%), but only recorded three solo tackles. However, in Week 2 Davis saw his snaps dip a bit as played just 38 defensive snaps (62%). This week, we saw his involvement increase from Week 2 as Davis saw 55 snaps (79%) against Philadelphia.
Davis has three sacks over his last two games, and while sacks are not something to rely on for off-ball linebackers, it's still nice to see the youngster making splash plays. Also encouraging is the fact Davis' play looks to be improving. Davis had his best coverage and overall defensive grade for the season in Week 3. Davis' role is something to continue to monitor, but his potential warrants a waiver wire addition if you have the room.
Darius Harris, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 3 Stats: 13 tackles (7 solos), 1 tackle for loss
I had written up Willie Gay Jr for last week's article after his 93% snap share and 11 tackle (6 solo) performance in Week 2. However, Gay received a four-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The big question was, who would take his place and what will the snaps look like?
The answer for Week 3 was Darrius Harris. Harris played 62 defensive snaps (87%) and his 13 tackles (7 solos) were a team-high. Highly anticipated rookie Leo Chenal only saw 11 snaps (15%). This is a situation to keep tabs on to see if it sticks, but if you're looking for a deep league pickup, Harris is worth considering while Willie Gay Jr is out.
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