Welcome to the 2025 IDP Waiver Wire For Week 9!
Yes, folks. I’m back for one more week before the GODFATHER OF IDP FANTASY FOOTBALL, Gary Davenport, returns to FANTASY IN FRAMES to write our weekly IDP Waiver Wire article. To those who have enjoyed and benefited from my work over the past few weeks, thank you so much for your support. It has been a pleasure diving back into the writing scene after some time away. All of you who visit our site regularly for advice are what keep us going and working hard, so thank YOU!
However, we’re not done yet. I got Week 9 IDP Waiver Wire recommendations to get you through, so in the immortal words of the great Heath Ledger:
*Rostership Percentages based on REDRAFT leagues ONLY*
Disclaimer: Waiver Wire Rostership Percentages from Sleeper, ESPN, & Yahoo, as well as the Combined Rostership Percentages, will not exceed 30%. Also, fantasy point scoring will be represented from FantasyPros IDP scoring, which can be found here. Base metrics provided by FantasyData and advanced metrics via PFF and NFL Pro.
Teams on Bye Week: Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
IDP PICKUP OF THE WEEK
Montez Sweat, DL, Chicago Bears
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (9%), ESPN (10.9%), & Yahoo (5%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 8.3%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- 7 Total Tackles (4 solo & 3 assisted),1 TFL, and 1 Sack for a total of 14.8 fantasy points
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- PFF’s 3rd-ranked run defender at the EDGE position
- He’s posted a pressure rate of 14.7%
- Among Defensive Ends in PPG, he’s ranked as the DE4 since Week 6
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
Much like my IDP gem over the past three weeks, Alex Wright, has benefited from having an elevated fantasy point scoring floor due to his tackle volume, so has Montez Sweat. Sweat has had at least three total tackles per game since Week 6, and in back-to-back weeks in Weeks 7 & 8, he increased his tally to at least four tackles per game, seven of which came this past week.
When looking for defensive linemen to anchor your IDP teams for the long haul, ALWAYS go for the one with the elevated tackle floor, ergo the higher fantasy floor. That metric is what separates the weekly fill-in from the “set it and forget it” players.
WEEK 9 IDP WAIVER WIRE TARGETS
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Jacob Martin, EDGE, Washington Commanders
I mentioned Jacob Martin in my Week 8 #FFIDP Waiver Wire article a week ago.
— Jorge Edwards (@JorgeBEdwards) October 28, 2025
Even in a tough matchup vs. KC, he’s still delivering. Roster him this week and expect a LOT of upside over the next several weeks!#WaiverWire pic.twitter.com/HicBLXadcM
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (0%), ESPN (0.7%), & Yahoo (0%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 0.23%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- 2 Solo Tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 Sacks for a total of 16.0 fantasy points
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Over the past three weeks, Martin has entered the Top 30 Defensive Ends in terms of fantasy points per game. Over the past two weeks, he’s been the DE21
- He’s rated as PFF’s 12th-best rated EDGE rusher over the past three weeks, with a Pressure Rate of 16.9%
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
As I mentioned last week, essentially taking over for Dorance Armstrong’s spot at EDGE for the Commanders, Martin has been that “high motor” EDGE rusher that, even against a Chiefs’ team that hasn’t blown off any doors in terms of sack allowed on the season, he still managed to produce two on Monday Night Football.
With the Commanders’ upcoming slate versus the Seahawks, Lions, and Dolphins, which rank in terms of PPG average as 3rd, 15th, and 17th, respectively, over the past three weeks, Martin and his fantasy managers should be in line for an outstanding performance next week against Seattle. As far as the Lions and Dolphins go, if Martin can tally two sacks against Kansas City, he might very well surprise you versus Detroit and Miami.
Alex Wright, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (0%), ESPN (0.3%), & Yahoo (1%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 0.1%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- 4 Solo Tackles, 3 TFLs, and 1 Sack for a total of 17.5 fantasy points
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- PFF’s 13th-best rated EDGE rusher since Week 6
- He’s been the DE13 in PPG, averaging 12.9 PPG.
- He has posted a 12% tackle rate since Week 6 (Average for DL in 2025 is 10.6%)
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been very bullish on Alex Wright for the same reasons listed above with Montez Sweat. GIVE ME THE DLs with high tackle volume for the position. That way, when they hit home for a sack, TFL, and/or QB hit, you’ll be sitting pretty with DL1 or at the very least DL2 numbers for the week.
Dre’Mont Jones, EDGE, Tennessee Titans
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (0%), ESPN (0.5%), & Yahoo (0%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 0.2%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- 2 Solo Tackles, 1 TFL, and 1 Sack for a total of 9.5 fantasy points
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- He’s posted a pressure rate over the past three weeks of 9%, 1.6 percentage points away from the average at the position
- He’s tied for 9th among EDGE rushers in sacks with three since Week 6.
- In terms of fantasy PPG ranking, Jones is the DE22 with an average of 10 PPG since Week 6
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
Jones is in ED3 territory in terms of pressures earned since Week 6 per PFF; however, in Week 12, he’ll face off against his old team, the Seahawks, who allow the 3rd highest fantasy point average to DEs. This recommendation is more of a long-term play to keep an eye on. However, if you have the bench depth, he’s someone to stash. If not, definitely wait until Week 11 to grab him for his Week 12 enticing matchup.
Linebackers
Drake Thomas, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Drake Thomas had flash plays AND he had pure strength plays… Another display of brute power as he disrupts RT Tytus Howard and FB British Brooks in one swoop, clearing the way for Leo and Reed to get the TFL on 3rd and 1. Dang @DrakeT32 pic.twitter.com/MLrm0kVWO9
— Clinton Bonner | Sea Hawkers Podcast (@clintonbon) October 21, 2025
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (2%), ESPN (1.9%), & Yahoo (0%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 1.3%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- On Bye
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- PFF’s 21st-ranked linebacker since Week 6
- Since he finished back-to-back games in Weeks 6 & 7, he’s tallied 14 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 4 PDs, and 1 Sack
- He has ranked since Week 6 as the LB4 despite not playing Week 8
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
A few weeks ago, I warned managers to be wary of picking up and starting Thomas because the tackle numbers were lacking. He was able to make a few impact plays, but those aren’t things you should count on from week to week from LBs. Nevertheless, he tallied 5 solo tackles the very next week, along with 2 TFLs and 3 PDs.
This gentleman is playing all over the field, lining up along the defensive line, in the box, and as a slot corner. He reminds me of Kaden Ellis of the Atlanta Falcons, who came on to the scene the same way in his early days for the Saints.
Since Week 6, the Commanders have ranked 5th in PPG allowed versus the off-ball linebacker position, making Thomas someone you should roster and start with confidence in Week 9.
Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (22%), ESPN (28.3%), & Yahoo (23%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 24.3%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- 11 Total Tackles (4 solo & 7 assisted) and 1 Forced Fumble for a total of 15.3 fantasy points
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- Since Week 6, he’s been PFF’s 14th-best rated run-defending linebacker and 8th in defensive stops (plays that cause a negative outcome for the offense, i.e., loss of yards or inability to convert first downs, etc).
- He’s been the LB31 in terms of PPG average since Week 6, with an average of 11.2 fantasy points.
- Among all off-ball linebackers, he ranks number one overall in sacks (8) earned since Week 6
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
What…what are we doing here? Since when has one of the most consistent, dominating linebackers for YEARS been relegated to being rostered so lowly in IDP fantasy leagues? Like, I get it if you only start one LB on your roster, but in leagues where you start two or three, Davis at the very least should be on your bench, if not in your starting lineup each week. Make that happen, folks!
Tatum Bethune, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (5%), ESPN (8.6%), & Yahoo (8%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 7.2%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- 14 Total Tackles (4 solo & 10 assisted) for a total of 13.5 fantasy points.
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- PFF’s 9th-best-rated linebacker since Week 6 with a tackle efficiency of 17.1%
- In terms of points per game since Week 6, he’s ranked as the LB20 with an average of 12.6 fantasy points
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
He’s not Fred Warner. He’s not a SUPER EXCITING NAME in terms of fantasy point production. That being the case, his high tackle efficiency, his consistent total tackle production in which he’s tallied double-digit tackles over the past three weeks, and upcoming schedule against the Giants, Rams, Cardinals, and Panthers, Bethune is in line to continue to put up low double-digit fantasy points production, making him an “OK” linebacker fill-in. Definitely, nothing more than a short-term BYE WEEK fill-in. However, versus Arizona in Week 11, he has a HIGH UPSIDE matchup, as the Cardinals allow the 4th-most fantasy points to the linebacker position.
Defensive Backs
Josh Metellus, S, Minnesota Vikings
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (27%), ESPN (10.4%), & Yahoo (19%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 18.8%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- 6 Total Tackles (3 solo & 3 assisted), 1 PD, and 1 interception
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- He’s ranked 2nd in Box Snaps among qualified safeties since returning from the Vikings Week 6’s BYE WEEK.
- He’s been the S9 in PPG with an average of 13.1 fantasy points in back-to-back games
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
Playing more in a coverage role to start the season, since Week 4, we’ve seen Metellus resume his heavy Box safety role for the Vikings, putting up elevated tackle numbers we’ve come to expect from him under Brian Flores’ defensive scheme in Minnesota.
With games against Detroit, Baltimore, and Chicago over the next three weeks that have ranked 2nd, 11th, and 10th respectively over the past three weeks, Metellus is someone who should NOT still be available on your waiver wire Wednesday morning.
Jalen Pitre, S, Houston Texans
Percent Rostered on Sleeper (10%), ESPN (26.1%), & Yahoo (6%):
Combined Consensus Rostership Percentage: 14%
Base Statistics from Week 8:
- 8 Total Tackles (3 solo & 5 assisted) and 1 TFL
Notes and/or Advanced Statistics Over Past Three Weeks:
- He’s played a majority of his snaps in the box and at slot cornerback for the Texans since Week 7, two of the most advantageous spots for a defensive back to play at for fantasy purposes.
- Since Week 6, he’s had a 13.6% tackle efficiency, which is higher than the average for linebackers
- He’s been the S21 in terms of PPG since Week 6 with an average of 10.3 fantasy points.
IDP Waiver Wire Analysis:
While technically, he has been the DB34 overall in fantasy points per game since Week 6, you have to remember that what has separated a DB2 and a DB4 during that timespan has literally been tenths of a point. He’s still a solid fill-in during BYE WEEKS for managers for the rest of the season. Play him only as a DB3, however.
Thanks for checking out my recommendations for your league’s 2025 IDP Waiver Wire for Week 9. You can find all of our IDP Waiver Wire articles for 2025 by clicking here!
Jorge B. Edwards is an FSWA member, FantasyPros ECR ranker & award winner, and creator of FANTASY IN FRAMES, specializing in IDP, Redraft, and Dynasty Fantasy Football. Follow him on Twitter/X at @JorgeBEdwards.
