IDP fantasy football managers read this column to help improve a roster and to help win a championship. Last week we delivered! The Fantasy Alarm IDP Report helped secure several championship-worthy performances from the risers, waiver wire additions, and matches to capitalize on. Before we get to crucial week 18 IDP advice, let’s take a look back at week 17 results. 

Weekly Grade: A. Cody Simon was a waiver wire gem that helped fantasy football managers secure championships. 15 tackles and 0.5 sacks are a great stat line. Scourton and Walker also provided sacks as each IDP brought down the quarterback. Each earned a tackle for loss and a QB hit in addition to the sack. A stellar performance for the IDP report.

 

 

 

Fantasy Football IDP Risers Week 18

Jer’Zhan Newton is a second-year defensive lineman for the Washington Commanders. He is coming off his best game of the 2025 season and should continue to earn more snaps in week 18. Newton registered 3.0 sacks last week against the Dallas Cowboys, and plays the Philadelphia Eagles this week. There should be plenty of opportunities to tackle Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, pick him up off the week 18 waiver wire.

YaYa Diaby is an edge rusher IDP who could be valuable for week 18. He has recorded 18 sacks over three seasons, and in a must-win game, could be the “X-factor”. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at home playing their divisional rival, the Carolina Panthers. Diaby could be a spot start for week 18 IDP leagues, and coming into his contract year could have sneaky dynasty value. Teams looking to replace Maxx Crosby, TJ Watt, and other edge pressure IDPs should pick up Diaby.

Jason Marshall is a rookie defensive back for the Miami Dolphins. He had an interception and five tackles in the victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was his breakout game of the season, and Marshall is making the case to be a starter next season. The Dolphins play the New England Patriots, and Marshall could be the target of several passes, which would lead to several tackles. Keep an eye on this riser for dynasty leagues, and a spot start for teams needing a defensive back.

 

 


Fantasy Football Week 18 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Chase Young, Defensive Lineman, New Orleans Saints

Chase Young had the IDP play of the day when he literally stole the football out of rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s hands. That is called stealing someone’s cookies, and Young returned it for a touchdown. A big-time IDP play that also rewarded the New Orleans Saints in reality, as well as D/ST leagues. It ended up being the difference in the game, and Young is on a roll.

He has recorded a sack in seven games this season, including a current three-game sack streak. The Saints play the Atlanta Falcons in week 18, and Young can bring down Kirk Cousins to close the season. Pick him up off the waiver wire and put him in the lineup.

Derek Barnett, Linebacker, Houston Texans

Barnett has three sacks in the last two games. The Houston Texans are playing to move up the AFC playoff rankings, and are on a roll that can carry them to the Super Bowl. Barnett has five sacks recorded this season, and his next game is at home against division rival Indianapolis Colts. 

The Colts will be starting their third-string quarterback, and the Texans are playing for the AFC South. Or at minimum holding off the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills for the highly coveted top wildcard spot. They will be bringing pressure, and Barnett should get home. Pick him up from the week 18 waiver wire.

Denzel Burke, Defensive Back, Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are playing for next season, and it’s not a secret. They shut down their IDP leader, Budda Baker, for the remainder of the season. That means an opportunity for rookie defensive back Denzel Burke to step it up. He made the most of it with 6 combined tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 tackle for loss. 

Burke has another week to make his case for playing time next season, and he has a match against the pass-happy Los Angeles Rams in week 18. A perfect match for a rookie cornerback to rack up fantasy points. Pick him up off the week 18 waiver wire, especially if in a dynasty league.
 

 

 

NFL Week 18 IDP Matchups To Capitalize On

Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday 4:30 PM ET

The old veteran has an opportunity to help his team make it to the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. That’s impressive, especially since he never made it to the playoffs in the eight years prior. A true testament to loyalty paying off with 14 seasons as a Buccaneer. The Buccaneers are playing against a team with two good running backs, and David will be needed.

He has over 1,790 tackles in his career, and he’s guaranteed to rack up more in week 18. He has 45.5 sacks, 34 forced fumbles, and 17 interceptions in his 14-year career, and a big play could be on deck this week against a bad offense. Play him with confidence at home in what is essentially a playoff game against their division rival.

Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals Sunday 1:00 PM ET

Myles Garrett recorded just 1 tackle last week. No QB hits, zero sacks, not a pass defended, nor an assisted tackle. One solo tackle will make fantasy football managers think twice about putting that player back in on a championship week. As it should, but Garrett is a boom/bust player, and he is chasing history.

He needed just one sack against old man Aaron Rodgers, but could not earn it. He will be full throttle against the bad offensive line of the Cincinnati Bengals. Garrett sacked Burrow twice in week one, and with how long Burrow holds the ball, one sack seems like a guarantee. It’s almost fitting that Garrett breaks the record against his in-state division rival. Trust him to do just that, despite just one tackle last week, play him, and expect a record-breaking performance.

Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Sunday 1:00 PM ET

Another 14-year veteran makes the list, and it’s another turnover machine. Harrison Smith has 39 career interceptions, and he is the active interceptions leader in the NFL. He earned one against Jared Goff last week, and could earn another one against the Green Bay Packers this week. Is there a better way to cap off a career than with back-to-back games with interceptions against your divisional rivals? Obviously, a Super Bowl would be great, but the Vikings are eliminated from the playoffs.

He has 54 tackles, 10 passes defended, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 QB hits this season. The Packers could be rolling out a third-string quarterback, as well as other third-string offensive players. Smith is set for a big send-off, against his bitter rival, in front of the home crowd… unless he doesn’t retire. Either way, expect a great week 18 IDP performance from Smith.
 

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