NFL Week 1 is in the books, and fantasy football Week 2 IDP is already upon us. If this week is anything like the last one, then we are in for a thrilling and action-packed weekend of great football. In this article, we'll break down some top fantasy football IDP risers and top waiver wire targets for Week 2. Plus, we'll discuss some of the best IDP matchups and top injuries to know for Week 2 as you set those fantasy football lineups. 

 

 

 

2025 Fantasy Football Week 2 IDP Overview

Before we get into the fantasy football Week 2 IDP report, a quick recap of the players and matchups mentioned last week: 

Weekly Grade: A-

Every fantasy football IDP excelled, as was expected. Only one big play drops it to an A-, but these players did not disappoint their fantasy football managers. Now on to the top fantasy football Week 2 IDP players, matchups & waiver wire adds. 


Fantasy Football IDP Risers 

Ed Oliver, DT, Buffalo Bills

Oliver had the game of his career Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens. This is his seventh season, all of which have been played with Buffalo. He recorded over 30% of his tackle total from last year in one game, and was an impact IDP on Sunday Night.

He also sacked Lamar Jackson and forced a fumble on Derrick Henry. Both of which are really difficult to do. No one may have accomplished those two things in the same game… if at any point in their career. Should he keep this tackle pace, it would easily be a career year. For IDP leagues that require a defensive tackle, get Oliver. For others, keep an eye on this riser.

Will McDonald, DE, New York Jets

McDonald cracked the Fantasy Alarm top 55 IDP rankings. For good reason, too. He finished with just 31 defensive snaps but earned 3 tackles and 2 sacks against Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers held the ball longer than he has in the past three seasons. 

Granted, McDonald will not play another quarterback as old as Aaron Rodgers… possibly for the rest of his career. However, he is a sack artist, and in leagues where sacks are highly rewarded, he needs to be monitored. Put McDonald in the watch category across all IDP platforms. 

Jeffery Simmons, DE, Tennessee Titans

Simmons is entering his seventh season with the Tennessee Titans and appears headed for a high volume of snaps. He played 64 snaps against the Denver Broncos on Sunday and was a bright spot on a dull game for fantasy football.

Despite any help from rookie quarterback Cam Ward and the Titans' offense, Tennessee’s defense played well. Simmons ended with 4 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. Should the Titans improve their offense, Simmons could earn more sacks with a positive game script. He is a riser worth a roster spot in deeper leagues.

 

 

 

Fantasy Football Week 2 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Devin White, LB, Las Vegas Raiders

Devin White may have been forgotten by almost everyone. He began 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles but was cut in October after never playing a down. Then he played a few games with the Houston Texans. None of which was impactful. He was a late addition to the Las Vegas Raiders this season and is making a huge impact.

He plays alongside Germaine Pratt and Elandon Roberts. Roberts was injured at the end of the first quarter and has a sprained elbow. This puts even more responsibility on the “green dot” linebacker, and he responded. In addition to playing all 71 snaps for the Raiders, he earned 11 combined tackles. It was his most since Week 1 of the 2023 season. 

Pick him up off the waivers and have a steady “green dot” linebacker for the rest of the season. The 27-year-old has the potential to return to a set-and-forget status. Something every IDP fantasy football manager loves.

Talanoa Hufanga, DB, Denver Broncos

Talanoa Hufanga is on a new team, the Denver Broncos, and is having a big impact. He is known for his hard-hitting ability to come into the box and is a favorite of several IDP junkies. Although injured in both 2023 and 2024, he reminded everyone of his ability in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans.

Hufanga played 61 snaps, all but four of which were on the defense. He played 32 at free safety, 16 in the box, 4 on the line, 3 in the slot, 2 wide corner. He earned 10 tackles and forced a fumble (hard hitting pays off). In a defense loaded with playmakers, Hufanga can see (and do) it all. Grab him on the waivers and put him in your fantasy football lineup.

Jordan Battle, DB, Cincinnati Bengals

Great defensive backs are always, not almost always, ALWAYS found on the Week 1 waiver wire. Jordan Battle is the second great defensive back mentioned for this column. The Cincinnati Bengals would not have won their Week 1 divisional match without him. And he can boost fantasy football managers' winning odds, too.

He played 76 (100%) defensive snaps and was “The Man” for their defense/team. He led the team in tackles with 12 and earned an interception against Joe Flacco. This is not just a one-off, as the Bengals do not have the strongest front seven. A safety with a high volume of tackles and great pass-defending skills is rare. Grab Battle in the IDP waivers, and do not be scared to spend extra FAAB for him. 

 

 


 

NFL Week 2 IDP Matchups to Capitalize On

Rashan Gary, LB, Green Bay Packers

Week 2 Matchup: Washington Commanders 

Rashan Gary reminded everyone what a great pass rusher he was in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. He played 47 (70%) defensive snaps, recorded 7 tackles, and 1.5 sacks. He was a force on a new look defensive line. For the Washington Commanders, three sacks were allowed in a game they controlled throughout. Jayden Daniels is looking for the big play, which leads to more sack opportunities.

Washington has their first road game of the season, against a team that looks dialed in. The Green Bay Packers have a great front six (seven with safeties), and Gary is not the sole focus of opposing coordinators. A short week is in the defense’s favor, as well as the home team. Look for Gary to add another sack at Lambeau Field.

Mack Wilson Sr., LB, Arizona Cardinals

Week 2 Matchup: Carolina Panthers

Mack Wilson Sr. is the “green dot” player for the Arizona Cardinals, and Week 1 was proof. He played every snap, and in fact is the only Cardinal linebacker to do so. Arizona was bringing their safeties to rotate into the box. Akeem Davis-Gaither played just 37% of the snaps and was the only other linebacker to record a snap.

Wilson earned 8 combined tackles against the New Orleans Saints, but will earn more against the Carolina Panthers. He will see a heavy dose of between-the-tackle runs from Chuba Hubbard. In addition, he could see underneath routes as the Panthers look to get Bryce Young in a rhythm. A double-digit tackle performance is well within reach for the defensive captain. Start him in one-time use leagues.

Haason Reddick, DL/LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 2 Matchup: Houston Texans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play their second road game of the season, this time on Monday Night. The Houston Texans are the opponent, and another big day could be in store for Haason Reddick. He made a big-time sack against Michael Penix in Week 1. A sack that helped them to a victory.

Reddick played 60 snaps, which is 79% of all defensive snaps. That led all of Tampa Bay’s edge players and defensive linemen. He will be utilized heavily once again, and the Texans have a bad offensive line. They allowed 3 sacks against the Los Angeles Rams, and will allow more once again. Pick up Reddick on the waivers and get him in the starting IDP lineup. 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy-