For Week 6, we only have two teams heading into a bye (Green Bay and Pittsburgh). Unfortunately, the injury grim reaper continues to haunt us. I did my best to sift 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
E.J. Speed, Indianapolis Colts
Week 5 Stats: 7 tackles (3 solos), 1 pass defended
With Shaquille Leonard (groin) ruled out for this week, more work was coming E.J. Speed's way. Speed has been a key part of the Colts' defense this year but carried just a 50% snap share through the first four weeks. However, in Week 5 with no Leonard, Speed played 59 defensive snaps, which was good for a 98% snap share.
If Leonard is forced to miss extended time, Speed will continue to hold a full-time gig. Leonard's play has also taken a step back this year, so if Speed shows well, he could continue to cut into his role when he does return. If Speed is sitting on your waiver wire, he's a priority add this week.
Damone Clark, Dallas Cowboys
Week 5 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos)
Leighton Vander Esch suffered an unfortunate neck injury in the second half of Sunday night's contest. We are still awaiting more news, but head coach Mike McCarthy has said IR is a possibility. Vander Esch's neck issues have been well-documented throughout his career, and hopefully, the injury isn't severe.
With Vander Esch potentially out for an extended time, Damone Clark is likely to get the first shot at an expanded role. Clark has been involved but hasn't been a full-time player with just a 58% snap share on the season. However, he does carry a solid 17.6% tackle rate over the first five games. If you're looking for linebacker reinforcements, Clark is worth a look off the waiver wire as he seems primed for a heftier workload, given Dallas' current linebacker unit.
Isaiah Simmons, New York Giants
Week 5 Stats: 9 tackles (7 solos)
Through the first four weeks, Isaiah Simmons has held a minimal role and just a 26.7% snap share for the Giants' defense. However, with Micah McFadden (ankle) unable to go in Week 5, Simmons played all 54 defensive snaps against Miami. Simmons' nine-tackle outing this week was by far his best IDP output on the year so far.
If McFadden continues to miss more time, it appears Simmons will have a more prominent role. Although, if McFadden returns, Simmons will be tough to trust. With his minimal role to start the year, Simmons is likely available on plenty of waiver wires. While he's worth an add to see how this all shakes out, make sure to monitor McFadden's status before rolling him out this week.
Tyrel Dodson, Buffalo Bills
Week 5 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery
In major unfortunate news, the Bills lost a key piece to their defense this week as Matt Milano suffered a brutal leg injury. Milano is likely out for the rest of the year, meaning there is a big void to be filled at linebacker in the Buffalo defense. Rookie Dorian Williams got most of the initial run after Milano exited but ceded snaps to Tyrel Dodson as the game went on. Dodson ended up playing 55 defensive snaps (62%), while Williams logged 32 snaps (36%) against Jacksonville.
While we may not get one player to fill Milano's full-time role, Dodson looks to be the waiver add after what transpired this week. However, this situation is going to be one to monitor closely as the Bills prepare to finish the year without a crucial piece to their defense. Dodson is worth a look in deeper leagues, but there is some uncertainty with the situation.
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Defensive Line/Edge Rusher
A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills
Week 5 Stats: 4 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
The BIlls were without Greg Rousseau (foot) this week, which vaulted A.J. Epenesa into the starting lineup for the first time this season. Von Miller also made his season debut, but he played just 20 defensive snaps (23%) in a limited role. Epenesa saw his most action of the year, playing 59 snaps (67%) after failing to crack a 50% snap share in any of the first four games.
Although it didn't lead to a victory, Epenesa stepped up big time for the Bills' defense (see stats above). If Rousseau is unable to go in Week 6, Epenesa will again see his workload increase. It just so happens the Buffalo defense draws a spicy Week 6 matchup against a Giants offensive line who have surrendered 18 sacks over their last two games. Given the matchup, Epenesa is in play in deeper leagues, even if Rousseau can go. Although, Epenesa's star would shine a little brighter if he's in the starting lineup again.
Yannick Ngakoue, Chicago Bears
Week 5 Stats: 3 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Yannick Ngakoue was able to notch his second sack of the season in Week 5 against a poor Washington offensive line. Ngakoue dropped a goose egg in Week 4, so it was nice to see him create a little havoc behind the line this week. It was also the second week in a row where Ngakoue saw an 80%+ snap share. Ngakoue is seeing consistent volume with a 74% snap share on the year.
After a quiet past three games, Ngakoue is likely sitting on quite a few waiver wires. If you need edge rusher help, Ngakoue provides a healthy role as he averages 48 snaps per game. Let's hope the veteran can string together back-to-back sack weeks as Chicago is coming off their first win and takes on division rival Minnesota in Week 6.
Zach Sieler, Miami Dolphins
Week 5 Stats: 7 tackles (6 solos), 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 QB hits
Zach Sieler had himself a day against the exploitable New York Giants offensive line in Week 5. Sieler holds a 70% snap share on the year but has been relatively quiet since Week 1. With teams playing catchup against Miami's potent offense, Sieler should have a chance to keep things rolling against Carolina's offensive line this week. In true-position or DT-required leagues, Sieler is a solid pickup if available. Sieler is also worth considering in grouped DL formats where you start three to four players at the position.
Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens
Week 5 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos), ½ sack, 1 QB hit
While the Baltimore edge unit continues to deal with several injuries, Justin Madubuike remains steady along the interior. Madubuike has a solid 69% snap share on the year, producing one and a half sacks and three quarterback hits over his last two games. Madubuike has a solid Week 6 matchup against Tennesee's offensive line, who have surrendered 17 sacks on the year, good for fourth most in the league. If you're looking for defensive tackle help in true-position or DT-required formats, Madubuike is worth considering where available.
Defensive Backs
Kareem Jackson, Denver Broncos
Week 5 Stats: 10 tackles (6 solos)
Kareem Jackson is proving age is just a number as the 35-year-old continues to be productive for us IDP gamers. Over his last three games, Jackson has compiled 26 tackles (16 solos) and snagged a pick in Week 4 against Chicago. Alignment-wise, this season, Jackson has spent 57.8% of his snaps deep at free safety and another 38.7% up in the box and slot areas, per Pro Football Focus. If you're looking for safety help off the waiver wire, Jackson should be busy again this week against Kansas City on Thursday night.
Sam Franklin Jr., Carolina Panthers
Week 5 Stats: 8 tackles (7 solos)
With Xavier Woods (hamstring) out the last two games, Sam Franklin has entered the starting lineup and held a 97.5% snap share. Meanwhile, Jeremy Chinn saw a season-low 18 defensive snaps (30%) in Week 5—make it make sense, Carolina. Franklin saw a little extra work up tight this week, as 31 of his 58 snaps came in the box and slot area, per PFF. If Woods is out again, Franklin should continue to see plenty of work in a favorable matchup against Miami. If you scoop up Franklin off the waiver wire, make sure to monitor Woods' status.
Marcus Williams, Baltimore Ravens
Week 5 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos)
Marcus Williams made his return in Week 5 after being out since suffering a pectoral injury back in Week 1. Williams was back in his usual role, as he spent the majority of his time deep at free safety. Williams played 63 snaps (95%) in his return, making him someone to consider in deeper leagues where options are thin due to his snap volume.
Final Thoughts
As usual, this article was written before the conclusion of Monday night football as the Packers and Raiders go to battle. If you have any questions regarding Monday night's game or anything else IDP-related, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you all back next week.