IDP Waiver Wire – Week 5
It’s only been one month since the NFL came back to our televisions, but there’s been enough drama for fantasy football teams to last a whole season. Whether you’re 0-4 or 4-0, I’ve got some waiver additions to help out your IDP teams. Here are my Week 5 recommendations for redraft leagues.
The numbers in parentheses next to the player’s name represent their ownership on MyFantasyLeague.
Defensive Line
Maliek Collins (<1%), 49ers
I was very high on Maliek Collins when he joined the 49ers from the Texans this offseason. His pass rush metrics were promising despite only reaching a season-high of five sacks in his career. San Francisco must agree because they’ve utilized Collins in over 70% of defensive snaps in three games this season. He’s also racked up 2.5 sacks in the past two games. Javon Hargrave tore his triceps and will miss the rest of the campaign, which means the Niners are going to rely on Collins and his snap share should remain at this rate. So, for my DT-required readers out there, here’s an option that’s worth grabbing from the free agent pool after waivers have run.
Bud Dupree (<1%), Chargers
Here’s a blast from the past. Some of you may be surprised to see that Bud Dupree is still in the league. Well, he’s managed to play at least 50% of defensive snaps for the first four weeks and has even reached 65% in Week 2. Joey Bosa is dealing with injuries but is gutting it out for now. If he sits out, Dupree will stand to benefit. In this past week, he put together his best performance and sacked Patrick Mahomes twice. I’m not promising a career renaissance, but he’s a player to keep on eye on going forward, especially in deeper leagues.
Other options: Dorance Armstrong (3%), Commanders
Linebackers
Trevin Wallace (3%), Panthers
Shaq Thompson was playing some of the best football of his career, but unfortunately saw his season come to an end on Sunday after suffering a torn Achilles. Fellow inside linebacker Josey Jewell is also dealing with injuries and is doubtful to play this week. That makes it incredibly likely that rookie 3rd round draft pick Trevin Wallace grabs one of the starting spots. The opportunity is there and if you need a linebacker with three-down potential in your lineup, go scoop Wallace up before your leaguemates catch on.
K.J. Britt (5%), Buccaneers
Two weeks ago, I was telling you to go pick up SirVocea Dennis. My opinion on who’s the more talented player didn’t change, but he injured his shoulder against the Eagles, which could result in a multi-game absence. Thus, I need to eat crow and recommend K.J. Britt as a possible pickup. That pesky timeshare they were both in? Not an issue as long as Dennis is out. His snap share rose to 89% in the Philadelphia game and resulted in a respectable six tackle (four solo) performance.
Other options: Justin Strnad (2%), Broncos; and Ventrell Miller (2%), Jaguars
Defensive Backs
Isaiah Pola-Mao (<1%), Raiders
Marcus Epps went down with a torn ACL in Week 3. The next man up on the depth chart is Isaiah Pola-Mao. We’ve seen him on the field before and he’s a capable defender that’s done enough to be IDP relevant. He played 100% of the snaps versus the Browns this Sunday and posted a stat line of 10 tackles (seven solo) and one sack. If you are looking to add some defensive back help, Pola-Mao is the player I’d prioritize.
Cole Bishop (3%), Bills
Taylor Rapp suffered a concussion while attempting to tackle Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Rookie safety Cole Bishop replaced him and finished the game with six tackles (two solo). Knowing the NFL’s propensity now to bench concussed players for at least a week, if that situation plays out with Rapp, Bishop will earn the spot start versus the Texans in Week 5. The hope if you pick him up is that the second round selection plays well enough to make Sean McDermott reconsider his starting strong safety.
Other options: Xavier Woods (3%), Panthers; and Riley Moss (3%), Broncos
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