Analyzing IDP Trends From Week 4

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Week 4 was the week of the concussion. Most of this week’s transactions are because of various concussions to defensive players and how their backups performed. So who should you be adding off the waiver wire this week? Let’s dive in:

The Carolina Panthers have the sixth-fastest pace of play while running the lowest amount of offensive plays per game and the 3rd highest opposing defensive plays per game.

The Pittsburgh Steelers also have very similar metrics. If these metrics continue, opposing defenses have a good chance to play a higher-than-average number of snaps. More snaps lead to more production and more fantasy points scored. Consider these matchups for a tiebreaker only.

The Green Bay Packers have the slowest pace of play in the league while running the 11th most plays per game and the lowest amount of opposing defensive plays per game.

If this trend continues, opposing defenses could see a slight dip in the expected number of defensive snaps they play. Fewer snaps lead to less production and fewer fantasy points scored. Consider this matchup only for tiebreaker purposes when making lineup decisions.

LB Bobby Okereke played only 70% of defensive snaps for Indianapolis in Week 4.

The Colts' defense struggled mightily at times against the Titans this past week. As a result, Okereke was benched for a period in favor of E.J. Speed. To add insult to injury, Shaquille Leonard suffered a concussion in his first game this season and is already declared out for Week 5. Expect Zaire Franklin to have a full-time role on Thursday, and exercise some caution in starting Okereke until confidence has been restored in his playing time. This wouldn’t be the first time the Colts outright benched a player this season. Just ask safety Nick Cross.

LB Jacob Phillips played 100% of defensive snaps for Cleveland in Week 4.

I told you! Not that this was a particularly impressive prediction, but Phillips is now an extremely valuable asset. I hope you capitalized on your chance to add him. Even with linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah starting the game, Phillips played every snap, the first time any Browns linebacker played 100% of defensive snaps all season. Phillips wore the green dot, which should give managers confidence in his workload for the remainder of the season.