Week 2 IDP waiver targets arrive with nine players across linebacker, defensive line and cornerback/safety, anchored by Demetrius Knight Jr., Carson Schwesinger and Germaine Pratt at LB, Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness and Haason Reddick on the DL, and Jordan Battle, Chamarri Conner and Roger McCreary in the secondary. Two players are slated for cuts: Jack Sanborn and Jaden Hicks. Rosters and Week 1 performances shape the pickups, with Packers, Bengals, Browns, Raiders, Chiefs and Titans all providing relevant week-two streaming opportunities.

Expect starting roles to drive the most value: Knight Jr. and Schwesinger are already seeing snaps, Pratt flashed veteran production in a new scheme, and the Packers’ edge trio (Gary, Van Ness, Reddick) could anchor multiple-package rushes. Battle, Conner and McCreary offer high-tide tackle upside and the potential for turnovers against upcoming pass-heavy offenses.

Travis Wirfs absence muddies TB protection as Atlanta targets the edge with Calais Campbell-style pressure. Wilkinson steps in at right tackle while Reddick expects heavy help, including slide protections and chips, to neutralize the passer. The setup could boost TB’s quick-hitting game and put a spotlight on the front seven’s ability to generate pressure early.

Reddick, a longtime double-digit sacker, leaning into relentless pursuit even when faced with double teams, opens opportunities for teammates like Yaya Diaby. TB’s pass-rush room has already benefited from Reddick’s presence in camp, and Week 1 could be the stage where Diaby begins to prove himself as a future impact player alongside the veteran edge.

The Falcons’ missing tackles heighten the intrigue of a Week 1 clash centered on protection schemes and edge pressure. This injury narrative shapes the fantasy landscape by elevating sack probabilities, shift protections, and the potential breakout performance from TB’s disruptive front in a pivotal early-season matchup.

Mayfield steps in healthy for Week 1 at Atlanta, leaning on Evans for most targets while mixing in Godwin. Falcons' defense is a test, so quick rhythm and accuracy will set the tone. If Mayfield hits early, Evans provides a solid floor with weekly upside; Godwin offers tournament value. TB’s Week 1 outcome could signal their offensive pace this season.

Reddick’s addition sharpens TB’s pass rush, while Evans’ and Mayfield’s connection creates a tangible fantasy floor. Lavonte David’s return stabilizes the defense, and the TB defense should pressure Atlanta’s offense enough to push sleeper IDP and defense-stream options on the radar.

Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season kicks off a tight Falcons–Buccaneers tilt, with ESPN predicting another razor-close showdown. TB has a slight edge on average—about a touchdown per Moody and Walder, while FPI places TB as a 54% favorite by roughly two points. The buzz includes Emeka Egbuka and the Bucs’ offense, Haason Reddick’s test for Penix Jr., and Atlanta’s rookie defenders, plus injury shuffles on Atlanta’s line. The Falcons hold a 32-31 all-time edge; TB has won four NFC South titles in a row but Atlanta swept last year.

The clash also features the rookies and schemes that could swing fantasy upside in Week 1, with Egbuka's debut and Reddick's rushes shaping both sides’ lines and backfields. Penix Jr. must manage a shaken protection, while TB leans on its rookie weapon to spark a needed offensive uplift. Expect a hard-fought opener that could redefine early-season fantasy projections in a league-wide, high-variance game.