It’s starting to get real, we’ve officially hit double digits in the week column. In Week 10, we have four more teams on bye (Baltimore, Cincinnati, New England, and New York Jets). I did my best to navigate through the snaps and stats to find some potential waiver wire options for your IDP leagues. Please keep in mind there are many fun ways to play this IDP game we love, and if you ever have any league-specific questions feel free to reach out. Alright, let’s get to it.
Linebackers
Blake Martinez, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 9 Stats: 11 tackles (8 solos)
Until now, Blake Martinez has had a minimal role since joining the Raiders. That scenario seems to be changing, but unfortunately, it comes at the expense of young IDP-darling Divine Deablo. Deablo entered Week 9 a bit banged up but was able to give it a go. However, Deablo suffered a forearm injury that knocked him out of this week's game, and he was spotted wearing a cast on the sidelines. Not good, not good at all.
With Deablo unavailable, Blake Martinez led the linebacker unit with 63 defensive snaps (91%). Denzel Perryman was second to Martinez logging 52 snaps (75%). Martinez's 11 tackles (8 solos) paced the Raiders as he produced his most extensive IDP output since landing in Las Vegas. If Deablo is indeed forced to miss extended time, Martinez looks to be the prime beneficiary. Martinez isn't flashy, but the dude racks up tackles when given a hefty workload. Scoop him up where you can as we await more information on the severity of Deablo's injury.
Jack Sanborn, Chicago Bears
Week 9 Stats: 7 solo tackles
In Chicago's first game without Roquan Smith, we were all waiting to see who would get extended time alongside Nicholas Morrow. As many fans and IDP enthusiasts had hoped and predicted, it was undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn. Sanborn played a season-high 50 defensive snaps (88%), second to only Morrow's 57 snaps (100%). Joe Thomas was the only other linebacker to see time, playing 26 defensive snaps (46%). A.J. Klein only saw time on special teams in his first game as a Bear. Monitoring these snap counts will be a priority once again after Week 10.
Although he went undrafted, Sanborn is one of those tough Wisconsin linebackers who can fit the run. Sanborn flashed a bit in the preseason, and it appears Chicago wants to see what they have in their undrafted rookie linebacker. Sanborn may have been a popular speculative pickup last week after the big trade news. However, check your waiver wire and see if the young buck is still looking for a home.
Terrel Bernard, Buffalo Bills
Week 9 Stats: 7 tackles (2 solos)
With Matt Milano (oblique) unavailable this week, Buffalo turned to third-round rookie Terrel Bernard as his replacement alongside Tremaine Edmunds. Bernard saw his highest involvement of the season, playing 59 defensive snaps (98%). Edmunds and Bernard were the only Buffalo off-ball linebackers to play any defensive snaps against the Jets in Week 9.
If Milano misses any more time, Bernard looks to be his replacement. For dynasty purposes, it's also important to note Edmunds is in the final year of his deal. If Bernard happens to be available, he's worth a taxi squad stash in dynasty leagues with the Edmunds contract situation looming. Bernard is also worth a look in deeper redraft leagues as we get more info on Milano's timetable.
Elandon Roberts, Miami Dolphins
Week 9 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos)
For the first time this season, Elandon Roberts out-snapped teammate Jerome Baker. Roberts played a season-high 57 defensive snaps (77%), while Baker played a season-low 45 snaps (61%). Will this trend continue? It's anybody's guess after just one week, but the situation warrants more investigation as we roll into Week 10.
Roberts isn't a flashy IDP asset by any means, but if you need a bye week or injury fill-in in there are worse options. This is especially true if he continues to see a slight role increase. In deeper leagues where you could use some linebacker depth, Roberts is worth a look. Just continue to monitor his weekly workload.
Continue reading this content with a ELITE subscription.
An ELITE subscription is required to access content for IDP (individual defensive players) leagues. If this league is not a IDP (individual defensive players) league, you can edit your leagues here.
"Footballguys is the best premium
fantasy football
only site on the planet."
Matthew Berry, NBC Sports EDGE
