- Welcome to the Week 4 IDP Waiver Wire. Here, we highlight the players you should prioritize as we head into Week 5. 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 5 IDP Waiver Wire Targets- Defensive Linemen
Tuli Tuipulotu, Chargers (8% Rostered) | $3-5
The Chargers’ explosive edge rusher is emerging as a must-add waiver wire gem after his dominant Week 4 explosion. Entering the Giants matchup, he ranked tied for 10th league-wide with 15 pressures, showcasing consistent disruption. Tuipulotu erupted for a career-high 4.0 sacks, three on rookie QB Jaxson Dart in the first half alone, plus one on Russell Wilson, marking the most sacks by any player this season.
To date, he’s tallied 4.0 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and 8 tackles across four games, translating to 15-20 fantasy points per outing in IDP formats. With Joey Bosa gone and Khalil Mack‘s health a wildcard, Tuipulotu’s full-time role opposite Mack guarantees 60%+ snaps and double-digit sack upside.
Christian Elliss, Patriots (37% Rostered) | $1-2
Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss is a prime target after a breakout Week 4. In the 31-20 win over the Panthers, he notched 9 tackles (5 solo), including a tackle for loss and a pass deflection, tying up Chuba Hubbard on key runs.
Through four games, Elliss has 23 tackles and 2 pass deflections, averaging 8-10 fantasy points in standard IDP scoring, solid LB3 production on 60% snaps. Re-signed to a two-year deal, he’s the clear LB2 alongside Robert Spillane in Mike Vrabel‘s scheme, with upside if injuries hit. Add him in deep leagues, especially on Sleeper with DL eligibility.
Uchenna Nwosu, Seahawks (0% Rostered) | $1-2
Seahawks edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is a player to target this week on the waiver wire. In a 23-20 thriller over the Cardinals, he exploded for 2.0 sacks on Kyler Murray, 5 tackles (3 solo), and a season-high 38 snaps, stepping up after DeMarcus Lawrence‘s thigh injury.
This year (3 games played), Nwosu has 7 tackles and 2.0 sacks, equating to 10-12 fantasy points per start in standard IDP leagues, with quiet debuts masking his upside. Healthy post-knee/pec woes, Nwosu’s rotational role in Mike Macdonald’s blitz-heavy scheme balloons to 50%+ snaps if Lawrence misses time. He is a DL3 streamer with sack boom potential. Grab him now.
Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire Targets- Defensive Backs
Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks (20% Rostered) $2-4
Witherspoon is a perfect target after returning from a two-game injury absence in Week 4’s 23-20 win over the Cardinals. He logged 9 tackles (3 solo), a TFL, and a PD on 68 snaps, fueling the defense’s 6-sack effort and contributing 7-9 fantasy points.
Through three games (missed Weeks 2-3), Witherspoon has 18 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 2 PDs, averaging 8-10 points in standard IDP scoring—elite DB1 production boosted by 24 box snaps in Week 1. With his 2025 Pro Bowl nod and full-time role in Mike Macdonald’s scheme, expect 70%+ snaps and turnover upside. Add him immediately if you are lucky enough to find him on your waiver wire.
Jonas Sanker, Saints (0% Rostered) $1-2
Saints rookie safety Jonas Sanker is a player worth adding this week. Versus the Bills, the third-round pick snagged his first career INT off Josh Allen—covering massive ground on a sideline heave—plus a pass breakup, 5 tackles (4 solo), and 75% snaps for 10-12 fantasy points.
So far, he’s logged 22 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PDs, and 1 TFL on rising snaps (from 30% to 93%), averaging 6-8 points in standard IDP scoring. With Julian Blackmon‘s season-ending injury, Sanker is locked into a full-time role in Dennis Allen’s scheme. He has DB3 upside with ball-hawking boom. Stash him now.
Nick Cross, Colts (42% Rostered) $1-2
Colts safety Nick Cross is a prime target after a stellar Week 4. In the 27-24 win over the Steelers, he racked up 12 tackles (8 solo), a TFL, and a PD on 85% snaps, anchoring the run defense in Gus Bradley’s scheme for 15+ fantasy points.
So far, through four games, Cross leads the NFL with 47 tackles, plus 1 sack and 1 INT, averaging 12-14 points in standard IDP scoring—DB1 territory on 75%+ snaps. Paired with Camryn Bynum, his tackle machine role guarantees volume. Add him now for consistent upside.
Week 5 IDP Waiver Wire Targets- Linebackers
Mack Wilson, Cardinals (8% Rostered) $10-12
Wilson has been the only full-time linebacker for the Cardinals through 4 weeks of the season. At one point, it looked as if Akeem Davis-Gaither could cut into that, but he has been used mostly on obvious rushing situations and not in a full-time role.
So far, Wilson’s on pace for 140+ tackles with 28 stops, 4 PDs, and 1 TFL, averaging 12-15 points in standard IDP scoring, LB2 upside. Stepping into Kyzir White‘s role in Jonathan Gannon’s scheme, expect 90%+ snaps and tackle dominance. Add him while you still can.
Ernest Jones, Rams (47% Rostered) | $14-16
The linebacker room for the Seattle Seahawks very clearly belongs to Ernest Jones. Drake Thomas and Tyrice Knight have been rotating on defensive series, with Knight often coming out on third down.
So far, Jones has 33 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 interception, and 1 PD, averaging 10-12 points in standard IDP scoring, LB1 upside on 85%+ snaps. Grab him now.
Cedric Gray, Titans (1% Rostered) | $3-5
Titans second-year linebacker Cedric Gray is a great target after his Week 4 monster game. In the 20-17 loss to the Texans, he exploded for 17 tackles (10 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 QB hit on 95% snaps, leading Tennessee’s D and posting 20+ fantasy points.
So far, through four games, Gray has 36 tackles and 1 TFL, averaging 9-11 points in standard IDP scoring, LB3 production on rising snaps. Locked into the starting role alongside Cody Barton in Dennard Wilson’s scheme, his tackle volume and pursuit guarantee LB2 upside. He is set to become a household name by the end of the season.
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