Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire Targets for Week 1

Olivier Vernon, Miami, Defensive End

This one is a little more speculative than the previous two, which seem fairly plug-and-play for excellent production in our first week back.

The Miami Dolphins defense gets to go up against a Washington Redskins offense that has not only a new (below-average) quarterback in his first game as an unquestioned starter in the NFL in Kirk Cousins, but they will also get to tee off against an offensive line that features only two above-average starters per Pro Football Focus’s 2014 grades in left tackle Trent Williams and center Kory Lichtensteiger. Left guard Shawn Lauvao is just a guy, and the right side of the line -- rookie right guard Brandon Scherff and right tackle Morgan Moses -- are brand new starters.

Olivier Vernon typically plays the right defensive end spot, meaning he’ll get to hold the edge against the All-Pro Williams, but with two newbies on the right, I won’t be surprised if Washington shifts focus that way. Add in the fact that Cameron Wake bookends the Miami defensive front and Ndamukong Suh is the left defensive tackle there, and there should be enough disruption to free up Vernon for a few sack or stuff chances.

Vernon is available in 82.9% of ESPN leagues and we project him for 3.5 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 5.43 total points this week.