Photo: USA Today Sports

Football is back! As usual, Week 1 was a wild ride, hitting us with upsets, injuries, and some big-time IDP performances. After our first big weekend of football, I did my best to sift through the snaps and stats to find some potential waiver wire options for your IDP leagues. Please keep in mind there are many fun ways to play this IDP game we love, and if you ever have any league-specific questions, feel free to reach out. Alright, let’s get to it.

Linebackers

Denzel Perryman, Houston Texans

Week 1 Stats: 11 tackles (6 solos), 1 tackle for loss

After the dust settled in Week 1, Denzel Perryman emerged as the leader in the middle for Houston’s defense. Perryman ended up playing 61 defensive snaps (95%), with teammate Christian Harris trailing him after seeing 46 snaps (72%). Perryman is a tackle machine when healthy and produced a solid 11 stops (6 solos) against Baltimore.

Perryman is likely only available in shallower leagues. However, with his IDP Show ADP of LB46, it’s worth checking his availability in such leagues. Perryman is a steady tackle producer when he’s out there, and his Week 1 role is precisely what we hoped to see.

Robert Spillane, Las Vegas Raiders

Week 1 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss

As far as role is concerned, it was an auspicious Week 1 for Robert Spillane. Spillane played all 64 defensive snaps, as the Raiders featured two full-time linebackers, with teammate Divine Deablo seeing 60 defensive snaps (94%). Spillane had an admirable Week 1 showing, producing seven tackles (4 solos) and one tackle for loss.

Deablo received most of the preseason hype among the two linebackers, meaning Spillane is likely more widely available. If he’s floating around your waiver wire, Spillane is a solid pickup after his promising Week 1.

Ivan Pace Jr, Minnesota Vikings

Week 1 Stats: 8 tackles (6 solos), 1 QB hit

The Minnesota Vikings potentially found a gem in undrafted rookie free-agent Ivan Pace Jr. Pace was slighted during the draft but would not be denied when he hit the field during training camp and preseason action. In Week 1, Jordan Hicks led the Viking linebacker unit with 66 defensive snaps (97%). However, Pace was next up among the group playing 46 snaps (68%), while teammate Brian Asamoah saw just two defensive snaps.

Pace’s compact stature might have shied teams away during the draft, but he has a legit game. In dynasty formats, Pace is a great add if he’s somehow still floating around the waiver wire. In redraft leagues where you can make the room, Pace is well worth a pickup as well after flashing his alluring potential in Week 1. Let’s continue to monitor Minnesota’s linebacker usage, and hopefully, it leads to more Pace.

Zach Cunningham, Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos), 1 fumble recovery

Heading into Week 1, it appeared the LB2 spot in Philadelphia belonged to Zach Cunningham. This sentiment proved true, as Cunningham played a healthy 70 defensive snaps (88%) in Week 1. As you can see above, Cunningham’s production wasn’t overly exciting this week. However, if he continues to see this kind of workload, there should be better days ahead. With the Nakobe Dean injury news, which we'll talk about more next, Philadelphia will likely continue to lean on the veteran as they sort things out.

Christian Elliss, Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos)

In unfortunate IDP news, Philadelphia lead linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a foot injury and will reportedly be out for multiple weeks. After Dean exited this week’s contest, it was Christian Elliss who filled in as his replacement. It’s also worth noting that Elliss wore the coveted green dot when he stepped in for Dean.

Right now, it feels like Elliss might get the first shot at filling in for Dean this upcoming week. However, the Eagles did just sign Rashaan Evans to its practice squad. They also brought back Nicholas Morrow to their practice squad after previously releasing him. In deeper roster leagues where you have the space, Elliss is worth a preemptive pickup as we see how this situation shakes out. Just be ready to pivot as we get more information.

Jack Gibbens, Tennessee Titans

Week 1 Stats: 8 tackles (6 solos), 1 tackle for loss

While the Titans LB2 role might not be a full-time gig, it seems Jack Gibbens has a firm grasp on it. Gibbens played 42 defensive snaps (65%), while teammate Monty Rice was only on the field for special teams and didn’t see a single defensive snap. Gibbens made good use of his snaps, producing 8 tackles (6 solos) and one tackle for loss.

Due to the amount of single-linebacker usage Tennesee utilizes, this type of snap share is likely the norm for Gibbens. In shallower leagues, Gibbens can be left on the waiver wire for now. However, if you’re looking for warm body production off the wire in deeper leagues, Gibbens is worth considering.

Defensive Line/Edge Rusher

Drake Jackson, San Francisco 49ers

Week 1 Stats: 3 solos tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 QB hits

Drake Jackson is a year-two pass rusher who many IDP gamers were excited about heading into the season. Jackson was a menace in Week 1, generating serious pressure off the edge on his way to a three-sack performance to start the year. Snap-wise, Jackson only logged 28 defensive snaps (44%) but certainly made his case for more. If Jackson is sitting on your waiver wire, he’s an excellent pickup as a prime year-two breakout candidate. Let’s hope his snap share gets a bump—he earned it.

Jonathan Greenard, Houston Texans

Week 1 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit

Jonathan Greenard is entering a contract year and is looking to cash in this offseason. Greenard got off to a nice start in Week 1, compiling five tackles (4 solos), two tackles for loss, and a sack. Greenard’s healthy 77% snap share (49 snaps) is also an encouraging takeaway from Week 1. If you’re looking for help at DE/edge-rusher, Greenard is a fine pickup after his productive start and promising snap share.

Mike Danna, Kansas City

Week 1 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended

Fourth-year man Michael Danna drew the start opposite George Karlaftis when the Chiefs hit the field Thursday night. Danna played a hefty 60 defensive snaps (86%), turning in a solid six tackle (4 solos) and one sack performance. With Charles Omenihu suspended for six games and the Chiefs easing in rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah (19 snaps/27%), it appears Danna should be heavily involved. If you’re looking for defensive line help in deeper leagues, Danna is a name to consider.

Arden Key, Tennessee Titans

Week 1 Stats: 4 tackles (1 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 pass defended

Tennesee brought in Arden Key this offseason on a three-year, $21 million deal. In his first regular-season game as a Titan, Key was a problem off the edge. On top of compiling four tackles, one and a half sacks, and two quarterback hits, Key generated an impressive eight pressures against New Orleans in Week 1, per Pro Football Focus. Key didn’t draw the start but did see 36 defensive snaps (55%) on the day. It was a rock-solid debut for Key, and he should be available on the waiver wire in a wide variety of leagues.

Denico Autry, Tennessee Titans

Week 1 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, 4 QB hits

Denico Autry is another Titan who had an impressive Week 1. Autry played 37 defensive snaps (57%), making his presence felt behind the line with one and a half sacks and four quarterback hits. In true position formats where Autry carries the DT tag, his value gets a boost as a waiver wire pickup. He’s also worth considering in deeper DL-grouped formats as well, where you start four players.

Defensive Backs

Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts

Week 1 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos)

While Julian Blackmon’s Week 1 stat line wasn’t anything to write home about, his role leads us to believe there are better days ahead. Blackmon played all 70 defensive snaps on Sunday, with 57 of those snaps coming in the IDP sweet spot (box, slot, and DL), per PFF. Blackmon has an IDP-conducive role as the Colts' strong safety, and his production should catch up in the coming weeks. If he happens to be sitting on your waiver wire, scoop him up now.

Reed Blankenship, Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1 Stats: 12 tackles (9 solos), 2 passes defended

Reed Blankenship had an excellent Week 1 for IDP purposes, as he notched a team-high 12 tackles (9 solos). Blankenship played 78 defensive snaps (98%), and while the vast majority of those came aligned deep at free safety, it certainly didn’t hinder his production. If you’re looking for help at DB, Blankenship is a fine pickup after his hot start.

DeShon Elliott, Miami Dolphins

Week 1 Stats: 13 tackles (8 solos)

There was some question about how the safety spot next to Jevon Holland would shake out. In Week 1, it was all DeShon Elliott, as he was on the field for all 81 defensive snaps. Brandon Jones saw just two defensive snaps, as he was used primarily on special teams. Elliott spent most of his time aligned at free safety but did end up seeing 28 snaps up in the box and slot area, per PFF. Elliott is worth a look in deeper leagues after his productive Week 1 outing.

Amani Hooker, Tennesee Titans

Week 1 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

As you can see above, Amani Hooker filled the stat sheet in Week 1. Hooker played 54 defensive snaps (83%) in Week 1, with 44 of those snaps coming in the box and slot area, per PFF. The usage is typical of Hooker’s role in the Titan defense, where we’ve seen him be productive in the past. Hooker’s biggest hindrance is his ability to stay on the field, and he was forced to exit late in this week's game to enter the leagues concussion protocol. Hooker's status will be one to monitor this week, but if available, he’s someone to consider in deeper leagues.

Final Thoughts

The post-Week 1 wavier wire article is always a doozy to piece together, as we are getting solid information for the first time. Also, this article was written before the completion of Monday night’s game, so there is that IDP info to dissect as well—I’m looking at you, Terrel Bernard, and the Buffalo LB2 spot. Just remember, it’s a long season. Things will change and then change again. The good thing is our staff here at Footballguys has you covered all season long on both sides of the ball. Thanks for stopping by for the first edition of this year’s IDP Waiver Wire, and I hope to see you all back next week.