IDL and Edge Streaming Matchups, Week 1

The NFL season is here, and I could not be more excited. If you have read most of my other work since joining Footballguys, then you know that my favorite draft strategy when drafting IDPs is to wait on drafting edge defenders. With most leagues transitioning to true position (outside linebackers and 4-3 defensive ends are listed as edge; 3-4 defensive ends and interior defensive linemen are listed as IDL), the pool for these players is deep. If you follow this strategy, it may leave you streaming the positions on a weekly basis. Here are the best IDL and Edge streaming matchups for Week 1.

IDL and Edge Streamers

Edge, Marcus Davenport, Minnesota Vikings

Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ranked 25th in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

I know, I know, the ship sailed for Davenport long ago. After tumultuous ground-pounding that Davenport will one day be a star, his time in New Orleans fizzled out. Not to be defied, the IDP Gods allowed Davenport to sign with a team in much need of pass-rushing help. Davenport is in another position to capitalize on the potential that he has always had, just failed to reach. Luckily for Davenport, his first matchup with the Vikings is a cake one.

The Vikings take on the Buccaneers, the offensive line that forced Tom Brady's retirement. To make matters worse, the Buccaneers will be without their star center, Ryan Jensen. Mike Evans' availability is up in the air as well with a contract feud. Plus, the starting quarterback is Baker Mayfield. Playing across from Danielle Hunter should benefit Davenport well, and yes, I will once again pray he reaches his potential.

Edge, Drake Jackson, San Francisco 49ers

Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers - Ranked 23rd in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Ranking

Drake Jackson has the potential for an every-down role in Week 1. It is looking like Nick Bosa will be suiting up, but this does not effect Jackson's role too much, but maybe improve it. Volume is king, and Jackson should have plenty. The depth behind Jackson and Bosa is not all that strong. Jackson should see plenty of reps. Jackson showed some signs of potential as a rookie in a limited role, mainly in his ability to drop in coverage. He racked up a league-leading (for defensive ends) eight passes defended.

The Steelers' Kenny Pickett is not one to throw the ball deep and could be looking for some screen game action, especially with the 49ers' potent secondary. Jackson should be able to tack on some pass-defended stats in Week 1, plus he should be able to apply plenty of pressure. the Steelers definitely need to improve in pass protection from 2022. For their sake, let's hope they have.

IDL, D.J. Jones, Denver Broncos

Matchup: Las Vegas Raiders - Ranked 20th in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

Jones is by no means a stud or a star, but he is a steady producer. He has earned the unchallenged role of nose tackle in the center of the Broncos defensive line. Jones has 90 tackles and four sacks over the past two seasons. The Broncos square off with the Raiders offense that strikes fear into, well, nobody. Their main weapon is running back Josh Jacobs. This bodes well for the lane-clogging Jones, where he should have ample opportunity for tackles. Jones could be a sneaky Week 1 play.

IDL, Shy Tuttle, Carolina Panthers

Matchup: Atlanta Falcons - Ranked 16th in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

Tuttle is another name lost in the shuffle but finds himself in a role where he should be a steady producer. Tuttle is coming off a 49-tackle, two-sack, and five passes defended season, his best season to date. He will be lining up next to Derek Brown in the Panthers' new-look defense and gets a matchup where the two could be incredibly busy. The Panthers take on the Falcons, who will look to be incredibly run-heavy with recently acquired Bijan Robinson and last year's pleasant surprise rookie Tyler Algeier. Tuttle should be incredibly active.

IDL and Edge Sleepers

Edge, Boye Mafe, Seattle Seahawks

Matchup: Los Angeles Rams - Ranked 27th in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

Mafe had a pretty forgettable rookie season. It was not terrible; he had 41 tackles and three sacks. It's just that nobody talks about him. Mafe has eclipsed Darrell Taylor in the starting lineup, mainly because Taylor is atrocious in run defense. This puts him in line for potential volume and at least early-down usage. The Seahawks play the Rams in Week 1. This should provide more than ample opportunity for Mafe to prove he can be the pass rusher the Seahawks were looking for when they drafted him. The Rams offensive line was terrible in 2022 and did not do much to improve it. Mafe has some excellent sleeper appeal.

IDL, Leki Fotu, Arizona Cardinals

Matchup: Washington Commanders - Ranked 31st in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

Fotu is definitely not a household IDP name, but his Week 1 matchup should be solid. Fotu made nine starts and played all 17 games in 2022, picking up 31 tackles. He is in for a full-time starter role in 2023 and should see the field plenty with how this season is shaping up for the Cardinals. In Week 1, Fotu matches up with a poor Commanders offensive line and a team with a run-heavy mindset. A three-headed monster of Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, and Chris Rodriguez should have plenty of carries Fotu's way. If you need easy tackle production from your IDL, Fotu could be your guy.

Final Thoughts

It is Week 1, so hopefully, you do not need to search for streamers this early, but if you truly punted your defensive line, I have you covered. In these weekly articles, you will find recommendations of players who are likely on your bench or sitting on waivers. The goal is to exploit offensive line matchups to find potential weekly breakout performers. My fellow Footballguys writer/ranker, Matt Bitonti, has the best offensive line rankings around, which we use to help find the best matchups. Good luck in Week 1. The trek towards a championship starts here.