Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 9
Nathan Stupar, Weak-Side Linebacker
The New Orleans Saints are a mess defensively; we know that. That’s not great news for fans of the team, but it’s excellent news for us as we look in odd places for streamable assets in IDP leagues. An NFL team with a dearth of starting talent means they’re willing to give odd backups chances to play, and 4-3 outside linebacker Nate Stupar may be able to seize an opportunity here.
With veteran James Laurinaitis injured and terrible, the Saints have moved weak-side linebacker Craig Robertson into the middle linebacking spot to replace him. Stupar has stepped up into the vacated weak-side role, and these two have been the only every-down Saints’ linebackers over the last month.
This increase in playing time has made Stupar a huge fantasy asset; he’s averaging 10.0 fantasy points per game over his last four -- since ascending into this role -- and his 14% tackle rate ranks 20th among linebackers. He’s almost certainly just a 2016 flash-in-the-pan, but he’s one you should catch.
This is especially true in a week where he goes up against the run-heavy San Francisco 49ers, who are above only the Titans and Dallas Cowboys in terms of pass-to-run ratio. With a ton of San Francisco option-runs, scrambles, and a heavy dosage of good old-fashioned smashmouth running to defend, Stupar’s downhill attacking style should play well for fantasy production here. Plus, the Niners are giving up the sixth-highest stuff rate allowed to opposing defenses, and both teams rank in the top three in pace, meaning there will be plenty of volume.
Stupar is available in 100.0% of ESPN IDP leagues. We project the New Orleans weak-side linebacker role for 5.22 tackles, 0.02 sacks, 0.10 passes defended, and a total score of 5.82 fantasy points in Week 9.
