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 values are elevated for the upcoming week. Some of these players will be superstars, while others will be players found on many waiver wires. We'll look at team positional groupings, based on the potential for a favorable game script. Whether you're streaming IDPs each week or have a stocked roster, this "one size fits all" approach hopefully will help most everyone find a weekly edge.
Linebackers
Cardinals (vs. Seahawks) – Players with elevated value: Haason Reddick, Jordan Hicks and Chandler Jones.
It's unlikely the Seahawks want their secondary to deal with the Air Raid offense, and they have the perfect recipe to slow it down. Look for them to run the ball and kill as much clock as they can. This is also the recipe for the Cardinals' linebackers to have productive performances.
Browns (at Ravens) – Players with elevated value: Joe Schobert, Mack Wilson and Adarius Taylor.
We know the Browns have assembled one heck of a secondary, and this might not be the week for the Ravens to let Lamar Jackson get pass happy. With Cleveland's ability to run the ball, not only with the RBs, but with Jackson, this may be the way to take advantage of a defense that lost Christian Kirksey to the IR. There should be plenty of tackle opportunities for the Cleveland LBs.
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 values are elevated for the upcoming week. Some of these players will be superstars, while others will be players found on many waiver wires. We'll look at team positional groupings, based on the potential for a favorable game script. Whether you're streaming IDPs each week or have a stocked roster, this "one size fits all" approach hopefully will help most everyone find a weekly edge.
Linebackers
Cardinals (vs. Seahawks) – Players with elevated value: Haason Reddick, Jordan Hicks and Chandler Jones.
It's unlikely the Seahawks want their secondary to deal with the Air Raid offense, and they have the perfect recipe to slow it down. Look for them to run the ball and kill as much clock as they can. This is also the recipe for the Cardinals' linebackers to have productive performances.
Browns (at Ravens) – Players with elevated value: Joe Schobert, Mack Wilson and Adarius Taylor.
We know the Browns have assembled one heck of a secondary, and this might not be the week for the Ravens to let Lamar Jackson get pass happy. With Cleveland's ability to run the ball, not only with the RBs, but with Jackson, this may be the way to take advantage of a defense that lost Christian Kirksey to the IR. There should be plenty of tackle opportunities for the Cleveland LBs.
Jaguars (at Broncos) – Players with elevated value: Myles Jack, Quincy Williams and Leon Jacobs.
Don't expect Joe Flacco to be able to drop back often in this game. Not only will the pass rush make him miserable, but even if Jalen Ramsey is traded (not likely as of now), the Broncos are unlikely to have much success against them. In what should be a low-scoring game, expect the Broncos to use both of their RBs often, making this a prime spot for the Jags' linebackers.
Pass Rushers
Ravens (vs. Browns) – Players with elevated value: Pernell McPhee, Matt Judon, Patrick Onwuasor and Kenny Young.
You don't need me to tell you that the Browns have had serious issues protecting Baker Mayfield this year. And certainly, the Ravens' coaching staff will be ready to bring as much pressure as possible to keep the Cleveland offense from getting into a rhythm. In the meantime, there's a strong likelihood we see a good number of sacks.
Rams (vs. Buccaneers) – Players with elevated value: Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Dante Fowler Jr. and Clay Matthews.
The Bucs are another team with a dreadful offensive line, and coach Wade Phillips is a master at generating pressure like he did in Cleveland last week. Yes, this is a combination that should cause Jameis Winston to have another long day, while the Rams are in line to put up some strong sack totals.
Vikings (at Bears) – Players with elevated value: Danielle Hunter, Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen.
Even though the Vikings aren't as stout against the run at home, they should be good enough in this divisional road contest to put the Bears in plenty of obvious passing situations. With a solid secondary behind them, Mitch Trubisky should be plenty uncomfortable, and since he struggles to see beyond his first read, the pass rush should be more productive than usual.
Defensive Backs
Eagles (at Packers) – Players with elevated value: Sidney Jones, Avonte Maddox, Rasul Douglas and Rodney McLeod.
Although the Packers have a good running game, a smart game plan would be to attack the Eagles' vulnerable secondary, as opposed to trying to run at their brick wall of a front seven. Even if they try to run, it should be to no avail, so it should be a very busy game for the Philly DBs.
Titans (at Falcons) – Players with elevated value: Logan Ryan, Adoree' Jackson, LeShaun Sims and Kevin Byard.
The Falcons have certainly struggled to run against strong defenses this year, and the Titans may be one of the better run defenses in the league. Playing at home, where their passing attack usually flourishes, it seems most probable that Matt Ryan will attack them through the air, making the Tennessee secondary one to target in IDP leagues this week.
Lions (vs. Chiefs) – Players with elevated value: Darius Slay, Justin Coleman, Rashaan Melvin and Tracy Walker.
Even though Andy Reid's system seems immune to any particular defense, the best way to attack Detroit is through the air. Since Detroit stuffs the run, but lacks an elite pass rush, KC likely will be even more pass heavy than usual. This is a good week to count on Lions' DBs.
