IDP Matchup Plays: Living the Stream: Week 9

We're far past the point where Living the Stream is something most IDP managers are doing because they want to. Or because it's fun. They're doing so out of necessity. At some point, the canoe flipped over, they got tossed into the drink, and the only thing stopping them from catching a rock upside the dome is…wait for it…

Living the Stream.

Streaming isn't a bad idea with IDP spots, especially in shallower formats. This writer's second starter at defensive back is usually on a short leash. If an IDP league requires a cornerback, it's just about a mortal lock that I'll be rotating them. But stack a few losses when picking a starter, and paying up for Budda Baker next starts looking better.

I won't. But it does.

Never mind the innumerable times where you're fresh out of options. One of your starting edge-rushers goes down with an injury. One of your linebackers discovers pacifism and decides that tackling is an intrusion on personal space.

Whatever the reason, there are two choices available. Find replacements who can actually, you know, score points (if only for a week)—or flush the season.

The thing is, though, you can navigate the rapids without a boat. Live the Stream all the way to the playoffs. It can be done. Has been done.

You just need the right guide.

Sadly, he's on sabbatical though—so you'll have to make do with me.

Week 9 IDP Matchup Plays

EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas (at Indianapolis)

In his second professional season, Ezeiruaku is being tasked with a larger role in the Cowboys' pass rush—he leads all Dallas edge-rushers in sacks for the season. While addressing the media recently, Cowboys head coach Brian Scottenheimer said that Ezeiruaku has earned every extra snap he's gotten.

"He's playing awesome. He really is. I think, you know, we say it this way, whether you're talking about, you know, turnovers on defense, creating them, or sacks, they come in bunches," Schottenheimer said. "And if you really look at technique that he's using, man. He's creating a really cool assortment of tools with his pass rush moves, and I think that's really cool to see for a young player."

Ezeiruaku has been on a rip of late—five total tackles and two sacks over his last two games. He's a solid edge-setter as well, which means a tackle floor—he's averaging four stops per contest. And he gets a plus matchup this week with an Indianapolis Colts team giving up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to edge-rushers this season.

EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, NY Giants (vs. Philadelphia)

Outside of a 10.5-sack season back in 2023, Thibodeaux's career has largely been viewed as a disappointment, and 2026 is no different—he's still searching for sack No. 1 on the season after being pressed into full-time service when Brian Burns tore his ACL. But while speaking to reporters, Burns said that he sees a far different player on that field than most.

"My boy Thibs, he's really the unsung hero in this whole thing," Burns said. "Even when I was on the field, he was like the glue that made it stick. He does a lot of dirty work in the run game, and he's taken over the SAM position for me, so he's the unsung hero."

This is admittedly not a play for the faint of heart. Zero sacks for the season is a number that rather stands out. But the offensive line for the Eagles has gone from one of the team's greatest strengths to a glaring weakness—Tanner McKee was dropped five times in Week 8, and the right side of said line is in full turnstile mode now.

LB T.J. Edwards, Chicago (vs. Tampa Bay)