2026 Fantasy Football Week 1 IDP Report: Risers, Waiver Wire & Matchups

The 2026 fantasy football season is finally upon us as Week 1 of the NFL begins on Wednesday, September 9th. That means our favorite IDPs will be recording tough tackles, incredible interceptions, fantastic fumbles, terrific touchdowns, and helping the #FAmily score several fantasy football points. Normally, there will be a quick recap to discuss how the suggested players performed; with this being week 1, the focus is directed at the fantasy football week 1 IDP overview.

Fantasy Football IDP Risers Week 1

Defensive Lineman (DL) Aaron Donald. 

“Welcome Back” by John Sebastian was a #1 hit on the Billboard chart in 1976, 50 years ago. Aaron Donald’s last NFL snap was January 14th, 2024, almost 3 years ago. But a favorite never goes out of style and always puts smiles on people’s faces. The defensive tackle of the Los Angeles Rams is doing that for Rams fans and IDP fantasy football managers. Donald is a riser, but managers in leagues with deep benches can add him to their roster before he is a top waiver wire add. Look for Los Angeles to ease him back into games.

Linebacker (LB) Bobby Okereke

It is a bit odd seeing what was such a dominant IDP be mentioned on the risers of Week 1, but that is where he is. Okereke recorded 143 combined tackles, 6 passes defended, and 2 interceptions last year, which are exceptional numbers for an IDP. However, the new coaching staff in New York found that he did not fit their scheme. However, the Carolina Panthers felt he would fit in perfectly alongside new IDP Devin Lloyd. Be ahead of the masses, grab Okereke before he becomes the most added IDP of next week.

Defensive Back (DB) Brandon Cisse. 

The second-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers had a superb training camp and preseason. New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon gave Cisse praise and said he will be on the field early in the season. Rookie DBs are great for IDP fantasy football because they are often tested by opposing veteran quarterbacks. If he is on the field in Week 1 he should see targets, and he is a fantasy football riser as one of the best defensive backs in the 2026 class. Put him on the IDP watch list.

Fantasy Football Week 1 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Carl Granderson, Defensive Lineman, New Orleans Saints (36% ownership +/-)

The New Orleans Saints defense is quietly loaded with several play-making IDPs. Perhaps that is why veteran Carl Granderson goes unnoticed and oftentimes undrafted. He has recorded over 5.5 sacks in four consecutive seasons and has a combined 42 QB hits over the past three seasons. With teammate Chase Young’s resurgence, Granderson will have several one-on-one matches to exploit.

Granderson will be splitting snaps with IDP legend Cameron Jordan, but this is a positive for Granderson, who will be able to rush with rested legs and full lungs. The Saints will also play with an uptempo offense, which will have two effects on Granderson’s fantasy football value. One is playing with a positive game script, which will force opposing teams to pass more. The second being that there will be more defensive snaps if the offense is playing poorly. Pick him up as an IDP waiver wire option for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.

Dee Winters, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys (23% ownership +/-)

The Dallas Cowboys made several offseason moves, almost all of which were focused on their defense. Two IDPs taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft made the most headlines, but Dee Winters is a sneaky great pick for fantasy football. IDP managers are always looking for value at the most utilized position in fantasy football. Winters is just that. A three-down linebacker with the ability to play the run and the pass. 

Dallas plays their division rival, the New York Giants, in Week 1, and Winters has an opportunity for a great fantasy football game. A high-volume run game from the Giants, paired with a good pass-catching tight end, should lead to a high volume of tackles for Winters. Pick him up off the waiver wire and put him in the IDP flex with confidence.

Jacob Rodriguez, Linebacker, Miami Dolphins (3-5% ownership +/-)

Miami Dolphins Head Coach Jeff Hafley turned some heads with his decision to release outstanding 2025 linebacker, Tyrel Dodson. Dodson was released due to the great training camp and preseason play of 2026 second-round pick Jacob Rodriguez. Rodriguez was selected by Hafley to wear the “green dot”, the helmet that allows an IDP to communicate with the defensive coordinator, Sean Duggan, and Hafley. This implies an every-down defensive role, something highly coveted in IDP fantasy football leagues. 

Rodriguez is a rookie and will be challenged by opposing offensive coordinators. This is great for IDP fantasy football managers. Miami will likely play with several negative game scripts, which will lead to a higher volume of running from the opposing team. This will benefit Rodriguez with more tackling opportunities. Pick him up off the waiver wire and put him as a starting IDP for Week 1.

NFL Week 1 IDP Matchups To Capitalize On

San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams, Thursday 8:30 PM ET

Nick Bosa, Defensive Lineman, SF 49ers

Nothing says Week 1 fantasy football like a 10:30 AM local start time, because none of us can really wait… no matter what part of the world we live in. Talk about a doozy: two NFC West division rivalries collide, and the Los Angeles Rams are the sweethearts of the off-season. With all the hype on Myles Garrett’s first game as a Ram, the IDP to capitalize on is another standout pass rusher.

IDP junkies are familiar with the name Nick Bosa, but those new to the other side of fantasy football may not. The 2019 first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers led the league in sacks in 2022 (18.5), but injuries have robbed his last two seasons. He has mustered just 21.5 sacks since his league-leading season.

Although it is a road game, it is technically a neutral game, and there could be more 49ers fans than Rams fans in the “Land Down Under”. Bosa is reported to have tinnitus in his knee but should be ready to go for Week 1. He is playing opposite Alaric Jackson, an opponent he is more than familiar with. Look for a big fantasy football week 1, especially in IDP leagues which reward highly for sacks. 

Miami Dolphins vs Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday 4:25 PM ET

Kwity Paye, Defensive Lineman, LV Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders start the 2026 season with the most hope and optimism since acquiring Davante Adams. Crazy what Kirk Cousins can do for a team. In all seriousness, there was an IDP move that was very under the radar in both the NFL and fantasy football. That was the Raiders signing defensive end Kwity Paye to a 3-year, $48 million contract. This is important for Las Vegas’ success, but also relevant for fantasy football for leagues with D/ST as well.

Paye went unnoticed in several IDP fantasy football drafts and is available for Week 1. The Miami Dolphins will have their first game with a new Head Coach, new Offensive Coordinator, and new quarterback while playing on the road. Their focus will be on stopping teammate Maxx Crosby. Paye will have several 1-on-1 matches and should exploit them. Look for him to get a sack and several tackles in his first game with his new team.

New York Jets vs Tennessee Titans Sunday 1:00 PM ET

Alontae Taylor, Defensive Back, TEN Titans

Another Week 1 match to capitalize on is the New York Jets at Tennessee Titans. Either team is great for D/ST streaming this week, but the IDP to play in fantasy football is Alontae Taylor of the Titans. Geno Smith and the New York Jets looked great in the preseason, but that is “fool’s gold” (just ask Howard). Titans Head Coach Robert Saleh has a proven track record of getting the best out of his IDPs, and playing against his former team (and draft picks) is something he will have them motivated for.

Taylor was a top priority for Saleh, and he could be left alone in man coverage on blitz packages. Jets quarterback Geno Smith has thrown a combined 32 interceptions over the past two seasons, and could start the season with another. Taylor is an elite defensive back, which can be a double-edged sword for IDP scoring systems. His Week 1 expectations are to have at least one pass defended and potentially an interception. Take advantage of his matchup in your fantasy football leagues.

NFL Fantasy Football Week 1 IDP Injury Report & News

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy -