Movement on the Fantasy IDP landscape seemingly slowed for the first time this season, perhaps because four teams were on bye. However, there's still plenty to cover, with some key roles becoming clear and injuries creating opportunity. We'll break it all down with the top things to know for IDP leagues heading into Week 6.
Risers
The Colts have been seeking a reliable second inside linebacker to pair with Zaire Franklin in the early portions of the season, perhaps explaining Franklin's relative struggles. Joe Bachie started the year in the role, but his snap count has faded. Ajiake got a rotational shot in the role to begin Sunday's game and then padded his stats in garbage time in the blowout win over Las Vegas. There's no guarantee he'll build on his nine-tackle performance, but he's a name to monitor for fantasy IDP.
Muasau had a clear opportunity to take over as the primary inside linebacker alongside Bobby Okereke with Micah McFadden (foot) sidelined. It took some time after he suffered a concussion, but Muasau played a season-high 73 percent of defensive snaps in Week 5 against New Orleans. He responded with nine total tackles (six solo), and he should have a fairly free run for the foreseeable future. Per Dan Duggan of The Athletic, McFadden isn't close to a return, so the outlook for Muasau is very positive heading into Week 6.
That's a long-term injury. Not sure if/when he'll be back.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 1, 2025
Shemar James and Juanyeh Thomas 
The Cowboys have had a maligned defense to begin the season, but they played well against the Jets with a few reserves pushed into expanded roles. Thomas is the primary takeaway, as he played 100 percent of defensive snaps after Malik Hooker (toe) was placed on injured reserve. Thomas took advantage by racking up 10 tackles and should have a clear runway to playing time for at least the next month.
James got his opportunity due to Jack Sanborn suffering a concussion, which presumably won't keep him out long-term. However, James' usage was still significant, as he picked up extra snaps over Marist Liufau and then delivered an extremely impressive 15 tackles. It's too early to call this a true breakout for James, but he certainly put himself on the radar of IDP managers and likely of the Cowboys as well.
Relative to expectations, Sainristil had a slow start to the season. Washington began the year giving him some work at outside corner, but has pushed him almost exclusive into the slot and for some snaps in the box in the last two weeks. That's suited Sainristil well, as he's picked off a pass in each of those two games while combining to record 16 tackles. He also had one of the more impactful interceptions of the day in Week 5, picking off Justin Herbert at the goal line.
Fallers
Pratt entered Sunday's game having been on the field for at least 88 percent of defensive snaps in four games and three quarters of snaps in every contest. He was a healthy scratch against the Colts and then was released in the early afternoon Monday. Elandon Roberts returned a full snap share and should be expected to keep that in the wake of Pratt's release.
Milano has been injury plagued ever since the 2023 season, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. He was inactive for Weeks 3 and 4 due a pectoral injury and then aggravated the injury during Sunday night's loss to New England. The Bills linebacker corps is particularly beat up, as Dorian Williams (knee) was also sidelined. Assuming both are inactive in Week 6 against the Falcons, which appears to be a realistic possibility, Shaq Thompson should see an increased role.
Texans linebackers 
The distribution among Houston linebackers was particularly difficult to follow in 2024 and seemed to change on a weekly basis. We may be in danger of that happening once again, as Henry To'oTo'o has played only 48 and 62 percent of defensive snaps in the last two weeks after beginning the year with over a 90 percent share. E.J. Speed has been the beneficiary but has only mediocre production in a part-time role. Positive game script could have something to do with the shifting snap counts – Houston has won each of its last two contests in blowout fashion – but Azeez Al-Shaair may be the only reliable linebacker for the Texans moving forward.
