Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 2

​Whitney Mercilus, Outside Linebacker

Normally, IDP players avoid starting 3-4 outside linebackers because of week-to-week inconsistency in points compared to inside linebackers. This creates an inherent bias against these players when it comes to who owners think of starting or rostering, which means that you can likely get some of the best 3-4 edge rushers on the waiver wire for free. Whitney Mercilus of the Houston Texans is one of those players, having earned four tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a stuff in Week 1. This week’s production may not sustain at that level, but he should still be great. With opposite edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney back and healthy, Mercilus is now freed up to rush as hard as he wants on the strong-side of the line behind J.J. Watt.

That’s what we’re hoping for with Mercilus in Week 2, when he gets to go up against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Kansas City offensive line did allow three sacks of quarterback Alex Smith last week, as well as the seventh-highest stuff percentage allowed after Week 1. With Mercilus’ immense physical talent -- people forget he was a first-round NFL Draft selection -- in the pass-rush game as well as his ability to set the edge against the run, this should be a feast for him.

Mercilus is available in 96.9% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 4.72 tackles, 0.77 sacks, 0.26 passes defended, and a total score of 7.65 fantasy points in Week 2.