IDP instant reactions and analysis to get you ready for your drafts! Let’s talk about Preseason Week 1!
Welcome to the first week of the preseason ladies and gentlemen! By the time you are reading this, players donning your favorite team’s jersey have crossed your television trying to make said team’s roster. And isn’t that just the most wonderful thing in the world? While there weren’t many people playing that will be starting on your fantasy teams, there is still IDP analysis to be done!
Before we get into the meat of the article, let’s level set what we are doing here. This article serves to be your one-stop shop for reactions and analysis of every meaningful IDP performance in the previous week. We will talk about what happened and what to make of it, giving you a leg up on your competition!
So what are we waiting for? It’s time to dive in!
New York Giants @ New England Patriots
A last-second field goal put the Giants in the win column over the Patriots. Giants 23, Pats 21.
New York Giants Analysis
The Stats:
Image Credit: National Football League
Performed as Expected:
- It was nice to see Darrian Beavers racking up three tackles and a tackle for a loss. If the rookie out of Cincinnati is going to make it in the NFL, he will need to be the tackling machine he was in college. This is an excellent first start! He turned his 44% of defensive snaps played into a nice outing! He’s not worth a draft pick in redraft, but he’s still a name to look out for.
- Dexter Lawrence played only 8% of defensive snaps but got on the board with a tackle. The playing time indicates the Giants expect him to be a big part of the defense, as they want him to avoid an injury. Lawrence is a not-sexy DT who is probably best used as a bye-week fill-in, but he won’t put up a goose egg when it’s his time to shine in your lineup.
Surprise Performance:
- Kayvon Thibodeaux was on the field for 23% of defensive snaps and only shows up on the stat sheet with one assist. More alarming was his 0% pressure rate on his 7 pass-rush snaps. We have high expectations for Thibodeaux, so let’s hope this is just a rookie getting used to the NFL. This is definitely something we will monitor moving forward.
- Darren Evans finds himself atop the stat sheet with four combined tackles. For those unfamiliar with the player, he is a rookie cornerback out of LSU. As a player who is fighting for a roster spot, it’s not a good sign that a cornerback is putting up those kinds of tackle numbers. Don’t read too much into his performance.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Tae Crowder, a presumed starter for this year’s Giants team, was on the field for 23% of defensive snaps but somehow didn’t register on the stat sheet. I’m not going to read too much into this performance, as he showed enough last year to earn our trust.
Looking to Next Week:
The Giants head on home to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. I hope we see more of the Giants’ presumed starters so we can get a better idea of where everyone is at heading into the season!
New England Analysis
The Stats:
Image Credit: National Football League
Performed as Expected:
- Is this the year Josh Uche finally breaks out? With only 27% of defensive snaps, Uche cranked out two tackles and a sack. On his 17 pass-rush snaps, he had a real nice 17.6% pressure rate. Look, you aren’t drafting Uche as anything more than a super late-round flier in most formats or best ball, but the Pats have been looking for 1b to Matthew Judon and Uche might be the answer. Something to watch for the rest of the preseason.
Surprise Performance:
- Cameron McGrone had an impressive showing, turning his 67% of defensive snaps into 6 combined tackles. He is presently buried on the depth chart, but he has a real chance at playing time this year after looking at who is ahead of him. It’s early, but more performances like this might lead him to IDP relevance.
- Jalen Elliott leading the Patriots in tackles is not something I expected to type, but hey! It’s the pre-season! He led the team with 87% of defensive snaps played and had a nice tackling day. Unfortunately, that’s not the best sign when you are a defensive back trying to make a team. I don’t expect him to make the Patriots’ active roster, so disregard this performance from an IDP drafting perspective.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Terrance Mitchell and Malcolm Butler both played 27% of defensive snaps in the game. There is an opening at starting cornerback, and both players are vying for that spot. Any starting CB at least has the potential to be fantasy relevant, so this is a positional battle worth paying attention to. Round went to Mitchell, but it’s early yet!
Looking to Next Week:
The Patriots will look to get into the win column at home against the Carolina Panthers.
Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens got the best of the Tennessee Titans to get their first pre-season win, with a final score of Ravens 23, Titans 10.
Tennessee Analysis
The Stats:
Image Credit: National Football League
Performed as Expected:
- Caleb Farley showing up on the stat sheet is a nice thing to see! The former first-round pick was limited to three games last year, so we haven’t had an opportunity to see what he can do. The fact that he played and provided some value is worth noting! If he ends up a starter, he might become relevant soon!
- Theo Jackson is in line to be the second-string strong safety behind Amani Hooker this year, so it’s nice to see him dominate in the pre-season. Five combined tackles on only 48% of defensive snaps played are nice. It will take an injury for him to be worth picking up, but we know he can play!
Surprise Performance:
- Jack Gibbens lit it up this week, going off for 9 combined tackles. As is the case with most of the big performers this week, he is so far down the depth chart that you can almost immediately forget his name from a fantasy perspective. Good on him for making the most of his opportunity, though!
- Joseph Jones is in a similar spot to Gibbens, putting up nice numbers in the first preseason game. While Jones does have a slightly clearer path to making the team, it will take a lot for him to be worth rostering.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- None really to speak of. The Titans opted to not play any of their expected starters on defense. Hopefully next week we get a look at them, especially some of their rookies!
Looking to Next Week:
Next week the Titans will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
Baltimore Analysis
The Stats:
Image Credit: National Football League
Performed as Expected:
- Travis Jones had a lot of hype coming out of college, and boy did he look the part. Two combined tackles and a sack certainly get my attention! In fact, he rocked a 23.1% pressure rate. This would be hard to sustain, but it’s certainly promising. With defensive tackle being a thin position, Jones should be on your radar going into draft season.
Surprise Performance:
- For the number of snaps Kyle Hamilton had (45% of defensive snaps), I expect more than one tackle. We know that Hamilton can line up all over the field, so how the Ravens use him will drastically impact his IDP stock. If he continues to line up deep, this will negatively impact his draft relevancy. A sample size of one isn’t enough to raise alarms yet but check back in in a couple of weeks.
- Steven Means had a wonderful week with three combined tackles and a sack. He is fairly low on the depth chart at the moment, so I wouldn’t rush to draft him in any format.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Odafe Oweh played one snap on Thursday. There is no reason to read into this, I just find it funny that the Ravens even put him out there at all.
Looking to Next Week:
Next week the Ravens travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals.
Atlanta Falcons @ Detroit Lions
The Falcons secured their first win of the year, besting the Lions by a score of 27 to 23.
Atlanta Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Rashaan Evans showed up in a big way, racking up four tackles on only 13% of defensive snaps played. He’s a presumed starter for the Falcons this year, and there is a big hole to fill now that Foyesade Oluokun is in Jacksonville. Evans appears to be making the most of his opportunity. Adjust your ranks accordingly!
Surprise Performance:
- You can’t draw up a better fantasy effort than what DeAundre Alford threw down. He led the team with 8 combined sacks, grabbed an interception, and a pass defended, all on 58% of defensive snaps. He is presently sitting behind Casey Hayward on the depth chart, but Alford clearly showed that he can make the most of playing time. He’s not worth rostering yet, but it was fun to watch!
- Dorian Etheridge had a lovely day in the office, racking up seven combined tackles and a pass defended. He’s another guy that is buried on the depth chart presently, but the Falcons are in the market for promising young defenders, so it’s worth noting his progress as training camp continues.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Richie Grant played only 15% of defensive snaps in the game, so it’s not surprising he’s vacant on the stat sheet. He is a name a lot of people are interested in, as he had a lot of hype going into last year and then failed to deliver. He has a big opportunity this year for sure, so we’ll be sure to watch his usage going forward.
Looking to Next Week:
Next week the Falcons head to New York to play the Jets.
Detroit Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Kerby Joseph showed us why the Lions are so high on him, racking up 6 combined tackles. A third-round pick this year, Joseph still has a ways to go to earn playing time come the regular season, but this promising effort is precisely what you want to see if you are a Lions fan.
- Aidan Hutchinson played only 20% of defensive snaps, but he made the most of it. Two solo tackles, one of which being a tackle for a loss, will do nothing to slow down the hype train for the second overall pick. People are already drafting him high in drafts, but it’s comforting to finally see that translate to on-the-field production.
- Tracy Walker has perenially been a solid option in IDP, and he picked up right where he left off. Two combined tackles on 23% of defensive snaps played, he’s cemented on the Lions’ starting lineup and will continue to be a good option as your DB2.
Surprise Performance:
- Oh, hi there Jeff Okudah! We haven’t seen Okudah play since his season came to an abrupt end in Week 1 last year. The big thing to monitor with him, because of that injury history, is that he was on the field and being productive. Racking up three tackles on 32% of defensive snaps, it’s safe to say his rehab has gone well.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Only three players had more than 50% of defensive snaps played, so the Lions treated this first preseason game as an opportunity to give everyone some playing time to see what they have on the roster. As always, we shouldn’t jump to any major conclusions just yet!
Looking to Next Week:
Coming up next for the Lions is a trip to Indianapolis for a date with the Colts.
Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Browns outlasted the Jaguars, winning by a final score of 24 to 13.
Cleveland Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has a lot of hype after a solid rookie campaign. One tackle doesn’t seem like much, but he only played 19% of defensive snaps. Assuming health, he is going to be a major factor for the Browns’ defense this year.
Surprise Performance:
- Isaiah Thomas had a huge game, adding two sacks with three combined tackles. He is really down on the depth chart, so there isn’t much fantasy relevance here yet. Let’s see if he can string up another great outing next week.
- Dakota Allen leading the team with eight combined tackles, one of which is a tackle for a loss, certainly qualifies as surprising. As an NFL journeyman, there isn’t much to make me believe he is IDP relevant yet.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Like most teams, the Browns decided to rest most of their presumed starters, so there isn’t much to note in terms of playing time.
Looking to Next Week:
The Browns will be hosting the Philadelphia Eagles next week.
Jacksonville Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Chad Muma put up another nice week, grabbing two tackles and a tackle for a loss on only 36% of defensive snaps played. This is back-to-back weeks that Muma has shown out now, so he is cementing himself in the conversation of IDP relevancy. Granted, he’s still better viewed as a “handcuff”, as there are a few players ahead of him on the depth chart, but I like what I’ve seen.
- Josh Allen getting on the board for a tackle on only 16% of defensive snaps played was a nice thing to see! He has some nice expectations rolling into this year, but seeing a healthy Allen on the field brings those of us who drafted him or have him rostered in dynasty some comfort.
Surprise Performance:
- Andrew Wingard ending up with four tackles on only 24% of defensive snaps is real nice to see. He is presently second string, hence why he didn’t play much in the game, but if he shows up like this when he plays he’s only an injury to Rayshawn Jenkins away from being relevant. Take note!
- Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Montaric Brown before. Anyone? Well, he showed out for five combined tackles, one of which is a tackle for a loss. He is probably not going to make the Jaguars’ roster, so he shouldn’t be on any of yours.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Much like other teams, the Jaguars didn’t play many players more than 50% of defensive snaps. This is great for limiting injuries, but not exactly the most helpful for us analysts. Let’s see what they do next week!
Looking to Next Week:
The Jaguars will look to get in the win column next week as they host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Arizona Cardinals @ Cincinnati Bengals
In one of the highest-scoring preseason games this year, the Cardinals bested the Bengals by a score of 36 to 23.
Arizona Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Zaven Collins played only 27% of defensive snaps in this game and therefore showed up minimally on the stat sheet. Collins has a lot of hype going into this year, so we will be sure to follow his production when he gets more playing time.
Surprise Performance:
- Jace Whittaker dominated the tackle game for the Cardinals, pacing the team with seven. He is not worthy of a roster spot unless there are some serious injuries.
- Ben Niemann is in a similar boat to Whittaker. Six combined tackles are pretty nice, but Niemann is buried on the depth chart.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- The vast majority of the Cardinals’ presumed starters sat out this week, so playing time was mostly given to the players trying to make the team.
Looking to Next Week:
In a “battle of the birds”, the Cardinals will host the Baltimore Ravens next week.
Cincinnati Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- The Bengals shied away from playing their starters, so none of the players I’m seeing in the stat sheet had expectations for me. Check back next week when hopefully more presumed starters are playing!
Surprise Performance:
- Daxton Hill played 64% of defensive snaps and only gathered one tackle and one pass defended. We know that the Bengals’ defensive backs are stacked and it would be hard for Hill to find the field in his rookie year, so it’s a little discouraging that even when he played a lot he didn’t have better IDP stats. No need to sound the alarm quite yet, it’s just something to pay attention to.
- Domenique Davis had a wonderful IDP outing, adding half a sack to five combined tackles. There is real doubt that Davis makes the roster, so don’t go readjusting your draft kits for this performance.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Joseph Ossai played only 4 snaps. Once a player with a lot of IDP potential, Ossai saw his rookie season come to an abrupt end last season when he suffered injuries early on in camp. The fact that Ossai is back to playing is a great sign. He might be someone to target at the very end of deep best ball drafts.
Looking to Next Week:
The Bengals will head to New York to play the Giants in the upcoming week.
New York Jets @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Jets won a close one in Philadelphia, winning 24 to 21.
New York Jets Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Quincy Williams picked up right where he left off last year, racking up three tackles and a sack on only 21% of defensive snaps. While most people are focussing on C.J. Mosely, Williams is a sneaky good sleeper LB to seek in drafts.
Surprise Performance:
- Jamien Sherwood! Welcome back to the party! Three tackles and a fumble recovery were a nice day in the office for the safety-turned-linebacker. Last year the Jets experimented with various combinations of linebackers, and due to injuries and learning a new position Sherwood never really made an impact on the field. Perhaps this is an indication he has figured something out!
- Tanzel Smart showed out for six tackles and two sacks in what is easily the best performance of his NFL career. While this will go a long way for Smart to make the team, he is still not IDP relevant at this time.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Ahmad Gardner made his rookie debut, playing 21% of defensive snaps. As you can see, he did not make an appearance on the stat sheet. As a shutdown corner, this is important to note. If Gardner can continue to prove that he can cover NFL-caliber wide receivers and be a shutdown corner, this will limit his IDP relevance. When a player is too good at covering, quarterbacks just won’t throw at him, limiting chances to score you points.
Looking to Next Week:
The Jets will play host to the Atlanta Falcons next week.
Philadelphia Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Nakobe Dean had a performance that has to excite Eagles fans. One of the highest-rated linebackers taken in the draft, Dean showed us why with five combined tackles. More performances like this will put pressure on the Eagles to get Dean into the starting lineup.
- Kyzer White only played 8% of defensive snaps but racked up a tackle, an interception, and a pass defended. We know that White is a jack-of-all-trades player, so it was great to see him continue this on his new team. He is going to be a big player on the Eagles defense this year.
Surprise Performance:
- Reed Blankenship paced the Eagles with 7 combined tackles on 55% of defensive snaps. It’s not typically a good sign if you are playing a lot of the first preseason game, so you can ignore this performance from a fantasy perspective.
- Josh Jobe had a nice day with five combined tackles but is in the same boat as Blankenship.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- T.J. Edwards and many of the presumed Eagles’ starters played only a few snaps to avoid injuries. It was nice to see them out there, but we can expect more of the same until the regular season.
Looking to Next Week:
The Eagles head to Cleveland to play the Browns this week.
Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers delivered a win in front of the home fans, besting the Packers by a score of 28 to 21.
Green Bay Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Krys Barnes played 20% of defensive snaps and had two combined tackles, which is very similar to what he has produced thus far in his NFL career. He is a nice budget linebacker to fill out the back end of your roster. He does not have a whole lot of upside, but you can’t beat the solid floor Barnes provides.
Surprise Performance:
- Chris Slayton had a great game with 6 combined tackles, especially considering he qualifies as a defensive tackle. Unfortunately for him, he is fairly low on the depth chart. We shouldn’t expect much from him come the regular season.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Quay Walker played only 20% of defensive snaps. This all but confirms some of the rumors coming out of Packer camp that Walke is going to be a starter for the team this year. This is major news from a fantasy perspective. If Walker will make the most of this opportunity is yet to be seen, but it’s important to note going into draft season.
- Unfortunately, Devonte Wyatt did not play in this game, but much like Walker, it cements in my mind that the Packers think he will be a major contributor this year.
Looking to Next Week:
Green Bay will host the New Orleans Saints in the upcoming week.
San Francisco Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- The 49ers did not play anyone we expected anything from, so this section is going to remain blank this week!
Surprise Performance:
- Oren Burks led the team with eight combined tackles. A backup for the last couple of years, I don’t expect this performance to change that.
- Dontae Johnson had a lovely night with four combined tackles and a sack. This will be Johnson’s eighth year with the 49ers, and none of those years have been fantasy relevant. I don’t expect this year to be the same.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Nothing to report here either. We can only hope next week we get to see our favorite players on the field!
Looking to Next Week:
The 49ers head to Minnesota to play the Vikings next week.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Chicago Bears
The Bears found their way into the win column, defeating the Chiefs 19 to 14.
Kansas City Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Welcome to the NFL Leo Chenal! A tackling machine in college at Wisconsin, Chenal brought that into the NFL in a big way with seven combined tackles, two of which were for a loss. Currently, Chenal is a back-up on the Chiefs, but he is only an injury away from being relevant. This performance, and the draft capital the Chiefs used to get him, mean Chenal has a bright future.
- Nick Bolton only played 14% of defensive snaps, but we are expecting big things from him this year. Taking over the green dot for the Chiefs this year, there is a good chance Bolton shakes the previous trend of linebackers on the team and plays all three downs. His performance, albeit brief, shows us just how big of an IDP asset he could be. He’s a sleeper that could win you your league this year.
- Chris Jones only played 9% of defensive snaps, but he flashed exactly what you’d want to see in that small time racking up a sack. Nabbing nine sacks last year, Jones will look to build on that in 2022. Draft him with confidence!
Surprise Performance:
- Deon Bush having five tackles is certainly a nice surprise! He is pretty far away from being someone you want on your roster due to where he is at on the depth chart.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- George Karlaftis played 36% of defensive snaps and flashed some potential with a sack. There is plenty of ways to go, but you love to see the initial returns on the first-round pick. All I know is that this Chiefs defense is going to be fun this year!
Looking to Next Week:
The Chiefs will play host to the Washington Commanders next week.
Chicago Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Jaquan Brisker showed up exactly like you want him to, nabbing four combined tackles and a pass defended. He has a real chance to be a big deal on the Bears’ defense this year. I love his upside.
- Nicholas Morrow has had a lot of attention on him as the Roquan Smith contract talks have hit some snags. Morrow played well, grabbing two tackles on only 25% of defensive snaps played. If Smith ends up being traded or holds out, Morrow is going to be an IDP superstar.
Surprise Performance:
- Jack Sanborn had a wonderful first game in the NFL, grabbing five tackles and an interception. He was signed as a rookie free agent, and while more performances like this will lead to a better chance he makes the team, Sanborn should not be on yours.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Practically all of the presumed starters for the defense didn’t play more than a handful of snaps, which only solidifies our idea of who is going to be getting playing time come September.
Looking to Next Week:
The Bears will travel to Seattle to face off against the Seahawks this upcoming week.
Carolina Panthers @ Washington Commanders
The Panthers took home the win this week, beating the Commanders 23 to 21.
Carolina Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Jeremy Chinn continues being a menace to opposing offenses, grabbing two tackles on only 10% of defensive snaps played. He’s already being drafted fairly high in drafts, and that shouldn’t be changing.
- Xavier Woods also only 10% of snaps, and also had two tackles. Last year Woods had a decent campaign, so it’s great to see him continue that. You can target him fairly late in drafts, but you’ll be glad you do.
Surprise Performance:
- Phil Hoskins ended the game with four combined tackles and a sack. Much like most people you’re reading about in the “surprise” category, I would be “surprised” if Hoskins makes an impact in the regular season.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Brian Burns only played three snaps in the game, so do not be concerned that you do not see him show up on the stat sheet!
Looking to Next Week:
Next week the Panthers travel to play the New England Patriots.
Washington Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- All Cole Holcomb does is show up and tackle people. On only 25% of defensive snaps, Holcomb nabbed four combined sacks. He is a player you want in leagues where tackles are emphasized.
- Kamren Curl has a lot of momentum going into this year, and his performance in this game indicates that! On 25% of defensive snaps, Curl grabbed two combined tackles. Look for him to continue making plays into the year.
Surprise Performance:
- David Mayo is quickly gaining steam to IDP relevancy. A potential starter for the Commanders this year, Mayo grabbed five combined tackles on 30% of defensive snaps played. We will keep watching his play, but there might be another linebacker in Washington worth rostering.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Montez Sweat had a disappointing year last year, and only gathering one QB hit on 21% of defensive snaps won’t quiet the haters. Look, it’s early. Let’s not rush to any conclusions. But we are going to want to see a lot more from Sweat moving forward to get us excited again.
Looking to Next Week:
The Commanders travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs next week.
Indianapolis Colts @ Buffalo Bills
The Bills picked up where they left off last year, beating the Colts by a score of 27 to 24.
Indianapolis Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- DeForest Buckner is a stud. On 14% of defensive snaps, Buckner grabbed two tackles and a tackle for a loss. Don’t overthink it, he’s good at football.
- Nick Cross has a major opportunity to play meaningful minutes this year after Khari Willis‘ surprise retirement. Cross made the most of his first shot, grabbing three combined tackles on only 26% of defensive snaps played. This is very promising!
Surprise Performance:
- Sterling Weatherford had himself a day, adding an interception and a pass defended to an already stout six combined tackles. He is buried on the depth chart, so don’t read too much into this performance.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Stephon Gilmore played 21% of defensive snaps, so it’s a little surprising he didn’t show up on the stat sheet. A player at his skill level is at least worth monitoring, especially if he gets a lot of playing time.
- Kwity Paye and Yannick Ngakoue both played only 9 snaps, so it’s not overly surprising they are not on the stat sheet.
Looking to Next Week:
The Colts will host the Detroit Lions this week.
Buffalo Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Kaiir Elam played up to his reputation, grabbing two tackles and a pass defended. He did play 52% of defensive snaps, so the numbers aren’t crazy impressive, but he is someone to keep an eye on moving forward.
Surprise Performance:
- A.J. Epenesa has been underwhelming thus far for the Bills from a fantasy perspective, but his two combined tackles on only 15% of defensive snaps is a good sign. Granted, Epenesa even playing in this game isn’t a good sign for his longevity with the team. He’s better off left on the waiver wire.
- Baylon Spector made the most of his 68% of defensive snaps, grabbing nine combined tackles and a pass defended. He has a long way to go to make the roster, so don’t read too much into this performance.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Many of the Bills’ presumed starters sat this one out, so there isn’t much to fill this section out this week.
Looking to Next Week:
The Bills will play host to the Denver Broncos this week.
Seattle Seahawks @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers beat the Seahawks by a final score of 32 to 25 on an amazing last-second touchdown.
Seattle Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Boye Mafe had just about as good of an NFL debut as you can have, grabbing two tackles and two sacks, and a forced fumble. Expectations are high for the second-round draft pick, and clearly, they are warranted. I’m excited to see if he can make performances like this a habit.
- Cody Barton grabbing three tackles on only 35% of defensive snaps played has to excite people. He is looking to fill the big hole left by Bobby Wagner‘s departure, and this is a great first step.
Surprise Performance:
- Joel Dublanko had a great day, grabbing eight combined tackles. He is currently not someone you should be rostering on your teams, as he is fairly low on the depth chart.
- Vi Jones filled out the stat sheet, with 6 combined tackles and a sack. He is another player that will look good on these preseason stat sheets but won’t make a difference in the regular season.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- -Nothing of note for this section this week!
Looking to Next Week:
The Seahawks will play host to the Chicago Bears this week.
Pittsburgh Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- DeMarvin Leal came into the NFL with some high expectations, and his two-tackle performance with a QB hit won’t slow that down. As a defensive tackle where there are limited “studs”, any time a young player at the position starts showing out it’s worth noting.
Surprise Performance:
- Buddy Johnson is pretty low on the depth chart, so his six-tackle game can be ignored.
- James Pierre had a nice day, with six combined tackles and a pass defended. He is presently a backup on the team, but it’s nice to see that he can make the most of opportunities.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Many of your favorite Steelers players did not play in this game, so don’t be alarmed that they are not showing up on the stat sheet!
Looking to Next Week:
The Steelers will travel to Florida to face the Jacksonville Jaguars next week.
Miami Dolphins @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Dolphins got their first victory of the year, beating the Buccaneers by a score of 26 to 24.
Miami Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Channing Tindall played just enough to show us why people are excited about him. Grabbing two tackles in 34% percent of defensive tackles, Tindall is someone to keep watching down in Miami.
Surprise Performance:
- Jaelan Phillips played 18% of defensive snaps, but it’s a bit surprising that he doesn’t show up on the stat sheet at all. He is someone that a lot of people have earmarked as a breakout candidate this year, so we will want to keep monitoring his progress moving forward.
- D’Angelo Ross had a nice day with eight combined tackles, but he is a long shot to make the roster.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Christian Wilkins and other Dolphins’ starters did not play in this game. Hopefully, we can get a look at them next week!
Looking to Next Week:
The Dolphins host the Las Vegas Raiders this week.
Tampa Bay Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- The Buccaneers put out a defense that lacked any real expectations, so we are just happy that there was football to be watched with a Bucs jersey in it!
Surprise Performance:
- Olakunle Fatukasi led the team with six combined tackles. He is buried on the depth chart, so he is not worthy of a roster spot just yet.
- Cam Gill made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks this week, racking four tackles, two of which were for a loss, a quarterback hit, and also tacking on a sack. He has a real chance to get some situational playing time this year, so he is making a case for you to draft him in a best ball league.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- No real notes this week with many starters sitting out.
Looking to Next Week:
The Buccaneers will travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans next week.
New Orleans Saints @ Houston Texans
The Texans got their first win of the season, beating the Saints by a score of 17 to 13.
New Orleans Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Shy Tuttle had a great day, nabbing four combined tackles on only 36% of playing time. Last year Tuttle found himself in a starting role on the defense, and he saw his stats increase accordingly. He is worth considering at the end of drafts, especially considering the shallow defensive tackle position.
Surprise Performance:
- Chase Hansen had an eye-popping day, going off for five combined tackles, an interception, and a pass defended. Pete Werner is presently on the non-football-related injury list, so if he misses any time Hansen might become relevant for a short period of time. It’s too early to go and draft someone like Hansen yet, it’s just worth noting.
- Daniel Sorensen had a nice day as well, racking up three tackles. Unfortunately, this happened on 57% of defensive snaps played, which is not encouraging. Feel free to pass on him.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Many of the big names for the Saints’ defense didn’t play, so don’t be discouraged by those players’ lack of production.
Looking to Next Week:
The Saints will travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers next week.
Houston Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Jalen Pitre had an excellent first game in the NFL, grabbing four tackles. The Texans are in a rebuild, so talented rookies like Pitre are going to get a lot of playing time. And did I mention he racked up those stats on only 21% of defensive snaps played? We should take notice of Pitre!
- Kamu Grugier-Hill had a nice day, nabbing two tackles on only 21% of defensive snaps played. Last year was a breakout year for him, so it’s nice to see him keep up that momentum.
Surprise Performance:
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin led the team with seven combined tackles. He is another player that you can safely ignore at this point in fantasy drafts.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Jonathan Greenard only played 8% of defensive snaps, so it’s not surprising he doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.
Looking to Next Week:
The Texans head west to take on the Los Angeles Rams this week.
Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos
The Broncos beat up on the Cowboys this week, defeating them 17 to 7.
Dallas Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- The Cowboys didn’t play anyone with any real expectations, so this section doesn’t apply this week.
Surprise Performance:
- Nahshon Wright led the team with seven combined tackles, which was fun to watch! That being said, he is not someone you need to worry about drafting at this point due to his position on the depth chart.
- Neville Gallimore had a nice tackle for a loss on 35% of defensive snaps played. The Cowboys have been searching for production from Gallimore, so hopefully, this is the start of something good. Don’t go crazy in drafts just yet!
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- No real notes for this section as well, as the Cowboys decided to rest all of their presumed starters. Don’t worry about Micah Parsons not showing up on the stat sheet, he’ll be there when it counts in September!
Looking to Next Week:
Next week the Cowboys travel out west to play the Los Angeles Chargers.
Denver Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Alex Singleton produced some nice results, racking up four combined tackles. Based on how productive Singleton was in Philidelphia last year, it would not be a surprise to see him on the field quite a bit for the Broncos this Fall.
Surprise Performance:
- Baron Browning had a well-rounded week, tacking on a sack with three tackles. He is only an injury away from having a real opportunity to put up meaningful minutes, so it’s nice seeing him produce when given the chance.
- Jamar Johnson lead the team with seven combined tackles. Based on his place on the depth chart, you don’t have to worry about him for now.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Nik Bonitto found his way on the stat sheet with a combined tackle. He is a promising pass rusher, but you want to see more production than an assist on 41% of defensive snaps played. We will continue to monitor his production.
Looking to Next Week:
The Broncos will travel to Buffalo to face the Bills next week.
Los Angeles Rams @ Los Angeles Chargers
In the battle of Los Angeles, the Rams left victorious, beating the Chargers by a score of 29 to 22.
Los Angeles Rams Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- The Rams opted to rest all of their presumed defensive starters, so no one had any real expectations this week.
Surprise Performance:
- Jake Hummel led the team with 10 combined tackles. It’s presently a stretch to expect any real playing time this Fall, so you can ignore him for now.
- Grant Haley had an impressive eight combined tackles. Just like Hummel, he is someone you should ignore in drafts.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Since no Rams starters were playing, there isn’t much to analyze here. See you here next week!
Looking to Next Week:
Next week the Rams host the Houston Texans.
Los Angeles Chargers IDP Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Troy Reeder went off for seven combined tackles on only 43% of defensive snaps played. We know who Reeder is as a fantasy player at this point: someone you can rely on to fill in when there is a bye week.
Surprise Performance:
- Cole Christiansen had a nice day, racking up five combined tackles. He is someone you can safely ignore in drafts, as he is pretty far down on the depth chart.
- Chris Rumph ended the game with four combined tackles and a sack. Unfortunately for him, he sits behind Joey Bosa on the depth chart, so unless something happens there Rumph isn’t going to get much playing time.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Jerry Tillery played 20% of defensive snaps but failed to make it onto the stat sheet, which is unfortunate. He’s someone many people target late in drafts as a flier, but if he continues to not produce I’d start fading him and looking for other options.
Looking to Next Week:
The Chargers head to Dallas to play the Cowboys this week.
Minnesota Vikings @ Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders took home the win, besting the Vikings 26 to 20.
Minnesota Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Lewis Cine got the first tackle of his young NFL career. Cine is going to get every opportunity this preseason to prove he deserves playing time in the regular season, but he won’t be forced into action considering he is behind a lot of great players. Cine’s time might not be this year, but for those of us in Dynasty leagues, it’s worth noting his progression.
- Harrison Phillips had a great day in the office, going off for three combined tackles and a sack. A starter on the defense at a thin position (defensive tackle), Phillips’ performance is worth noting. If he can repeat this next week, Phillips will be a hot name in the business.
Surprise Performance:
- Troy Dye paced the Vikings with six combined tackles. Dye is healthily behind some real workhorses on the Vikings’ defense, so he can be ignored in fantasy drafts.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Nothing else notable to note!
Looking to Next Week:
The Vikings will host the San Francisco 49ers next week.
Las Vegas Analysis
The Stats:
Performed as Expected:
- Trevon Moehrig had a very familiar day, ending the game with only one assist. Moehrig is a much better real-life NFL player than a fantasy asset. Last year, he played almost 100% of the defensive snaps but just didn’t rack up any meaningful stats from a fantasy perspective. This only confirms nothing has changed in Las Vegas.
- Johnathan Abram getting an assist or two is no surprise, and him not getting any pass defense statistics is no surprise either. For Abram to take the next fantasy step, we need to see him get involved in the passing game. We’re still waiting!
Surprise Performance:
- Darien Butler had an outstanding game, ending up with five combined tackles. There are many people out there that think incumbent Denzel Perryman‘s starting role could be in doubt at some point this year, and if Butler can keep on putting up good performances those rumors might become true. Stay tuned!
- Luke Masterson had a nice day, having four combined tackles. He shouldn’t be fantasy relevant this year.
Other Playing Time/Performance Notes:
- Nothing else sticks out from this game.
Looking to Next Week:
The Raiders travel to Miami to play the Dolphins this week.
Thank you for reading the IDP Rundown, preseason Week 1! If you like what you read, be sure to come back every Monday for more of the same analysis! You can find my IDP Guys author page here if you want to read my other content. You can find me on Twitter at @mrecord21. Be sure to follow @IDPGuys to keep up with all the latest fantasy news!
