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As we roll into Week 7, we have another four teams off on bye this week (Buffalo, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles Rams). 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
Quincy Williams, New York Jets
Week 6 Stats: 14 tackles (8 solos)
After missing the past two weeks due to his ankle injury, Quincy Williams made his triumphant return. Williams instantly made his presence felt against Green Bay this week, leading the team with 14 tackles (8 solos). Williams had encouraging usage in his first game back, playing 59 defensive snaps (81%). Kwon Alexander only logged 20 defensive snaps (27%) and looked like the odd man out here again.
The Jets' defense took it to Green Bay on Sunday, and Williams was a key catalyst. If Williams was dropped during his two-week absence, he's a priority waiver add.
Troy Andersen, Atlanta Falcons
Week 6 Stats: 13 tackles (7 solos)
With Mykal Walker (groin) unavailable this week, second-round rookie linebacker Troy Andersen got his first career start. Andersen played all 60 defensive snaps alongside Rashaan Evans on Sunday, recording an impressive 13 tackles (7 solos). Andersen is one of the exciting rookie linebackers from this year's class, and he didn't disappoint in his first significant game action this season.
If Walker is forced to miss another game, Andersen will be heavily involved again this week. However, if Walker returns, Andersen's outlook is a bit cloudy. Either way, Andersen is still worth a pickup in redraft leagues—he should already be rostered in dynasty leagues. His upside is intriguing enough to stash as we see how things shake out in Atlanta. Keeping an eye on Walker's status throughout the week will be important. If he's unable to go, Andersen is a solid start once again in Week 7.
Willie Gay Jr, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 6 Stats: DNP
Willie Gay Jr will be eligible to return from his four-game suspension this week. The last time we saw Gay was back in Week 2, where he played 69 defensive snaps (92%) and amassed a solid 11 tackles (6 solos) and two tackles for loss. Gay looked to be more integrated into the Kansas City defense to start this season, and hopefully, that trend continues. Gay's return should be the dagger to Darius Harris' relevancy.
Germaine Pratt, Cincinatti Bengals
Week 6 Stats: 14 tackles (5 solos)
Germaine Pratt made this article last week and turned in another solid outing (see stats above). Pratt played 58 defensive snaps this week and now has back-to-back 81% snap shares. More importantly, Logan Wilson injured the shoulder he had offseason surgery on and there is a serious worry he could miss time. If Wilson is indeed slated to miss time, Pratt would slide in as the main linebacker for the Bengals' defense. If Pratt is still floating around your waiver wire, he's a solid pickup as he may inherit an even more significant role.
Elandon Roberts, Miami Dolphins
Week 6 Stats: 7 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits
With injuries and bye weeks hitting, finding fill-ins in deeper leagues can come in handy. This is where a guy like Elandon Roberts can come into play. Roberts has had a solid past two weeks, amassing 14 tackles (7 solos), two tackles for loss, and one and a half sacks over that stretch. Although, he does boast an uninspiring 62% snap share on the season. However, he has eclipsed that number in the past two weeks, logging 39 snaps (66%) in Week 5 and 39 snaps (75%) in Week 6. Roberts is only worth considering in deep leagues if you need a spot start or fill-in type.
Defensive Line/Edge
Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants
Week 6 Stats: 3 solos tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
It took a few weeks before we got to see Kayvon Thibodeaux this season, but now the rookie is heavily involved. Over the past three games, Thibodeaux boasts a rock solid 79% snap share, logging over 45 defensive snaps in each contest. Thibodeaux had his most productive outing to date in Week 6, coming up with a crucial game-sealing strip-sack against Baltimore.
After a quiet start, Thibodeaux is squarely on the redraft radar. The rookie has the snap volume and now has stepped up when the defense needed a big play. Hopefully, the taste of success fuels the highly skilled rookie going forward. Thibodeaux is likely only available in shallower leagues, but scoop him up where you can.
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