IDP Analysis: Week 8 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

Redskins (at Vikings) – Players with elevated value: Cole Holcomb, Jon Bostic, Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan.

Playing on their home field against an inferior opponent, the Vikings should be able to roll out to a substantial lead over Washington. Even though they'll likely use the rushing attack to get in that position in the first place, that lead will ensure that they could end up running the ball nearly 40 times, making the Washington linebackers great fantasy options.

Dolphins (at Steelers) – Players with elevated value: Raekwon McMillan, Jerome Baker, Sam Eguavoen and Charles Harris.

Over the last few weeks it has become apparent that the Steelers' coaching staff does everything in its power to avoid throwing the football excessively. In a game that they should be able to control, the RBs should get all the work they can handle, which will create a busy day for the Dolphins' run stoppers.

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

The Colts are one of the teams excellent at making opponent-specific game plans, and with Chris Harris likely assigned to T.Y. Hilton for the entire afternoon, the Colts likely will go with a run-heavy approach. Especially on their home field, Indianapolis should be able to play with the lead, and that will allow them to keep running the football, which will turn into a productive day for the Denver linebackers.

Pass Rushers

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

Not only do the Cardinals have a weak offensive line, but they are among the league leaders in pass attempts. Going into New Orleans isn't a good recipe for a one-dimensional offense, and the Saints should be able to create heavy pressure on Kyler Murray, which should lead to a strong number of sacks.

Rams (vs. Bengals) – Players with elevated value: Dante Fowler Jr., Michael Brockers and Aaron Donald.

You don't need me to tell you that the Bengals are an absolute mess on offense. In a game in which they'll likely get blown out against the Rams, Andy Dalton will be under extreme pressure for the entire afternoon, and Los Angeles could have one of its best sack totals of the season.

Patriots (vs. Browns) – Players with elevated value: Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy.

Even though the Browns may have figured out some solutions to their broken offense over the bye week, it's unlikely there was any way to address their offensive line woes. In a game in which the Patriots should be able to jump out to a lead, their pass rushers are in line for an excellent performance.

Defensive Backs

Titans (vs. Buccaners) – Players with elevated value: Logan Ryan, Adoree' Jackson, Malcolm Butler and Kevin Byard.

There's no question that the Buccaneers are a pass-first offense, and in this matchup against the nasty Tennessee front seven, it's unlikely they'll be able to sustain any type of rushing attack. The only possibility for Tampa Bay to move the football will be through the air, which will provide the Tennessee defensive backs with a productive afternoon.

Seahawks (at Falcons) – Players with elevated value: Shaquill Griffin, Tre Flowers, Tedric Thompson and Neiko Thorpe.

Although the Falcons would like to be a balanced offense, playing at Seattle doesn't seem like the scenario in which they'll be able to find success running the football. Fortunately, with plenty of offensive weapons, Atlanta has no problem putting the ball in Matt Ryan's hands (assuming his ankle is well enough for him to play) and letting him throw the ball all over the field. As a result, look for at least 40 pass attempts, which should lead to a lot of work for the Seattle secondary. This would be even better if Matt Schaub were forced to start.

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

As mentioned earlier, the Cardinals may have no choice other than to throw the ball against a strong New Orleans defense that gives up very little production on the ground. With the potential for well over 40 pass attempts by Kyler Murray, this should be a very busy day for the Saints' defensive backs, which should lead to strong IDP performances.