I think the Tweet by Josh Houtz sums it up pretty nicely! Phillips is going to be a major problem for Offensive Lines for a very long time. For the 4th straight week, Phillips has recorded at least .5 sack. This past week tho, Phillips had 3 of them, to go along with 4 combined tackles, 3 TFL, 4 QB hits, and a pass defended. While the stats are eye-popping, the fact that he did all of that on only 50% of the snaps is the crazy part.
The Dolphins have been red hot as of late and will look to find ways to get Phillips on the field more often. The matchup against the Giants in Week 13 could be considered by many to be advantageous, but Andrew Thomas has actually been decent as of late. Moving forward tho, Phillips and Dolphins have a schedule that would appear to be conducive to a heavy pash rush.
Demarcus Lawrence-Dallas Cowboys
#ICYMI Micah Parsons Excited to Get DeMarcus Lawrence Back on Cowboys D-Linehttps://t.co/cCt18NF3On ✭ [ Written by @CowboysAddicts ]
— Cowboys Nation (@CowboysNation) November 30, 2021
It's not often that a player with the pedigree and skillset akin to Lawrence's is available on the IDP Waiver Wire, but here we are. After missing all but 43 snaps in Week 1 of the season, Lawrence is set to return from the IL. The Cowboys have been applying spackle to their crumbling defensive line and getting some amazing production from the likes of Micah Parsons, Dorance Armstrong, etc., but it appears that they are going to be near 100% just in time for the playoffs.
The Cowboys will face the Saints on Thursday night, and it's yet to be seen just how many snaps they will give to Lawrence. Considering that they still don't have Randy Gregory yet, I think it is safe to assume that he could see significant pass rushes. Prior to the injury, Lawrence was really having an impact in Week 1, when he tallied 5 pressures, 5 tackles, and a FF. On Thursday, Lawrence will be welcomed back by RT James Hurst, who has allowed 9 pressures over the past 2 weeks. Look for Lawrence to pin his ears back and get to Tayson Hill.
Linebacker
Mykal Walker-Atlanta Falcons
Falcons LB @MykalWalker3 made the most of his start, finishing with 12 tackles (six solo), one pass defended and one QB hit https://t.co/3bw9OEgMH9 pic.twitter.com/EORhRcQCA6
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) November 28, 2021
It is still too early to tell if Deion Jones is going to miss Week 13, but I can't see an eagerness to rush him back from the shoulder injury. Assuming that Jones will be out, Mykal Walker is more than capable at filling the role.
Last week Walker saw 99% of the snaps at MLB and totaled 11 tackles (5 solo), 1 QB hit, and a PD. Some may be quick to point out the 3 missed tackles, but I will instead focus on the opportunity presented. The Falcons will face the Buccaneers, who just last week, allowed 26 tackles to the Colts' interior linebackers.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah-Cleveland Browns
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah showed off his range and versatility, setting career-highs in tackles, defensive stops, and pressures in the Browns loss to the Ravens.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 29, 2021
Owusu-Koramoah generated 3 hustle stops, as many as he had in his first eight games combined.#CLEvsBAL | #Browns pic.twitter.com/YZihqpWZDG
It sure feels like I was just recommending JOK as an IDP Waiver Wire Target, and this is because I just was.....two weeks ago! But I am saying it again...this time in italics! JOK hasn't exactly gotten a lot of traction on the 2021 season with the injuries and lack of playing time. There is reason to believe that JOK could legitimately win you a fantasy championship. I'm not sure if it's entirely fair to use his Week 12 as the barometer (12 tackles, .5 sack, 1 TFL, and a QB Hit), but it is worth noting that he was lined up a season-high 11 times on the DL, and he matched a season-high 6 pass rush attempts!
There's always a catch tho! The catch is that the Browns are on a BYE in Week 13, and you may not have the roster space to pick him up and not play him. I implore you tho, if there is a way to pick him up, do it. The home stretch for the Browns includes games against the Ravens, Packers, and Raiders, all teams that like to run the ball, as well as have a porous offensive line.
Defensive Back
Eric Murray-Houston Texans
#Texans starting safety Justin Reid is a healthy scratch today vs. the #Jets for disciplinary reasons. Worth noting that he is slated to be a free agent after the season.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 28, 2021
Make that three games in a row now that Eric Murray has seen at least 90% of the snaps for the Texans. During that stretch, Murray has not tallied less than 8 tackles and has chipped in 2 passes defended and an INT for good measure. When looking for IDP Waiver Wire adds, a consistent role and lack of competition are key!
Lovie Smith has had his hand in playing Murray all over the field as well. Since Week 9, Murray has logged 23% of his snaps in the Box, 25% in the slot, and 12% on the defensive line. In Week 13, the Texans are going to have their hands full with the Indianapolis Colts. Look for plenty of JT and short to intermediate passing plays.