IDP leagues saw a dip in production in week nine, but there were several great IDP players on bye. Overall, it was a great week for Fantasy Alarm’s IDP picks, but let’s look back at the players recommended from last week.

Weekly Grade: A-. Another great performance from players who were expected to excel. Roquan Smith started it on Thursday night with double-digit tackles. DeVonte Wyatt earned six combined tackles, excellent marks for a defensive tackle. Montaric was the leader of the IDPs with 5 combined tackles and a big-time interception. There is always room for improvement, but all in all, Week 9 was a success. 

The Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tennessee Titans are on bye this week. Get players from those teams out of your lineup. 

 

 


Fantasy Football IDP Risers Week 10

Laiatu Latu is a defensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts and is on a roll over his last few games. The former UCLA Bruin is breaking out in his second season by recording 0.5 or more sacks in three consecutive contests. He surpassed his 2024 QB hit, tackles for loss, and sacks totals in the most recent game. The Colts have a deep edge rotation, but Latu is emerging as the lead candidate. He is a riser who can give a fantasy football team more depth or a starter. This IDP is on the rise and worth monitoring.

Eric Wilson is a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings and is having a resurgence. He has already set a career high in both forced fumbles (2) and sacks (3.5). He has also earned 57 combined tackles in his ninth season, and is on pace to set career high marks in games started and assisted tackles. The Vikings are past their bye week, and Wilson is putting up stats across the board. Monitor this riser going forward, and for managers with Bengals, Cowboys, Chiefs, and Titans IDPs, look for Wilson.

Cole Bishop is a strong safety for the Buffalo Bills and is breaking out in his second season. The 2024 second-round pick was chosen by the safety whisperer, Sean McDermott. Bishop is improving throughout the season and has earned 6 or more tackles in three consecutive matches. He also earned two tackles for loss and logged four passes defended against Patrick Mahomes. The Bills do not have a bye week the rest of the season, and Bishop has a favorable playoff schedule. Monitor this IDP going forward.

 

 

 

Fantasy Football Week 10 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Payton Wilson, Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers

Payton Wilson played most of the defensive snaps for the Pittsburgh Steelers, over 84%. He has been impactful while getting snaps, earning 29 tackles in the past three games. He earned 14 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception on what was called the best offense in the NFL.

The Steelers are past their bye week, and their next three games are against awful offensive lines. Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals at home, and the Chicago Bears. There is potential for major points for IDP fantasy football managers going forward. Pick him up for week 10 and beyond.

Jalon Walker, Defensive Lineman/Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have an underrated defense and have playmakers at all three levels. One of those playmakers is rookie Jalon Walker. Walker is classified as an edge and has dual position eligibility on some platforms. He returned from a groin injury last week and proved he’s an IDP that belongs on more than dynasty rosters.

Walker busted out with 5 combined tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB Hits, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defended. Most impressive is that he did that against the quarterback with the third-best odds for MVP, Drake Maye. With Leonard Floyd injured, Walker will be asked to apply more pressure to opposing quarterbacks. The Falcons play the Colts, which Wilson just destroyed for a monster fantasy football game. Pick up Walker from the week 10 waiver wire

Xavier McKinney, Defensive Back, Green Bay Packers

Xavier McKinney’s numbers were down from his impressive 2024 season… but he is heating up. McKinney was avoided by quarterbacks and offensive coordinators to begin the season. However, he has been assisting in the run game to bolster his IDP numbers. The Green Bay Packers rely on him for veteran leadership in their secondary, and he is a well-rounded defensive back.

McKinney has recorded 6 or more combined tackles in all but one game this season. The Carolina Panthers gave the NFL a blueprint on how to beat Green Bay. Control the game tempo and sustain long drives. This gave McKinney his best statistical season: 9 combined tackles, 1 QB hit, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended, and 1 interception. Look for his numbers to stay up as the season continues. Pick this hot IDP up off the waivers.

 

 

 

NFL Week 10 IDP Matchups To Capitalize On

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, Thursday 8:15 PM ET

The week 10 Thursday Night IDP fantasy football player is Talanoa Hufanga. The Denver Broncos host their bitter divisional rival, the Las Vegas Raiders. A short week has shown to benefit most defenses, and Hufanga has been playing at an elite level all season.

Hufanga has 61 combined tackles this season, 8 passes defended, 2 QB hits, 1.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He will be matched up against the phenom that is Brock Bowers and will have a full game of action. Look for Hufanga to have season-high numbers and possibly his first interception of the season.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans, Sunday 1:00 PM ET

The Houston Texans are living up to the preseason expectations put forth by this column as the best defense in the league. They allow the fewest points, eliminate the big play, and attack opposing quarterbacks. Danielle Hunter has been a steady producer of points and has a great opportunity against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 10.

Hunter logged 3 combined tackles, 2 QB hits, and 1 pass defended against the Denver Broncos, who have an excellent offensive line. The Jaguars have allowed 21 sacks, or an average of 2.5 per game. Hunter has not recorded a sack in over five weeks. Look for that change in week 10. Pick up this IDP and start him with confidence.

Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders, Sunday 4:25 PM ET

Thomas Harper is not a well-known name, not even amongst IDP junkies. He is a backup safety for the Detroit Lions and could continue to play if Kerby Joseph misses time. His snap count has been high, but his production has been low. However, the IDP is due for a big game against the Washington Commanders this week.

Jayden Daniels was injured and is expected to miss next week. The Commanders are experiencing major regression after their NFC Conference Championship game last season. Backup quarterback, third-string wide receivers, and the lack of a true lead running back are a recipe for a great defensive game. Week 10 is a prime opportunity for Harper to make an impression with the coaching staff, as well as other NFL teams. Look for him to have a career game against the Commanders on Sunday.
 

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