This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
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
Bills (at Titans) : Lorenzo Alexander, Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano
Between the Titans being simply nasty on defense along with playing this game at home, they have a great chance to either keep this game close or play with a lead throughout. In addition, Tennessee gets back LT Taylor Lewan from suspension, which will help the running game. Look for plenty of rushing attempts that will boost the production of the Buffalo LBs.
Raiders (vs. Bears): Dakota Allen, Tahir Whitehead, Nicholas Morrow
Not only are the Bears playing a team they should easily dominate, but they're fully expected to have Chase Daniel in at QB for the injured Mitchell Trubisky (shoulder). It would be a shock if the Bears didn't ramp up the running game to control the clock and the scoreboard, making it a productive game for the Oakland run stoppers.
Giants (vs. Vikings): Alec Ogletree (questionable), Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines, Tae
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
Bills (at Titans) : Lorenzo Alexander, Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano
Between the Titans being simply nasty on defense along with playing this game at home, they have a great chance to either keep this game close or play with a lead throughout. In addition, Tennessee gets back LT Taylor Lewan from suspension, which will help the running game. Look for plenty of rushing attempts that will boost the production of the Buffalo LBs.
Raiders (vs. Bears): Dakota Allen, Tahir Whitehead, Nicholas Morrow
Not only are the Bears playing a team they should easily dominate, but they're fully expected to have Chase Daniel in at QB for the injured Mitchell Trubisky (shoulder). It would be a shock if the Bears didn't ramp up the running game to control the clock and the scoreboard, making it a productive game for the Oakland run stoppers.
Giants (vs. Vikings): Alec Ogletree (questionable), Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines, Tae Davis (questionable), Markus Golden
If there's a team that needs no motivation to run the ball, it's the Vikings. Playing at home against an inferior opponent after a big divisional loss, the Giants will get sick of seeing Dalvin Cook and company. But the upside should be big tackle numbers for the 'Big Blue' linebackers.
Pass Rushers
Vikings (at Giants): Danielle Hunter, Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen, Shamar Stephen
Even though the Vikings likely will control the clock, they should be playing with a lead for most of this game. As a result, they can easily make the Giants one dimensional by the end of the first half, so Minnesota should be able to fully unleash its pass rush, increasing its already amazing weekly upside.
Texans (at Falcons): J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus, D.J. Reader
Even at home, the Falcons have been a mess on offense this season. One of the main problems Atlanta has had is that its offensive line hasn't protected Matt Ryan. Another concern is the Falcons defense is unlikely to keep the Texans from jumping out to a lead, which will force Atlanta to become one dimensional. Once that happens, the Texans pass rush could be in line for one of their better games of the season.
Eagles (at Jets): Derek Barnett, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Akeem Spence.
With the Eagles having a nasty front seven, the Jets are unlikely to have success on the ground, which should force them into plenty of obvious passing downs. Also, there's a strong likelihood Luke Falk starts again, and the youngster will be completely overmatched by Philly's strong pass rush. Even on the road, this is looking like a big day for the Eagles' pass rushers.
Defensive Backs
Bengals (vs. Cardinals): Dre Kirkpatrick, William Jackson III, Tony McRae, Jessie Bates.
As we've learned the first four weeks of the season, the Cardinals have little use for running the football. We also know that Arizona isn't stopping many offenses, so it's almost a foregone conclusion that the Cardinals will trail at some point in this game. It's nearly a lock that the Bengals' secondary will see at least 40, if not 50, pass attempts, and that's the type of opportunity IDP owners are looking for when starting DBs.
Colts (at Chiefs): Pierre Desir, Kenny Moore, Rock Ya-Sin, Khari Willis, Clayton Geathers.
After their passing attack was slightly off last week, it's unlikely that will happen for the Chiefs two weeks in a row. Playing at home, it's most likely that Patrick Mahomes will be aggressive in getting his receivers back on track, and this is looking like a busy day for the Indy DBs as they chase around the dynamic KC pass catchers.
Saints (vs. Buccaneers): Eli Apple, P.J. Williams, Marshon Lattimore, Marcus Williams.
Last week, we saw how stout the Saints run defense can be, when they shut down Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys. Well, the Bucs aren't exactly a great running team, and they'll likely prefer to simply attack the Saints in their weakest area, the secondary. This could be a week that Jameis Winston throws at least 40, and a great week to use the New Orleans DBs.
