IDP Waiver Watch: Week 11

Well folks, we’ve begun the second half of the season. For those who start their fantasy playoffs in week 13, it feels right around the corner. We’re crossing our fingers we can reach the playoffs with no more injuries. There was a lot of action in week ten, and with the bye-pocalypse done, we can look forward to submitting strong lineups the rest of the way.

There’s been a slew of injuries during the week, but a handful of IDPs made their return from injury and a potential league winner is coming off his suspension (more on this later).

Injuries

Tyvon Branch, S ARI

Branch suffered a knee injury against the Seahawks on TNF and is likely out for the season. He was having a terrific year but can be safely dropped in both redraft and dynasty leagues – unless you’re able to move him to IR.

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Jamie Collins, LB CLE

Collins suffered an MCL injury against the Lions, and his status remains uncertain against the Jaguars in week 11. James Burgess goes back on the IDP radar if you’re looking for a plug and play option, but if anything this bodes well for Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert.

Will Compton, LB WAS

He suffered a foot injury against the Vikings. It’s a ituation to monitor over the week as he’s been rotating with Martrell Spaight between base and sub packages. If Compton misses week 11’s game against the Saints, Spaight gets a nice bump in value as a LB3 starter.

Richard Sherman, CB SEA

The Seahawks suffered a big blow to their Legion of Boom secondary as Sherman tore his achilles and will be out for the season.

Sean Lee, LB DAL

Lee suffered a hamstring injury against the Falcons and didn’t return. His status will be one to monitor over the week and if he misses the game against the Eagles then Jaylon Smith and Anthony Hitchens will get a bump in value. Hitchens was the beneficiary when Lee went out.

Everson Griffen, DE MIN

Griffen was inactive against the Redskins after dealing with a foot injury. Keep your alternate options nearby just in case he misses week 11.

Returning from Injuries/Suspension

Olivier Vernon, DE NYG

After missing what feels like forever, Vernon returned to the field against the 49ers and immediately went back to his full-time role. Owners who have waited patiently can rejoice and insert him back in their starting lineups.

Denzel Perryman, LB LAC

I’ve talked about Perryman in prior articles but he finally made his season debut and led the team in tackles. Although he played the second-most snaps at LB, it’s safe to say you can roll him out as your LB2 for the rest of the season.

TJ McDonald, SS MIA

McDonald made his Dolphins debut against the Panthers. I’m not sure who else is out there crazy like me, but I have had him stashed (on my active roster) all season long. I’ve been waiting for this. TJ is a hard hitter and will make his presence felt. He’ll compete with Reshad Jones for tackles, and he’s going to have some big games up ahead.

Nick Kwiatkoski, LB CHI

He made his way back on the field after suffering a chest injury in week two and led the team in tackles. However Danny Trevathan was inactive and Christian Jones played well so it’ll be an interesting situation going forward when all three are healthy. My money is on Kwiatkoski taking back and keeping his job, so we’ll see Jones go back to situational duty. You can start him as you would. I know I will, since I lost a couple of LBs in one league. If someone dropped him, go make that move to pick him up.

Alright now for the good stuff. Let’s take a look at some players on waivers who could help you in the coming weeks for that championship run. If you already have great depth, stand pat and roll with the guys you’ve been winning with unless something happens. I wouldn’t recommend dropping someone of value just to get the flavor of the week.

LINEBACKERS

Kelvin Sheppard, LB NYG

With the Giants dealing with injuries to their LB unit, they went ahead and brought in Sheppard last week. He made an immediate impact starting at MLB for BJ Goodson, until he got a groin injury and didn’t return to the game. He could be a one week plug and play option heading into week 11 (if he’s healthy and the rest remain out). He’s shown flashes before, so he’s more than capable of helping you out for a week or two.

Vincent Rey, LB CIN

This is more of a reminder just to keep him on your radar, because Vontaze Burfict is doing crazy things again as he got ejected from the game in week ten. Rey would be the next man up and can be a plug and play option in deep leagues or any league you start three or more LBs.

Brennan Scarlett, OLB HOU

Scarlett picked up the first two sacks of his season in week ten and that could be a trend that’ll continue as he faces the Cardinals in week 11. He’s been pretty solid filling in for Whitney Mercilus and has seen consistent snaps to contribute. If you’re looking for a high risk, high reward week 11 play, it’s Scarlett. I would take a shot with him as my LB3/flex in big play leagues.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Adrian Clayborn, DL ATL

Yes, he had a career game against the Cowboys, dominating the line and recording 6 sacks. However, I wouldn’t go run to the waivers and pick him up, because this won’t happen again. It was just a prime matchup, as the Cowboys heavily missed Tyron Smith on that offensive line. Prior to Clayborn’s career day he has just 12 tackles and 2 sacks, so that’s not really screaming at you to pick him up. But, I do get it – and he faces the Seahawks in week 11. You might be fishing for a risk/reward flier as your DL2 option, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Remember Mike Daniels? What has he done for you lately? Just monitor your DL situation and make a move if needed.

Dion Jordan, DE SEA

Jordan is an IDP name many of us wanted to hear and see on the field for quite some time now. Maybe he’s found a home in Seattle? Nonetheless, he’s going to be in a rotation with Frank Clark and Dwight Freeney so contribution might vary but it’s good to see him on the field. He may not be a plug and play option (yet) but in dynasty, but I’d definitely make a move for him if you can afford to. If it doesn’t work out, you won’t lose sleep dropping him.

Dwight Freeney, DE SEA

Has already recorded 3 sacks in three games with the Seahawks, and although he’s going to be a situational pass rusher, he makes for a solid plug and play option going forward in a good matchup. Freeney faces his former team in week 11 and could definitely get at least one sack on Matt Ryan. I would probably pick up Freeney before Clayborn if we’re being honest.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Josh Shaw, S CIN

With Shawn Williams out, Shaw is next in line. He filled in quite nicely in week ten as he racked up 7 tackles against the Titans. If Williams continues to miss time then Shaw makes a decent fill in as your DB2.

Budda Baker, S ARI

My top priority add this week is Budda. The odds are slim that he’s available in your dynasty league, but the door of opportunity has opened with the injury to Branch. He took over when Branch went down and did not disappoint as he led the team in tackles (9) and can mirror what Branch has done this season. I loved me some Budda during the draft, and he has top ten DB upside.

Adrian Colbert, S SF

With Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt out for the season, Colbert is the next man up and has taken over the FS reigns. He’s going to be decent going forward and he could be listed as CB in your leagues which would be solid in CB leagues. He recorded 4 tackles and 2 PDs against the Giants in week ten, and although he has a bye in week 11, I would grab him now if you need some depth at DB.

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