Are there too many IDP starting lineup decisions for you this week? Can not decide which linebacker or edge rusher to start? Which safety gets the nod this week?”
This will not be the typical ‘obvious starters’ type of article. Always start your studs like Maxx Crosby, Fred Warner, and Brian Branch. What needs to be shared is who we start and sit out of the not-so-obvious players. You will not see the Top 10-ranked players in these articles because we all already know to start these players. These players could be ranked #11 or #37.
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Week 1 – DE/Edge Starters –
Andrew Van Ginkel – Minnesota Vikings
The Chicago Bears gave up the most sacks in 2024 with 68. Van Ginkel produced 11.5 sacks in 2024, which ranked 8th in the NFL. The Vikings edge rusher is the #11-ranked DL in Week 1 according to FantasyPros.com and deserves to be in the must-start category. Van Ginkel doesn’t just sack QBs; he also produces at an All-Pro level in defensive tackles. The 30-year-old produced a career high 79 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions last year. It was his first year in Minnesota, and the coaching staff stayed intact for 2025 with Brian Flores as the Defensive Coordinator. The Bears did rebuild the center of their offensive line with the acquisitions of guards Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman.
Nik Bonitto – Denver Broncos
The Tennessee Titans gave up the 5th most sacks in the NFL for the 2024 season. They are opening in Denver against the Broncos and Bonitto. The Titans should be playing from behind and passing at a much greater percentage. Bonitto busted out last year with 13.5 sacks, which was 3rd in the league. He is ranked the #22 DL in FantasyPros.com and will end up a top 10 performer for Week 1.
Week 1 – DB Sits –
Jordan Battle – Cincinnati Bengals
The third round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was slated in for a starting role as a rookie. He didn’t get a chance until his final seven games of that rookie season. The Bengals then brought in some veterans at the Safety position, and Battle once again did not start until the final six games of the season. Opening day in Cleveland is not where we decide he is a must start with a #14 Week 1 ranking for DBs on FantasyPros.com. Once bitten, twice shy, baby. Battle will have to earn back the trust of the IDP community.
Reed Blankenship – Philadelphia Eagles
Blankenship has a history with the Cowboys, who are his opening Week 1 opponent on Thursday night. In his two games against the Cowboys last year, Blankenship posted 4 tackles and then 3 tackles while playing 79-87% of the defensive snaps. Both games were played without Dak Prescott. Prescott is back and ready to bring the Cowboys back to relevance. Blankenship does not provide numbers in the pass defense either. He posted just six passes defended all of last year. The #19 Week 1 ranking by FantasyPros.com does not feel justified. It would be hard to start him if there were other options.
Thank you for checking out my Week 1 IDP Start/Sit Advice article! You can read all of my articles on my IDP Guys author page. Be sure to follow me on X at @OldMan_FF and @IDPGuys (we have offense, too), and please consider becoming a subscriber.
