IDP Analysis: Burfict Finally Back

RISING

Vontaze Burfict, OLB, CIN

Burfict's season has been a waste to this point due to two concussions, but he's ready to go for Sunday after resting the last three weeks. He's arguably the top IDP linebacker when he's on the field, as he posted 171 tackles (114 solo), three sacks and an interception a year ago.

C.J. Mosley, (3-4) ILB, BAL

The rookie out of Alabama has been entirely worth the first-round pick the Ravens spent on him in the 2014 draft, immediately earning a starting role and playing a lead part in a defense that's allowing just 3.5 yards per carry. Most importantly for IDP owners, Mosley has also been a big hit in the box score, as a 15-tackle effort against Indianapolis last week has his season total up to 48 tackles (28 solo). Mosley also has an interception and fumble recovery to this point. He'll remain in a three-down role for the Ravens, and he's quickly approaching LB1 status.

Gerald Hodges, OLB, MIN

With Chad Greenway (ribs) expected to sit out this week, Hodges looks poised to take up a three-down workload for another week. Although Hodges' six tackles from last week are not an obviously useful total for IDP owners, it's encouraging that he played all of Minnesota's 54 snaps. The Lions might get a bit more run-heavy this week with Calvin Johnson likely out, so Hodges' opportunities for tackles should be there.

Jadeveon Clowney, (3-4) OLB, HOU

Clowney (knee) is hoping to play against the Steelers in Week 7, six weeks after suffering a torn meniscus against Washington in Week 1. Although Clowney is technically unproven at the NFL level, it's easy to see him going on a sack spree once he returns, especially with J.J. Watt so visibly dominant lately. Clowney is a supreme talent who should rarely see chips, let alone double teams.

FALLING

Calais Campbell, (3-4) DE, ARZ

Campbell is one of the league's elite defensive linemen, so the MCL sprain he suffered against the Broncos on Sunday was one of the most disappointing developments of last week. Campbell is technically week-to-week at the moment, but a month-long absence would not be surprising. As always, Campbell was performing at a high level before the injury, anchoring one of the league's top run defenses while posting 16 tackles (all solo), one sack and an interception in four games. Rookie third-round pick Kareem Martin will need to play more while Campbell rests up.

Lance Briggs, OLB, CHI

Briggs has posted terrible numbers all year, totaling just 22 tackles in five games, and now he's dealing with a rib injury that will keep him out this week against the Falcons. Producing barely more than four tackles per game, Briggs doesn't look like he's worth owning in many IDP formats at the moment, though he'll likely be given the opportunity to play a full-time role the rest of the year once healthy. Fellow Bears linebacker Jon Bostic (back) also missed practice all week, which could lead to a big role for rookie Christian Jones.

Bruce Carter, OLB, DAL

Carter (quadriceps) will likely miss this week's game against Seattle, which is disappointing because Seattle's run-heavy offense presents a good number of tackle opportunities. It's also disappointing because it looked like the light bulb was finally turning on for Carter prior to his injury, as he had 18 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown in Weeks 3 and 4. Carter's absence will allow rookie fourth-round pick Anthony Hitchens to start for the fourth time in five weeks.

Brian Orakpo, (3-4) OLB, WAS

Orakpo usually has utility in IDP formats that reward heavily for sack production, but that hasn't been the case so far in 2014. Orakpo's numbers have been rather miserable, totaling 20 tackles and just a half sack through five games. Although he's due for a good game or two any day now, most IDP owners in need of sacks can probably find a better option elsewhere.