IDP Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 1

Sep 08, 2020

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We have made it to Week 1. With all of the uncertainty and questions surrounding COVID19 and the NFL's preparedness to handle the pandemic without a bubble, the offseason has been a successful one. Other than some false positives, the NFL has had a handle on testing and safety procedures.

This season, combined with injuries, COVID has the potential to ravage fantasy rosters, thus making the waiver wire an even more important asset to fantasy managers in 2020. I'll try to identify the IDP assets on your wire which will help your fantasy squad weather any storms, whether it's injury, suspension, or God forbid, COVID.

So, let's get to football!! Here's a look at the IDP waiver wire for Week 1.

Linebacker

Micah Kiser, LB, Los Angeles Rams

Kiser has taken the reigns on a three-down job with the Rams - by default. I will say, he's bulked up and looks good and he's received good reviews in camp for his play and leadership. Although he won't be calling the plays, he'll have a role in all packages, so he'll have the snap volume to make him IDP valuable this season. There will be a period of adjustment, as he hasn't played any football since the 2018 season, as a torn pectoral caused him to miss the entire 2019 season.

Drue Tranquill, LB, Los Angeles Chargers

Tranquill looks to be a key defensive contributor and will have an every-down role. If he went undrafted because of uncertainty around the Charger LB rotation, you can grab him. Tranquill appeared in 15 games as a rookie and appeared in 380 defensive snaps - producing an insanely high 19.7% tackle rate. If he appeared in 900 or more snaps and records a tackle rate of at least 12%, a 100-plus tackle campaign is attainable.

Dre Greenlaw, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Fred Warner was placed on the COVID reserve list, and as of now, he still hasn't been removed. He's questionable, at best, for Week 1. If he should happen to miss Week 1, Dre Greenlaw is a plug-n-play this week. In seasons past, the Cardinals have been a favorable matchup for opposing linebackers. Last season, they allowed the 10th most points to the position and 19 tackles/gm. Greenlaw has some familiarity here, as he recorded 14 tackles and a sack in his two tilts - with Warner on the field. If Warner is out, it will be Greenlaw and Kwon Alexander.

Josey Jewell, LB, Denver Broncos

This is assuming AJ Johnson is already on another squad. If he isn't, Johnson is a priority add. Josey Jewell appears to be the beneficiary of the surprise Todd Davis release. Jewell stacked a few solid practices together and received the trust of the coaches. He's definitely better in run stopping. Keep in mind Jewell was the starter last season and was replaced a few weeks in, so this could be temporary. A name you'll want to have holstered is Mark Barron. However, for the first few weeks, Jewell looks to be the three-down guy opposite Johnson.