Let it be known throughout the land (not just Cleveland, but all lands that enjoy fantasy football): No week, no month, no season has paid into the old adage “ANY GIVEN SUNDAY,” like the first four weeks of 2018. Not only do I not know what to do with my hands, if I were a gambling man, I would be a poor, poor man right now.

Then there are the consequences of battle. Leonidas and the 300 left less carnage out there then the gridiron gladiators of yesterday.

Alas, reinforcements have arrived from the [AFC] North amongst other places. Perennial IDP stud Vontaze Burfict has served his suspension along with Dallas DT David Irving, Chargers DT Corey Liguet, Ravens DB Jimmy Smith, and current Raiders and former Panthers CB Daryl Worley. Before we give you some names, let’s start with those who may no longer be with us [in Week 5].

2018 Fantasy Football Week 5 IDP Waivers

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Week 4 Infirmary

The early DROY/IDP MVP candidate spotted in a walking boot, but could be precautionary. Sad!

Next Man Up: Matthew Adams(who?). SS Clayton Geathers is also having a good season, but is banged up; If he’s good to go, he might gobble up what’s left in the Dwayne Johnson sized void left by Leonard.

Vrabel said @WoodDro52 s being evaluated. but thinks he’ll be OK. May have to miss some time @Titans — Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 1, 2018



Mike Vrabel has his troops playing like they deserve to be atop the absurdly interesting AFC South; Woodyard was an IDP stud last year so the odds are he’s rostered in your league. Keep an eye out for updates. If he’s dropped, he makes for a decent stash.

Next Man Up: Jayon Brown

Questionable for MNF against Saints, but doesn’t look too concerning. Has had the bye week to rest up, much needed as he hasn’t looked like his old self. As mother would say, make sure to be prepared and plan ahead.

Also, what’s the deal with giving the Redskins a bye into a MNF game. I see you not working Roger Goodell.

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Clean fracture of the leg, MRI showed no ligament damage, Middle Finger allegedly hyperextended towards Seahawks’ sideline…

Next Man Up: You can’t replace the GOAT safety. RIP Legion of Boom!

Week 5 Pickups

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

Remember him? He of unnecessary roughness penalties and suspensions galore? He back and he joins a Bengals team that’s seen Nick Vigil evolve into a steady contributor. Don’t be discouraged, even if he’s just a stash. Once he gets fully into game shape he should be an elite IDP again.

Malcolm Butler, CB, Tennesse Titans



Just when you thought he changed his last name to Burnable, the REAL Super Bowl XLIX MVP was utilized in all the right ways in the Titan’s week 4 upset over the defending champs.

Admittedly, the Eagles o-line looks suspiciously suspect four weeks into the season. However, this is more about Mike Vrabel than anything else.

The Titans rookie coaching staff has shown improvement in both game plan and utilization of talent with every passing week. This includes how they are utilizing their prize acquisitions, including Butler.

Butler may be rocking a Titan’s jersey this time out, but he knows Orchard Park and the Bills Mafia well. Josh Allen, let thy growing pains be our fantasy gold mine.

Pedigree isn’t just a popular brand of dog food- I’m going to stop myself right there. I don’t know if Pedigree dog food is popular. But in fantasy football, boy does pedigree keep you on the field.

The former Gator and last year’s first-round pick enjoyed some success as rookie IDP, but not so much success with respect to actual football-ing (not my opinion, football people told me in things they wrote that I read). Harris was burned alive at the stake by Ezekiel Elliot last week; but dang it all if the Lions won’t keep sending Davis out there to be burned. Matt Patricia is a bully, I tells ya.

Here’s my thinking/hope/desire: Davis is going to stay on the field as long as he is healthy. If he’s getting burned by backs and tight ends, then bully for us, as he’s fast enough to chase them down. Tackles and defensed passes are a possibility here. If that doesn’t entice you, the secret it out: You can run ALL DAY on the Lions. RIGHT at Davis. Go get Davis as a volume IDP.

Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Do not be deceived- if you ignore the stats and pick up Reuben Foster over Fred Warner – you will reap what you have sown (average gains, bro). The 49er’s MIKE has been hounding the ball, relentless in pursuit.

Malcolm Smith and Reuben Foster aren’t just habitually hurt, they are getting beat in the passing game – Melvin Gordon couldn’t quite come down with the red zone target last week, but Foster was burned. At KC (or the house that Mahomes built), Travis Kelce put the anvil down on Foster in coverage, too.

On the other hand, Warner has shown Robert Saleh and the rest of the coaching staff that he can stay with backs and rush the QB and stay in the middle– move fast as his Yahoo! ownership is getting up there at 51%.

Stream City Special

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Arizona Cardinals, DT/DE/LB/DB

The 49ers, the Cardinals’ Week 5 opponent could be without starting LT (Joe Staley), RT (1st round pick Mike McGlinchey), C (Weston Richburg), and many more! Add on that QB CJ Beathard has made it abundantly clear he would like to take a hard beating in and out of the pocket, that smells like a recipe for IDP success.

Look for Safety Tre Boston to repeat his Week 4 performance; the guy was everywhere. GIVE ME ALL YOUR REDDDDDDDD BIRDSSSSS…YUMMMMM!

As always, make sure to check those practice reports and plan ahead. Good luck Break a leg in Week 5 Six Pack Mafia…

Check out the rest of our 2018 Fantasy Football content from our great team of writers.