This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
With rosters of all shapes and sizes, IDP advice can be a bit tricky, so the purpose of this article is to point out players whose value is elevated for the upcoming week. Some of these players will be superstars, while others will be players found on many waiver wires. Whether you're streaming IDPs each week or have a stocked roster, this "one size fits" all approach will hopefully help most everyone find a weekly edge.
Defensive linemen
Michael Brockers and Ndamukong Suh – Rams: The Cardinals looked lost on offense in the season-opener against Washington, and it's extremely likely that they fall behind the Rams in this contest. As a result, Brockers and Suh should have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of a sub-par Arizona offensive line, which could lead to a healthy combination of tackles for loss and sacks.
Cameron Jordan and Trey Hendrickson – Saints: Playing on their home field should put the Saints in position to make the Browns one-dimensional on offense. As we saw last week, Tyrod Taylor is comfortable moving around the pocket and trying to buy time for the passing attack to click. Even though they were embarrassed by the Buccaneers last week, the New Orleans secondary should hold up well, giving time for Jordan and Hendrickson to be in line for productive fantasy performances as pass rushers.
Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis – Redskins: Even though the Colts had a respectable showing against the Bengals last week, being on the road,
With rosters of all shapes and sizes, IDP advice can be a bit tricky, so the purpose of this article is to point out players whose value is elevated for the upcoming week. Some of these players will be superstars, while others will be players found on many waiver wires. Whether you're streaming IDPs each week or have a stocked roster, this "one size fits" all approach will hopefully help most everyone find a weekly edge.
Defensive linemen
Michael Brockers and Ndamukong Suh – Rams: The Cardinals looked lost on offense in the season-opener against Washington, and it's extremely likely that they fall behind the Rams in this contest. As a result, Brockers and Suh should have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of a sub-par Arizona offensive line, which could lead to a healthy combination of tackles for loss and sacks.
Cameron Jordan and Trey Hendrickson – Saints: Playing on their home field should put the Saints in position to make the Browns one-dimensional on offense. As we saw last week, Tyrod Taylor is comfortable moving around the pocket and trying to buy time for the passing attack to click. Even though they were embarrassed by the Buccaneers last week, the New Orleans secondary should hold up well, giving time for Jordan and Hendrickson to be in line for productive fantasy performances as pass rushers.
Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis – Redskins: Even though the Colts had a respectable showing against the Bengals last week, being on the road, instead of playing on the fast track at home, should significantly slow Andrew Luck and the passing game. Not only does Indianapolis still have a weak offensive line, but its lack of a consistent rushing attack should put the team in plenty of obvious passing situations, which should put Allen and Ioannidis in favorable situations to rush the passer.
Linebackers
B.J. Goodson and Alec Ogletree – Giants: It's not very complicated to figure out that the only thing Dallas wants to do on offense is run the football. With such a basic game script, Goodson and Ogletree both have the potential of piling up double-digit tackles, especially if this game stays close, as divisional matchups often do.
Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham – Texans: The Titans will be without Delanie Walker, while Marcus Mariota missed much of last week's contest with an injury, so he could find himself, at best, limited. As a result, look for Tennessee to lean very heavily upon their rushing attack to try and keep the game close, and that should lead McKinney and Cunningham to have a busy afternoon.
Dont'a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy – Patriots: As always, the Jaguars can be expected to come out running the football, but after Leonard Fournette left last week's game with a hamstring injury, their offense may be even more limited than usual. Expect Hightower and Van Noy to not only shut down the run but also have opportunities to get after Blake Bortles as a passer and a runner.
Defensive backs
Malcolm Jenkins and Jalen Mills – Eagles: With 11 days off and players returning after missing Week 1, the Eagles defense will be at full strength, making it unlikely that the Buccaneers will be able establish any type of rushing attack. That should lead to Ryan Fitzpatrick having to throw the ball more often than their coaching staff would like, but it also should allow Jenkins and Mills ample opportunity to make plays in pass coverage.
Derwin James and Desmond King – Chargers: Even though the Chargers will be traveling cross-country for this contest, they'll be facing a Buffalo offense with an atrocious offensive line. It's quite unlikely that the Bills will be able to establish any type of consistent rushing attack, which will force them to throw the ball frequently. Despite having a combination of poor quarterback play and receivers who fail to create much separation, not only should James and King be defending passes for much of the afternoon, there should also be opportunities for them to make big plays.
Justin Simmons and Bradley Roby – Broncos: Since the Broncos are outstanding at shutting down opposing rushing attacks, it's unlikely that the Raiders will be able to impose their will on the ground. That should allow head coach Jon Gruden to dial up plenty of pass attempts for Derek Carr, and with the Denver pass rush likely to create plenty of problems for the Oakland quarterback, Simmons and Roby could find themselves having solid performances in pass coverage.
