- Welcome to the Week 6 IDP Waiver Wire. Here, we highlight the players you should prioritize as we head into Week 6. We will be targeting players who are seeing excellent usage and whose role in their defensive scheme would indicate an increase in fantasy production as the season progresses. This column is written by aaron St. Denis, FSAN’s IDP Expert and perennial Top 5 ranker in the Fantasy Pros Accuracy Competition. Aaron was ranked 32nd overall in 2023 and 3rd overall in 2024. Rostership numbers will be from Sleeper Fantasy IDP leagues.
Week 6 IDP Waiver Wire Targets- Defensive Linemen
Samson Ebukam, Colts (0% Rostered) | $3-5
Colts defensive lineman Samson Ebukam is a prime target after his Week 5 sack resurgence. In the 40-6 rout of the Raiders, he tallied 5 tackles (3 solo) and 1 sack, dropping Geno Smith for a 7-yard loss on the Colts’ fourth takedown while logging 65 snaps in Gus Bradley’s pass-rush rotation.
Through five games, Ebukam has 12 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 1 TFL, averaging 7-9 fantasy points in standard IDP scoring. He has solid DL3 production on 55% snaps, with Laiatu Latu‘s nagging hamstring opening more opportunities, expect 70%+ usage and sack upside versus Arizona next week.
Alex Wright, Browns (0% Rostered) | $1-2
Browns edge rusher Alex Wright is one of my favorite targets after his Week 5 breakout in London. Versus the Vikings, where he notched 4 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack on Carson Wentz, and a forced fumble on Jordan Mason, punching it loose at the 47-yard line for Cleveland’s first turnover and 12-15 fantasy points.
Thus far in 2024, Wright has 8 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 1 FF, and a safety on 50% snaps, averaging 6-8 points, and has shown DL4 upside in Jim Schwartz’s scheme. Recently, his role expanded, teeing up a multi-tackle outing overseas.
Sam Williams, Cowboys (0% Rostered) | $1-2
Cowboys edge rusher Sam Williams is a breakout waiver wire target after his Week 5 performance versus the Jets. In the 37-22 win, he notched 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 sack engulfing Justin Fields for a 9-yard loss, and 1 forced fumble, punching it loose on Breece Hall for a key recovery. On 45 snaps, yielding solid fantasy production.
So far in 2025, Williams has 11 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 1 FR, and 2 TFLs through five games, averaging 8-10 points on 40% snaps with DL3 upside in Dallas’ revamped front. With DeMarcus Lawrence‘s nagging injuries, his role surges to 60%+ snaps, teeing up multi-sack potential against Carolina’s porous O-line (32nd in sacks allowed) in Week 6.
Week 6 IDP Waiver Wire Targets- Defensive Backs
Ronnie Hickman, Browns (0% Rostered) $2-4
Browns safety Ronnie Hickman is a great addition after his Week 5 tackle fest in a 21-17 loss to the Vikings. Thrust into a full-time role amid injuries to Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill, he posted 10 tackles (7 solo) on 75% snaps, anchoring the secondary against Carson Wentz‘s passes and Justin Jefferson‘s YAC for a great fantasy outing.
Through five games, Hickman has 31 tackles and 1 PD, averaging 8-10 points in standard IDP scoring with DB3 upside on surging usage. With the injury bug biting, expect 80%+ snaps versus Pittsburgh’s weak offensive attack in Week 6, teeing up tackle volume boom.
Marques Sigle, 49ers (0% Rostered) $1-2
49ers rookie safety Marques Sigle is a must-add IDP waiver target after his Week 5 monster outing in the 26-23 overtime thriller over the Rams. Thrust into a full-time role amid a growing number of defensive injuries, he led the team with 13 tackles (8 solo) on 100% snaps, stuffing Kyren Williams on key runs and posting A great final fantasy line.
Thus far in 2025 through five games, Sigle’s tallied 52 tackles, 2 PDs, and 1 FR, averaging 10-12 points in standard IDP scoring with DB2 production on every snap. With Malik Mustapha‘s knee recovery pending, expect continued volume versus Tampa Bay’s pass-heavy attack (25th in sacks allowed) in Week 6, leaving him with great tackle upside. Snag him now.
Juanyeh Thomas, Cowboys (0% Rostered) $1-2
Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas is a deep-league target after his Week 5 dominance in a 37-22 win over the Jets. Stepping up with Donovan Wilson banged up, Thomas notched 9 tackles (6 solo) on 80% snaps, shadowing Breece Hall and stifling short passes for a great performance.
Thus far in 2025, through five games, he has 13 tackles and 2 PDs, averaging 8-10 points in standard IDP scoring with DB3 upside on rising snaps. In Dallas’ scheme, his hybrid role thrives. Facing Carolina’s run-heavy attack (Chuba Hubbard, 4.8 YPC) in Week 6, expect 70%+ snaps and tackle volume. Add him now.
Week 6 IDP Waiver Wire Targets- Linebackers
Shemar James, Cowboys (0% Rostered) $10-12
Cowboys rookie linebacker Shemar James had a breakout performance in Week 5 with a monster game in a 37-22 win over the Jets. Thrust into a starting role with DeMarvion Overshown sidelined by a hamstring tweak, the fifth-round Florida product exploded for 15 tackles (10 solo), 1 TFL, and a PD on 85% snaps, stuffing Breece Hall and swarming Justin Fields for a great rookie performance.
To date, in 2025, through five games, James has 420 tackles and 2 PDs, averaging 10-12 points in standard IDP scoring with LB2 production following surging usage in Dallas’ scheme. Facing Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard-led rush (4.9 YPC, 28th vs. LBs) in Week 6, expect 90%+ snaps and tackle dominance.
Austin Ajiake, Colts (0% Rostered) | $14-16
Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake has emerged as a solid deep-league linebacker target following his notable Week 5 performance in the team’s 40-6 demolition of the Raiders. Specifically, he has recently seen a significant increase in usage, largely because Zaire Franklin continues to struggle with a lingering ankle injury. Consequently, Ajiake delivered an impressive 8 tackles (5 solo) on 55% of the snaps, consistently swarming the backfield and keying run stops for what proved to be an underrated yet impactful performance.
Thus far in the 2025 season, through five games, Ajiake has accumulated 11 tackles and 1 pass deflection, averaging 5-7 points in standard IDP scoring. Moreover, his increasing role in Indianapolis’ aggressive defensive scheme highlights his LB5 upside. Given that Franklin’s weekly status remains uncertain, Ajiake is expected to see 70% or more snaps against Arizona’s Michael Carter-led rushing attack in Week 6. As a result, this matchup sets the stage for immense tackle volume, making Ajiake a compelling add for IDP managers seeking high-upside depth.
Za’Darius Smith, Eagles (0% Rostered) | $3-5
Eagles edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is a prime IDP waiver wire target following his standout Week 5 performance, despite a 21-17 loss to the Broncos. Specifically, he recorded 3 tackles (2 solo) and a crucial 13-yard sack on Bo Nix, effectively disrupting a scoring drive while playing 62% of the snaps, which marked a significant impact.
Moreover, in his limited playing time, Smith has consistently increased his production. As a result of Nolan Smith‘s triceps injury, Smith now projects elite DL2 upside in Philadelphia’s defensive scheme. Looking ahead, he is expected to see 70% or more snaps against the Giants’ struggling offensive line, which ranks 31st in sacks allowed, especially after their recent 26-14 loss to the Saints. Consequently, Smith offers multi-sack potential in Week 6, making him a must-add for IDP managers.
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Check out Aaron St Denis and Matt Montgomery on the IDP Underground Week 6 video on the FSAN Grindhouse YouTube Channel for even more IDP options.
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