Fantasy Football IDP Report: Week 5 Elevator System
Published: Oct 07, 2021
Bye Weeks coming up: Week 6-Atlanta, New Orleans, New York Jets, San Francisco; Week 7-Buffalo, Dallas, Jacksonville, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota, Pittsburgh; Week 8-Baltimore, Las Vegas
No bye this week, we are going full tilt in Week 5. Of course, there are injuries to be aware of when setting your lineups. The Injury Report below is accurate as of Wednesday, but please make sure to check your resources (Fantasy Alarm is a great one, hint, hint) to make certain your starting lineup is actually STARTING in this week’s contests.
Elevator Going Up
Linebackers
Robert Quinn CHI (DE on ESPN)
The first of three LB-qualified IDP on Yahoo, Quinn had a full day against the Lions last Sunday: five total tackles (TT), all of those being solo efforts and one for a loss of yards (TFL), a sack, a forced fumble (FF) and two QB hits/hurries (QH). He played nearly all defensive snaps for the Bears (80%) the past two games and has picked up 4.5 sacks over the season’s first four contests.
Harold Landry TEN (DE on ESPN)
Landry picked up another sack, this time of rookie QB Zach Wilson, and he has at least a partial sack in three of the four games in 2021. He also had seven TT (five solo, three TFL) to go with a QH. Being able to plug a LB into your DL slot is a certain benefit, as well, depending on your platform of choice.
Matt Judon NE (DE on ESPN)
Our final dual operative, Judon is providing excellent pass rush production for the Pats, and has at least a sack in the past three games (4.5 on the season). He also provided tackle numbers in Week 4’s matchup against the visiting Bucs in the rain: seven TT, four solo, two TFL. In addition to the sack of Brady, he also had a QH on the evening. The road contest at Houston is not a bad matchup for this week, either.
Drue Tranquill LAC
Tranquill will move into a larger role on defense in LA now that Kenneth Murphy is out with an ankle injury. He collected five TT (two solo) in Week 4’s home contest against the Raiders, and now he gets the top ranked team as far as allowing fantasy points to opposing ILB, the Browns, on tap in Week 5.
Kyzir White LAC
White should also see an uptick in PT (playing time) now that Murray is on the sidelines. Obviously, he also gets to face off against the fantasy point favoring Brown offense this coming week.
Jamin Davis WFT
It looks as though Jon Bostic’s pectoral injury will keep him out for the balance of the season, opening the door for the rookie LB to step in for the Washington defense. The Saints and Chiefs at home hold promise, with the increase in PT on the horizon.
Defensive Linemen
Mike Danna DE KC
With Frank Clark sitting on the sidelines for much of the season to date, Danna has stepped in and stepped up for the Chiefs at DE. He collected four TT (three solo, two TFL) in Week 4 at Philly, supplemented with a pair of sacks and QH both. Clark is not listed on the injury report as of Wednesday, be advised.
Charles Harris DE DET
The former first round pick of the Dolphins, he is settling in with his third NFL team nicely. Four TT (three solo) in Week 4, with a sack, a pair of QH and a FF makes him useful across the board in IDP formats, tackle oriented and/or big play leagues. Week 5 at Minnesota is a mid-range matchup, but then he gets to face the Bengals in Week 6, which bodes well for continued production
Randy Gregory DE DAL
Picking up two sacks will boost a DL’s profile, and that is what the veteran DE is coming off heading into this week’s game against a less-than-intimidating offensive line for the visiting division-rival Giants.
Javon Hargrave DT PHI
If you need to start a DT, Hargrave is putting forth great production week in, week out to open the season. He is coming off a six TT effort (three solo, one TFL) and contributed on the big play front with a sack, and a QH against the visiting Chiefs in Week 4. Having the Panthers on the schedule for Week 5 is a potential big week for the DL.
Defensive Backs
Jalen Thompson S ARI
Thompson is the better producer at DB for the Cardinals through four weeks, with a bunch of tackles to his credit: 18 solos out of 27 TT. He also was credited with his first PD against the host Rams last week. The 49ers, this week’s opponent, are a top 10 provider of safety fantasy point production.
Richard Sherman CB TB
He gets to step in for his new team quickly due to the slew of injuries the defending champs have endured early on in 2021. He collected seven solo tackles in the Week 4 road game at Foxboro, and pitched in a fumble recovery (FR) to aid in the Buc victory, too. He played 98% of the defensive snaps while leading the team in tackles.
Desmond King CB HOU
King graduated from nickel back status to starter in place of Vernon Hargreaves III in Week 4’s contest at Buffalo, and he responded with nine TT (eight solo, one TFL) and a FF. If he continues to start, he has value as a swappable player based on matchup, and this Week 5 tilt against the Patriots looks promising indeed.
Escalator Going Down
Linebackers
K’Lavon Chaisson JAX
A single solo tackle and a QH do not make for useful LB play in IDP leagues, and that was the extent of the Jaguar LB in Week 4. Add to that his sorry nine TT and 45% PT and you have a second year bust on your hands.
Defensive Linemen
DeForest Buckner DT IND
The sacks have dried up for the DT since the first game of 2021, and that damages his value in IDP leagues. No solo tackles last week is also limiting his utility this season. This week’s opponent, the Ravens, is a poor matchup, but perhaps he rebounds in Week 6 against the Texans at home.
Defensive Backs
None to speak of this week, save for those listed below in the Injury Report.
Matchups to Exploit
Remember, the first team listed is the one to use your IDPs against. Do not go crazy, and play a LB5 against the Lions, but certainly you will do well if you own a top LB on the Chargers, Cardinals or a defensive back on the Jets or Texans that you can plug in this week, for the most part.
Inside Linebackers
Cleveland Browns @ Los Angeles Chargers
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota
Outside Linebackers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Miami
Las Vegas Raiders vs Chicago
Washington Football Team vs New Orleans
Defensive Ends
Green Bay Packers @ Cincinnati
Carolina Panthers vs Philadelphia
Chicago Bears @ Las Vegas
Defensive Tackles
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville
Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets
Cleveland Browns @ Los Angeles Chargers
Safeties
Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis
Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets
New England Patriots @ Houston
Cornerbacks
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City
New England Patriots @ Houston
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee
Waiver Wire Targets
This section is intended to serve as a shortened cheat sheet listing those waiver wire targets you should be considering if you need to plug a hole in your starting lineup. All these players are spotlighted above, and you can read my comments about them in the "Elevator Going Up" section of this article. Not all the players commented on are here, however, as there is no need to waste your time searching for players that are heavily owned. This group consists of those that you may have a chance of locating on your league's waiver wire in that they are owned in significantly less than 50% of leagues. Happy claiming for your weekly matchups.
Linebackers
Robert Quinn CHI
Harold Landry TEN
Matt Judon NE
Drue Tranquill LAC
Kyzir White LAC
Jamin Davis WFT
Defensive Linemen
Mike Danna DE KC
Charles Harris DE DET
Randy Gregory DE DAL
Javon Hargrave DT PHI
Defensive Backs
Jalen Thompson S ARI
Richard Sherman S TB
Desmond King CB HOU
Ouch (My Aching Roster)
All the injury reports below need evaluation prior to kickoff. Teams are notoriously sketchy about injury reports, and we often do not know a player's status until just before game time. Consider the list below as a "heads up" as to what is going on early in the week, and should not be considered definitive.
Linebackers
Jaylon Ferguson BAL illness IR-COVID
Daelin Hayes BAL ankle IR
L.J. Fort BAL knee-ACL IR
Matt Milano BUF hamstring
Shaq Green-Thompson CAR foot
Khalil Mack CHI ribs
Joel Iyiegbuniwe CHI hamstring
Danny Trevathan CHI knee IR
Anthony Walker CLE hamstring IR
Tony Fields II CLE shoulder
Malcolm Smith CLE abdomen
Jacob Phillips CLE biceps IR
Montrel Meander CLE Achilles IR
Francis Bernard DAL hamstring IR
Andre Mintze DEN hamstring
Baron Browning DEN back
Jonas Griffith DEN hamstring IR
Bradley Chubb DEN ankle IR
Josey Jewell DEN pectoral IR
Natrez Patrick DEN leg IR
Romeo Okwara DET Achilles IR
Trey Flowers DET shoulder
Shaun Dion Hamilton DET undisclosed IR
Chauncey Rivers GB knee
Krys Barner GB concussion
Za’Darius Smith back IR
Randy Ramsey GB leg IR
Kevin Pierre-Louis HOU hamstring IR
Jordan Glasgow IND concussion IR
Dylan Moses JAX knee
Willie Gay Jr. KC toe IR
Javin White LV knee IR
Nicholas Morrow LV ankle IR
Darron Lee LV undisclosed
Kenneth Murray LAC ankle IR
Justin Hollins LAR pectoral IR
Nick Vigil MIN ankle
Ronnie Perkins NE ankle
Kyle Van Noy NE groin
Ja’Whaun Bentley NE shoulder
Anfernee Jennings NE undisclosed IR
Cameron McGrone NE knee-ACL
Terez Hall NE undisclosed PUP
Raekwon McMillan NE knee-ACL IR
Quentin Poling NO undisclosed
Chase Hansen NO groin IR
Kwon Alexander NO elbow IR
Elerson G. Smith NYG hamstring IR
Blake Martinez NYG knee-ACL
Cam Brown NYG hamstring IR
T.J. Brunson NYG knee-ACL IR
Blake Cashman NYJ hamstring IR
Hamsah Nasirildeen NYJ undisclosed IR
Jarrad Davis NYJ ankle IR
Dre Greenlaw SF groin IR
Ben Burr-Kirven SEA knee-ACL IR
Jason Pierre-Paul TB shoulder
Cam Gill TB undisclosed IR
Sharil Finch TEN concussion
Jayon Brown TEN knee
Bud Dupree TEN knee
Rashad Weaver TEN lower leg IR
Derick Roberson TEN knee IR
B.J. Bello TEN ankle IR
Cole Holcomb WAS shoulder
Jon Bostic WAS pectoral IR
Defensive Linemen
Defensive End
Marlon Davidson ATL ankle
Derek Wolfe BAL back IR
Gregory Rousseau BUF toe
Bryan Cox BUF Achilles IR
Austin Larkin CAR groin
Akiem Hicks CHI groin
Khalid Kareem CIN undisclosed IR
Joseph Ossai CIN knee-Meniscus IR
Wyatt Hubert CIN pectoral
Takkarist McKinley CLE ankle
Jadeveon Clowney CLE elbow
Randy Gregory DAL knee
Dorance Armstrong DAL ankle
Demarcus Lawrence DAL foot IR
Michael Brockers DET shoulder
Da’Shawn Hand DET groin IR
Joel Heath DET knee-ACL IR
Kwity Paye IND hamstring
Dayo Odeyingbo IND Achilles
Roy Robertson-Harris JAX ankle
Lerentee McCray JAX hamstring
Chris Jones KC wrist
Joshua Kaindoh KC ankle IR
Malik Herring KC knee-ACL
Janarius Robinson MIN lower body IR
Henry Anderson NE pectoral IR
Marcus Davenport NO shoulder IR
Leonard Williams NYG knee
Nathan Shepherd NYJ knee
Kyle Phillips NYJ ankle PUP
Vinny Curry NYJ illness
Carl Lawson NYJ Achilles IR
Brandon Graham PHI Achilles IR
Cameron Heyward PIT neck
Calvin Taylor PIT undisclosed
Stephon Tuitt PIT undisclosed IR
Tyson Alualu PIT ankle IR
Samson Ebukam SF hamstring
Jordan Willis SF suspension (out until Week 8)
Benson Mayowa SEA neck
Pat O’Connor TB calf
Denico Autry TEN hip
Jeffery Simmons TEN back
James Smith-Williams WAS toe
Jalen Jenks WA undisclosed IR
Defensive Tackle
Xavier Williams ARI undisclosed
Jordan Phillips ARI undisclosed IR
Jack Crawford ARI undisclosed IR
Deadrin Senat ATL undisclosed IR
Xavier Kelly BAL Achilles IR
Larry Ogunyobi CIN knee
Carlos Watkins DAL knee
Neville Gallimore DAL elbow
Trysten Hill DAL knee-ACL PUP
Kevin Strong DET concussion IR
Jack Heflin GB ankle
Tyler Lancaster GB illness IR-COVID
Ross Blacklock HOU illness IR-COVID
Vincent Taylor HOU ankle IR
Rob Windsor IND hip IR
Gerald McCoy LV knee IR
Justin Jones LAC calf IR
Raekwon Davis MIA knee IR
Michael Pierce MIN elbow
Jaylen Twyman MIN pelvis
Byron Cowart NE undisclosed PUP
Jalen Calton NO triceps
David Onyemata NO suspension (out until Week 8)
Carlos Davis PIT knee
Javon Kinlaw SF knee
Kevin Givens SF ankle IR
Marcus Webb SEA undisclosed IR
Sam Renner TB undisclosed
Larrell Murchison TEN elbow IR
Trevon Coley TEN foot IR
Matthew Ioannidis WAS knee
Jonathan Allen WAS knee
Defensive Backs
Charles Washington ARI hamstring IR
Kendall Sheffield ATL undisclosed IR
Erik Harris ATL calf
DeShon Elliott BAL quadriceps
Khalil Dorsey BAL undisclosed IR
Jordan Poyer BUF ankle
Myles Hartsfield CAR wrist IR
Ricardo Allen CIN hand IR
Donovan Wilson DAL groin
Essang Bassey DEN knee-ACL PUP
Duke Dawson DEN knee-ACL/MCL PUP
Khari Willis IND groin
T.J. Carrie IND undisclosed IR
Armani Watts illness
Keisean Nixon leg IR
Derwin James LAC shoulder
Dayan Ghanwoloku LAR undisclosed
Kyle Dugger NE hamstring
Cody Davis NE knee
Joshuah Bledsoe NE wrist
Nate Ebner NYG quadriceps
Jabrill Peppers NYG hamstring
Joshua Kalu NYG pectoral IR
Adrian Colbert NYJ concussion
Marcus Maye NYJ ankle
Lamarcus Joyner NYJ triceps IR
Avonte Maddox PHI neck
Nathan Meadors PHI hamstring
K’Von Wallace PHI shoulder-AC joint IR
K’Waun Williams SF calf
Jason Verrett SF knee-ACL IR
Tarvarius Moore SF Achilles PUP
Nigel Warrior SEA knee IR
Antoine Winfield Jr. TB concussion
Curtis Riley TB Achilles IR
Chris Jackson TEN shoulder
Brady Breeze TEN ankle IR
Maurice Smith TEN undisclosed
Amani Hooker TEN foot IR
Deshazor Everett WAS knee
Darrick Forrest WAS hamstring IR
CB
Antonio Hamilton ARI ankle
Byron Murphy ARI ribs
Isaiah Oliver ATL knee IR
Chris Westry BAL knee-Meniscus IR
Marcus Peters BAL knee-ACL IR
Iman Marshall BAL knee IR
Tre’Davious White BUF shoulder
Dane Jackson BUF knee
Juston Burris CAR groin IR
Jaycee Horn CAR foot IR
Troy Pride CAR knee-ACL IR
Chidobe Awuzie CIN groin
Denzel Ward CLE neck
Greg Newsome II CLE calf
Troy Hill CLE toe
Tim Harris CLE undisclosed
Kelvin Joseph DAL groin IR
Reggie Robinson II DAL toe
Ronald Darby DEN hamstring IR
Patrick Surtain II DEN chest
Michael Ojemudia DEN hamstring IR
Ifeatu Malifonwu DET thigh IR
Jeff Okudah DET Achilles IR
Kevin King GB concussion
Jaire Alexander GB shoulder-AC joint
Will Redmond GB toe IR
Rock Ya-Sin IND ankle
Tyson Campbell JAX toe
Trayvon Mullen LV foot
Damon Arnette LV groin
Chris Harris LAC shoulder
Ryan Smith LAC undisclosed IR
Byron Jones MIA quadriceps
Harrison Hand MIN undisclosed IR-COVID
Cameron Dantzler MIN illness IR-COVID
Jalen Mills NE hamstring
Stephon Gilmore NE quadriceps PUP
Keith Washington NO wrist
Ken Crawley NO hamstring IR
Brian Poole NO undisclosed IR
Aaron Robinson NYG abdomen PUP
Quincy Wilson NYG ankle IR
Brandin Echols NYJ concussion
Zane Lewis NYJ knee-MCL IR
Cameron Sutton PIT groin
DeMarkus Acy PIT knee-ACL IR
Josh Norman SF chest
Davontae Harris SF hamstring IR
Tre Brown SEA knee IR
Sean Murphy-Bunting TB elbow IR
Jamel Dean TB knee
Carlton Davis TB quadriceps
Greg Mabin TEN undisclosed
Kevin Peterson TEN undisclosed
Torry McTyer WAS knee-ACL IR
Benjamin St-Juste WAS concussion
Greg Stroman WAS undisclosed
As ever, good luck and Godspeed in your fantasy efforts. Make sure to read all of our great articles to help you win your fantasy match ups every week and ultimately bask in championship glory. If you have any fantasy football questions, especially about IDP leagues, you can also send a message to ia@fantasyalarm.com for a personal response from the writer of this article. Naturally, the more detail you can send about your league, such as number of teams, platform you play in (Yahoo, ESPN, etc.), scoring and roster system, the better the ability to provide accurate advice.