IDP Waiver Wire: Week 5

By Bob Miller

Week 4 is now behind us, and we're starting to see which defensive players are making an impact and which ones are not. I’m here to tell you which IDP players I'd target for week 5 moving forward. The players listed below are shown as “available” in at least 50% of IDP leagues.

These players fantasy points are according to the Dynasty Pros IDP scoring system below:

Notable Week 4 IDP Injuries

Colts LB Shaquille Leonard (concussion) collided with a teammate and did not return. It was his first game back after needing offseason back surgery.

Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) is being evaluated.

Giants S Julian Love (concussion) did not return after evaluation.

Panthers S Jeremy Chinn (hamstring) exited early and did not return.

Raiders LB Denzel Perryman (concussion) was unable to return.

Bucs CB Carlton Davis (stinger) was unable to return.

Steelers S Terrell Edmunds (concussion) entered the protocol and ruled out against the Jets.

Broncos DE Randy Gregory (knee) exited and is scheduled for MRIs.

Eagles CB Darius Slay (forearm) was questionable to return against Jacksonville but did not return.

Buccaneers S Logan Ryan (foot) was injured during the game and did not return.

Cardinals LB Nick Vigil (hamstring) left during Arizona's game against the Panthers and did not return.

Lions CB Amani Oruwariye (neck) did not return.

Rashan Gary: DE, Green Bay Packers

Gary has been solid all season, and Week 4 was no different. Against the Patriots, he had 7 tackles (4 solo), including 2 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. That was good for 21.50 fantasy points. He may or may not be available in your league. With 5 sacks through the first 4 weeks, he needs to be owned in most IDP leagues.

Jonathan Allen: DT, Washington Commanders

Allen had a fantastic game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4. He had 8 tackles (5 solo), including 1 sack, 4 tackles for loss, and a pass defended. That was good for 23.50 fantasy points. He is owned in less than 10% of IDP leagues. Through these first 4 weeks he is averaging 11.50 points per game. With defensive line IDPs being so thin (especially MFL), you should really consider adding him this week.

Jason Pierre-Paul: DE, Baltimore Ravens

JPP is a player I recommend getting in front of. He made his season debut this past week, and he looked pretty good. He didn’t post great stats, however I see him only getting better once he gets into the groove of things. Being DE eligible, he could be helpful to your fantasy team moving forward, especially during bye-weeks.

Other Defensive Lineman I like: Sebastian Joseph-Day (LAC), Odafe Oweh (BAL), Quinnen Williams (NYJ)

Last Week’s DL Targets (Week 4 Fantasy Points): Josh Sweat (3.50 points), DeMarcus Lawrence (1.50 points), Jerry Hughes (2.00 points), Deatrich Wise (2.00 points), Grady Jarrett (11.00 points), Justin Madubuike (7.00 points)

Malcolm Rodriguez: LB, Detroit Lions

“Rodrigo” certainly gained a lot of attention this year on HBO’s Hard Knocks. He had an amazing pre-season, and that has carried right over into the regular season. Rodriguez is proving to be a tackle machine, making him a solid IDP play depending on your roster requirements. Last week I said “By mid-season he could be a 10 point-a-week LB. He needs to be picked up now and stashed for later.” After posting 11 tackles (8 solo) and a forced fumble on Sunday, I think his time has come sooner.

Rashaan Evans: LB, Atlanta Falcons

Evans recorded 10 tackles (5 solo) and one fumble recovery in Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns. After posting 12 tackles in a Week 3, Evans now has double-digit tackles in two straight games. He is definitely racking up the tackles against run-heavy teams. Three straight double-digit tackle games could be a little bit more of a challenge when the Atlanta Falcons head to Tampa to take on the more pass-heavy Buccaneers. Still.. averaging 9.38 fantasy points per game, he is a very useful IDP.

Deion Jones: LB, Atlanta Falcons

Any IDP player knows that Deion Jones is a tackle monster when he’s on the field. He should be eligible to return this coming week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After this offseason, I’m not sure what the future holds for him. The Falcons restructured Deion Jones' contract by adding three void years to his deal and converted $8.5 million of his salary into a bonus. Jones was viewed as a potential trade or cut candidate in Atlanta this offseason, so this might make him a little more attractive to trade to a contending team. Regardless where he plays, he will be an immediate IDP asset. This is the time to grab him. Low risk, high reward.

Other Linebackers I like: Tae Crowder (NYG), Leighton Vander Esch (DAL), Jaylon Smith (NYG)

Last Week’s LB Targets (Week 4 Fantasy Points): Frankie Luvu (23.50 points), Malcolm Rodriguez (14.50 points), Alex Anzalone (8.00 points), Zaire Franklin (11.50 points), Drue Tranquill (8.50 points), Deion Jones, ATL

Eddie Jackson: S, Chicago Bears

Eddie Jackson has always been a solid IDP asset. This season is no different. Jackson has 3 interceptions in his last 3 games, and now he's posted at least 8 tackles over the last 3 games. He's performing at an elite IDP level, making him impossible to bench. Averaging over 12.00 fantasy points per game, you’d be smart to change that by picking up the productive defensive back.

Mike Edwards: S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Edwards recorded 13 tackles (5 solo), including 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. That was good for 16.00 fantasy points. He is an elite IDP that somehow is still widely available on the waiver wire. He is the current overall DB3 in IDP leagues. Averaging over 12.00 fantasy points per game, he is another player that has to be started each week.

DeShon Elliott: S, Detroit Lions

Last week I recommended picking up Tracy Walker, but Tracy Walker did what he does best.. get hurt. Enter DeShon Elliott. The former Ravens safety stepped in where Tracy Walker left off. Against the Seattle Seahwaks Elliott played 100% of the defensive snaps and had 11 tackles (9 solo). He’s not a must-have, however he needs to be on your radar just in case he keeps up this pace.

Other Defensive Backs I like: Marlon Humphrey (BAL), Roger McCreary (TEN), Jaquan Brisker (CHI)

Last Week’s DB Targets (Week 4 Fantasy Points): Eddie Jackson (13.50 points), Jalen Pitre (8.00 points), Jevon Holland (3.50 points), Marlon Humphrey (7.00 points), L’Jarius Sneed (14.50 points), Kamren Curl (6.00 points)