This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
RISING
Kemal Ishmael, S, ATL
William Moore (ankle) out for the rest of the year, it opens an opportunity for Ishmael to enter the starting lineup. He was very useful as an IDP when replacing the injury-prone Moore in 2014, so Ishmael will be an immediate DB1 consideration. From Weeks 4 through 17 last year, Ishmael totaled 89 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble, giving him numbers that would project to roughly 110 tackles and four interceptions over 16 games. It remains to be seen how the scheme of coach Dan Quinn affects Ishmael's production relative to the 2014 scheme of then-defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, but Moore was reasonably productive prior to his injury troubles, posting 35 tackles and two interceptions in the first six weeks.
Paul Posluszny, MLB, JAC
Posluszny (hand) missed last week's game against Indianapolis, but he should be able to return to his standard three-down role against Atlanta on Sunday. With 104 tackles (85 solo) and two interceptions in 11 games, Posluszny is a top-five linebacker IDP when playing a three-down role.
Khalil Mack, DE, OAK
No NFL player had a better game in Week 14 than Mack. He made six tackles against the Broncos, five of them sacks, while forcing his second fumble of the year. Mack is now up to 60 tackles (46 solo, 20 for a loss) and 14 sacks in 13 games, making him the second-best IDP DL in leagues where he qualifies as such.
RISING
Kemal Ishmael, S, ATL
William Moore (ankle) out for the rest of the year, it opens an opportunity for Ishmael to enter the starting lineup. He was very useful as an IDP when replacing the injury-prone Moore in 2014, so Ishmael will be an immediate DB1 consideration. From Weeks 4 through 17 last year, Ishmael totaled 89 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble, giving him numbers that would project to roughly 110 tackles and four interceptions over 16 games. It remains to be seen how the scheme of coach Dan Quinn affects Ishmael's production relative to the 2014 scheme of then-defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, but Moore was reasonably productive prior to his injury troubles, posting 35 tackles and two interceptions in the first six weeks.
Paul Posluszny, MLB, JAC
Posluszny (hand) missed last week's game against Indianapolis, but he should be able to return to his standard three-down role against Atlanta on Sunday. With 104 tackles (85 solo) and two interceptions in 11 games, Posluszny is a top-five linebacker IDP when playing a three-down role.
Khalil Mack, DE, OAK
No NFL player had a better game in Week 14 than Mack. He made six tackles against the Broncos, five of them sacks, while forcing his second fumble of the year. Mack is now up to 60 tackles (46 solo, 20 for a loss) and 14 sacks in 13 games, making him the second-best IDP DL in leagues where he qualifies as such.
Alec Ogletree, OLB, STL
For those in Week 17 leagues, keep a lookout for the expected return of Ogletree that week. He will return to practice next week after missing the last 10 games with a broken fibula suffered back in Week 4. Ogletree looked like a clear LB1 prior to the injury, posting 42 tackles (27 solo) and two sacks in the first four games of this year.
Kelcie McCray, S, SEA
Kam Chancellor appears highly questionable for Sunday's game against Cleveand due to a tailbone injury. If Chancellor sits, McCray would be expected to start in his place. It would be unreasonable to expect McCray to produce at the same rate as Chancellor, but the fact that Chancellor has 74 tackles (44 solo) and two interceptions in 11 games shows the role can yield strong IDP numbers. Playing at home against the Browns should result in some playmaking opportunities for defenders.
FALLING
Devin McCourty, S, NE
McCourty is listed as questionable but this week, but given that he's reportedly dealing with a high ankle sprain, it would seem he's more likely to sit out. He would seem likely to miss more than just this week if it is truly a high ankle sprain, actually. If McCourty sits out, Duron Harmon would be the favorite to pick up his snaps.
Stephon Gilmore, CB, BUF
Gilmore's season is over due to torn shoulder labrum. A strong corner by the standards of real football, Gilmore's utility is mostly limited to IDP leagues that award points for passes defended, as Gilmore defended 18 passes in 12 games – an elite number. His injury shouldn't be an issue by the time the 2016 season arrives, at least.
