Every week throughout the NFL season I will bring you an IDP article talking about anything and everything that consists of IDP. I will talk about IDP Breakout players, keep tabs on possible waiver-wire additions and some IDP Sleeper plays during the year. It should be fun. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite Breakout IDP Performances and Waiver-Wire Moves heading into Week 6 of the NFL Season.
Breakout IDP Performances and Waiver-Wire Moves Week 6
Nate Landman, LB Atlanta Falcons
Never heard of Nate Landman? You aren’t the only one. When second-year Linebacker Troy Andersen was ruled out two weeks ago and then put on injured reserve, the question was who would be his replacement. The answer was Nate Landman. He is a third-year player who was a free agent out of Colorado. Landman led the Falcons with tackles last week. He has made 16 tackles in the last two games since replacing Andersen. Currently, it looks like he will be a solid fill-in for Atlanta.
There has been no indication out of Atlanta that they plan on signing anyone else to replace Landman, so this seems like it is his job for the foreseeable future. Atlanta has been a friendly spot for IDP productivity.
Azeez Al-Shaair, LB Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans came into the season with some new players on defense. It took a few weeks, but Azeez Al-Shaair has taken over in the middle for the Titans. The fifth-year linebacker out of Florida Atlantic is in his first year in Tennessee and he is already making an impact.
Last week against the Indianapolis Colts, Al-Shaair had his best game of the season recording 15 tackles. He has 47 tackles, three TFLs, three QB Hits, one sack, and two passes defensed on the season. He had over 100 tackles two years ago for the 49ers, and it looks like Al-Shaair is already going to outpace that total this year as he currently is averaging just under 10 tackles per game.
If your league has been slow to notice Al-Shaair’s productivity look to pick him up off the waiver wire or make a trade for him. Last week I was able to acquire Al-Shaair for a 2024 4th round rookie draft pick in a dynasty league where I needed LB help.
Marcus Davenport, DE Minnesota Vikings
Danielle Hunter is the top edge rusher for the Minnesota Vikings, but a nice waiver wire pickup this week is Marcus Davenport. The former New Orleans Saint pass rusher has two sacks this season as he tries to regain his 2021 form where he had 39 tackles, nine sacks, and 16 QB Hits.
Davenport saw an 80% snap share last week and seems to be locked into the lineup. He faces a Chicago Bears team that is coming off a win against the Washington Commanders. Bears Quarterback Justin Fields has taken some big steps passing the ball lately, but he still takes plenty of sacks. This could be a good spot for Davenport to break out.
A.J. Epenesa, DE Buffalo Bills
With fellow edge rusher Greg Rousseau struggling with an injury and Von Miller just making his way back from a season-long injury a year ago, A.J. Epenesa could see an increase in playing time. He saw a season-high 67% of snaps last week. He already has three sacks and an interception this season and could be a nice fill-in if you need an edge play. The Bills face the New York Giants and their putrid offensive line, which has been giving up sack after sack so far this season.
Kyler Gordon, CB Chicago Bears
Kyler Gordon, a former second-round pick out of Washington, was injured in the opening game of the season against the Green Bay Packers. He was put on the injured reserve list for the last four weeks but could be returning soon. He has been very productive working primarily out of the slot. He is likely to return there when he is back on the field.
In leagues that start CB, Gordon is a great add, but he is also playable in defensive back leagues. Gordon had 71 tackles and three interceptions in his rookie season. Those are numbers he should be able to beat this season.
Jartavius Martin, S Washington Commanders
This isn’t an immediate play, but more of a stash. Jartavius Martin, the rookie safety out of Illinois, has not played much so far this season, but with some injuries in the secondary, the former second-round pick is going to get his shot.
Martin was part of the best secondary in the nation last season at Illinois, and then put together a great combine to push himself into the second round. Martin is a pure athlete and playmaker. If he is available in dynasty leagues, pick him up now before he busts out like former college teammate Devon Witherspoon did two weeks ago for the Seattle Seahawks.
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