Week 1 saw some record-breaking offensive performances as touchdowns were scored left and right. We also saw some standout performances on defense. Which ones are legit? Which ones are fool's gold?
Each week, we'll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.
Defensive Linemen
DE Kwity Paye, Las Vegas Raiders
The former first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts broke out in Week 1 with six total tackles and two sacks. This one comes with a buyer-beware tag, as Paye has never had more than 8.5 sacks in a season and only had four last season. That said, he should benefit from having Maxx Crosby on the other
side, so he could have some staying power in fantasy. He'll have a good matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. Use him there, and maybe you can send out feelers to sell high on him.
EDGE Za'Darius Smith, Atlanta Falcons
Smith was nicked up going into Week 1 with a shoulder injury, but it didn't matter. He had three solo tackles and two sacks. The crazy part? He logged just 16 plays for a 24% defensive snap share. With that kind of production, though, his playing time has to increase from here. The 34-year-old has three 10-sack seasons under his belt and had nine in 2024. His playing time will need to increase in the edge-rushing rotation, but he has proven he can be viable in fantasy.
Linebackers
LB Josiah Trotter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What an NFL debut for the son of former All-Pro LB Jeremiah Trotter. The younger Trotter had 11 total tackles, a sack and a pick-six. The second-round pick out of Missouri was one of the best performers in all of fantasy IDPs. He should be high on your waiver priority list, and you should invest significant FAAB on him.
LB Anthony Hill Jr., Tennessee Titans
The second-round rookie led the league with 16 total tackles in Week 1. One problem, at least for fantasy scoring purposes, was that 14 of them were assisted. Depending on your scoring system, he could have only been rewarded for his two solo tackles. He also pitched in two pass defensed. Either way, he's worth picking up if he is going to be that heavy in the action.
LB Jacob Rodriguez, Miami Dolphins
Rodriguez, another second-round rookie, was second in the league with 14 total tackles in Week 1. Five of those were solo tackles, and he played in all 68 defensive snaps. He didn't add any other stats, but when you have a shot at a 10-tackle guy, you go after it.
Defensive Backs
S Dillon Thieneman, Chicago Bears
The Bears took the Oregon product in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He had a very good performance in his debut with 10 total tackles. Eight of them were solos, and he had a pass defense. Don't expect 10 tackles every week, but he should be picked up in most formats.
S Amani Hooker, Tennessee Titans
The cagey veteran was tied for second among defensive backs with 10 tackles Sunday. Six of them were solo tackles. He had 81 tackles in 16 games last season and his career-high is 85. So don't go overboard on the eight-year veteran. The Titans are going to be bad, which should keep teams running a lot. Hooker should be in the mix in deeper leagues.
This article originally appeared on The Huddle: Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 2
