IDP Waiver Wire for Week 8
We’re officially at the midpoint, and things are starting to get real. Week 8 is where the season shifts. Contenders are loading up, pretenders are fading out, and every roster move matters a little more than it did in September.
The good news? Defensive roles are finally settling in. The chaos of early-season rotations is mostly behind us, which means the snap counts tell clearer stories and the breakouts become easier to spot. This is when sharp IDP managers make their move.
We’ll hit every position like always, from linebackers to cornerbacks and defensive tackle adds for all types of leagues. Ownership percentages (in parentheses) come from Sleeper, production is measured with IDP123 scoring, and nobody rostered over 30 percent makes the list.
It’s crunch time. Let’s find the Week 8 pickups that give you an edge down the stretch.
Linebackers (LB)
Last week, I highlighted two linebackers, Tatum Bethune (14%) and Barrett Carter (17%), who stepped into starting roles. Both of them affirmed their status as must-claim players after Week 7. Bethune delivered 10 tackles (four solo) with an 85% snap share, while Carter grabbed 12 tackles (eight solo) and played 100% of snaps. Claim them now because I don’t expect them to be in this column after the next couple of weeks.
Two other intriguing names to keep an eye on: Dallas rookie Shemar James (23%) and Atlanta’s JD Bertrand (3%). Jack Sanborn cleared concussion protocol but remained on the bench, as the Cowboys rolled with James, and the rookie delivered in a big way, logging 99% of snaps, nine tackles (four solo) and a sack. DeMarvion Overshown could return soon, but James offers solid short-term value for IDP managers needing a spot starter. Bertrand took over for Divine Deablo (forearm injury) and filled the role seamlessly, piling up 10 tackles (four solo). He’s a smart add in deeper formats and worth monitoring even in shallow leagues if Deablo’s absence lingers.
Other options: Dee Winters (29%), 49ers; Trevin Wallace (25%), Panthers; Akeem Davis-Gaither (23%), Cardinals; Eric Wilson (19%), Vikings; Darius Muasau (16%), Giants; Elandon Roberts (12%), Raiders; Drake Thomas (12%), Seahawks; Denzel Perryman (10%), Chargers; and Kiko Maugoia (7%), Jets.
Defensive Linemen (DL)
There are a couple of new targets for IDP managers to focus on this week. New Orleans’ Chase Young (17%) played in his second game since returning from injury, and received an excellent 68% snap share. He posted three tackles (two solo) and 0.5 sacks against the Bears. The veteran isn’t somehow I’m throwing into lineups yet, but he is worth adding to the bench and seeing if his role and production continue.
Rookie edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (28%) tallied his first career sack in Week 7, but more importantly led the Cowboys pass rushers in snaps with 56%. He also scored four tackles (three solo). We need more sample size to trust him going forward. However, his metrics were very solid, and the former Boston College product could be a useful IDP asset down the stretch. Prioritize him if you play in a dynasty league.
Other options: Derrick Barnes (29%), Lions; Byron Murphy (27%), Seahawks; Jaelan Phillips (27%), Dolphins; Derrick Brown (26%), Panthers; Daron Payne (22%), Commanders; Demarcus Lawrence (17%), Seahawks; Uchenna Nwosu (14%), Seahawks; Jonah Laulu (10%), Raiders; K’Lavon Chaisson (7%), Patriots; Von Miller (7%), Commanders; Zach Harrison (5%), Falcons; Alex Wright (4%), Browns; and Sam Okuayinonu (3%), 49ers.
Defensive Backs (DB)
There are always tons of options for defensive backs and this week is no different. Minnesota safety Harrison Smith (23%) finally earned back his full-time job from Theo Jackson and tallied four unassisted tackles and a pass deflection. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores utilized him well with 44% of his snaps in the box. He’s always been a productive fantasy player and would at least provide depth to teams needing a bye week starter.
Other options: Cole Bishop (24%), Bills; Alohi Gilman (20%), Ravens; Evan Williams (18%), Packers; Amani Hooker (15%), Titans; Geno Stone (15%), Bengals; Jonas Sanker (14%), Saints; Ashtyn Davis (13%), Dolphins; Quan Martin (13%), Commanders; Andrew Wingard (12%), Jaguars; Ronnie Hickman (9%), Browns; Malachi Moore (5%), Jets; and Ty Okada (3%), Seahawks.
CB options: Kenny Moore (28%), Colts; Jourdan Lewis (26%), Jaguars; Mike Sainristil (25%), Commanders; Kool-Aid McKinstry (21%), Saints; Jamel Dean (11%), Buccaneers; Kamari Lassiter (11%), Texans; Mike Jackson (9%), Panthers; Josh Jobe (8%), Seahawks; Brandon Stephens (8%), Jets; Mekhi Blackmon (7%), Colts; DJ Turner (7%), Bengals; Nahshon Wright (6%), Bears; and Cor’Dale Flott (4%), Giants.
Thank you for reading! Follow me on X at @BigSteveFF
If you want to win your IDP leagues, make sure you check out our 2025 Weekly IDP Rankings.