IDP Waiver Wire: Week 2 Pickups & Matchup Plays

Sep 13, 2017

Now that Week 1 is in the books, let us take a page out of Aaron Rodgers' playbook and relax. Don't drop Danielle Hunter or trade JJ Watt. LeVeon Bell got stuffed in Week 1, but you wouldn't consider trading him, right? If you want to take advantage of an over-reactor in your league, be my guest, just don't be the over-reactor.

Heading into Week 2, the big injury was to Jerrell Freeman, who landed on Injured Reserve (IR). Luckily, we have several options to choose from on the waiver wire. There were also some noteworthy performances you'll want to take note of, so consider the defenders below when waivers run this week. Once we get through those, I'll analyze my rankings to see which matchups stand out at each position.

Week 2 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups

Defensive Line

Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Dallas Cowboys (34 snaps/61%)

Lawrence dominated from the left-side against the Giants in Week 1. He generated both sacks and contributed 7 total quarterback pressures against New York's weak offensive line. He also added 5 tackles, including 4 solos. He's worth picking up and starting as a high-upside DE3 in favorable offensive line matchups.

Dante Fowler, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars (35 snaps/44%)

Fowler was part of the 10-sack onslaught against Houston in Week 1. He produced 3 solo tackles and added a sack. At this point, I'm only suggesting him for big-play formats. He was manning some SAM linebacker and he's being brought in on obvious passing downs, allowing him to pin his ears back. With Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue drawing attention, he could get more clean looks.

Michael Pierce, DT, Baltimore Ravens (38 snaps/62%)

Pierce is going to be a target in DT-required leagues. On 22 rush snaps, he was able to produce a sack, while notching 4 tackles and a fumble recovery in 38 snaps. He's worth adding in DT-premium leagues for depth.