Dynasty IDP Waiver Wire: Week 11

As week ten wraps up and we steam straight ahead towards Thanksgiving and the fantasy playoffs, the need to find reliable production off the waiver wire is more important than ever.

Before you dig into this week’s waiver wire column, keep in mind this advice is geared more toward 14- and 16-team dynasty setups, or 12-team setups with large roster limits (65 spots or so). The reason is there are plenty of sites, podcasts and Patreons (and good ones) providing what I would consider obvious waiver wire advice for leagues that are of the “start eight IDPs” variety with combined defensive lines and defensive backs. My goal is to write this for managers who must dig deeper on the wire to stay ahead for both this season and future years.

And of course, not every IDP listed here is a good dynasty stash. Dynasty rosters need those short-term values too though and it’s worth it to churn a few end-of-your-roster types to see if an IDP available on waivers is making a leap in play rather than just taking advantage of a good matchup.

Defensive Tackles

Sheldon Rankins, HOU

Rankins is a veteran in his seventh season and that doesn’t normally make for a great dynasty add, but in his case his production outweighs the lack of long-term viability. Rankins has been dealing with a knee injury but is slowly starting to get healthy and ramp back up in playing time. Week ten saw him hit his highest snap share of the season after a two-game absence. He announced his return to the lineup with a five-tackle and three-sack performance, while also forcing a fumble. He is a massive disrupter on the Texan’s defense and is the anchor to a young and talented group. Look for Rankins to carry this defensive unit as they push for an AFC playoff spot.

Keanu Benton, PIT

Benton is a rookie and has battled for playing time throughout the first half of the 2023 season. In week ten, he cracked the 50% snap share level for the first time and appears set for a massive increase in playing time. Now is the time to add Benton before he breaks out in full and becomes a weekly must-start. In his highest snap share of the season, he produced six tackles and was a force all game long. He has 16 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble on the season and will look to ramp up his production as the Steeler’s defensive injuries present him with opportunities.

Food For Thought

Neville Gallimore, DAL and Jordan Elliott, CLE – These are speculative adds who are both currently part-time players. They have both battled through injury but their roles in two of the league’s elite defenses should allow them ample opportunity to be relevant fantasy assets.

Revisits From Recent Weeks

James Smith-Williams, WAS – After several strong outings for the Commanders, Smith-Williams was quiet in week ten and was only able to record one tackle. His snap share is still increasing every week, so this could just be a blip in the radar.

Defensive Ends

Dayo Odeyingbo, IND

Odeyingbo continues to hover around the 50% snap share on the Colts’ defense but in week ten was able to parlay that into a monster fantasy game as he racked up four tackles and three sacks against New England. He has now posted double-digit fantasy points in three of his past five games and is well on his way to a monster season and becoming a breakout star in his sophomore season.

Linebackers

Dennis Gardeck, ARI

Gardeck is in his fifth NFL season and through the first ten weeks of 2023, he has already managed to set a career-high in tackles with 24. His playing time has increased in each game this season except for one and Gardeck is becoming a critical part of the Cardinals’ pass rush. As his play has improved, so has the Cardinals defense. The Cards are certain to continue to increase his playing time, allowing him to finally produce at the level he was capable of all along. He has already recorded his second-highest single-season sack total with four and has added in a forced fumble. Get a hold of Gardeck now before he becomes a full-time player.

Elandon Roberts, PIT

Roberts is another veteran whose age has him buried on the waiver wire in most leagues. He is a tackle machine in this his eighth NFL season and has racked up at least six tackles in six of the Steeler’s first nine games. He’s produced five double-digit fantasy point games this season and is as consistent as they come in leagues that count tackles. He is the perfect waiver target for an IDP squad in win-now mode. Robert could be the final piece to a fantasy defense that will put you over the top.

Food For Thought

Isaiah McDuffie, GB – McDuffie is a must-add. He has recorded ten tackles in three of his last four games and has recorded at least seven tackles in each of his last five outings. He has become a truly elite IDP asset and should be added in all leagues.

Revisits From Recent Weeks

Leo Chenal, KC – Chenal is a hit. He has produced back-to-back monster performances totalling eight and six tackles respectively while also sacking the quarterback once in each matchup.

Mack Wilson, NE– Wilson will get an incomplete grade at this time as he is currently dealing with a head injury and was not in the lineup.

Safeties

DeAndre Houston-Carson, HOU

Houston-Carson has been relegated to the practice squad over his past two seasons but he recently signed with the Houston Texans and has taken full advantage of his newfound opportunity. In week ten against the Bengals, he has seven tackles and an interception as he announced his return to fantasy relevance. He has never been an elite producer, but he is another key veteran set to anchor the Houston defense. If you are stuck at cornerback, he is worth throwing a dart.

Revisits From Recent Weeks

Damontae Kazee, PIT – Kazee has four straight games with four or more tackles and has chipped in an additional two interceptions during that period. Kazee has also seen his playing time hit a season-high of 78%. The Steelers are relying on Kazee as a critical piece of their team and so should you.

Cornerbacks

Kyler Gordon, CHI

Gordon is in his second season and is beginning to show signs of massive fantasy potential. In week ten he totalled eight tackles, which makes five consecutive games with at least four tackles. In week one his snap rate was 27%. In week ten it was 60%. As his playing time increases, so will his fantasy production. Of all the players in this column, he may be the best option with the highest potential.