Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 3
Blake Martinez, Inside Linebacker
Week 3 is for coverage ‘backers. The Packers are using rookie Blake Martinez as their primary nickel-backer, but he is rotating in dime packages with Joe Thomas -- not an ideal situation, considering the Packers are using dime packages a ton this season. Nonetheless, Martinez is still tied for the highest percentage of defensive snaps played at inside linebacker for Green Bay with Jake Ryan -- solely an early-down plugger. Martinez is averaging 5.5 total tackles per week this year.
Martinez’s versatility will come into play in Week 3 against the Lions, who throw the ball the ninth-most among NFL teams by pass-to-run ratio. With running back Ameer Abdullah out and on injured reserve, expect the Lions to spread the field and throw a ton. That will allow Martinez to work plenty in passing situations to guard the likes of Theo Riddick and Eric Ebron.
Martinez is available in 98.8% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 6.10 tackles, 0.08 sacks, 0.14 passes defended, and a total score of 7.12 fantasy points in Week 3.
