IDP Matchups, Living the Stream: Week 5

Photo: USA Today Sports

With each passing week, the importance of being able to live the stream continues to grow in IDP leagues.

Injuries to prominent players continue to mount. The No. 1 linebacker on some draft boards (Nick Bolton of the Kansas City Chiefs) has already missed multiple games. The No. 1 defensive back on just about every draft board (Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James) missed Week 4 with a hamstring injury. A top-10 edge-rusher (Matthew Judon of the Patriots) tore a tendon in his arm last week and will likely miss the rest of the season.

Then there are the IDP disappointments—and they are legion. Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen barely ranks inside the top 60 defensive linemen in fantasy points. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard has gone from a potential IDP stud to a snap count south of 50 percent. Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins has gone from DB1 in 2022 to afterthought in 2023.

But wait! There's more!

Four teams are on a bye in Week 5—the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That means no Myles Garrett on the defensive line. No Bobby Wagner at linebacker. No Antoine Winfield Jr on the back end.

Teams need a fill-in—especially teams that have started the season slow. They need a Week 5 option who can help keep the season from coming off the rails. An under-the-radar play with the potential to be what so many players haven't been in 2023—relevant.

Reckon I should start rattling off names now, huh?

DE Jonathon Cooper, Denver (vs. NY Jets)

The days of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb manning the edge are gone in Denver—Miller was sent packing long ago, Chubb was traded last year, and big-money free-agent signing Randy Gregory has turned out to be a bust so far. However, third-year pro Jonathon Cooper has emerged as a solid starter in his third season—something he told Andrew Mason of Denver Sports was most assuredly on his "to-do" list for 2023.

"I know for me, personally, I just really wanted to improve from Year Two to Year Three," he said, "and I took every single day very seriously, just figuring out the little things that I could work on to get better and be a better player. Just better at cleaning up my pass rushing, cleaning up, setting the edge, being stronger, feeling more comfortable in my weight and with this defense and scheme. I feel faster."

That speed has shown in recent weeks. Against the Commanders in Week 2, Cooper registered eight total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Last Sunday against the Chicago Bears, he posted five tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. The New York Jets aren't quite as favorable a fantasy matchup as those teams, but they do rank 10th in fantasy points allowed to defensive ends.

DE Andrew Van Ginkel, Miami (vs. NY Giants)

Van Ginkel has done a little of everything for the Dolphins this season. In the opener against the Chargers, the 28-year-old played mostly inside linebacker. But after edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips got hurt, Van Ginkel kicked outside. That's where he played last week against the Buffalo Bills, piling up two sacks. His performance over the past few weeks has drawn the praise of the teammate he replaced in the lineup.

"That boy snapped," Philips told reporters. "He's one of the sneakiest, most sneaky athletic people I've ever met. He's very unassuming, but he's really a playmaker all around the ball, flying around, making plays, rushing his (expletive) off."

There's optimism that Phillips could return in Week 5, which clouds Van Ginkel's role against the New York Giants a bit. But if he kicks back inside, he's likely at least good for a handful of tackles, giving him the sort of IDP floor that can be very nice with a "lineman." It's also worth pointing out that Seahawks linebackers Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks combined for four sacks of Daniel Jones from inside last week. If he remains outside, Van Ginkel will get one of the best pass-rush matchups in the league. Either way, he has played too well to not be out there—for the Dolphins and IDP managers.