And so it begins, our first wave of bye weeks. On top of the myriad of injuries to navigate, we also have four teams on an upcoming bye (Tennesee, Detroit, Houston, and Las Vegas). I did my best to navigate through the snaps and stats to find some potential waiver wire options for your IDP leagues. Please keep in mind there are many fun ways to play this IDP game we love, and if you ever have any league-specific questions feel free to reach out. Alright, let’s get to it.
Linebackers
Isaiah Simmons, Arizona Cardinals
Week 5 Stats: 13 tackles (8 solos)
Isaiah Simmons's role has been quite the rollercoaster to the start of the season. Simmons started significantly involved with an 87% snap share in Week 1 (61 snaps), but then things took a turn. Simmons' involvement drastically declined in Week 2 (15 snaps/22%), and the trend continued into Week 3 (16 snaps/33%). It was a disappointing turn of events for the former first-round pick as he entered the dreaded droppable zone for fantasy purposes.
However, in Week 4, Simmons saw a promising increase in playing time as he logged 43 defensive snaps (83%). This trend carried over into Week 5, as Simmons played a season-high 67 defensive snaps (92%) and produced a team-high 13 tackles (8 solos).
With Nick Vigil (hamstring) on IR, it was Ben Nieman who saw extra box work as he played a season-high 45 defensive snaps (62%). On the other hand, Simmons is spending time in the box but is being utilized a considerable amount in the slot. Over his last two games, Simmons has logged 60 of his 110 defensive snaps in the slot area, per Pro Football Focus. Nevertheless, Simmons is seeing his snap volume increase and is back on the IDP radar. If Simmons was dropped during his role reduction, he's worth a waiver add, given his positive trajectory over the past two weeks.
Tyrel Dodson, Buffalo Bills
Week 5 Stats: 11 tackles (7 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
The Bills were without Tremaine Edmunds (hamstring) this week, and Tyrel Dodson stepped up in his place. Dodson got the starting nod next to Matt Milano and played 63 defensive snaps (84%). Dodson didn't disappoint in his first significant game action of 2022. His 11 tackles (7 solos) led the team, and he also added a splash play getting home for a sack.
This is purely speculation, but there is a fair chance Edmunds sits again this week with Buffalo having a Week 7 bye. Hamstrings can linger and extra rest is always a good thing if the team feels they can afford it. If you're an Edmunds manager or looking for a bye-week filler, Dodson is worth a pickup off the wire. Just make sure you monitor Edmunds' status throughout the week.
Alex Singleton, Denver Broncos
Week 5 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos), 2 tackles for loss
In unfortunate news, Josey Jewell suffered a knee injury on Thursday night and is considered week-to-week. Alex Singleton was thrust back into action after Jewell's early exit. Singleton hadn't logged a defensive snap since Week 2, before playing 43 snaps (54%) in Week 5. Jonas Griffith continues to have a part-time role as he saw just 29 defensive snaps (37%).
If Jewell is deemed unable to go, Singleton would be the Bronco linebacker to target. Singleton makes for a solid bye-week fill-in while he's usable. Just make sure you monitor Jewell's participation throughout the week. However, if Jewell can go, Singleton should go away from your lineup.
Germaine Pratt, Cincinatti Bengals
Week 5 Stats: 8 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 2 passes defended
Germaine Pratt is a linebacker who doesn't carry a full-time workload but does see the field enough to give us some production. Pratt has a 72% snap share on the season and played a season-high 52 defensive snaps (80%) in Week 5. Pratt has a solid matchup against New Orleans this week and is worth a look if you need an injury or bye-week filler.
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Cory Littleton/Damien Wilson, Carolina Panthers
Littleton Week 5 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos)
Wilson Week 5 Stats: 9 tackles (7 solos), 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble
The Panthers were without waiver wire darling Frankie Luvu (shoulder) this week. Subsequently, Cory Littleton and Damien Wilson both saw their heaviest involvement of the season. Littleton, along with Shaq Thompson, played all 67 of Carolina's defensive snaps on Sunday, while Wilson logged 45 snaps (67%).
It's a bit of a tale of two stories here. Littleton inherited a full-time role, while Wilson had the more attractive box score with his bump in snaps. If Luvu were to miss another week, gravitate toward the snap share with Littleton. However, I'm not saying Wilson won't be productive, I just don't know if he can replicate his Week 5 performance with another sub-70% snap share. Both these guys are only worth considering if Luvu is out and can be avoided if he does indeed return.
Deion Jones, Cleveland Browns
Week 5 Stats: DNP
In a surprising move, Cleveland traded for Deion Jones Sunday following their Week 5 loss to the Chargers. While it's a positive move for Rashaan Evans and Mykal Walker in Atlanta, it muddies up the waters in the Cleveland linebacker room. Who will be affected by this move the most, Jacob Phillips or Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah? It’s tough to say right now, but we will find out soon enough.
I wouldn't trust Jones right out the gate, but the fact Cleveland sought out a trade makes you think he will be involved at some point. However, how much he's involved is something we will need to see. If Jones is still floating around the waiver wire, he's worth a click to see how he fits in his new home.
Defensive Line/Edge
Carl Lawson, New York Jets
Week 5 Stats: 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 sack, 7 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
This is the week we've been waiting for out of Carl Lawson. Lawson was a problem off the edge on Sunday as he accumulated seven quarterback hits and an impressive eight pressures, per Pro Football Focus. Lawson played well, graded well, and gave his fantasy managers something to fist pump about.
In Week 6, Lawson will go up against a Green Bay offensive line that is anything but steady—I've seen it firsthand as a Packer fan. Lawson now has sacks in back-to-back weeks, and hopefully, it's full steam ahead. If you need DL/Edge help, Lawson is a rock-solid pickup where available.
Dayo Odeyingbo, Indianapolis Colts
Week 5 Stats: 4 tackles (1 solo), .5 sack, 2 QB hits
The Colts pass rush unit suffered a big loss as Kwity Paye went down with a high-ankle sprain late in the game Thursday night. Paye had to be carted off the field, but it seems he avoided a severe injury. No official timetable has been given yet, but Paye could be out a few weeks while his ankle heels.
Dayo Odeyingbo looks to be the next man up if Paye is unavailable. Odeyingbo played a season-high 40 defensive snaps (55%) and registered two quarterback hits and a half sack on the day. Odeyingbo is an intriguing young player and should inherit a solid role if Paye does miss time. If you're looking for DL/Edge reinforcement, Odeyingbo is worth a look as we see what he can do with some extended run.
Charles Omenihu, San Francisco 49ers
Week 5 Stats: 1 solo tackle, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 2 QB hits
The 49ers' pass rush also took a huge hit on Sunday as Nick Bosa left the game early with a groin injury. We're still awaiting more news on the severity of Bosa's injury, but hopefully, it doesn’t sideline him too long.
Charles Omenihu would be a prime beneficiary if Bosa does miss significant time. Omenihu carries a 49% snap share on the season and played a season-high 46 defensive snaps (67%) in Week 5. Omenihu has quietly been playing well lately, registering two sacks and 10 pressures over his last two games. If you're looking for a Bosa replacement or just need to boost your DL/Edge group, Omenihu is a worthy option.
D.J. Jones, Denver Broncos
Week 5 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Defensive Backs
Ryan Neal, Seattle Seahawks
Week 5 Stats: 8 tackles (2 solos), 1 pass defended
The Seahawks made a change at safety this week. Ryan Neal displaced Josh Jones for the starting safety spot next to Quandre Diggs. Neal played all 77 defensive snaps in Week 5, while Jones only saw 14 snaps (18%). Even more encouraging was the fact Neal played 69 of his 77 defensive snaps up in the IDP sweet spot (box, slot, and DL), per Pro Football Focus. Neal’s utilization bodes well for his IDP production, and he produced an admirable eight tackles (2 solos) in his first start of the season. If you’re looking for safety help, Neal is a great pickup with his new starting job and IDP-conducive role.
Juston Burris, Carolina Panthers
Week 5 Stats: 8 tackles (6 solos), 1 pass defended
The Panthers were without both of their regular starting safeties this week. Jeremy Chinn and Xavier Woods are both dealing with hamstring injuries, and Chinn was placed on injured reserve last week. This week it was Juston Burris and Myles Hartsfield starting at safety for Carolina. Burris was activated from the practice squad and turned in a solid eight-tackle (6 solos) performance in his first game action. Burris played 65 defensive snaps (97%), and 48 of those came up in the sweet spot. Burris would be relied upon again if Woods cannot go Week 6, and he’s worth a pickup to see if he continues to have a role while Chinn is out.
Terrell Burgess, Los Angeles Rams
Week 5 Stats: 8 tackles (6 solos)
The Rams are another team dealing with multiple injuries at safety. Jordan Fuller (hamstring) was recently placed on IR, and Taylor Rapp (ribs) was also inactive for Week 6. Terrell Burgess drew the start next to Nick Scott and played all 55 defensive snaps on Sunday. Burgess played around 60% of his snaps aligned at free safety but was active, producing eight tackles (6 solos). If Rapp cannot go this week, Burgess is worth a deep league pickup as an injury or bye-week filler.
Alohi Gilman, Los Angeles Chargers
Week 5 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), 1 interception, 1 pass defended
Alohi Gilman supplanted Nasir Adderley in the Chargers’ starting lineup this week. Gilman played all 67 defensive snaps in Week 6 and came up with a clutch fourth-quarter interception to help seal the victory for Los Angeles. It looks like Gilman should get his shot to hold down the starting role and could serve as depth or a bye-week fill-in in deeper leagues.
Final Thoughts
It was yet another brutal week of injuries, with some big names and role players going down. With bye weeks also striking our rosters, paying attention and doing our best to stay ahead of things will become paramount. Stay tuned throughout the week as our fantastic IDP staff here at Footballguys will keep you up to date on all things defense. Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you all back next week.
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. Feel free to reach me on Twitter @KBellf54 with any questions or feedback.