👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 6 IDP Waiver Wire Adds

What's up RotoBallers. Welcome to our weekly columns to help you win on the defensive side of the ball. Today we are here to review some IDP waiver wire pickups for Week 6. The following players are not necessarily “must start” players for IDP leagues, but rather, players that currently have below 25% ownership levels (in Yahoo! Leagues) and are suggested deep-league IDP additions for this week.

Once you're done here, be sure to read about more Week 6 waiver wire recommendations, for all other positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB - CUTS

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Linebackers - Week 6 IDP Waiver Adds

Markus Golden, Cardinals

Matchup: vs. Jets (Monday)

Ownership: 2%

Golden was a second-round pick of the Cardinals in the 2015 draft, and had an inconsistent rookie campaign at best. Year two, however, has been a different story. Believe it or not, the Missouri product is third in the NFL in sacks through the first five weeks with 6.0, and has yet to record a game without a sack this season. He faces a Jets offensive line that has allowed 7.0 sacks over the past two weeks, the majority of which came to opposing linebackers, making Golden a solid bet on Monday night to add to his impressive sack total.

 

Whitney Mercilus, Texans

Matchup: vs. Colts (Sunday night)

Ownership: 4%

Mercilus got off to a strong start this season, with 2.0 sacks in the opener, but failed to register another sack until this past week, when he notched another 1.5 to his total. So why is he on this list as a pass rushing linebacker with only 3.5 sacks? The matchup. It has been widely reported this season, but the Colts offensive line is that bad, and cannot protect Andrew Luck on a weekly basis. Look for Houston’s top pass rushers to feed off the energized home crowd on Sunday evening and get after Luck plenty.

 

Christian Kirksey, Browns

Matchup: @ Titans

Ownership: 8%

Kirksey has been a “sleeper prospect” in IDP leagues since entering the NFL in 2014 as a third-round pick. After two solid but unspectacular seasons, Kirksey fell off many IDP radars this summer. It appears that Kirksey has put it together in 2016, logging heavy snaps as the Browns clear-cut best linebacker (enter jokes here) and is already closing in on a career-high in tackles through only five weeks following 16 total in this weeks loss. Kirksey gets a nice matchup on Sunday against the Titans ground-led offense, which should give him multiple chances at stops this week.

 

Lorenzo Alexander, Bills

Matchup: vs. 49ers

Ownership: 10%

Quick: The NFL’s sack leader heading into Week 6 is? J.J. Watt? No. Von Miller? Closer, but still wrong. The answer is Alexander, a 10-year journeyman linebacker that was signed by the Bills for depth and special teams help. A guy who, prior to this season, has played in 127 NFL contests, starting in only 16 of them. In 5 games for the Bills this year (all starts), Alexander leads the NFL with 7 sacks after a dominant Week 5 performance against the Rams that featured 3.0 sacks and 7 solo tackles. Like Golden, Alexander has yet to record a game where he has not appeared in the sack column this season, and has a favorable matchup against a 49ers offense that still doesn’t know who to start at quarterback.

 

Vince Williams, Steelers

Matchup: @ Dolphins

Ownership: 13%

In the absence of teammate Ryan Shazier in Week 4, Williams logged heavy snaps and compiled 16 tackles (14 solo), 2 tackles for loss, and a sack. Last week, I urged IDP owners to monitor this situation and deemed Williams a guy who should not only be picked up, but started if Shazier was inactive. Once again, Shazier did not suit up and Williams delivered another huge performance that included 9 tackles (8 solo), a sack and a whopping 3 tackles for loss (a nice bonus if your league rewards this stat). His ownership level has jumped from 1% at this time last week to 13% at the current time, so now is the time to pounce if he is still available. Start Williams with confidence as a LB1 this week should Shazier miss another game.

 

Defensive Linemen - Week 6 IDP Waiver Adds

Joey Bosa, Chargers

Matchup: vs. Broncos (Thursday)

Ownership: 8%

Bosa’s NFL debut in Week 5 was one to remember from a statistical standpoint. Against the division rival Raiders, Bosa recorded 5 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and chipped in 3 tackles for loss. Thursday night’s matchup is far from ideal, as the Broncos offense is built quite differently than the Raiders, so chances for sacks will surely be limited. However, at a position where production can be hard to project, you have to like the talent and upside of the third overall pick in this years draft.

 

Jadeveon Clowney, Texans

Matchup: vs. Colts (Sunday night)

Ownership: 11%

See Mercilus, Whitney above.

 

Defensive Backs - Week 6 IDP Waiver Adds

Rodney McLeod, Eagles

Matchup: @ Redskins

Ownership: 3%

McLeod was one of the more underrated moves in free agency this spring when he left the Rams for the rebuilt Eagles secondary. Capable of putting up strong tackle numbers for a defensive back (over 70 in his past three seasons) and forcing turnovers (12 in that same span), McLeod has been an integral part of the Eagles defense in 2016, averaging over 5.0 tackles per game and intercepting 2 balls. Look for the pass-happy Redskins, who have thrown the ball 35 or more times in four of five games thus far to give McLeod plenty of opportunities.

 

Keanu Neal, Falcons

Matchup: @ Seahawks

Ownership: 4%

Neal has been a nice piece for the Falcons secondary since making his NFL debut in Week 3, and has increasingly become a more viable option for IDP owners in need of DB help. Neal has improved his stat lines in three straight weeks, and figures to be a big part of the game plan against head coach Dan Quinn’s former defense in Seattle. The hard-hitting safety has been compared to Seahawks thumper Kam Chancellor since being drafted, and will look to showcase himself this week in that role.

 

Jonathan Cyprien, Jaguars

Matchup: @ Bears

Ownership: 13%

Cyprien has been a major factor in IDP leagues as a DB for years, primarily due to his tackle numbers. He is an aggressive safety both against the run and in coverage, and faces a Bears offense that should still be led by Brian Hoyer, who has actually looked competent, but in the end is still Brian Hoyer. The Bears offense has been kind to safeties to this point, so look for Cyprien to be in on a bunch of tackles this week when Hoyer drops back and to help solidify the Jaguars run defense against the upstart RB Jordan Howard.

 


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brock Bowers

Still a Top-15 Player in Dynasty Leagues Despite Injury-Plagued Season
Gavin Sheets

Goes Yard Twice, Including Walk-Off Round-Tripper
Washington Commanders

Commanders Host Omar Cooper Jr. for a Pre-Draft Visit
NFL

Makai Lemon to be a Top-20 Draft Pick This Year?
Corbin Carroll

Expected to Start on Saturday
Wyatt Langford

Forced From Friday's Game With Quad Tightness
Bijan Robinson

Falcons Pick Up Bijan Robinson's Fifth-Year Option
Kris Bubic

Dominates White Sox With 11 Strikeouts on Friday
Royce Lewis

Headed for Injured List
Mack Hollins

Can Mack Hollins Maintain a Starting Role in New England in 2026?
Clay Holmes

Removed With Hamstring Tightness
Malik Washington

Has Breakout Potential After Offseason Movement in Miami
Mike Gesicki

Is Mike Gesicki a Buy-Low Candidate After Down 2025?
Cristian Javier

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Jayden Reed

Poised for Larger Role in Green Bay Following Offseason Movement
Matthew Golden

Does Matthew Golden Have a Clear Path to a Starting Role in His Sophomore Season?
Jaylon Tyson

Rejoins Cavaliers Lineup as Starter
Klay Thompson

Misses Friday's Game Due to Illness
Kevin Huerter

Back in Action Friday
Sam Hauser

Cleared to Play Friday
Neemias Queta

Ready to Take on Pelicans
Derrick White

Good to Go Friday
Jaylen Brown

Active on Friday
Josh Giddey

Still Out Friday
Miles McBride

Exits Knicks Lineup Friday
Mitchell Robinson

Sidelined on Friday
Norman Powell

Won't Play Against Wizards
Tyler Herro

Out on Friday
Saddiq Bey

Herbert Jones Resting Friday
Immanuel Quickley

Unavailable Friday
Julius Randle

Misses Second Straight Game
Jayson Tatum

Won't Play Friday
Jackson Chourio

Still Not Cleared to Hit
Dontayvion Wicks

Eagles Acquiring Dontayvion Wicks From the Packers
Brent Rooker

A's Place Brent Rooker on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
J.T. Realmuto

Back in Friday's Lineup
Parker Meadows

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Broken Arm, Concussion
Seiya Suzuki

Back From the Injured List
Carlos Ulberg

A Slight Underdog
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Can Become UFC Champion Again
Paulo Costa

Makes his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Josh Hokit

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Curtis Blaydes

A Favorite At UFC 327
DJ Giddens

an Easily Replaceable Insurance Back
Kenny Moore II

and Colts Seeking a Trade
Hunter Henry

Could Be Impacted by NFL Draft
AJ Barner

a Mispriced Dynasty Asset
Cedric Tillman

Nearing Cut Candidacy in Dynasty Leagues
Josh Jacobs

Has a Health-Related Production Dip Left Josh Jacobs Undervalued?
Sam Carrick

to Miss Start of Playoffs
Alex Lyon

Questionable for Start of Postseason
Dakota Joshua

Unlikely to Return This Season
John Gibson

Exits Thursday's Game Due to Neck Problem
Miro Heiskanen

Uncertain for Playoffs
Brandon Hagel

Expected to Return Before End of Regular Season
Roman Josi

Nursing Upper-Body Injury
Trey Murphy III

Unavailable Against Celtics
Dejounte Murray

Remains Out Friday
Zion Williamson

Won't Suit Up Friday
Jalen Williams

Out on Friday
Jarrett Allen

Won't Play Against Hawks
Moritz Seider

has Five-Point Game on Thursday
Xavier Legette

Trending Down Ahead of Year 3
Rashod Bateman

a Cut Candidate in All Dynasty Leagues?
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Can Ja'Tavion Sanders Break Through in the Panthers' Offense?
Cole Caufield

Reaches 50 Goals
Jayden Reed

Can Jayden Reed Bounce Back as a WR3/Flex in 2026?
Travis Hunter

to be Full-Time Cornerback, Part-Time Wide Receiver in 2026
Blake Coleman

Unavailable Thursday
Quinton Byfield

Cleared to Play Thursday
Thomas Chabot

Makes Surprise Return Thursday
Luke Hughes

to Miss Rest of Season
Stuart Skinner

Faces Devils Thursday
Nazem Kadri

to "Miss Some Games" With Finger Injury
Seth Jones

to Miss Rest of Season Due to Broken Foot
Corbin Carroll

Dealing With Hip Injury, Not Expected to Miss Much Time
Brent Rooker

Exits Early on Thursday Due to Apparent Injury
Zach Benson

Scores Twice in Comeback Victory
Logan Thompson

Shuts Out the Leafs
Zach Eflin

Undergoes Successful Elbow Surgery, Will Miss Remainder of 2026
Andrei Kuzmenko

to Be Re-Evaluated in 7-8 Days
Mason Appleton

Won't Play Thursday
Tony DeAngelo

Expected to Return Thursday
Cole Ragans

"Should be Good" for Next Start
Reynaldo López

Reynaldo Lopez Handed Seven-Game Suspension
Jorge Soler

Suspended Seven Games, Will Appeal
Cole Ragans

Diagnosed With Thumb Contusion
Cole Ragans

Leaves Early on Wednesday After Being Hit in the Hand
Jacob deGrom

Expects to Make his Next Start
Tyrrell Hatton

a Steady Option at The Masters
Justin Thomas

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Masters
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Option at the Masters
Nicolai Hojgaard

Carrying Momentum Into The Masters
Si Woo Kim

in Strong Form Heading to The Masters
Chris Gotterup

Ready to Make His Masters Debut
Patrick Reed

Brings Momentum to The Masters
Jon Rahm

Looks Poised for His Second Green Jacket
Adam Scott

Form Points to Him Competing at Masters
Jordan Spieth

Finding Consistency Heading to Masters
Hideki Matsuyama

Trending In Right Direction For Masters
Tommy Fleetwood

a Contender if his Putter Cooperates at The Masters
Collin Morikawa

Vegas has Lost Confidence in Collin Morikawa Ahead of Masters Tournament
Ludvig Aberg

One of the Top Plays For This Week's Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy

Set to Defend his Long-Awaited Masters Victory
Bryson DeChambeau

Looks to Finally Claim a Green Jacket
Patrick Cantlay

Needs Plenty to Go Right at Augusta
Harris English

Playing Solid Golf Heading to Masters
Sam Burns

Bouncing Back Nicely After Slow Start to 2026 Season
Corey Conners

Quietly Putting Together A Strong 2026 Season
Russell Henley

Looks to Bounce Back At Masters
Chris Duncan

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Renato Moicano

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tabatha Ricci

Gets Outgrappled
Virna Jandiroba

Bounces Back
Brendson Ribeiro

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Earns First-Round Submission Win
Rafael Estevam

Suffers His First Loss
Ethyn Ewing

Dominates At UFC Vegas 115
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF