IDP Waiver Wire for Week 3
Week 2 is in the books! Another slate of NFL action created plenty of waiver wire opportunities. Injuries hit, rookies emerged, and depth charts shifted. Whether you’re dealing with banged-up starters or just looking to upgrade your roster, we’ve got the targets to help you compete!
This article covers all three levels of the defense, and we’ll include both defensive tackles and cornerbacks for managers in deeper, five-position formats. Ownership percentages (shown in parentheses) are from Sleeper, and all fantasy point references use IDP123 scoring. This article will not include Players owned in more than 30% of leagues.
My weekly mission is to deliver at least one viable waiver target, regardless of league structure. Let’s take a look at this week’s waiver recommendations!
Defensive Linemen (DL)
DT-required leagues have great waiver options this week. Seahawks’ Byron Murphy (25%) is my top priority after posting five tackles (two solo) and 1.5 sacks on 63% snaps against Pittsburgh. His talent is breaking through this season. Deep league options include Philadelphia’s Moro Ojomo (4%), who out-snapped Jordan Davis with a sack, and Patriots’ Milton Williams (9%), who notched two sacks on 70%+ snaps with better pass rush metrics than Christian Barmore.
Alex Highsmith’s ankle injury opens up an opportunity for Nick Herbig (13%). He stepped up last season and should be one of this week’s most sought-after claims. Rookie Jack Sawyer is in the rotation but won’t significantly cut into Herbig’s role. My secondary target is Panthers’ D.J. Wonnum, who’s benefiting from Carolina’s shallow edge rotation with a 70% snap share and solid 15% pass rush win rate. Despite low IDP scoring, his metrics suggest positive regression and sacks in his future.
Other options: Dayo Odeyingbo (9%), Bears; Dorrance Armstrong (8%), Commanders; Tavius Robinson (3%), Ravens; and Al-Quadin Muhammad (1%), Lions
Linebackers (LB)
If Arizona’s Mack Wilson (29%), Atlanta’s Divine Deablo (23%), or San Francisco’s Dee Winters (17%) are in your free agent pool, I’d prioritize picking them up for linebacker help. They all play a full-time role and will see 100% of snaps regularly. Those types of players are helpful for almost every IDP league.
Chicago’s T.J. Edwards’ hamstring injury could open the door for Noah Sewell (11%), who posted nine tackles (seven solo) in Week 1. Eric Wilson replaces Minnesota’s Blake Cashman (IR) as the green dot linebacker. He played every snap Sunday night and should improve on his five-tackle performance. The Colts’ Joe Bachie (5%) received over 80% of snaps while filling in for Jaylon Carlies, and tallied seven tackles (three solo) against the Broncos. He’s a deep league target if none of the other linebackers in this section are available.
Other options: Peter Werner (26%), Saints; Jack Sanborn (19%), Cowboys; Cedric Gray (15%), Titans; Devin Bush (13%), Browns; and Teddye Buchanan (10%), Ravens
Defensive Backs (DB)
There are always plenty of players to start at defensive back. Xavier Watts (27%), Chamarri Conner (24%), and Tykee Smith (24%) are all eligible for a shoutout, though I think this will be their last week in the column. Based on their current roles, I would prioritize Smith, Conner, and Watts in that order.
New Orleans is rolling with rookie safety Jonas Sanker (5%) for Julian Blackmon, who is out long-term with a shoulder injury. His eight tackles (five solo) and 100% snap performance are encouraging, and he could reach S2/3 range by season’s end. Other fill-in options include Pittsburgh’s Chuck Clark (3%) with back-to-back eight-tackle (six solo) performances and 37% box snaps, plus New York’s Malachi Moore (3%), who replaced Tony Adams and could see a significant role if the starter misses time with his groin injury.
Other options: Donovan Wilson (18%), Cowboys; Amani Hooker (14%), Titans; Will Harris (12%), Commanders; Craig Woodson (10%), Patriots; Marques Sigle (7%), 49ers; and Billy Bowman (5%), Falcons
CB options: Dax Hill (21%), Bengals; Riley Moss (13%), Broncos; and Jourdan Lewis (9%), Jaguars
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