After dealing with six teams on a bye last week, we have all 32 teams back in action for Week 8. I did my best to sift 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
Drue Tranquill, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 7 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
In unfortunate injury news, Nick Bolton suffered a dislocated wrist in Kansas City’s game this week and is reportedly slated to miss up to two months. Like earlier this season, when Bolton dealt with an ankle injury, Drue Tranquill took over his lead duties in the middle of the Chiefs’ defense. Tranquill gave us solid production while previously filling in for Bolton, producing 25 tackles (17 solos) and holding a 94% snap share from Week 3 through Week 5.
Once Bolton returned, Tranquill returned to his more limited role in Week 6. Things were trending that way once again this week until disaster struck with Bolton. The Chiefs will now rely on Tranquill to step up again, with Bolton unavailable for an extended time. If Tranquill is sitting on your waiver wire, he’s a priority add this week.
Jamin Davis / David Mayo, Washington Commanders
Davis Week 7 Stats: 7 tackles (2 solos)
Mayo Week 7 Stats: 11 tackles (9 solos)
In yet more unfortunate news, Washington linebacker Cody Barton suffered an ankle injury during the first half of this week’s game. Barton could not return to action and was later seen in a walking boot. We will have to wait to get more news on the severity of the injury, but it seems Barton could miss some time. Barton had played every defensive snap through Washington’s first six games.
After Barton’s departure, Jamin Davis took over his lead duties for the Washington defense. Davis saw his heftiest snap share on the season in Week 7, playing 67 of Washington’s 68 defensive snaps. Davis holds an 80% snap share on the year, but if Barton is out for an extended time, he will vault into an even more prominent role. If Davis is sitting on your waiver wire in shallower leagues, he’s a solid add with Barton potentially missing time.
With Davis sliding into the lead role, David Mayo stepped in to help fill his vacant spot with Barton out. Mayo played 41 snaps (60%), producing a team-high 11 tackles (9 solos). Khaleke Hudson also saw his most action on the season, logging 26 snaps (38%), making him a name to keep in mind here as well. However, if you’re looking for a deep-league linebacker pickup, Mayo would be the preferred choice after what we saw this week.
Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions
Week 7 Stats: 4 tackles (1 solo)
Is it finally Jack Campbell time in Detroit? After seeing frustrating, fluctuating snap shares to start the year, Campbell saw his biggest workload in Week 7, playing 54 defensive snaps (90%). Campbell’s previous highest snap share was 61% (35 snaps) in Week 4. Alex Anzalone continued in his every-down role, while Derrick Barnes saw 41 snaps (68%) as well in Week 7.
There is a chance what took place this week was matchup-oriented, as Detroit schemed to deal with Baltimore’s offense. However, Detroit has been experimenting with using Campbell more aligned both in the box and defensive line since back in Week 3. Either way, this is a situation to get ahead of where you have the room in case the volume sticks.
The extra snaps didn’t lead to much production in the box score this week, but hopefully, it’s better days ahead should Campbell continue to see healthy snap shares. Campbell is worth a look off the waiver wire in redraft leagues, but make sure to continue to monitor the situation going forward.
Josh Woods, Arizona Cardinals
Week 7 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos)
Kyzir White holds down the lead role in Arizona, but it’s been Josh Woods running at the other linebacker spot when he’s been healthy. Woods has appeared in four games this season, supporting a 72% snap share on the year. Woods has eclipsed the 80% snap share mark twice this season, once back in Week 5 (83%) and then again this week, as he played 52 defensive snaps (87%) against Seattle.
Woods doesn’t carry week-to-week full-time volume, but he plays enough to warrant consideration in deeper leagues. In Week 8, Woods also draws a favorable matchup against Baltimore. If you’re looking for linebacker options in those deep roster leagues, Woods is worth considering.
Luke Masterson, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 7 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos), 1 pass defended
With Divine Deablo (ankle) forced out early in this week’s contest, Luke Masterson was tasked with extra work. Masterson saw by far his biggest workload of the year, playing 44 defensive snaps (62%). If Deablo is forced to miss time, Masterson looks to be first up to fill the void next to Robert Spillane. Masterson is on the IDP radar in deeper leagues, and Deablo managers may want to pick him as insurance with the Raiders playing on Monday night.
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