Greetings, my fellow IDP Nerds. As we continue to offer you the best IDP content all season, we are early this week with a waiver wire article. We will give you two of the best options at the three positions in your IDP leagues. The importance of waiver wire additions during the year can’t be overstated. Hopefully, you guys can find a few waiver-wire players this week that will help contribute to your team’s success.
We are officially approaching one month down into the fantasy football season. The injuries are starting to pile up for dynasty managers, and now more than ever, it’s important to lock into your waiver wire to find help. Replacing the production of high performers is not as easy as picking up their backups, as it sometimes is on the offensive side of fantasy football. The idea of streaming and playing matchup-based lineups to get the most production possible is a genuine scenario for IDP managers. Let’s take a look at the best available heading into Week 4.
Defensive Line
Tuli Tuipulotu DL, LAC
All of the consistent readers know the name already, but it’s worth bringing attention to a player that is likely still on some waiver wires in leagues with fewer roster spots. The Chargers rookie pass rusher has been on a tear over the past two weeks. He’s played 50 snaps or more in each of the past weeks. The Chargers’ defense is routinely in shootouts, and they are using their young pass rusher as a perfect compliment to veteran EDGe players Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.
As a dynasty manager, you have to love what you’re seeing from the young EDGE rusher. The rookie from USC has 11 tackles and two sacks over his past two games. Although the rotation is a bit crowded, Tuipulotu’s shown in the past few weeks that he’s deserving of a start. He’s averaging 15 fantasy points per game this season and hasn’t even scratched the surface of how good he can be.
Victor Dimukeje DL, ARZ
Listen, the Arizona Cardinals roster is not nearly as talented as others, but through the first month of the season, they are playing good defense. Dimukeje is one of the young upside pass rushers for the Cardinals’ defense. The second-year pro from Duke has collected 2.5 sacks despite playing less than 40% of the team’s defensive snaps. He’s producing on limited opportunities and has posted an 81.0 overall PFF grade through three weeks. I would expect the coaching staff to give Dimukeje more opportunities, and that could help out IDP managers looking for DL depth early in the season.
Linebackers
Deion Jones LB, CAR
The Panthers have lost both of their starting linebackers just three games into the season. Jones was called up from the practice squad after veteran Shaq Thompson’s season came to an end due to injury. Jones is a former dynasty LB1 in his time in Atlanta. He’s no stranger to big plays and being an effective IDP. Jones is on his third team in three years but has proven to be effective when given the opportunity.
In Week 3, he recorded four stops and his first interception since Week 14 of last season. Over his past seven games in which he played at least 30 snaps, Jones has recorded double-digit fantasy points in seven of those eight games. If Frankie Luvu is to miss time with his hip injury, Jones could be a solid replacement for a few weeks.
Blake Cashman LB, HOU
The Houston Texans LB room just got more crowded with a big week from veteran Cashman. This is a frustrating situation for IDP managers, but at a position that is as weak in depth as LB, it’s worth a shot. Cashman turned in a 20+ point performance last week on 46 snaps. His five tackles were his most in a game since 2019. Denzel Perryman hasn’t played a full season in his career. The Texans have yet to decide who will be the second LB between Henry To’oTo’o and Christian Harris. If nothing else, Cashman is very solid insurance for Denzel Perryman managers.
Defensive Backs
Sean Murphy-Bunting DB, TEN
Murphy-Bunting has wasted no time with his new team, showing he can fill up the stat sheet. The veteran CB has played 99% of snaps in the first two weeks. He was forced out of a blowout loss in Week 3 due to injury. Murphy-Bunting was feared to be in concussion protocol but cleared that, according to Mike Vrabel in the postgame press conference. He’s been a monster in CB-required leagues, averaging 15.6 fantasy points per game this season.
IDP managers should have the Titans CB on their radar as the season moves on. Murphy-Bunting has had at least five tackles and has been targeted at least four times in every game this season. The Titans’ defensive backs have been IDP gold early in the season. IDP managers should continue to look to take advantage of how high-scoring the Titans’ defensive backs have been this year and continue to start them weekly.
Kei’Trel Clark DB, ARZ
It’s no surprise the Arizona Cardinals have another player showing up on this week’s waiver wire column. We truly did not know what to expect from this unit this year. Rookie Clark has shown up big as of late, with fifteen tackles over his past two games. Clark ranks fifth amongst all CBs in targets (24) this season, including 19 total over the past two games. He’s turned that into 40 fantasy points over the past eight quarters. It’s clear opposing offenses will continue to target him in the passing game. It’s easy for IDP managers to find solid production through waivers. Clark has proven he can be a multiple-week starter if you’re hurting at the DB position.
The Wrap-Up
As a contender in IDP dynasty fantasy football, there are no off-days. You have to be locked in week in and week out, trying to improve your roster at all costs. I’m big on knowing the most I can to make the best decisions possible for my dynasty roster. There are not many feelings better than swinging a matchup in your favor on the defensive side with a player you picked up that week. I hope this is something you guys enjoy, and we will be back later this season with some more waiver wire content. Keep grinding, and let’s continue to build those strong IDP dynasty-contending teams.
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