Week 4 of the NFL is here, and no need to hit the panic button just yet; fall's barely started! Some fantasy seasons might feel like they're circling the drain, but it's all about how you look at it. Glass half-full beer guy or half-empty water bottle type? Doesn't matter. Winning in fantasy comes down to handling the early bumps. Nick Bosa's injury got you down? Micah Parsons not lighting it up? Your comeback is what shapes your season. Lucky for you, you're a Footballguys fan, soaking up the IDP Stock Market wisdom, so you're already in good shape. Let's kick this thing off, ring that bell!
Fortune 5
LB Robert Spillane, New England: Robert Spillane's Week 3 outburst (15 tackles and an interception) marks a stark contrast to his quieter Weeks 1 and 2, where he logged just three tackles each, though Week 2 included a sack. His 100% snap share at inside linebacker for the New England Patriots underscores his role as the defensive quarterback, a position he has earned through relentless effort and leadership, as evidenced by his election as a team captain in his first year with the team. This snap dominance aligns with his 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played 98.2% of defensive snaps and racked up 158 tackles, ranking fourth in the NFL. Spillane's tackling ability is no fluke. In 2023, he recorded 148 tackles (10th in the NFL), and his 2024 season has him tied for the league lead in tackles early October, with 54 in just five games. While his interception in Week 3 may not be expected on a weekly basis, his career-high was three in 2023, and his tackling floor remains elite, making him a key player for IDP.
S Derwin James Jr., LA Chargers: It's no secret that Derwin James Jr. has been one of the NFL's premier defensive backs, but last season marked his first notable statistical regression. After racking up 125 tackles in 2023, James dropped to 93 in 2024, likely causing some hesitation in 2025 IDP drafts. If you held firm, betting on his elite talent, you're looking like a genius. Through three games this season, James has delivered 26 tackles (18 solo), five tackles for loss (TFLs), two passes defended, and a sack. After posting a career-high 10 TFLs in 2024, he's already halfway there in 2025. In leagues that reward TFLs, he's a must-have, but let's be clear: a healthy Derwin James Jr. is a must-start in all IDP formats, period.
LB Bobby Wagner, Washington: Let's just say it: Bobby Wagner is the greatest of all time in IDP. The GOAT. At 35 years old, he's producing like he's 25. While we've seen some regression in his stats over recent years, calling his current output a "regression" puts his elite consistency into perspective. Through three games in 2025, Wagner has racked up 32 total tackles (14 solo, 18 assists) and 2.0 sacks. Compare that to his 2015 season at age 25, when he recorded 114 tackles and zero sacks across 15 games. Wagner is currently on pace for over 180 tackles, which would surpass his career-high 183 from 2023. If he stays healthy for a full 17-game season, we could see a campaign that outshines his age-25 performance. His Week 3 explosion against the Raiders, 11 tackles, two sacks, and five pressures on seven pass rushes, shows he's still a game-wrecker. For IDP teams eyeing a championship run, Wagner's unmatched tackle floor and playmaking ability make him a must-have asset.
DT Jordan Davis, Philadelphia: I've been watching Jordan Davis for weeks, hesitant to pull the trigger on adding him to my IDP roster. But it's time to admit: he's the real deal. Davis got a "bonus" start in Week 1 against the Cowboys when Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Dak Prescott, leading to a strong six-tackle, one-pass-defended performance. Initially, I thought it might be a fluke, but Davis has proven otherwise. Through three games in 2025, he hasn't dipped below five tackles per game, totaling 16 tackles (10 solo, 6 assists), 1.0 sack, and a game-sealing 61-yard touchdown off a blocked field goal against the Rams in Week 3. Add in three passes defended (two in Week 2 vs. the Chiefs) and a tackle for loss, and Davis is showing versatility that's rare for a 336-pound defensive tackle. His Week 3 heroics, five tackles, a sack, a fourth-down stop, and the blocked field goal returned at 18.59 mph (the fastest by a 330-plus-pound player since 2017), cement his case as potentially the NFL's top interior defensive lineman. With increased snaps (69.5% through three games) after dropping 26 pounds in the offseason, Davis is a must-add for IDP managers chasing tackles, splash plays, and a rising star.
Edge Brian Burns, NY Giants: I'm ready to admit it: I'm back on the Brian Burns bandwagon after two years of doubting him. In the past, Burns frustrated IDP managers with explosive weeks followed by three-to-four-game stretches of invisibility. Inconsistent play doesn't win championships in IDP leagues. But after three straight dominant performances in 2025, it's time to push a new narrative: Burns is a reliable hero. Through three games, he's racked up 15 tackles (10 solo, 5 assists), 4.0 sacks, and three passes defended, per the sports card above. At 27 years old, this could be Burns peaking as the New York Giants' premier edge rusher. His Week 3 performance against the Chiefs, six tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, earned him an 89.7 PFF grade, the highest among Giants defenders. With a bolstered pass-rush unit featuring Dexter Lawrence II and rookie Abdul Carter, Burns is capitalizing on more opportunities. If he sustains this pace, projecting to 85 tackles and 22.7 sacks over 17 games, he's not just an IDP must-start but a potential league-winner. Welcome back, Brian Burns.
Falling 4
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