Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 4

​Andrew Sendejo, Strong Safety

Andrew Sendejo has been a just-average NFL player for a number of years. His Minnesota Vikings spent the entire 2016 offseason actively searching for a replacement for him, as some of his lapses in awareness late in the 2015 season led to some inexcusably big plays or penalties. Heck, had the officials been legislating more closely, he could’ve gotten ejected for targeting and a late hit in the end zone against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.

But here’s the thing: IDP fantasy production for defensive backs actually weirdly favors bad NFL players. If a player is too good in coverage, the offense notices that and won’t throw his way. Is he dominant in the box? They’ll audible out of that run play and try to ping passes just over linebacker’s heads. Sendejo is in a perfect spot where he invites offensive attention but has enough talent to hold down the starting job. Through three weeks, he has no big play production, but has an incredible 23 total tackles and appears ready for more in Week 4.

The Vikings get to take on the New York Giants this week, and the defensive backs should see plenty of work against the Giants’ air raid offense featuring Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard, and Victor Cruz. All of these players can go deep and play in Sendejo’s natural territory, but they will also be used on shorter routes due to their quickness; Sendejo can play downhill and attack on those plays. Add in the fact that running backs Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen will not play this week, and there is actually a better chance for Sendejo to earn his first sack or interception this week as he focuses solely on playing the pass.

Sendejo is available in 100.0% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 6.92 tackles, 0.12 interceptions, 0.20 passes defended, and a total score of 8.23 fantasy points in Week 4.