IDP Analysis: Week 1 Matchups

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. 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 will hopefully help most everyone find a weekly edge.

Linebackers

Bengals (at Seahawks) – Players with elevated value: Preston Brown, Nick Vigil and Jordan Evans

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that the Seahawks are poised to be one of the run-heaviest teams in the league again this year. If that's not enough to elevate the Cinci LBs, Seattle is favored by 9.5 points, and the likelihood of them taking the air out of the ball in the second half is probable, adding additional opportunities to pile up tackles.

Giants (at Cowboys) – Players with elevated value: Alec Ogletree (questionable), Tae Davis (questionable), Lorenzo Carter and Kareem Martin

Even if Ezekiel Elliott (holdout) isn't available for this game, it's unlikely that the Giants have the offensive firepower to turn this game into a shootout. Look for Dallas to retain their run-first mentality in a game they very well could control easily, and as a result, the New York LBs will have their hands full, which is what IDP owners want to see.

Washington (at Eagles) – Players with elevated value: Jon Bostic, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Ryan Anderson

In a game in which the Eagles defense could easily overwhelm a Washington offense that will likely struggle to move the ball with any consistency, it would be surprising if the Eagles didn't have this divisional contest under control well before the final whistle. That should lead the Philly running the ball more than they typically might otherwise, leading to an enhanced performance for the Washington LBs.

Pass Rushers

Seahawks (vs. Bengals) – Players with elevated value: Ezekiel Ansah (questionable), Quinton Jefferson and Mychal Kendricks. (Of course, if newly acquired Jadeveon Clowney is able to play, add him to this list)

As mentioned earlier, the Seahawks are the biggest favorite on this week's slate, and if they can roll out to a lead, Andy Dalton will have to throw the ball to bail out the team. Even if Seattle dominates the clock and limits Cinci's offense plays, the opportunity to turn the pass rush loose on a team with an undermanned offensive line for multiple possessions looks like a recipe for success.

Eagles (vs. Washington) – Players with elevated value: Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox (questionable) and Nigel Bradham (questionable)

Not only will Washington be without their best offensive lineman, Trent Williams, but their offense doesn't appear to be ready for prime time. In addition, their defense will likely struggle to hold down the potent Eagles' offensive attack. With the Eagles likely playing with a solid lead in the second half, there should be plenty of pass rush opportunities.

Cowboys (vs. Giants) – Players with elevated value: DeMarcus Lawrence (questionable), Tyrone Crawford (questionable) and Kerry Hyder

Yes, the Giants want to run the ball all day with Saquon Barkley, but without WRs who can stretch the field, Dallas should be able to load the box and stymie the rushing attack, leading to plenty of obvious passing situations that force them to abandon the run. With the WRs likely struggling to get open, it's looking like a plus day for the Cowboys' pass rush.

Defensive Backs

Saints (vs. Texans) – Players with elevated value: Marcus Williams, Eli Apple, Marshon Lattimore, Patrick Robinson and P.J. Williams

It's difficult to imagine this game not being a shootout. With the Texans not having a solid rushing attack, their best way of keeping pace with the Saints will be to put the ball in Deshaun Watson's hands, which should result in a very busy day for the New Orleans secondary.

Jaguars (vs. Chiefs) – Players with elevated value: Jarrod Wilson, A.J. Bouye, Jalen Ramsey, D.J. Hayden

There's no reason for coach Andy Reid to go away from the lethal passing attack that's loaded with weapons. Even though the Jaguars have a talented defense with a strong pass rush, Patrick Mahomes will likely have the Jacksonville defensive backs running down receivers and tight ends for the entire afternoon.

Vikings (vs. Falcons) – Players with elevated value: Harrison Smith (questionable), Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander

Not many defenses are as stout up front as the Vikings, and this unit historically has been difficult to run on at home. Of course, the Falcons are well-equipped to attack a defense through the air, so expect Matt Ryan to be the focal point of this week's game plan, and the Vikings DBs should be set up for a productive day, as they have to cover the Falcons' WRs and TEs.