Week 2 NFL Injuries Create New Opportunities for Fantasy Football IDP Owners
ICARO Media Group
Injuries have taken a toll on NFL teams during Week 2, leading to several new waiver targets for fantasy football owners in need of IDP (Individual Defensive Player) replacements. After a relatively injury-free Week 1, numerous IDP starters were lost this past week, prompting managers to stay active on the waiver wire to fill their roster holes.
One standout player of Week 2 is Aidan Hutchinson, who has proven to be an elite defensive lineman. Hutchinson currently holds the highest overall grade among defensive linemen in the league, boasting a remarkable 94.1 rating. He also leads the NFL with 5.5 sacks and holds the highest pass-rush grade at 95.0. These outstanding performances solidify Hutchinson as a force to be reckoned with in fantasy football.
For fantasy enthusiasts seeking an edge in their IDP leagues, a PFF+ subscription offers access to a comprehensive suite of in-season fantasy tools. Subscribers can enjoy perks such as weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer, and more. Signing up for a PFF+ subscription grants owners the advantage they need to dominate their leagues.
In terms of waiver pickups, there are several linebacker options worth considering. Troy Andersen of the Atlanta Falcons has seen an increased role after Nate Landman's placement on injured reserve. Andersen can be confidently added and started while Landman remains sidelined.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Baylon Spector stepped up when Matt Milano left the game, assuming every-down linebacker duties and delivering decent tackle production. Spector's role as the primary waiver add in Buffalo makes him a coveted target for Week 3.
Daiyan Henley of the Los Angeles Chargers also benefitted from a teammate's absence, as Junior Colson's injury allowed Henley and Denzel Perryman to take on more snaps. If Colson continues to miss playing time, Henley could be a valuable player in deeper leagues.
With Ja'Whaun Bentley out, Jahlani Tavai stepped up as a 100% snap linebacker for the New England Patriots. Although not highly productive in that role, Tavai still presents himself as a strong rest-of-season option with Bentley out for the year.
Micah McFadden of the New York Giants resumed his expected LB2 role, leading the team in tackles and even securing a sack. McFadden's increased snap share indicates that he could be a viable IDP option in multiple league formats.
In the absence of C.J. Mosley, Jamien Sherwood of the New York Jets played 100% of the defensive snaps, providing a solid fill-in option. As long as Mosley remains out, Sherwood is one of the top waiver options to target for Week 3.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight took full advantage of Jerome Baker's absence, assuming nearly 100% of the snaps. Knight's promising performance suggests he could be a more efficient IDP than Baker in the upcoming weeks.
Cam Lewis of the Buffalo Bills, currently designated as a safety, stepped in for Taron Johnson and should continue to do so until Johnson returns. For fantasy leagues that require starting cornerbacks, Lewis is a fine waiver option if Johnson's absence lingers.
Elijah Molden of the Los Angeles Chargers benefited from Alohi Gilman's absence, stepping into a full-time role and delivering six total tackles along with an interception. For leagues that prioritize full-time safeties, Molden presents a valuable option until Gilman returns.
Christian Izien stepped in at safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the absence of Antoine Winfield Jr. Showing strong production, Izien can be added in leagues that value starting safeties while Winfield remains out.
On the defensive line, Dennis Gardeck of the Arizona Cardinals led in both snaps and production, recording an impressive three sacks in Week 2. While his performance may vary based on matchups, Gardeck can be added in deeper leagues as a boom-or-bust option.
For DT-required leagues, Gervon Dexter Sr. of the Chicago Bears has started the season strong, delivering a sack in consecutive weeks while playing a significant snap share on the interior line. Dexter is a solid depth piece for owners in need of starting defensive tackles.
Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos saw an increase in snaps when Baron Browning was unable to play. With the potential for more volume if Browning misses time, Bonitto becomes an intriguing target for deeper leagues, utilizing his strong pass-rush metrics for big-play production.
Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Pat Jones II has played roughly 49% of the team's defensive snaps in back-to-back weeks, securing two sacks. While he remains behind the clear starters, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, Jones can be added as a depth piece in deeper leagues, though consistent efficiency may not be sustainable.
As the New York Jets cope with Jermaine Johnson's absence, first-round talent Will McDonald IV is poised to increase his snap share. McDonald showcased his potential with an impressive three sacks in Week 2, making him an attractive option for fantasy owners.
The wave of injuries in Week 2 has created newfound opportunities for fantasy football managers in need of IDP replacements. Whether it's grabbing standout players like Aidan Hutchinson or taking advantage of emerging options like Troy Andersen, fantasy owners must stay vigilant on the waiver wire to stay competitive.