Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 6

Malik Jackson, Defensive End

Defensive scheme transitions can be tough to swallow. We’re watching one of the more painful ones in recent memory, as the Chicago Bears switch from the most traditional 4-3 defense to a 3-4 scheme for the first time ever. One team that this transition has benefited –- or at least not hurt –- is the Denver Broncos. Defensive end Malik Jackson has certainly improved thanks to this shift away from the 4-3 in the Mile High City. A defensive line ‘tweener, Jackson has always been on the big side of what an end should be, but doesn’t have the strength to push the pile at defensive tackle. A 3-4 end now, he has blended his speed and size to accrue 17 total tackles and 3 sacks in his first five games.

In this matchup, he gets to attack the vaunted Cleveland Browns’ offensive line. Despite their reputation, the Browns have allowed the eighth-highest sack percentage in the league, letting opposing front sevens toss Josh McCown around like a rag doll. The run game also hasn’t been the most stalwart either, as they are allowing the 11th-highest stuff percentage among offensive units. There are a number of way for the Denver defense to get points here.

Jackson is available in 96.4% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for around 3.5 tackles, a chance for a sack, and a total score of 4.18 balanced fantasy points in Week 6.