IDP Waiver Wire for Week 5
We’re wrapping up the first month and rolling into Week 5 with plenty of waiver wire opportunities across all league formats. The injury bug has struck hard, and teams are finding their footing defensively, bringing a fresh wave of names worth your attention.
As usual, we’ll cover every defensive level, including DTs and CBs for those playing in deeper five-position formats. Ownership figures (shown in parentheses) are from Sleeper, with fantasy production calculated using IDP123 scoring. Any player rostered in over 30% of leagues won’t make the cut.
The mission stays the same each week: deliver at least one waiver addition that works for your specific league setup. Let’s break down the top defensive pickups available for Week 5!
Defensive Linemen (DL)
The multitude of injuries at the edge rusher position is providing fantasy managers with plenty of streaming options. Pittsburgh’s Nick Herbig (27%) continues to shine as he tallied five tackles (three solo) and 1.5 sacks against the Vikings in Dublin. The Ravens’ Tavius Robinson (10%) earned his second sack of the season while maintaining a 75%+ snap share. Philadelphia’s Jalyx Hunt (7%) inherited the most reps from the injured Nolan Smith. He didn’t secure a sack on Sunday, but forced a fumble. I rate him as a volume option for deeper leagues.
For a long-term starter, don’t forget about the Seahawks’ Uchenna Nwosu (11%). He nabbed two sacks against the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football and is finally finding his form after missing significant time over the past three seasons. He saw an increase from 27% of snaps in Week 3 to 57% this week. Grab him before your league mates remember he’s still in the league!
Other options: Dorance Armstrong (23%), Commanders; Daron Payne (22%), Commanders; Leonard Floyd (21%), Falcons; Calais Campbell (8%), Cardinals; K’Lavon Chaisson (6%), Patriots; Jalen Redmond (4%), Vikings; and Sam Okuayinonu (3%), 49ers.
Linebackers (LB)
We have some new names to target this week for linebackers. Arizona’s Akeem Davis-Gaither (21%) played 80% of snaps against Seattle and accrued 10 tackles (five solo). It’s encouraging that he’s staying on the field more, possibly carving out a steady role. Cedric Gray (14%) barely left the field for the Titans and delivered 17 tackles (10 solo). He’s a player I’m prioritizing for waiver claims. The team did not activate Kyzir White from the practice squad, which quashes my fears that the veteran was supplanting Gray as the starter.
Baltimore’s Roquan Smith suffered a hamstring injury during the game against the Chiefs. He will miss a few games. That opens the door for Teddye Buchanan (14%) and Trenton Simpson (18%) to pair up in the middle of the Ravens’ defense. The former has already established himself as the number two linebacker and is the preferred claim. Simpson will likely return to the bench as soon as Smith is ready to go.
Other options: Devin Bush (29%), Browns; Dee Winters (23%), 49ers; Derrick Barnes (22%), Lions; Sirvocea Dennis (20%), Buccaneers; Jack Sanborn (20%), Cowboys; Eric Wilson (10%), Vikings; Troy Dye (8%), Chargers; Kiko Mauigoa (5%), Jets; and Drake Thomas (2%), Seahawks.
Defensive Backs (DB)
Those in CB-required leagues are spoiled for choice this season. Bengals slot cornerback Dax Hill (25%) bounced back from his two-tackle outing in Week 3 and secured nine tackles (five solo) and a pass deflection against the Broncos. Cowboys nickel Reddy Steward (2%) is a decent shout if you play in a non-shallow format. He managed six tackles (all solo) and a TFL on Sunday, which was his second game in a row with that total.
If you need some safety help in a five-position league, Buffalo safety Cole Bishop (24%) snagged a ridiculous one-handed interception and five tackles (four solo) in his career-best IDP performance. He’s regularly playing every down and offers a solid weekly tackle floor. He is the 15th-ranked S in fantasy points. Another player flying under the radar is the Jaguars’ Andrew Wingard (7%). He made 22 tackles (12 solo) and an interception in September. Those stats won’t blow you away, but he is as reliable a fantasy player as you can start.
Other options: Evan Williams (19%), Packers; Coby Bryant (16%), Seahawks; Amani Hooker (16%), Titans; and Marques Sigle (8%), 49ers.
CB options: Zyon McCollum (18%), Buccaneers; Tyrique Stevenson (18%), Bears; Tyson Campbell (16%), Jaguars; Kamari Lassiter (9%), Texans; D.J. Reed (14%), Lions; Josh Jobe (6%), Seahawks; Kyu Blu Kelly (5%), Raiders.
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