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Welcome back, IDP Nerds! It’s time for the Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups. We’ve been reasonably lucky with significant injuries, but bye weeks are rapidly approaching. Now is the time for fantasy managers to grind the waiver wire to find replacements. I’ve got you covered—this report breaks down the best adds at each position, drop candidates, trade targets, and dynasty stashes to monitor.
Resources for You
- The Glossery | FREE All-in-One IDP Rankings with SuperFlex and TE Premium
- Updated and Reliable IDP Rankings & Tiers
- Weekly Waiver Wire Articles (offense)
Players to Add | Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups
Best Defensive Line Waiver Pickups | Week 5 IDP
| Player | Team | FAAB % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uchenna Nwosu | Seattle Seahawks | 1-5% | Coming off 2 sacks and 30 fantasy points in Week 4; leads Seattle in win rate and pressure rate. |
| Jalen Redmond | Minnesota Vikings | 5-10% | Leads team with 3 sacks, 3 straight double-digit fantasy games; boom/bust but worth a few FAAB $. |
Uchenna Nwosu | Seattle Seahawks | 1-5% FAAB
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense has been strong to start the season. However, they don’t offer IDP managers a top-tier player at the defensive line position. The Seattle defense has 7 sacks over the past two games, and they are starting to give IDP managers a clear picture of how they utilize their pass rushers. Uchenna Nwosu, a defensive end for the Seahawks, is coming off his best game this season with 2 sacks against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Seahawks’ EDGE (an outside linebacker who lines up on the line of scrimmage) rusher collected 30 fantasy points in Week 4 and is a top option for managers searching for depth at the DL (Defensive Line) position. Nwosu was one of three Seattle pass rushers to play over 55% of the defensive snaps last week. According to Pro Football Focus, he led all Seattle pass rushers in win rate (25%), pressure rate (17.9%), and pass rush grade (72.6). This means he was very effective in getting to the quarterback, which is a key metric for defensive players in fantasy football. Uche
Jalen Redmond | Minnesota Vikings | 5-10% FAAB
You won’t often find a third-string defensive tackle as a top option on waiver wires just four games into the season. However, we can’t ignore the production from veteran DT Jalen Redmond. He’s leading all Minnesota Vikings players with 3 sacks this season, the 11th best in the NFL. His 8 solo tackles are the 14th most for DTs, and he has racked up his third consecutive double-digit fantasy game. This week’s common theme is that you are looking at boom-bust type players at the DL position. Based on his recent production, Jalen Redmond deserves a few dollars of your FAAB this week.
Linebacker Adds (LB) | Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire
| Player | Team | FAAB % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake Thomas | Seattle Seahawks | 1–5% | Played 93% of 3rd/4th down snaps; potential stash for expanded role. |
| Troy Dye | Los Angeles Chargers | 1–5% | 16 tackles in Week 4; back-to-back double-digit weeks. |
Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire Linebacker Pickups (Condensed Table)
Drake Thomas | Seattle Seahawks | 1-5% FAAB
We have another shakeup at the linebacker position in the ever-changing IDP landscape. In Week 4, Drake Thomas found himself in the starting role for the Seahawks, and he would split time with second-year player Tyrice Knight. Thomas dominated the 3rd and 4th down snaps, playing 93% while Knight was playing more of the early down snaps. This is a very struggling sign for IDP managers banking on a big year for Tyrice Knight.
As much as this waiver wire recommendation feels like you’re signing yourself up for another split snap at the LB2 position for Seattle, it’s worth stashing Thomas in the event he takes over a full-time role. We will have to continue to wait to see how this usage plays out over the season, but you don’t want to be stuck paying a premium price for a player you could have added on waivers for relatively free.
Troy Dye | Los Angeles Chargers | 1-5% FAAB
The waiver wire can be barren as we enter the second month of the NFL season, especially in deeper leagues. Troy Dye has provided some solid production at the linebacker spot. The veteran Los Angeles LB has double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back games. Dye racked up 16 tackles in Week 4 while playing just 85% of the defensive snaps. There have yet to be many significant injuries at the LB position, so at this point, you’re looking at where you can find hidden points at the top positions in IDP leagues. Troy Dye at minimum offers you that luxury; if you’re in a bind, he can provide some much-needed help.
Defensive Back Adds (DB) | Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire
| Player | Team | FAAB % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonas Sanker | New Orleans Saints | 1–5% | Rookie DB with two 15+ point games in last 3 weeks; 98% snap share in Week 4. |
| Andrew Wingard | Jacksonville Jaguars | 1–5% | Steady vet; 5.5 tackles per game with an INT this season. |
IDP Waiver Wire Defensive Back Pickups Week 5 (Condensed)
Jonas Sanker | New Orleans Saints | 1-5% FAAB
IDP managers who invested in late-round picks in IDP must be thrilled with Jonas Sanker‘s usage. The Saints’ rookie DB has notched his second 15+ point fantasy week in the last three games. The former Virginia Cavaliers DB led all New Orleans safeties with a 98% defensive snap share this week. Despite playing most of those snaps at deep safety, he did manage an interception, which helped him have a big week. Justin Reid will likely continue to play more box snaps, but Sanker playing more will continue to increase his dynasty value. I like this move for non-contending dynasty managers who can afford to stash a young player in hopes they can potentially get a value return for him before the season ends.
Andrew Wingard | Jacksonville Jaguars | 1-5% FAAB
Veteran safety Andrew Wingard is one of the most disrespected defensive backs in IDP fantasy football. He’s the definition of just a guy (JAG), which is fitting for him to be the only Jacksonville safety to play more than 50% of the snaps in Week 4. He averages 5.5 tackles per game and has an interception through the season’s first month. The DB position is the easiest to stream, but finding a player who can provide consistent fantasy production will save you the headache of playing the matchup game every week.
Drop Candidates to Make Room for Sleepers
| Player | Reason to Drop |
|---|---|
| Von Miller | Aging, sack-dependent with minimal tackle upside. |
| Marte Mapu | Below 20% snaps; buried on depth chart. |
| Bryan Cook | Only 25% double-digit FPts; losing snaps to Conner & Hicks. |
Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire | Drop Candidates Analysis (Condensed)
- Von Miller – An aging veteran who has minimal tackle upside. His value is highly dependent on recording a sack each game.
- Marte Mapu – Drafted two coaching staffs ago to be a defensive weapon. Has failed to play more than 20% of snaps in a blowout win in Week 4.
- Bryan Cook – Has double-digit fantasy points in only 25% of games. He’s losing box snaps to Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks.
Top Trade Targets | Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire
| Player | Pos | Buy/Sell | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nolan Smith | DL | Buy | Stash while on IR; cheap late rookie pick acquisition. |
| Matt Milano | LB | Buy | Veteran with playoff-run upside; usage suppressed early. |
| Jarvis Brownlee | DB | Buy | Productive CB; trade to Jets boosts value opposite Sauce Gardner. |
Top Week 5 IDP Trade Targets | DL, LB, DB Must-Adds
- Nolan Smith – Savvy managers struggling this season could look to acquire him while he’s on short-term IR. Look to package a late-round rookie pick to a starter at DL to acquire him.
- Matt Milano – A veteran LB who is missing games due to the depth at the position and a weaker schedule. He will come on late and help your team for the late-season run.
- Jarvis Brownlee – Highly productive fantasy points in CB-required leagues. Recently traded to the Jets will be targeted heavily playing opposite Sauce Gardner.
IDP Scouting Notes | Week 5 Players to Watch for Dynasty
| Player | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moro Ojomo | Philadelphia Eagles | 6 tackles, 2 sacks in last 3 games; 20% pressure rate. |
| Jamal Adams | Las Vegas Raiders | First double-digit fantasy game; LB hybrid role emerging. |
| Antonio Johnson | Jacksonville Jaguars | Averaging 10+ FPts last 2 games; box-snap leader in Week 4. |
Week 5 Players to Watch | Dynasty IDP Scouting Notes (Condensed)
- Moro Ojomo – Collected 6 tackles and 2 sacks over his last three games. Posted a 20% pressure rate in Week 4.
- Jamal Adams – Recorded his first double-digit game of the season. He’s slowly carving out a role at LB alongside Devin White.
- Antonio Johnson – Has averaged over 10 FPPG over the last two games—led the team in box snaps (34.4%) in Week 4.
🛠️ More Dynasty IDP & Fantasy Tools
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- 🏈 IDP Hub → All of our IDP articles in one place.
- 📊 IDP Rankings Tiers → Updated IDP rankings for every position.
- 📚 The Glossery → Our Top 500 all-in-one rankings for Superflex, TE Premium, and IDP.
- 📅 Dynasty Calendar → Never miss a key date in your dynasty league.
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FAQ | Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups
Q: Who is the top IDP add this week?
A: Uchenna Nwosu (DL, Seattle Seahawks) is the best immediate add after his breakout Week 4 performance with 2 sacks and 30 fantasy points. He’s a strong depth piece at DL for managers in need.
Q: Which linebacker should I prioritize?
A: Drake Thomas (LB, Seahawks) has the most upside after earning heavy third- and fourth-down snaps. Troy Dye (LB, Chargers) is also a strong short-term option with back-to-back double-digit fantasy weeks.
Q: Are there defensive backs worth adding?
A: Yes. Jonas Sanker (DB, Saints) is a promising rookie seeing nearly every snap and flashing big-play upside, while Andrew Wingard (DB, Jaguars) offers steady production and streaming value.
Q: Who are the best drop candidates this week?
A: Von Miller, Marte Mapu, and Bryan Cook are all easy cuts. Their usage and production are declining, and there are better waiver adds available.
Q: Should I sell high on anyone?
A: Nolan Smith is a smart buy-low stash while on short-term IR. If you’re looking to add depth, acquiring a veteran like Matt Milano could net late season value, and Jarvis Brownlee’s stock is up in CB-required leagues after landing with the Jets.
Q: What deep dynasty stashes should I keep an eye on?
A: Moro Ojomo (DL), Jamal Adams (LB/S hybrid usage), and Antonio Johnson (DB) are trending in the right direction and could carve out bigger roles as the season progresses.
