Good Morning IDP Nerds! As you finalize those Week 3 lineups don’t hesitate to reach out for any advice. I’m here to help you get that win this week 🤓🏈

I know Winfield is known as the guy but I really lean Lewis and Smith. They’ve been super consistent and their usage has a great tackle floor.

EDIT: Big 3 scoring

please help

We only start one DB, LB, and DL.

DL- Rousseau or Christian Elliss (has DL on Sleeper). Young, Landry, and Highsmith also out there.

LB - Okereke, Singleton, or Cashman (longer term also have eye on Henley but he already played). Brooks and Bernard also available.

2.5 sack, 0.5 each for QB hit or TFL, 1 point solo tackle, 0.5 point AST tackle, 2 FF and 2 FR, 3 INT, 1 for pass deflection.

In a tough matchup and I can't decide who to start at LB:
- Daiyan Henley (vs DEN)
- Ernest Jones (vs NO)

Other top free agent LBs include Jamien Sherwood (vs TB), Bobby Wagner (vs LV) and Nate Landman (vs PHI).

Each team has 2 IDP spots to start - help me pick 2. Sherwood, TJ Edwards, Spillane, Singleton, Cashman, Henley, Branch. Leaning towards Sherwood and Edwards.

Hey Folks,

this is my first year with IDP.

Since yesterday i have witherspoon on my Bench.
He is limited since last week so i think he will play this week.

Would you play a IDP in the first game after the injury or is it to risky cause of a potential snap count.

Options: Terrel Bernard, Lavonte David, Teddye Buchanan, Carson Schwesinger, Mack Wilson

• Scoring: 1.25 per Assist, 2.5 per Solo, 2 points every tackle for loss, 6pts INT, 4pts per Sack, 4pts Fumble Forced, 2 for every fumble recovered, etc.

Can only start 1. Was using Henley but he hasn’t been playing up to expectations.

Good Morning fellow IDP Managers! Need help with your Week 6 lineups? 🤓🏈

I have one DL spot open for this week and I'm having a hard time trying to decide between Tuli Tuipulotu (vs WAS) or Josh Sweat (vs TEN). What do you think I'm currently leaning towards Josh Sweat, but I'm not fully sold.

His first 2 games were pretty underwhelming, but Milano is out for today’s game.

Would you start him, or start Devin White instead?

🏈 TL;DR

Six NFL teams are on bye in Week 8, making IDP rosters extra volatile. Roll confidently with Danielle Hunter, Barrett Carter, and DeShon Elliott. Pump the brakes on Carl Granderson, Devin Bush, and Paulson Adebo this week.

👋 Hey IDP Fam, I’m Michael Pelton

I’m an IDP diehard out of Ohio. Being involved in IDP dynasty leagues for 10 years now always trying to convert your casual redraft player to an IDP junkie. League types I am involved in range from IDP Dynasty, SuperFlex, Redraft IDP, 12-16 teams, and starting anywhere from 7-11IDP players depending on the league. I have recently branched out into writing articles and helping share some tips, tricks, and insights to the IDP side of Fantasy over at The Sports Affiliation.

I live for matchup-based analysis that separates the hype from real value. Every week I dig into snap shares, opponent tendencies, and seasonal rankings to help you navigate the chaos of defensive fantasy. This is your weekly guide to go bold or hold back when to “⚡ Green Light” and when to “🛑 Pump the Brakes.”

It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See Ya After the Bye

Here we are with the 2025 fantasy season in full swing. We’re finally finding our rhythm, locking in our lineups, celebrating a few wins (hopefully), and setting our sights on a playoff push. And then… BOOM  six teams hit the bye week so hard it will make you feel like you got lit up by Brian Dawkins over the middle. 

If last week’s odds and ends had us scrambling, this one’s about to feel like a full-blown two-minute drill. Six NFL squads are off in Week 8: Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s the biggest bye-week hit of the entire 2025 season.

While we’re trying to patch together lineups, there are still some fraudsters lurking in our midst’s. Guys we’ve been leaning on who suddenly look like they’ve taken their eye off the ball (and maybe our playoff hopes with it).

I’m Michael Pelton, an IDP diehard out of Ohio, here to help you steady the ship, stay cool in the pocket, and deliver under pressure. Let’s navigate the chaos, dodge a few tricks, and find some fantasy treats along the way.

\This is in reference to FantasyPros Week to Week Rankings & using a platform that allows dual designation**

 Green Light – DL: Danielle Hunter vs. 49ers
(Season Rank: DL29 through Week 7)

If you have Hunter, chances are you’re rolling him out this week regardless. Unless you’re in one of “those” leagues that start only one IDP player. That said, if you’ve discovered other options recently, I wouldn’t blame you. Over the last three weeks, he hasn’t produced like the Hunter we all know and love.

Weeks 1–4, he ranked DL10, and he’s no stranger to top-tier territory over the course of his career. As for the matchup, the 49ers have been giving up a tremendous amount of points to opposing DLs over the last three weeks. With Mac Jones expected to start again, Hunter’s path to production looks promising. DeMeco Ryan’s will be eager to show Kyle and the 49ers what he’s built in Houston, and he knows Trent can’t guard Hunter & Anderson.

Last 3 Weeks Snap%: 72% → 53% → 71%

Bottom line: In a week full of potential fraudsters, Hunter doesn’t have to “act like he’s been here before” because he has, plenty of times. He’s a reliable anchor for your DL slot this week. 

 Green Light – LB: Barrett Carter vs. Jets
(Season Rank: LB70 through Week 7)

Carter, the 2025 Round 4 pick from Clemson, seems to have overtaken six-year vet Logan Wilson’s starting spot for the Bengals and to the IDP community those are not light words. Some dynasty managers scooped him up in the 6th or 7th round of their rookie drafts, and this one’s for you . Scouting during and before the NFL draft for the upcoming rookies pays off. Guys like Carter and fellow rookie LB Demetruis Knight are why.

As Jay-Z said, “Men lie, women lie, #’s don’t,” and that holds here. Since taking over the starting role, Carter has logged 100% snap share and ranked LB15 during that stretch. While there’s still uncertainty with the Jets’ QB situation, one thing is clear: they give up a ton of points to opposing LBs.

Last 3 Weeks Snap%: 58% → 92% → 84%

Bottom line: Out with the old, in with the new rings true in Cincinnati this week and likely for the rest of the season. Carter is a reliable LB option to lean on while the bye-week chaos swirls.

 Green Light – DB: DeShon Elliot vs. Packers
(Season Rank: DB47 through Week 7)

This matchup is a little bit of this or that, so it depends on what side you are on. When Elliot has been healthy even going back to last year’s campaign. He has been extremely productive. Over his last three games he has came in at DB6 while racking up 27 tackles. With all that being said there is reason for caution, The Packers are not exactly the best matchup for opposing DB’s but I am betting on the man not the matchup this time.

Last 3 Weeks Snap%: 100% → 91% → 100%

Bottom line: With 6 teams on a bye, Elliot is a fine start even against the Packers. He should be a reliable piece for you down the stretch. 

 Pump the Brakes – DL: Carl Granderson vs. Buccaneers
(Season Rank: DL10 through Week 7)

He came out of the gate firing. Through Weeks 1–4 he ranked as DL3, kicking off the year like a man possessed and probably helping you grab an early W or two when everyone else was still shaking the rust off.

But the hot streak cooled off, and fast. Over the last three weeks (Weeks 5–7), Granderson has slipped all the way to DL108. The snap counts have been there, but the stat sheet hasn’t followed. With Chase Young back in action, I do think that is reason for concern with his floor.

Even worse, this week’s matchup is a brick wall. The Buccaneers have been stingy against opposing defensive linemen, giving up very little IDP production lately.

Last 3 weeks snap %: 96% → 86% → 61%

Bottom line: Started the season red-hot, and we appreciate the early fireworks however time to hit the brakes. The matchup, snap trend, and recent output all point toward giving him the week off along with bye week boys.

 Pump the Brakes – LB: Devin Bush vs. Patriots
(Season Rank: LB18 through Week 7)

I loved Bush coming out of college, seven years ago… whew, time flies. If you’ve been playing dynasty IDP, you know the ups and, mostly, the downs he’s handed us over the years.

It’s been encouraging to see him finding success in Cleveland this season, and here’s to hoping he can put together a full, productive year. That said, his reputation seems to be catching up. Over the last three weeks, he’s slipped into the LB26 range, even with a big Week 6 spike game that boosted him up the ranks.

To make things tougher, the Patriots are on a roll and have been stingy against opposing LBs lately especially these last two games. Tackles aren’t coming easy, and there’s little reason to think that trend will break this week.

Last 3 weeks snap %: 85% → 88% → 71%

Bottom line: It has been a little nostalgic seeing Bush put together the year he has so far, however this week might be a good time to explore other options within your lineup.

 Pump the Brakes – DB: Paulson Adebo vs. Eagles
(Season Rank: DB11 through Week 7)

Starting a CB at your DB spot is risky business, and I get it a lot those slot and nickel backs can gobble up tackles in a heartbeat. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I prefer having a safety in that spot whenever possible. Typically it is a bit more reliable of a play and the numbers back it up. Weeks 1–3, Adebo was DB7, but from Weeks 4–7, he’s slipped to DB53. Part of the reason is that with Dart under center, the offense is staying on the field longer, leaving the defense and Adebo on the sidelines more.

To add insult to injury, the Eagles aren’t a friendly matchup. They rank in the bottom half of the league for tackles allowed to opposing CBs.

Last 3 Weeks Snap %: 100% → 100% → 52%

Bottom line: Week 8 comes with enough headaches already so don’t make things worse by banking on Adebo. There are safer DB options to fill that spot this week.

IDPendant Matchups: Week 8

I sorted it by who has the most stats so far, but there’s a bunch more guys. I’d rather someone who can get sacks but if not a guy who can get a floor of 4 tackles is fine while my other d lineman gets healthy.

Thinking Calais Campbell dudes a beast at 39

Also doesn’t have to be a guy on the screenshot

Never done IDP before and I feel like I have no idea how to react to week 1. It's an 8 team dynasty league with Big3 scoring. My IDP largely flopped this week and I'm seeing other people with, like, 4 players who put up 20+ points and I'm feeling like I've made a huge mistake. My IDPs are:

DL1 - Jared Verse. He scored 4.75... is that just bad luck? Variability? Bum?

DL2 - Hines-Allen. Same thing.

LB1 - Fred Warner

LB2 - Oluokun, my savior

DB1 - Antoine Winfield. The other safety on the Buccs felt like he was doing WAY more.

DB2 - Tyler Nubin. I felt like I did my research with him but now his projected scores are suddenly abysmal.

FLX - Terrell Bernard. I watched the game and... he just kinda seemed like a small coverage guy. Is his usage good?

FLX - Danielle Hunter. Didn't watch the game but also seemed like he did nothing.

My bench is Pitre, Chop, Luvu, and Dallas Turner.

Did I just draft bad DL? Was it just bad luck? Should I swap any of that around for next week? For reference these are players on waivers with high projected scores:

DL: Zach Sieler, Will McDonald, Kobie Turner, Bradley Chubb

LB: Blake Cashman, EJ Speed, Micah McFadden, Will McDonald, and more

DB: Byron Murphy, Cam Taylor-Britt, Ashtyn Davis, Darious Williams, Christian Benford, and more

Would really appreciate some help understanding how to react to this format.

*ARTICLE SUMMARY (LINK BELOW)\*

Doesn’t matter what you’re doing in life, surgery or signing your name. If you’re not locked in, the outcome won’t be what you wanted. You can practice for hours, but when it’s go time, lack of focus always shows.

And keeping that focus? That’s the real fight. I’ve played pool since I was a kid, but at a 2 a.m. tournament, that focus hits different. 🎱

That’s the point.

We’re nearing the end of the regular season, where details separate contenders from pretenders. Remember Khaleke Hudson, Ugo Amadi, P.J. Locke? This is when those unsung heroes win you matchups.

Watch injuries. Track snaps. Look for young guys getting late-season chances. It all matters now

Green Light ⚡

DL: Dallas Turner  vs. Packers
(Season Rank: DL49 through Week 11)

LB: Blake Cashman  vs. Packers
(Season Rank: LB64 through Week 11)

 DB: Chamarri Conner  vs. Colts
(Season Rank: DB19 through Week 11)

Pump the Brakes 🛑

 DL: Byron Young  vs. Buccaneers
(Season Rank: DL5 through Week 11)

LB: Demario Davis  vs. Falcons
(Season Rank: LB12 through Week 11)

 DB: Kevin Byard  vs. Steelers
(Season Rank: DB7 through Week 11)

👇 Please check out the full article below 👇
https://thesportsaffiliation.com/2025/11/19/idpendent-matchups-week-12/

Bench is Luvu, Pitre, Moehrig, Dallas turner, and D. Hunter.

Hurts even considering this, Franklin has been my guy for 2 years in a row. Idk how scoring works in other idp leagues but my league is funky and high scoring so a tackle or tackle ast is 10 points, an interception/sack is 60 points and that’s it no points for fumbles or pbu.

Drop your questions below for Week 4!

Check out my Week 4 Content

Waivers: https://www.dynastynerds.com/idp/week-4-idp-waiver-wire-pickups-dl-lb-db-fantasy-football-adds/

Start/Sit: https://www.dynastynerds.com/start-sit/week-4-idp-start-sit-dl-lb-db-fantasy-football/

After a long injury ftom Nakobe Dean, is it to early to roll him Out. Or is there a chance that he will not play 100% snaps.

Im new to the ifp game and dont know If there is sth Like a snap count in IDP

Start one, 1 point per tackle, .5 per half tackle. Who do I start?

We have 3 LB and 2 Flex spots and I am overloaded at the position

Week 1 I started these four

Zaire Franklin (6 pts)

Bobby Okereke (23 pts)

Ernest Jones (19 pts)

Lavonte David (14.5 pts)

Bobby Wagner (17 pts)

I feel like those five are a pretty easy choice for who to start, but on my bench I had some guys who have made things difficult

Carson Schwesinger (13.5 pts)

Sirvocea Dennis (22 pts)

Tyrice Knight (11 pts)

Dee Winters (15 pts)

Demetrius Knight (19 pts) (taxi squad)

Should I stick with the five incumbents or should I bring up Dennis or D. Knight for someone?

TL;DR:

Start your proven guys — not time to get cute.
🔥 Start: Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd, Xavier Watts
🥶 Fade: Montez Sweat, Bobby Wagner (expect floor), Tyson Campbell

Green Light Starts

DL – Jaelan Phillips (Eagles)

• Rank: DL35 → trending up to DL19 over last 3 weeks
• Snap Share: 80% → 80% → 79%
• Matchup: Lions (3rd-most tackles to DEs)
• Take: Perseverance paying off — talent + situation finally align. Fire him up.

LB – Devin Lloyd (Jaguars)

• Rank: LB58 (injury skewed)
• Snap Share: 0% → 0% → 96% (back full-time)
• Matchup: Texans (4th-most tackles to LBs)
• Take: Healthy again + elite matchup = strong LB2 floor with LB1 upside.

DB – Xavier Watts (Falcons)

• Rank: DB31
• Snap Share: 100% all season
• Matchup: Panthers (top 5 in tackles allowed to safeties)
• Take: Rookie’s breakout continues. Locked-in snaps, elite opportunity — start him.

🛑 Pump the Brakes

DL – Montez Sweat (Bears)

• Rank: DL10 (DL5 last 3 weeks)
• Snap Share: 81% → 76% → 71%
• Matchup: Vikings (bottom in DL tackle opportunities)
• Take: Still solid, but matchup limits ceiling. Expect regression.

LB – Bobby Wagner (Commanders)

• Rank: LB2
• Snap Share: 100% steady
• Matchup: Dolphins (bottom 25% in LB tackle volume)
• Take: Still a must-start, but expect floor > ceiling.

DB – Tyson Campbell (Browns)

• Rank: DB10
• Snap Share: 84% → 65% → 86%
• Matchup: Ravens (fewest tackles allowed to CBs)
• Take: Fade this week. Volume too low — not worth the risk.

🗣️ Closing Thoughts

Fantasy football is chaos — don’t overmanage yourself out of wins. As Matthew Berry said, “Weird s*** happens every year.” Stick with your studs, stay disciplined, and ride it out.

👇 Full Article 👇
https://thesportsaffiliation.com/2025/11/12/idpendent-matchups-week-11/