IDP Waiver Wire: Week 8 Pickups and Matchup Plays

Oct 25, 2017

Wasn't it just last week we were talking about Week 1? And here we are already at the halfway point of the season. Hopefully, you have all managed to get through, relatively unscathed, and are in the hunt for the playoffs. Injuries have taken their toll this season, claiming guys like JJ Watt and Jerrell Freeman. Elite IDPs, like Kwon Alexander, have missed multiple weeks. This week, six teams are on bye, which could leave you a bit thin on starters. We look ahead to the Week 8 waiver wire and then I suggest some matchup plays based on my rankings.

Week 8 teams on bye: Arizona, Green Bay, Jacksonville, LA Rams, New York Giants, and Tennessee

Week 8 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups

Defensive Line

Brandon Williams, DE, Baltimore Ravens (45 snaps/68%)

Williams returned to the lineup in Week 7 for the first time since Week 2 and had an impact. He recorded 5 tackles, while also generating a QB hit and a defended pass. He's an asset to Baltimore's run defense, so the opportunities for tackles are there if he continues to appear in at least 65% of the snaps.

Chris McCain, DE, Los Angeles Chargers (23 snaps/36%)

McCain is a situational pass-rusher who has the benefit of playing along two elite rushers in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. He's appearing in around 40% of the snaps and he turned in a 2-sack performance against the Broncos in Week 7. McCain is third on the team in sacks and is looking like a solid add for depth in big-play scoring formats.

Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets (54 snaps/74%)

Wilkerson's play has been off due to various injuries. He appeared healthy in Week 7 and it showed on the stat sheet. Although he didn't record a sack, he notched 4 tackles and produced an interception, while also generating a QB hit. If he's healthy, the pressure is there and I think the sacks will come.