Everyone loves an underdog. We all empathize with the improbable story of a plucky, out-of-nowhere hero who overcomes daunting odds to find success in their pursuits. What moviegoer hasn’t cheered for Rocky Balboa or Rudy? Who didn’t feel a tingle down their spine during Remember the Titans or Miracle?

Heck, even Balto made me tear up, and that story was quite literally about a dog.

We always see surprise Week 1 performances from unheralded players in the NFL, even on the defensive side of the ball. I’d like to shine a spotlight on the heroics of Uani Unga, a 27-year old undrafted free agent out of Brigham Young University. Unga received the start at middle linebacker for the New York Giants this week in relief of the injured Jon Beason, and he racked up 10 solo tackles, 2 assists, a pass defensed, and an interception, for a grand total of 18 balanced scoring fantasy points. No one could have predicted this kind of Individual Defensive Player (IDP) production, and once Beason returns, he’ll most likely regain his position, but it’s fun to see this kind of impact from unknowns.

That’s the kind of performance we hope to help you suss out in “Plugging the Gaps”, numberFire’s brand-new waiver wire column for the balanced scoring IDP format. We’ll offer options owned in 25% or fewer of ESPN leagues at every IDP position that will help you both this week and in the future.

Which no-name players should be on your waiver wire radar for Week 2?