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.
Linebackers
Kiko Alonso, Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker – Dolphins: The clear way to attack the Dolphins on defense is through the consistent use of the running game. Playing on their home field in the expected frigid climate of Buffalo, look for the Bills to consistently punish the Miami front-seven with not only the running backs but also Josh Allen. Knowing the Bills have an excellent defense, there's a strong likelihood that the game script allows Buffalo to stay committed to the run for four quarters, making the Miami linebackers a strong play.
Antonio Morrison, Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell – Packers: Over the course of the season, the Packers have had a decent run defense. However, with all the injuries they've suffered along their defensive line, the Lions should be able to consistently attack Green Bay by running the football. In addition, the Lions' passing game has struggled for most of the season, so the coaching staff will likely close out their season by committing to their running backs, which
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.
Linebackers
Kiko Alonso, Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker – Dolphins: The clear way to attack the Dolphins on defense is through the consistent use of the running game. Playing on their home field in the expected frigid climate of Buffalo, look for the Bills to consistently punish the Miami front-seven with not only the running backs but also Josh Allen. Knowing the Bills have an excellent defense, there's a strong likelihood that the game script allows Buffalo to stay committed to the run for four quarters, making the Miami linebackers a strong play.
Antonio Morrison, Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell – Packers: Over the course of the season, the Packers have had a decent run defense. However, with all the injuries they've suffered along their defensive line, the Lions should be able to consistently attack Green Bay by running the football. In addition, the Lions' passing game has struggled for most of the season, so the coaching staff will likely close out their season by committing to their running backs, which makes it probable that the Packers linebackers will have a busy afternoon.
Darius Leonard, Matthew Adams and Anthony Walker (shoulder) – Colts: The Colts have been a solid defensive squad throughout the season, but they've been particularly stingy against the pass, which should make the offensive game planning quite simple for the Titans' coaching staff. Of course, we all know the Titans been committed to the run for quite some time, but in this divisional home contest, they need to win to make the playoffs, Derek Henry and Dion Lewis could easily combine for more than 30 carries, and the Colts linebackers should be up to the task, providing strong numbers for their fantasy owners.
Deone Bucannon, Gerald Hodges and Haason Reddick – Cardinals: There are very few defenses as bad against the run than the Cardinals. They'll be at Seattle this week to face a team that's among the most committed to running the football in the entire league, and in this perfect match up, the Seahawks could easily run the ball more than ever. There have been games this season that Russell Wilson hasn't needed to throw the ball 20 times, and against a clearly inferior opponent, this could be the case again. This is a great week to utilize the Arizona linebackers.
Defensive backs
James Bradberry, Donte Jackson, Captain Munnerlyn and Mike Adams – Panthers:
Simply stated, the Panthers are clearly a pass funnel defensive unit, and, playing on their home field, the Saints can be expected to attack this weak secondary early and often. Even if they run out to a lead, the easiest way for them to move the chains to shorten the game would be through their short passing attack. In addition, look for the Saints to utilize their running backs as frequently as receivers, and with their ability to make big plays, the Carolina defensive backs should have an extremely busy day.
Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson, DeShawn Shead and Glover Quin – Lions: Over the second half of the season, the Lions have been a stout run defense, and although Jamaal Williams is a solid running back, it's unlikely that he'll be able to consistently move the chains in this contest. Of course, the Packers have little trouble turning to Aaron Rodgers when the run game sputters, and on their home field, this is looking like the type of contest in which Green Bay will be happy to call plenty of passing plays against Detroit's suspect secondary. Look for the Lions' DBs to post solid tackle totals in the season finale.
Steven Nelson, Kendall Fuller (wrist), Orlando Scandrick and Ron Parker – Chiefs: Playing at Arrowhead Stadium, it's difficult to imagine that the Raiders won't quickly fall behind on the scoreboard. As a result, they're all but certain to have to abandon their rushing attack, which should lead to Derek Carr being in position to throw nearly 40 passes as they try to stun their division rivals. This is looking like a fantastic spot for the Kansas City defensive backs to not only pile up some tackles, but possibly nab a takeaway or two.
Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Brian Poole and Damontae Kazee – Falcons: After a tumultuous season, Jameis Winston will have one last opportunity to show the Buccaneers management that he should be their quarterback of the future. Although the Falcons have a solid pass rush on their home field, they're not nearly the same unit when outside of the Georgia Dome. Whenever he hasn't been pressured heavily this season, Winston has been quite effective, so look for him to throw the ball often, which should lead to plenty of production for the Atlanta defensive backs.
Pass rushers
Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Darius Philon – Chargers: Denver should come into this game trying to establish its presence on the ground, but it's very likely that they'll fall behind on the scoreboard. If that's the case, they'll have no choice other than to throw the football, and with a group of wide receivers that struggles to get separation against solid secondaries, this is the perfect spot for the Chargers pass rush to come up with a big performance, even though this game is on the road.
Cameron Jordan, Alex Okafor and Marcus Davenport – Saints: Playing in New Orleans is no picnic for opponents who are unable to keep up with the potent Saints' offensive attack, and that's likely what will happen to the Panthers. Normally, that wouldn't be a problem for Cam Newton, but with him out for the season and Taylor Heinicke at QB, it's unlikely he'll be able to buy the type of time in the pocket that Newton typically did. Even though Carolina likes to get the ball out of the quarterback's hands quickly, the Saints defense should create enough confusion that the young signal caller holds the ball longer than he'd like, and that should result in a big day for the New Orleans pass rush.
T.J. Watt, Vince Williams and Bud Dupree – Steelers: About the only thing that the Bengals can count on these days is their rushing game with Joe Mixon, but unfortunately, that'll be the only thing the Steelers will have to worry about, so look for them to load the box to put Cincinnati in many unfavorable situations. With Cincinnati having a poor group of wide receivers, Jeff Driskel will likely find himself with not nearly enough time in the pocket while waiting for his WRs to get open, which should allow the Pittsburgh pass rush to have a strong afternoon.
Justin Houston, Dee Ford and Chris Jones – Chiefs: As mentioned earlier, the Kansas City defensive backs are recommended lineup options this week, but while Oakland is throwing the football, their offensive line is very likely going to have significant struggles to slow down the Chiefs pass rush. Over the last month or so, this pass rush has been on a tear, and this is another excellent spot for them to finish the regular season on a high note.
