IDP Waiver Wire for Week 7
October football is different. The weather’s cooling, the stakes are rising, and the chaos of the early season is giving way to clarity, at least for teams lucky enough to stay healthy. For everyone else, Week 7 arrives with a familiar mix of injuries, snap shakeups, and opportunity.
Defensive roles are stabilizing across the league, and that’s where sharp IDP managers separate from the pack, spotting usage shifts before the breakout box scores hit.
As always, we’ll cover every defensive tier, from high-impact linebackers to those sneaky DT and CB plays for deeper formats. Ownership percentages (in parentheses) come from Sleeper, and production is measured with IDP123 scoring. No players rostered in over 30 percent of leagues make the cut.
The goal stays the same every week: uncover the names that help you stay one step ahead. Let’s dive into the top IDP waiver targets heading into Week 7.
Linebackers (LB)
The biggest IDP news of the week was the Bengals effectively benching veteran Logan Wilson. Rookie Barrett Carter (9%) wore the green dot and played 100% of snaps. He posted 10 tackles (seven solo) against the Packers. It’s a shocking development, and the former fourth-round pick is a must-claim. It’s not often we get full-time linebackers that have a long-term outlook so available. I’m adding him in every league that I possibly can.
The 49ers suffered a massive blow to their defense when Fred Warner went down with a season-ending ankle injury against the Buccaneers. Tatum Bethune (3%) filled in for him and likely will hold one of the linebacker spots for now. Dee Winters (25%) is preferred if he isn’t rostered in your league, as his position is much more secure. Another deeper formation option can be had in Drake Thomas (6%). The Seahawks initially utilized Tyrice Knight as their secondary linebacker, but have now shifted to the formerly undrafted journeyman, playing him 92% of snaps in Week 6. His nine tackles (two solo) and one sack rewarded fantasy managers willing to start him.
Devin Lloyd has been ruled out for Week 7 due to a calf injury, so Ventrell Miller is another good option for the week.
Other options: Devin Bush (29%), Browns; Teddye Buchanan (26%), Ravens; Christian Rozeboom (26%), Panthers; Cedric Gray (23%), Titans; Trevin Wallace (23%), Panthers; Akeem Davis-Gaither (20%), Cardinals; Shemar James (19%), Cowboys; Leo Chenal (16%), Chiefs; Trenton Simpson (16%), Ravens; Justin Strnad (15%), Broncos; Troy Dye (11%), Chargers; Shaq Thompson (8%), Bills; Ventrell Miller (6%), Jaguars; and Kiko Mauigoa (5%), Jets.
Defensive Linemen (DL)
We have some old and new faces this week for defensive linemen suggestions. After missing out on sacks the past two games, Seattle’s Byron Murphy II (25%) posted two against Jacksonville. He also chipped in four tackles (one solo). If he’s available in your league, he’s worth prioritizing, even in formats that don’t require defensive tackles. If that isn’t an option, turn to Buffalo’s Ed Oliver (21%), who made a splash on Monday Night Football by tallying three tackles (two solo) and a sack against the Falcons. He is back after dealing with an ankle injury. For those that need a DT in deeper setups, the Raiders’ Jonah Laulu (7%) snagged his fourth takedown of 2025. He exceeded 65% of snaps every game since Week 3.
The Seahawks returned most of their edge rotation, and a clearer hierarchy emerged. Demarcus Lawrence (15%) and Uchenna Nwosu (11%) played the most reps, while Boye Mafe slotted in behind them. The former returned from injury and secured two sacks, while the latter managed 1.5. They both offer a good ceiling and are worth rostering for depth. Another player I like is the Jets’ Jermaine Johnson (20%). He marked his return from injury suffered in Week 2 with five tackles (four solo) and a sack. Scoop him up before your league mates realize he is healthy.
Other options: Derrick Barnes (28%), Lions; Jordan Davis (28%), Eagles; Jaelan Phillips (23%), Dolphins; Derrick Brown (22%), Panthers; Kwity Paye (20%), Colts; Daron Payne (19%), Commanders; James Houston (8%), Cowboys; Sebastian Joseph-Day (4%), Titans; Tyler Davis (3%), Rams; Deone Walker (3%), Bills; and Alex Wright (3%), Browns.
Defensive Backs (DB)
The NFL brought us some trades this week, and one involved productive IDP cornerback Tyson Campbell (21%), as the Jaguars sent him to Cleveland in a swap for Greg Newsome II. He faced seven targets in his first game as a Brown, producing five tackles (three solo), two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. We’ll have to monitor his usage and how often quarterbacks target him in this system, but Campbell is one of the most consistent players at the position. If your format factors in return yards for IDP, look no further than Patriots CB Marcus Jones (16%). He’s employed in the slot on defense and has over 200 yards with a touchdown in his punt return duties. Take advantage of the cheat code.
Some safety options worth consideration are the Bengals’ Geno Stone (11%) and the Cowboys’ Donovan Wilson (17%). The former only managed three unassisted tackles, but delivered an interception and a sack. Reliability is crucial in IDP, and few defensive backs provide that more than Wilson, who has 35 tackles (20 solo) and two interceptions in 2025. Since Week 1, he’s made at least six tackles every game. With bye weeks in full effect, you could do worse than to add him to your bench.
Other options: Coby Bryant (25%), Seahawks; Cole Bishop (23%), Bills; Evan Williams (17%), Packers; Amani Hooker (15%), Titans; and Andrew Wingard (11%), Jaguars.
CB options: Dax Hill (23%), Bengals; Tyrique Stevenson (20%), Bears; Kamari Lassiter (9%), Texans; Jamel Dean (8%), Buccaneers; Mekhi Blackmon (4%), Colts; Rasul Douglas (4%), Dolphins; Kyu Blu Kelly (4%), Raiders; Dee Alford (3%), Falcons; and Cor’Dale Flott (3%), Giants.
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