IDP Waiver Wire Week 5

Photo: Matthew Emmons, USA Today Sports

We've already dealt with a myriad of injuries, and now bye weeks start coming into play. For the first round of byes, we have four teams with the week off: Cleveland, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and the LA Chargers. 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

Leighton Vander Esch, Dallas Cowboys

Week 4 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), 1 fumble recovery for a TD

It's been a slow start to the season production-wise for Leighton Vander Esch. However, Vander Esch has seen the field plenty, playing every snap in each of the past three games. In Week 4, Vander Esch's production saw a slight uptick, along with a big-time splash play as Dallas routed New England. Vander Esch's seven tackles paced the Cowboys, while he also recovered a fumble for a touchdown to aid his IDP output on the day.

The seven-tackle outing might not seem overly exciting, but considering he only had seven combined tackles over the previous two weeks, it's a move in the right direction. Vander Esch might not be the most appealing option at linebacker for IDP, but he is currently holding a full-time gig. Vander Esch is a fine waiver wire option as the injuries continue to pile up and the bye weeks start to creep in.

Nate Landman, Atlanta Falcons

Week 4 Stats: 10 tackles (8 solos)

In unfortunate news, the Falcons placed promising second-year linebacker Troy Andersen on IR with a pectoral injury. With Andersen out for the foreseeable future, it was Nate Landman entering the starting lineup in Week 4 against Jacksonville. Landman ended up playing 54 defensive snaps (82%), finishing the day second on the team with 10 tackles (8 solos).

After Kaden Elliss, Landman was the only other off-ball linebacker to get any run this week with Andersen out. It looks to be Landman's job to lose at the moment, making him worth a waiver pickup in deeper leagues. Let's make sure to continue to monitor the situation as we go.

Chad Muma, Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 4 Stats: 7 tackles (3 solos), 2 passes defended

After last week's game, the Jaguars announced they would be without Devin Lloyd for a couple of weeks as he required surgery on his thumb. With Lloyd unavailable, Chad Muma was thrust into the starting lineup for the first time this season. Muma played 57 defensive snaps (98%), producing seven tackles (3 solos) and two passes defended on the day.

With Lloyd out for Jacksonville's second London game, Muma will get another start in Week 5 against Buffalo. Muma is worth a look in leagues where you start three or four linebackers and need some reinforcements for this week. However, we'll need to monitor Lloyd's progress as we head into Week 6.

David Long Jr, Miami Dolphins

Week 4 Stats: 10 tackles (7 solos), 2 tackles for loss

David Long's involvement has been a roller coaster to start the year. Long's snap shares have varied from 21% (17 snaps) in Week 1 to 93% (54 snaps) in Week 4. While the Bills took it to the Dolphins this week, Long did produce a solid IDP output, compiling 10 tackles (7 solos) and two tackles for loss. When Long is healthy and receives adequate snaps, he's generally productive.

Long's biggest snaps shares (Week 2 and Week 4) came when Jaelan Phillips was unavailable. Jerome Baker had previously held a full-time role, and Andrew Van Ginkel had been stealing some available box snaps as well. Baker hasn't played overly well and has seen his role lessen in the past two games. Van Ginkel, on the other hand, has spent the majority of his time out on the edge when Phillips has been unable to go.

Hopefully, Long has proven enough to continue to see significant snaps when Jaelan Phillips does reenter the mix. Either way, Long is worth a waiver wire addition as we see how this all shakes out. Let's continue to keep close tabs on this tricky situation.