Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 3

Nate Palmer, Linebacker

I’m really digging this Packers-Chiefs matchup on the IDP side, clearly. With the Packers’ offensive skill positions decimated due to injury and the Chiefs being -- well -- the Chiefs, things could slow down really quickly. Nate Palmer won’t need the action to slow down for him to rack up a mess of tackles, however. Palmer isn’t overly fast, but he is freakishly athletic for his size, and there is a wide open hole in the middle of the Packers’ defense that some linebacker has to step up and claim.

With Jamaal Charles still the focal point of this Chiefs offensive attack, the big matchup on Monday will be between Charles and his offensive line and the Packers’ front seven. If the offensive line can take out the Packers’ defensive line, it will be up to the linebackers to stop Charles. Clay Matthews will be on a lot of blitz assignments, so Palmer has a good chance to play safety valve in case Charles springs free. The one thing I’ll note is that while Palmer is currently starting over rookie Jake Ryan, that could change soon with a poor game from Palmer. If he has a big showing this week, though, Palmer may be more than a one week streaming option in the Green Bay defense.

Palmer is available in 100.0% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for around 7.5 tackles, strong potential for a pass defensed, and a total score of 8.15 balanced fantasy points in Week 3.