IDP Analysis: Week 11 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 values are elevated for the upcoming week. Some of these players will be superstars, while others will be 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 hopefully will help most everyone find a weekly edge.

Linebackers

Browns (vs. Steelers) – Players with elevated value: Joe Schobert, Mack Wilson and Adarius Taylor.

As we've learned over the last number of weeks, the Steelers have little desire to throw the football, and when they can get their rushing attack going, that's how they prefer to attack opponents. Well, there aren't many better run defenses to face than the Browns, and, regardless of who lines up at running back for Pittsburgh, we can reasonably expect them to run the ball upwards of 30 times in a game that likely stays close throughout. Look for the Cleveland linebackers to have a busy afternoon.

Lions (vs. Cowboys) – Players with elevated value: Jarrad Davis, Christian Jones and Devon Kennard.

Although the Cowboys have ability to go after defenses in any manner they choose, they still prefer to run the football as their primary means of attack. This week, they'll be playing on the road against a very vulnerable run defense, and it'll be an easy decision for the Dallas coaching staff to lean heavily upon Ezekiel Elliott and maybe even Tony Pollard. In a game in which the Cowboys should play with a lead, this is a week that the Detroit run stoppers will have their hands full, making them useful fantasy choices.

Broncos (vs. Vikings) – Players with elevated value: Todd Davis, Alexander Johnson and Malik Reed.

Over the past month or so, the Broncos have been a very difficult unit against whom to throw the ball, and playing on their home field, it seems as if the Vikings will struggle to move the ball through the air. Fortunately for them, they have an excellent rushing attack, and, in a game that should be close, the Vikings likely won't need to go away from that. That scenario will set things up well for the Denver linebackers, who should have very productive performances.

Pass Rushers

Saints (at Buccaneers) – Players with elevated value: Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins.

It would be a major surprise if the Buccaneers didn't find themselves forced to throw the ball for most of the afternoon in a game they'll likely trail. Although the Saints defense isn't quite as formidable on the road, it still is a well above average unit and likely should have Tampa Bay in plenty of obvious passing situations. As a result, the New Orleans pass rush should have plenty of chances to register a significant number of sacks.

49ers (vs. Cardinals) – Players with elevated value: Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead.

Even though the 49ers struggled to contain the Arizona offense a couple weeks ago in a Thursday night game, things could be significantly different this time. First of all, San Francisco has film from that game, which could help them identify some weaknesses to attack. In addition, playing on their home field, the 49ers could roll out to a significant lead that they'll need to protect. Once the Cardinals are forced to throw in this road contest, the 49ers pass rush should generate quite a bit of pressure, which will lead to solid sack numbers.

Panthers (vs. Falcons) – Players with elevated value: Mario Addison, Shaq Thompson and Bruce Irvin.

Not only do the Panthers have one of the most lethal pass rushes in the league this season, but they have a couple of factors this week that make them look better than usual. The first is that they'll be playing an Atlanta offense that has had a porous offensive line, and also the Falcons are particularly brutal on defense, which should allow Carolina to play this game with a lead. If that's not enough, the Panthers will be on their home field, and this is a week in which they should be able to sack Matt Ryan a significant number of times.

Defensive Backs

Buccaneers (vs. Saints) – Players with elevated value: Jamel Dean, Jordan Whitehead, Mike Edwards and Carlton Davis (questionable).

There are very few teams that stop the run as well as the Buccaneers, and even though the Saints have an excellent running game and offensive line, it's probable they'll game plan to attack the weakness of the defense. In this case, that weakness comes in the form of the Tampa Bay secondary, which is one of the absolute worst in the league and one the passing attack should be able to relentlessly expose. As a result, expect the Buccaneers' defensive backs to have a busy day chasing down WRs, which make them solid fantasy plays.

Saints (at Buccaneers) – Players with elevated value: Eli Apple, P.J. Williams and Patrick Robinson (questionable).

As mentioned earlier in this article, the Buccaneers are fully expected to be playing from behind for the majority of this contest. Fortunately, they are equipped to go after opposing defenses with their high-powered passing attack. With the likelihood of Tampa Bay throwing the ball at least 40 times, this should be a very strong week to play the Saints' defensive backs.

Eagles (vs. Patriots) – Players with elevated value: Ronald Darby, Jalen Mills, Avonte Maddox and Rodney McLeod.

Aside from death and taxes, one thing we can always count on is Bill Belichick attacking the weaknesses of opposing defenses. With the Eagles having a defense against whom it's almost impossible to run the football, look for the Patriots to largely ignore their rushing attack, as they put the ball in the capable hands of Tom Brady, who likely will throw the ball well over 40 times. This should easily lead to the Philadelphia secondary posting strong fantasy numbers.