We've had some bad injury weeks along the way this year, but nothing compares to the carnage from week fifteen. I lost four starters in the Kings Classic Butkus division game, but still managed to sneak into round two. For many, if not most of us, our championship hopes will come down to how well we navigate week sixteen waivers.
Guru's IDP Notes: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals pulled a fast one on us, almost like they were pretending to be the Patriots. After starting Owen Pappoe in week 14, they not only turned back to Akeem Davis-Gaither, but he played every snap for the first time this season, prompting a season-best 11 combined tackles. His cause was boosted when Cody Simon went down with a knee injury eight snaps into the game. If not for that, anyone who started Pappoe would likely have gotten nothing. As it was, he at least chipped in 2-2 on a 73% snap share. We are awaiting an update on Simon, but chances are he will not be available this week, making Davis-Gaither a solid start versus the Falcons.
With Jalen Thompson sidelined, the Cardinals had Darren Hall and Kitan Crawford share the playing time. Between them, they were a solid 5-5, but that helps no one. The Falcons are a solid matchup for safeties, so Budda Baker should be a good start. Keep an eye on Thompson's status later in the week.
After another whiff and with the Falcons being a poor matchup for edge defenders, leave Josh Sweat on your bench this week.
Guru's IDP Notes: Atlanta Falcons
Mike Hughes left Sunday's game early with an ankle injury and is expected to miss time. Cobee Bryant came on and finished 5-0 with a pass breakup. Bombs away Jacoby Brissett has attempted at least 31 passes in all nine games that he's started, with at least 40 in each of the last six. If you're willing to gamble, Bryant could be a busy man this week.
The Falcons have some young linemen heading for bright futures. Brandon Dorlus, LaCale London, James Pearce Jr., and first-round pick Jalon Walker have 24.5 sacks between them this year. With 7.5 sacks over the last six games, Pearce is a strong consideration to start this week if you have a need. All four of these guys are worth adding as dynasty prospects.
Guru's IDP Notes: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens switched things up, having Nate Wigging follow Ja'Marr Chase this time. Even in a horrible offensive game where the Bengals were shut out, that matchup produced eight tackles and a pass breakup. The Patriots don't have such a heavily targeted receiver, but they have been a good matchup for corners. Both Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey are worthy of consideration this week. Humphrey missed a few snaps with a knee issue. He returned to finish the game, so he should be fine. Watch the injury reports just in case.
Teddye Buchanan made it 12 snaps before leaving on a cart with a torn ACL. Trenton Simpson took over and was 4-5 on 35 snaps. He should assume Buchanan's normal role of about 70-75% of the snaps the rest of the way, with about the same level of production.
Guru's IDP Notes: Buffalo Bills
Matt Milano was a one-man show, going 9-1-2 with a forced fumble against the Patriots. Playing him this week against the Browns, however, would be like playing last week's winning numbers in the lottery.
Guru's IDP Notes: Carolina Panthers
The Buccaneers are struggling to win games, but they remain a solid matchup for all positions. Trevin Wallace had little impact on the stat sheet last week, but he did play every snap. Nick Scott led the team in tackles at 6-4 and has at least seven combined stops in seven of his last eight games. Even Mike Jackson, who was 5-1 with a forced fumble and a pass defended against the Saints, could be a strong start. He has double-digit fantasy points in three straight games and should see a lot of Mike Evans.
Guru's IDP Notes: Cincinnati Bengals
Demetrius Knight Jr. is coming off the best game of his rookie season (5-1-2 with a forced fumble), and Barrett Carter is good at catching up to runners a few yards downfield. The Dolphins don't give up many big plays to linebackers, but the position has averaged 20 tackles per game against them since week nine.
Guru's IDP Notes: Cleveland Browns
Devin Bush took the week off, at least statistically, going 1-1 in the blowout loss to Chicago, but there is nothing to see here. Bush logged his normal 86% snap share. Cleveland did field three linebackers more than usual. That resulted in Mohamoud Diabate totaling 4-4 on a bigger-than-usual 52% share.
Myles Garrett is one and a half shy of the single-season sack record. He could get there this week against the Bills.
Guru's IDP Notes: Dallas Cowboys
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