Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 13
Nick Kwiatkoski, Inside Linebacker
A wonderful song from the 1990’s R&B group TLC reminds us “don’t go chasing waterfalls”, meaning that we shouldn’t chase flash and status over substance and solidity. Sure, but chasing ambulances is a core part of staying afloat in fantasy football, and one linebacker has both flash and substance in droves. Chicago Bears rookie Nick Kwiatkoski finds himself poised perfectly to succeed for fantasy owners, with starting linebackers Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan suspended and injured for the year, respectively. In last week’s game alone, Kwiatkoski picked up 4.5 fantasy points already; now, his point totals should rise even further. Chicago starting inside linebackers have earned an average 8.87 fantasy points per week in 2016.
Week 13 puts Kwiatkoski up against the San Francisco 49ers, who have the fourth-most run-heavy play calling ratio this year -- meaning there should be plenty of tackle chances on the ground for him. The Niners also have allowed the ninth-highest stuff rate to opposing defenses, so Kwiatkoski should enjoy both floor and ceiling this week. Don’t chase waterfalls; do chase points.
Kwiatkoski is available in 100.0% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 4.95 tackles, 0.00 sacks, 0.20 passes defended, and a total score of 5.63 fantasy points in Week 13.
