IDP Advice for NFL 2025 Week 1 breaks down depth charts, linebackers to watch, and bold takes for the season ahead.
Game week is finally here, and the IDP Plus Advice Show is focused on giving you the insight you need before kickoff. With depth charts released, this is the first real look at how defenses will line up. Alongside the news, bold takes for the season were shared to help guide fantasy decisions.
Linebacker Depth Chart Notes
One of the biggest IDP storylines this week comes from linebacker rotations. The Bengals placed DeMetrius Knight ahead of Oren Burks. While it’s encouraging to see Knight get the nod, he should stay on the bench in Week 1. A couple of games are needed before he’s trusted in lineups.
In Cleveland, the Browns listed three linebackers: Carson Swesinger, Devin Bush, and Mohamoud Diabate. Swesinger looks like the clear “Mike” and can be started with confidence. Between Bush and Diabate, the hosts leaned toward Bush, but cautioned against rushing him into lineups because of possible rust and uncertainty.
Baltimore continues to rely on Roquan Smith as the leader. Next to him, Trenton Simpson is expected to start. While promising, Simpson is still a player who may take time to settle into his role.
Final Thoughts
The release of Week 1 depth charts always brings excitement and debate. While it is tempting to immediately trust every starter, the smartest approach is patience. Early September often acts as an extension of preseason, with teams still smoothing out rotations.
This is where IDP Advice truly pays off. Watch our show for the full scoop! By tracking linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs as they settle into roles, you can avoid early mistakes and find long-term value. Stay patient, trust proven players, and use these insights to get ahead of your competition.
Thank you for reading my IDP Advice week 1 article. You can read more of my sports betting content on my IDP+ Author page. After that, feel free to connect with me on Twitter @RickyRod66 and follow @IDP_Plus to stay informed about everything NFL-relevant by becoming a member.


