We aren't even a month into the 2025 season, and already Living the Stream has become running Class V rapids.
Injuries are an annual occurrence in the NFL and IDP leagues, and despite our equally annual proclamations that this is the worst injury season ever, 2025 isn't any worse than 2024, which wasn't any worse than 2023, and so on. But that doesn't make things any easier when the injuries start piling up.
San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa tore his ACL in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals. New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams is out at least a month after injuring his shoulder in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seattle safety Julian Love missed last week's blowout of the New Orleans Saints with a hamstring injury and is iffy at best for Week 4 with the Seahawks playing on a short week.
Add in players like Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr., Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, and Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, who all rank outside the top 50 at their respective positions in The Godfather's Default IDP Scoring three weeks in, and more than a few IDP managers are trying desperately to keep their teams from crashing into the rocks.
Pretty much.
Of course, that's what Living the Stream is all about—matchup plays that can help you safely navigate Week 4 and live to fight another day.
Let's get to paddling.
Week 4 IDP Matchup Plays
EDGE Zach Harrison, Atlanta (vs. Washington)
Veteran free-agent addition Leonard Floyd and rookie first-round picks James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker have gotten all the attention this year in Atlanta, but three games into the season, it's Harrison who leads the Falcons in sacks. Falcons defensive line coach Nate Ollie told reporters he's not surprised that the third-year pro from Ohio State is standing out this season.
"We really feel like we can unlock Zach and do a lot of stuff," Ollie said. "Get him going off the football and not thinking and being a mismatch versus tight ends. Also, too, we believe that Zach has a little bit in his body to win off the edge. So, Zach is kind of a utility weapon."
Harrison isn't just pacing the team with 1.5 sacks this season—his 10 total tackles lead all Atlanta linemen, he has chipped in a forced fumble, and he's leading all Falcons edge rushers in snap share. With a plus matchup for his position on tap with the Commanders, look for Harrison to continue quietly being the most valuable IDP asset at his position in Atlanta.
EDGE Nick Herbig, Pittsburgh (vs. Minnesota)
These aren't uncharted waters for Herbig—the third-year pro made five starts a year ago and registered 5.5 sacks. Pressed into the starting lineup again by Alex Highsmith's high ankle sprain, Herbig will make his second start of 2025 Sunday against the Vikings in Ireland. While speaking to reporters, Herbig said he welcomes the opportunity to show he's ready to take the next step as a player.
"I think just time developing," Herbig said. "It's my third year. You really have no choice but to get better. It's a business. It's a man's league. It's a grown man's game. You really got no choice, you got to level up in all areas of your game."
Herbig was solid last week against the New England Patriots, posting two tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Now he'll square off against a Minnesota Vikings team led by a backup quarterback in Carson Wentz. The team has allowed 12 sacks this season and the most fantasy points in the NFC to edge rushers.
LB Alex Anzalone, Detroit (vs. Cleveland)
Continue reading this content with a ELITE subscription.
An ELITE subscription is required to access content for IDP (individual defensive players) leagues. If this league is not a IDP (individual defensive players) league, you can edit your leagues here.