We are living in a land of opportunity for Individual Defensive Players (IDP) right now, friends.

This is where J.J. Watt can score in the top-10 combined of most IDP leagues, if not first overall; he is the undisputed sheriff of IDP. We are seeing elite young linebackers roam over the wide IDP landscape, as the likes of Luke Kuechly and Lavonte David show us the highest peaks of IDP production. All of that said, we have seen some bad eggs in this dusty town since last season. Some top-tier front seven players have retired, getting done with this defensive rat race, such as Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, and Chris Borland. Some big name defensive linemen have been suspended for serious crimes, or even cut. And, of course, Jason Pierre-Paul -- ever the loose cannon -- made a decision to part ways with part of his hand.

Welcome to the world of IDP: where the Wild West meets Remember the Titans.

If you’ve stumbled onto this article, you might be a newer cowpoke looking for guidance through this brave new world of IDP. Maybe you’re a veteran ranch-hand looking for a fellow traveler to keep you company on your mosey through the format. Maybe you just are a passionate prospector for the adventure of defensive play in the NFL and want some thoughts on who to watch this Sunday. This column can hopefully be all of that and more for you.

“Plugging the Gaps” is a brand-new waiver wire column for the balanced scoring IDP format that helps prepare you for the week ahead. We’ll offer options owned in 25% or fewer of ESPN leagues at every IDP position that will help you going forward.

Now, it’s time to put the offseason behind us; there are happy trails ahead. Let’s get you started for Week 1; who’s under-owned in your IDP fantasy leagues?