Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire Targets for Week 1

Rashad Johnson, Arizona, Free Safety

Remember what we mentioned about how Arizona liked to use multiple safeties on the field to approximate coverage linebackers? That won’t be changing any time soon. With Washington still suspended, Minter still bad in coverage, and new acquisition Sean Weatherspoon injured, this will allow the Cardinals to run out at least three safeties on most plays.

The biggest beneficiary of this is the hybrid safety/linebacker Deone Bucannon, but Rashad Johnson should also see plenty of snaps in the safety rotation in the Valley of the Sun. Johnson finished last season ranked fourth among players with DB eligibility in ESPN leagues, and despite Tyrann Mathieu’s return, he should beat Tony Jefferson out for starting safety snaps fairly easily.

As typically a free safety, you’re hoping for turnovers more than tackles, but that could pay off this week against a depleted and inexperienced New Orleans Saints receiving corps.

Johnson is available in 84.0% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 6 tackles, 1 pass defensed, a chance for an interception, and around 7.68 total fantasy points in Week 1.