This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
With this being the biggest draft weekend for most fantasy players, it's certainly possible that there are some deeper IDP leagues in which streaming players is a strategy that can be effective. This week's edition will use the Las Vegas betting lines to present a number of teams that appear to possess attractive targets for IDP streaming.
There are three teams with a point spread between 7.5 and nine points, and if those games play to form, the underdogs could find themselves facing offenses that will run the ball heavily in the second half, increasing the potential for tackle numbers. Conversely, the favored teams potentially will see elevated pass totals with additional opportunity to generate some sacks.
As always, all league sizes are impossible to address in an article such as this, but the top players who should be universally owned will be left off the list.
First off, the Packers are a nine-point favorite over the Bears for week 1, and the pass rush could have plenty of chances to chase down Mitch Trubisky. That should mean that defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Dean Lowry have increased value, though linebackers Clay Matthews and Nick Perry both need to check out healthy for Week 1 before being viable options. Due to the injuries, it might be best to fade Matthews and Perry. In addition, cornerbacks Kevin King and Quinten Rollins could also find themselves quite busy defending the Chicago wide receivers.
Next, the Saints check in as 7.5-point favorites over
With this being the biggest draft weekend for most fantasy players, it's certainly possible that there are some deeper IDP leagues in which streaming players is a strategy that can be effective. This week's edition will use the Las Vegas betting lines to present a number of teams that appear to possess attractive targets for IDP streaming.
There are three teams with a point spread between 7.5 and nine points, and if those games play to form, the underdogs could find themselves facing offenses that will run the ball heavily in the second half, increasing the potential for tackle numbers. Conversely, the favored teams potentially will see elevated pass totals with additional opportunity to generate some sacks.
As always, all league sizes are impossible to address in an article such as this, but the top players who should be universally owned will be left off the list.
First off, the Packers are a nine-point favorite over the Bears for week 1, and the pass rush could have plenty of chances to chase down Mitch Trubisky. That should mean that defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Dean Lowry have increased value, though linebackers Clay Matthews and Nick Perry both need to check out healthy for Week 1 before being viable options. Due to the injuries, it might be best to fade Matthews and Perry. In addition, cornerbacks Kevin King and Quinten Rollins could also find themselves quite busy defending the Chicago wide receivers.
Next, the Saints check in as 7.5-point favorites over the Buccaneers, and they have the added benefit of facing Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will be taking over at quarterback while Jameis Winston serves his suspension. Look for defensive ends Trey Hendrickson and Marcus Davenport along with outside linebackers A.J. Klein and Alex Anzalone to see plenty of snaps in which they could be rushing the passer. Also, cornerbacks Ken Crawley and Patrick Robinson should be plenty busy chasing around Mike Evans and company as they pile up tackles.
The other 7.5-point favorite in Week 1 are the Patriots, who will be up against the Texans. As always, New England shuttles defensive players on and off the field frequently, so their rotational players are a bit more difficult to project. That said, defensive ends Deatrich Wise and Adrian Clayborn in addition to outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts could be in line for extended snaps in obvious passing downs during the second half. Also, look for Jason McCourty to see a large complement of snaps at cornerback against the Houston receivers.
As stated earlier, the opponents in each of the contests listed above, should find themselves facing plenty of rushing attempts, so we'll take a look at the three teams in which players could be in line to post stronger than usual stat lines.
With the Bears being the biggest underdogs of the week, linebackers Nick Kwiatkoski, Roquan Smith and possibly backup Sam Acho are the most likely players to record solid tackle totals.
Certainly, the Patriots are far from predictable in how they may choose to play with the lead, but they certainly have a group of running backs whom the coaching staff will likely use to grind out the clock with a lead. Should that be the case, inside linebacker Zach Cunningham and Dylan Cole are the most likely Texans in line for increased production.
Although the Buccaneers linebackers are potentially in good shape to record quite a few tackles against the Saints rushing attack, their top-three outside linebackers are currently injured, and although they could be ready for Week 1, that's too much time in advance to make a reasonable prediction for them. Also, it's unlikely the MLB Kwon Alexander sits out enough snaps for his backup to be a big contributor.
Good luck to all those who are drafting this weekend!
