Plugging the Gaps: IDP Waiver Wire for Week 7

​Akiem Hicks, Defensive End

Along with defensive tackles (who we hit on just one out of three last week; sad face), the 3-4 defensive end is one of the most-maligned positions in defensive fantasy football. The difference, though, is that the typical defensive end isn’t obligated to hang back and hold the line while others get into the backfield and disrupt. Usually, their primary duty is to attack the pass and run. Fortunately for us, Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks brings some “oomph” in both of those phases of the game.

Hicks is currently the 18th-best defensive end in our fantasy scoring, and has played 83 percent of the Bears’ defensive snaps this year. His two sacks on the season might not seem that impressive, but considering that he plays a lower-ceiling role as a 3-4 end, the fact that he’s breached 5.0 fantasy points in four of six games is pretty solid. At this point in the year, that kind of solidity is all we can ask for.

Hicks gets to tee off on division rivals this week, playing the Green Bay Packers who will be without the tackle-breaking ability of Eddie Lacy and sans the elusiveness of James Starks. Instead, they will bring Kansas City Chiefs castoff Knile Davis and undrafted practice squad player Don Jackson to the table. There should be plenty of chances for Hicks to earn a stuff here, despite the Packers’ somewhat middling stuff rate allowed (11th-highest) with Lacy and Starks. There may not be many chances for big plays, but Hicks can rack up tackles here.

Hicks is available in 95.0% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 2.78 tackles, 0.41 sacks, and a total score of 4.07 fantasy points in Week 7.