Welcome back, everyone! Labor Day has ended, September has arrived, and that implies the NFL is back on! Which also means fantasy football is back, and so is the IDP report. The thought alone gives goosebumps. It is a glorious time, and we dive right into risers, waiver wire picks, and IDP matchups to exploit. Week 1 begins Thursday, and it starts with two teams loaded with great IDPs.

 

 

 

Fantasy Football IDP Risers Week 1

Without any snaps logged, the risers are coming purely from preseason tape and roster movement. However, there are a few.

Marshawn Kneeland is a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. He just got a huge bump in production, and it wasn’t anything he particularly did. Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers, and Kneeland will be asked to fill that void. From a fantasy football perspective, he could be a sneaky IDP to roster.

Kneeland is a 2024 second-round pick and is expected to make a jump this season. Dallas has a great secondary, and that could hold up opposing quarterbacks just long enough for their pass rush to earn sacks. Keep an eye on Kneeland as a riser, and for IDP fantasy football leagues with deep benches, add him before week 1 begins.

Dre Greenlaw is on a new team, the Denver Broncos. He had a quiet preseason, but he is a week-one starting linebacker. Alex Singleton is the captain, but he’s coming off a couple of injuries, including one at training camp. Greenlaw has battled injuries, too, but he has been healthy, and Vance Joseph said he fit into their scheme naturally.

Greenlaw has an undrafted rookie behind him and looks to be a three-down linebacker in most situations. The Broncos have a dominating defense, and Greenlaw can focus solely on his position. Keep an eye on this IDP riser, and snatch him up if a linebacker is needed.

Kyzir White is a free agent and making stops across different NFL teams. Several are looking to add a veteran to their linebacker room, and White is a true stud. It is a bit mind-boggling that he would be available, as he finished the 2024 season second in assisted tackles (77). He also earned 137 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception.

He played over 1,000 snaps last season. 919 of them in the box, where he shines. Fantasy football managers should wait before adding him to a roster, but keep an eye on this IDP riser. A team could make a move after they evaluate their week one results.

 

 

 

Fantasy Football Week 1 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Kerby Joseph, Defensive Back, Detroit Lions

Brian Branch is considered the stud defensive back for the Detroit Lions, and rightfully so. However, Kerby Joseph has put up consistent numbers. First off, he is reliable, missing only two games over his three-year career. Detroit could play more defense this season if its offense has trouble adjusting to a new playbook. Something fantasy football managers should be mindful of.

Joseph has earned 74 or more tackles in each of his NFL seasons, and IDP managers know how important that is. What really makes him impressive is his ball-hawking ability. He has 17 career interceptions in just three years. He led all 2024 IDPs with 9 interceptions last season. Keep an eye on Joseph going forward, especially in fantasy football leagues that heavily reward interceptions.

Chamarri Conner, Defensive Back, Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have been led by their defense through their Super Bowl era. Chamarri Conner has been with the Kansas City Chiefs for just two seasons, but each season has ended in a Super Bowl appearance. He has won one and lost one. Most importantly, he made a big jump in his second season. Fantasy Football managers are expecting even more in year three.

Last year, he earned 70 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 interceptions. A true stat-stuffing individual defensive player. Although he is not listed as a starter, he is expected to be on the field for numerous snaps. He played 953 snaps last season, including 469 in the slot, 187 in the box, and 32 on the defensive line. He is versatile, which is valuable for IDP rosters. 

 

 

 

NFL Week 1 IDP Matchups To Capitalize On

Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles Thursday 8:20 PM ET

Kenneth Murray, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys

The NFL season kicks off with the Super Bowl champions and a bitter NFC East rivalry. One team has been to three Super Bowls in the past 8 years, and the other hasn’t been to an NFC Championship in thirty years. The Eagles are flying high and bring a run-heavy offense to the opening game. This is great for those who have Kenneth Murray in their fantasy football lineups.

Murray is on his third team in three seasons, but his production has been good at each. He has a 97 combined tackle season average, great as a base for IDPs. He has also earned 12 passes defended and 8.5 sacks over his career. The Eagles are expected to run Barkley at least 20 times, and Murray will be there to meet him in the hole. His combined tackling line is set at 8.5, the highest amongst all IDPs playing Thursday. 

He has a great chance to start the season with double-digit tackles. He is undrafted in some fantasy football leagues, so grab him before he hits the waivers. Look for the kid from Texas to do well in his first game back in his home state.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns Sunday 1:00 PM ET

Carson Schwesinger, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns


Another bitter rivalry takes center stage this time in the AFC North. It's the battle of Ohio, and a rookie makes the list in week one. That is a rare occurrence, but it is for a good reason. Second-round pick, Carson Schwesinger, is set to start and is wearing the important “green dot” for his first NFL game. He is expected to be on the field for every Cleveland Browns defensive snap. Something every IDP fantasy football manager loves to hear.

Schwesinger is going to be locked into Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, which should lead to several tackles. Joe Burrow will also target him often in the passing game because he is a rookie. Playing against a high-volume offense and the Browns being thin at LB will lead to high volume for the 33rd overall pick. 15+ tackles are well within reach for Schwesinger; plug and play him in one-and-done leagues.

Tennessee Titans vs Denver Broncos Sunday 4:05 PM ET

Nik Bonitto, Defensive Line/Linebacker/Edge, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are a sneaky candidate to go to the Super Bowl, and it starts with their amazing defense. Nik Bonitto is a big part of that defense. He earned 13.5 sacks, 48 combined tackles, and two forced fumbles. The expectation is for him to record at least one of each category in week one.

The reason is that it will be Cameron Ward’s first NFL start. History states that these are extremely tough games for most. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph will have numerous disguise looks that will include blitz packages. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain, will force Ward into holding the ball longer. And the 6’ 3” 240-pound Bonitto will be in full pursuit. Look for a big game from Bonitto in front of the Mile High crowd.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to check out Fantasy Alarm’s advice on the other side of the ball as well.
 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy-