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Week 3 IDP Waiver Wire Adds

Bryan Levin's IDP waiver wire pickups, adds & sleepers for Week Three of the 2016 fantasy football season. NFL linebackers, defensive linemen & defensive backs to add.

What's up RotoBallers. Welcome to our weekly columns to help you win on the defensive side of the ball. Today we are here to review some IDP waiver wire pickups for Week 3.

The following players are not necessarily “must start” players for IDP leagues, but rather, players that currently have below 25% ownership levels (in Yahoo! Leagues) and are suggested deep-league IDP additions for this week.

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests for Week 3. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Linebackers - Week 3 IDP Waiver Adds

Deion Jones, Falcons

Matchup: @ Saints

Ownership: 3%

Atlanta’s second round pick has been a favorite of mine since the preseason, as I was the lone writer to pick him to win Defensive ROY in the RotoBaller preseason predictions column (which you can find here). The LSU product has been something the Falcons defense has lacked for years; a young, athletic linebacker with speed. They have not been shy about playing Jones, who has been on the field for just under 85% of defensive snaps. Jones is not yet on the “must own” radar, but for deeper IDP leagues, he is an intriguing option this week against the high-octane (especially at home) Saints offense and could provide solid returns for owners beyond this week.

 

Melvin Ingram, Chargers

Matchup: @ Colts

Ownership: 5%

Ingram had a monster game last week (3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble) against the Jaguars shaky, patchwork offensive line. The enticing matchups keep coming for Ingram, who will go up against the Colts weak offensive line (sound familiar?) that has allowed 7 sacks thus far, which is already tied for the second highest total in the league and for yet another year, seem hellbent on getting Andrew Luck injured. Ingram won’t rack up the tackles, but a chance for multiple sacks seems likely.

 

Mason Foster, Redskins

Matchup: @ Giants

Ownership: 13%

Foster was a tantalizing linebacker prospect in IDP leagues during the first few years of his career as a member of the Buccaneers. Foster's career was seemingly in turmoil when he signed with the Redskins last year, being used primarily in a reserve role. However, this season has been a renaissance of sorts for Foster, starting both games for the Skins, compiling 24 total tackles thus far (13 solo) while playing roughly 75% of snaps.

 

Kiko Alonso, Dolphins

Matchup: vs. Browns

Ownership: 15%

Alonso was an IDP superstar during his 2013 rookie season, piling up over 150 total tackles! A 2014 training camp ACL tear, followed by a lost 2015 season in Philadelphia all but wiped Alonso off IDP radars as a blossoming star. While Alonso certainly is not the player he was in Buffalo, he has rebounded in Miami this year, racking up 22 total tackles through the first two weeks. With the Browns expected to lean heavily on their ground game in Week 3 to aid rookie quarterback Cody Kessler, Alonso figures to be in on plenty of stops, and a turnover is always in play given whom the Browns will line up behind center.

 

Karlos Dansby, Bengals

Matchup: vs. Broncos

Ownership: 24%

Dansby has had a great career to this point, and while he is currently on the back nine of it, he continues to shine as a steady IDP contributor. The veteran has been on the field for just about 90% of Cincinnati’s defensive snaps thus far, and will get one more week with heavy usage as Vontaze Burfict serves the final game of his three game suspension. Dansby figures to be in on a ton of action this week, going up against a top 5 Broncos rushing attack. Look for a third straight game with double digit total tackles for Dansby.

 

Defensive Linemen - Week 3 IDP Waiver Adds

Benson Mayowa, Cowboys

Matchup: vs. Bears (Sunday night)

Ownership: 0%

This one is a bit of a shot in the dark, and is completely reflective of the matchup and opportunity. From a matchup standpoint, the Bears have looked inept on offense through two weeks, and will be starting the awful Brian Hoyer at quarterback this week. They have allowed a league-high eight sacks in that timespan and have not looked capable of protecting consistently. From an opportunity perspective, Mayowa, signed as a free agent this spring, has seen 80% of defensive snaps thus far and will be on the field plenty this week given the Cowboys depleted/suspended defensive line.

 

Leonard Williams, Jets

Matchup: @ Chiefs

Ownership: 22%

Williams is not yet spoken about in the same light as All-Pro defensive line mates Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, but he should be. The second-year pro is wreaking havoc for the Jets this season, proving to be a high upside play (2.5 sacks in Week 1) while also providing a safe floor when he doesn’t collect a sack (4 tackles and a fumble forced in Week 2). Given the talent, matchup (7 sacks allowed by the Chiefs offensive line) and usage (on the field for 93% of snaps), Williams is a strong play this week and is creeping towards “must own” status, particularly in IDP leagues that force owners to start defensive linemen.

 

Defensive Backs - Week 3 IDP Waiver Adds

Keanu Neal, Falcons

Matchup: @ Saints (Monday night)

Ownership: 1%

Neal was the Falcons first round pick in this years draft, but a late preseason knee injury has kept him off the field. After finally being able to practice this week, Neal is expected to debut Monday night against the Saints and their high-octane passing attack. To what extent Neal plays is yet to be determined, but the Falcons recognize that they need an upgrade in their defensive backfield, and Neal was a true tone-setter at safety in college. This could end up being a speculative long term add that could prove to be beneficial later in the season, or perhaps even this week.

 

Tyvon Branch, Cardinals

Matchup: @ Bills

Ownership: 4%

Branch has long been an IDP staple at defensive back for his tackling prowess. An offseason move to the Cardinals, one of the deepest and most talented defensive back situations in the NFL, appeared to diminish his IDP value significantly. Arizona has found a way to move Branch around the formation and keep him on the field (playing on 80% of snaps through two weeks), leading to his impressive total of 16 solo tackles. This weeks matchup isn’t great, but Branch is still a talented and a productive piece that could provide a low floor for IDP owners starting multiple defensive backs.

 

Reggie Nelson, Raiders

Matchup: @ Titans

Ownership: 14%

Like Branch, the veteran safety has long been a useful IDP defensive back that made an offseason move this spring. The Raiders pass defense has been abysmal this season, and although the Titans don’t feature a high-powered passing offense, one would assume they will look to exploit Oakland through the air. Nelson, who has not missed one defensive snap this season, should see plenty of action this week as he looks to add to his 20 total tackles this season. There is a chance that first round rookie Karl Joseph, who has inexplicably not seen the field on defense yet, will finally log some snaps this week, but it shouldn’t impact Nelson too significantly yet.

 


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Braden Schneider

Limited in Training Camp
Lars Eller

Recovering From Abdominal Procedure
Nick Jensen

in Danger of Missing Start of Season
Brandon Montour

to Miss Two Weeks After Ankle Surgery
Gabriel Landeskog

a "Full Go" for the Season
Samuel Girard

Avalanche Hope to Have Samuel Girard Available for Start of Season
Mackenzie Blackwood

Out Week-to-Week
Alex Tuch

Day-to-Day With Undisclosed Injury
Jordan Greenway

to Sit Out Training Camp
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Simon Edvinsson

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Mikael Backlund

Signs Two-Year Extension
Connor Ingram

to Be Waived by Mammoth
Zach Hyman

Misses Start of Training Camp
Nick Paul

Out Until November
Kris Letang

Cleared for Training Camp
David Pastrnak

Out for Start of Training Camp
Matthew Tkachuk

Expected to Be Out Until December
NBA

Trevelin Queen Joins Chinese Team
Damian Lillard

Not Rushing His Return
Brooklyn Nets

Keon Johnson Waived by Nets
Justin Verlander

Plans to Pitch in 2026
Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
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Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
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Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
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Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
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Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

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Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
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Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
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CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
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Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
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Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
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Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
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Looks To Return To The Win Column
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In Dire Need Of Victory
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Looks To Get Back In The Win Column

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