IDP Waivers – Week 2

Fantasy football IDP leagues can create interesting waiver wire pickups every week with the defensive side of the ball being somewhat unpredictable. Here is a look at the top-3 waiver wire taps for long-term value heading into Week 2.

Eric Reid, SF FS

The 49ers moved up in this past year’s draft and it’s already paying dividends. The former Louisiana State Tiger was drafted 18th overall after being an All-American last season, which was his junior year. Reid posted seven solo tackles and an interception in San Francisco’s 34-28 win over Green Bay on Sunday. He would have had another interception on a Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half had it not been for an offside penalty that negated the play.

The 21-year-old was all over the field in his career-debut and that trend will continue. Reid plays on an outstanding defense loaded with playmakers. He’s a future Pro Bowler and should offer fantasy owners consistent tackle numbers and a big play every so often. He is available in nearly every ESPN leagues and only owned in five percent of Yahoo layouts at this point.

Erin Henderson, Min MLB

The Vikings saw their middle linebacker play his brains out on Sunday with 11 total tackles (7 unassisted), a pick and a pass defended. Detroit had a high-powered offense with Reggie Bush reeking havoc on the Minnesota’s defense and there were lots of tackles to go around. With that being said, Henderson is an every-down linebacker and that will boost his fantasy value considerably.

Playing middle linebacker is in Henderson’s bloodline as his older brother, E.J., used to call the plays for the Vikings’ defense from 2007-11 and played his entire nine-year career with Minnesota. Fantasy owners in need of help at linebacker can turn to Henderson knowing he is a solid tackler in a good situation. The six-year pro out of Maryland is owned in around five percent of both ESPN and Yahoo leagues right now.

Trent Cole, Phi DE

Last year was a free fall from grace for the two-time Pro Bowler who had at least eight sacks and 40 total tackles each season from 2006-11. Cole had just three sacks and only 24 total tackles in 2012 after he was ranked as a top-5 defensive lineman in most IDP rankings.

The veteran pass rusher is off to a pretty good start in 2013 with four tackles, including three of the solo variety, a sack and a forced fumble on Monday night’s win over the Redskins. Cole pinned his ears back and sacked Robert Griffin III late in the fourth quarter when the Redskins were attempting a comeback with successive pass plays.

The Eagles’ defense switched from a base 4-3 to a 3-4 in the offseason and Cole is starting at right outside linebacker, but has defensive end eligibility in IDP leagues. The change might be just the thing he needs to revive his career. He is only valuable if your league allows you to start him at either defensive end of lineman, but not as a linebacker. He’s owned hardly at all in ESPN leagues and 11 percent of Yahoo formats.

Honorable Mention

Kiki Alonso, Buf MLB

The rookie made a sizable impact with nine tackles (five solo) in Buffalo’s opening day loss to New England. Alonso was drafted in the second round (46th overall) out of Oregon and has a very bright future as the Bills’ defensive play-caller. Fantasy owners should take notice quickly as a 100-plus tackle season is very likely this year.

Justin Houston, KC OLB

With three sacks against Jacksonville on Sunday, Houston is turning into an elite pass-rushing outside linebacker in Kansas City’s 3-4 defense. It’s not a wise move to rely on Houston as a consistent producer from week-to-week because sacks are his main source of scoring. With that being said, he put up 10 sacks last season and is capable of notching around 15 this year and that is worth a look. Houston is barely owned in ESPN leagues and nine percent of Yahoo set-ups.

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