This article immediately highlights defensive players whose production was significantly better or worse than normally expected for the prior week of games. Note there is sometimes limited information available when this article is written, but I will try to give everyone an early look at players who are moving up or down in value among IDP circles. It isn’t easy to give waiver advice for IDPs since there is such a wide variety of lineups and scoring systems, but hopefully, the information provided can help inform your waiver, trade, and upcoming lineup decisions. I'm also going to try and group edge rushers together with the understanding that classification as a defensive end or linebacker will depend on your league setup/host. If you have any questions about specific players or situations, please email me or reach out via Twitter.
Email: rudnicki@footballguys.com
Twitter: @a_rudnicki
UPGRADES
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN/EDGE RUSHERS
DT Dalvin Tomlinson, MIN (8 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL, 1 QH on 61% of snaps)
Tomlinson had some quiet showings earlier this year and suffered a calf injury that kept him out for a month. He returned to the lineup last week but had his most productive game as a Viking this week with 10 combined tackles on 43 snaps.
DT Fletcher Cox, PHI (4 solos, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 2 QH on 45% of snaps)
Although his tackle numbers have been rather mediocre for most of the season, the 31-year-old has been getting to the quarterback more consistently than we have seen in some time. He currently has a 3-game sack streak going and has recorded at least a partial sack in 6 of 13 games played this year.
DT Quinnen Williams, NYJ (3 solos, 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 2 QH on 29% of snaps)
Williams was on his way to another dominant performance with two sacks in the first half before he went down with a non-contact injury to his calf. Fortunately, it looks like he avoided a serious injury, as reports on Monday listed him as day-to-day, so he may still be able to play next week.
DL Christian Wilkins, MIA (6 solos, 3 asst, 1 sack, 2 TFL, 1 QH on 82% of snaps)
The Dolphins are currently slumping and struggling on both sides of the ball, but Wilkins is making plays all over the field. He’s been credited with 13 solo stops and 8 assists over the past two games while also adding a sack and forced fumble. Look for him to stay busy next week against the Bills too.
DE A.J. Epenesa, BUF (4 solos, 1 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH, 1 PD, 1 FF on 49% of snaps)
DE Gregory Rousseau, BUF (2 solos, 2 sacks, 1 TFL, 2 QH, 1 PD, 1 FF on 59% of snaps)
The Bills have seen improved performance and production from their young defensive ends following the loss of Von Miller. Epenesa now has 3 sacks over his last 4 games played (including 2 forced fumbles) while Rousseau has looked dominant and is now up to 7 sacks in 10 games played.
DE George Karlaftis, KC (1 solo, 2 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH, 1 PD on 61% of snaps)
The rookie had a slow start to his career with just a half sack over his first 10 games. He seems to be heating up at the right time of year, though, and now has a sack in each of his past three games with a favorable matchup looming against the Texans.
DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, HOU (2 solos, 1 asst, 1 sack, 2 QH, 1 FF, 1 PD on 51% of snaps)
The Texans have gotten contributions from a variety of pass rushers this year, but Okoronkwo has stood out of late. He has been a quality starter in IDP leagues in 4 of the past 5 weeks and now has sacks in back-to-back games.
EDGE Brandon Graham, PHI (4 solos, 3 sacks, 3 TFL, 3 QH, 1 FF on 45% of snaps)
Graham has seen a reduction in playing time this year given the Eagles' depth of pass rushers. He’s still proving to be the best option they have, however, and now has 5.5 sacks over his last four games.
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