IDP Waiver Wire for Week 4
Week 4 is upon us, and the waiver wire remains as essential as ever. Injuries continue to open doors, new roles are emerging, and breakout players are starting to prove they’re more than one-week wonders. This is the time to react quickly, strengthen your roster, and stay ahead of your competition.
As always, we’ll hit all three levels of the defense, including defensive tackles and cornerbacks for those in deeper, five-position formats. Ownership percentages (in parentheses) come from Sleeper, with fantasy production measured using IDP123 scoring. Players rostered in more than 30% of leagues are excluded.
My weekly goal is to provide at least one waiver target that fits your league structure. Let’s dive into the best defensive pickups heading into Week 4!
Defensive Linemen (DL)
Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (20%) gave us one of the best moments of this NFL season: he housed a blocked field goal at the end of the game against the Rams. Don’t let that fool you. He’s one of the highest scoring DTs, not simply because of the touchdown. He amassed 16 tackles (10 solo) and a sack through three games. That is a terrific tackle floor for weekly stability. He’s in play for three-position formats as well. Commander’s DT Daron Payne (21%) is another option. He managed a 26% pass rush win rate in Week 3 and is ranked 8th in fantasy points at the position.
If you’re in a deeper league and need edge reinforcements, the Lions’ Al-Quadin Muhammad (2%) had a fantastic effort against the Ravens on Monday Night Football. He collected four tackles (three solo) and 2.5 sacks. Considering how often the journeyman charged into the backfield, he could’ve done even more damage
Other options: Byron Murphy II (26%), Seahawks; Nick Herbig (19%), Steelers; Dorance Armstrong (17%), Commanders; and Calais Campbell (8%), Cardinals.
Linebackers (LB)
There are some fantastic options at linebacker that I will mention again from last week’s article. Saints’ LB Pete Werner (28%) is on IDP-fire this season. He tallied 13 tackles (seven solo) and recovered a fumble in his team’s blowout loss to the Seahawks. He has 64 fantasy points through the first three games. If available, the former Buckeye is a must-add in all formats. The Browns’ Devin Bush (24%) exceeded 80% of snaps this week and racked up seven tackles (three solo) and a forced fumble. He consistently produces as an LB2/3 and could be helpful in non-shallow formats. The same goes for the Cowboys’ Jack Sanborn (18%), who is seeing a similar snap share as Bush, and hit double-digit points again despite not imposing himself on the field.
For deeper leagues, it’s important to note the Titans cut back on Cedric Gray’s role in favor of Kyzir White (13%). The split was 56%-35%, but seeing the veteran take the job outright would not be surprising. Despite bouncing around the league, he’s shone as an IDP asset the past four seasons. Another speculative addition is the Patriots’ Jack Gibbens (8%). He replaced Christian Elliss, who rode the bench after missing a couple of tackles early in the game. For an injury-starter target, the Jets’ Quincy Williams did not finish the game, and Marcelino McCrary-Ball (3%) took over. He did tweak his hamstring, but for those in super deep formats, it’s worth claiming a player with a chance at a full-time role.
Other options: Dee Winters (22%), 49ers; Derrick Barnes (20%), Lions; Noah Sewell (13%), Bears; Justin Strnad (13%), Broncos; Teddye Buchanan (12%), Ravens; Cole Holcomb (12%), Steelers; and Eric Wilson (8%), Vikings
Defensive Backs (DB)
Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (4%) produced an all-time defensive performance with three solo tackles, two fumble recoveries, one pick-six, and a scoop-and-score. He’ll never come close to repeating it, but he’s seeing enough snaps for relevance in CB-required leagues. That goes for Tampa Bay’s Zyon McCollum (17%), who is facing a consistent barrage of targets each week. I’d also include Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell (10%) in this group. He posted seven unassisted tackles against Houston on Sunday and is averaging six tackles per game. These players face significant current traffic and are worth capitalizing on in appropriate leagues.
Regarding safeties, Washington’s Will Harris fractured his fibula, and Jeremy Reaves (2%) likely will replace him as Dan Quinn’s hybrid linebacker. The role constitutes a 50-60% box snap share and has routinely built IDP stars. The Cowboys employ safety Donovan Wilson (20%) in the second-level 35-45% of snaps while giving him duties in the slot. He came up with his best game of the season in Week 3 with seven tackles (four solo). It’s not the flashiest waiver claim, but dependable IDPs are necessary for championship-caliber fantasy squads.
Other options: Evan Williams (18%); Coby Bryant (16%), Seahawks; Amani Hooker (16%), Titans; and Marques Sigle (9%), 49ers.
CB options: Dax Hill (28%), Bengals; Jourdan Lewis (24%), Jaguars; Riley Moss (15%), Broncos; and Reddy Steward (2%), Cowboys.
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