HOWEVER, there ARE several players on your IDP waiver wire that I believe can bring you a winning advantage in Week One that should make room for on your rosters. This season, I will use Fantasy Pros Expert Consensus Rankings to base my weekly recommendations for players to roster. I believe using this method of identifying waiver recommendations will benefit people in newbie leagues all the way through the more advanced leagues. With that said, I’m Jorge Edwards (Twitter/X @JorgeBEdwards), and here are my IDPFantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 1 (2023) recommendations.
Zaven Collins – ECR RANK: DL35
This offseason, Nick Rallis took the reigns of the defense in Arizona and, in a surprising move, moved Zaven Collins from inside linebacker to Defensive End.
In limited snaps as a pass rusher last season, he posted a 12.6% pressure efficiency.
He’s been getting praised highly by his coaches this offseason regarding the transition to defensive end.
He should get plenty of playing time this week against Washington, and given his effectiveness as a tackler, he should have a stable DL3 floor for your IDP fantasy teams this week.
Carl Granderson – ECR RANK: DL52
Since taking over for the ineffective Marcus Davenport last season, Granderson posted an impressive stat line in which, alongside Cameron Jordan, resulted in three sacks in four weeks, including during the fantasy football playoffs where he was the DL15 in PPG with an 11.4 average.
Facing off against an offensive line that was ranked last in the league in pass blocking in Week One, Granderson should pick up right where he left off last season.
Leonard Floyd – ECR RANK: DL79
The last time Leonard Floyd played opposite a competent pass rusher was in 2021 with Von Miller, where he posted 9.5 sacks, 18 QB Hits, and 70 total tackles, plus a few other impressive metrics.
He’ll play opposite Greg Rousseau on this Bills’ defensive line this week. It’s been noted how poorly the Jets offensive line has played this preseason. Look for Floyd to outperform expectations and provide DL3/4 value this week with the potential for more.
Kyzir White – ECR RANK: LB39
White is the only linebacker on this Cardinals team you should be excited to roster. Zaven Collins, as mentioned earlier, has converted to defensive end, and Isaiah Simmons was traded away to the Giants.
Against a Washington team that should control the time of possession in Week 1, White should see ample time to load up the box score in the tackle department this week.
Zach Cunningham – ECR RANK: LB84
As friend of the brand, The Godfather of IDP Gary Davenport said last week on our IDP Show “Shoot The Gap“, while the hype this offseason surrounding Nakobe Dean taking over as middle linebacker for the Eagles has risen tremendously, we have barely seen him play since being drafted. We do not know what to expect from him. Meanwhile, newly acquired Philadelphia Eagle Zach Cunningham has risen up the linebacker roster and has taken control of the LB2 spot.
Having averaged over 100 total tackles per season over the course of his career, you KNOW what you’re getting out of Cunningham. Facing a Patriots team whose strength seems to be their rushing attack entering this season, Cunningham provides sneaky LB2/3 value for you this week at a discounted price.
Robert Spillane – ECR RANK: LB60
IDP fantasy managers should not overlook the new middle linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders. With what should be an every down role for the Raiders, Spillane should help bolster a Raiders’ run defense this week and return solid LB3 value for you.
Julian Blackmon – ECR RANK: DB65
A converted Free Safety/Slot Cornerback to Strong Safety this offseason, Blackmon has been praised all throughout training camp for his ability to get to the ball quickly and for displaying a high motor when on the field.
Playing against a Jaguars team that looks to get up early on Indy, look for Blackmon’s production to increase in the second half of this game.
Nick Scott – ECR RANK: DB68
The newly christened Strong Safety for the Bengals should see plenty of box snaps this week against the Cleveland Browns with both Nick Chubb and a mobile Deshaun Watson leading the way for this Browns’ rushing attack. However, his solo-to-assist ratio should favor the assisted tackling side of scoring, as Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt will be patrolling closer to the line of scrimmage making it difficult to secure a one-on-one tackle.
Jordan Fuller – ECR RANK: DB26
Playing in only three games last season due to injury, Fuller has become, due to other player departures this offseason, the leader of this safety group and should enter Week One as the starting Strong Safety.
Playing against a Seahawks team that seems committed to running the ball more this season, Fuller should be in line for plenty of opportunities for high total tackle production this week!
