Last week saw the induction of the newest member of the Ultra Mega Cheek Clapper Ten Thousand Club, congrats to Danielle Hunter on his acceptance into this distinguished society.
This article series will be set up exactly the same as last year’s was. For the Thursday night games, I will be tweeting the start or sit on Twitter (@Orangeman3142). This article will publish weekly on Saturday morning and will cover all of the Sunday games and the Monday night game as well.
Last year I was writing four thousand word articles describing the thought process behind all these “decisions” (start or sit and what tier of expected production). In an effort to cover every IDP relevant player and every matchup and team I’ve cut that part of this process out, for the record though I use past production, playing time, expected game flow and trends of the offense each IDP player is going up against as well as gut instinct and projections from places such as MFL, Yahoo, ESPN and Sleeper to inform these decisions.
If you’re looking for an explanation for a particular player feel free to DM me on Twitter, @Orangeman3142.
This is year sixteen of IDP for me so I’m not just throwing darts here and the two articles and one podcast I do weekly take more than enough time so this is what it’s going to be, if you’re looking for more detail for as to why certain players are starts or sits I’m sure there are articles out there that do that, it just won’t be this one. Also, I’m doing this for free and because I enjoy it so I’m going to have fun with it if you can’t handle jokes I would abort mission now, no harm no foul.
These start or sit decisions are only suggestions and in the end, the responsibility for your lineup is ultimately yours and yours alone. I’ll do my best to be as accurate as possible each week. These decisions I’m recommending are the same ones I’m making in my own lineups so we sink or swim together if you do decide to take any of this advice. Good luck in your matchups this week. Let’s get that hardware.
Every single game, team and IDP relevant player will be covered in this article series all year from start to finish. The production will be divided into categories like last year, this is how it looks:
Tier 1 Production: These players have the best matchups based on their playing time, past production, talent level, and opportunity. They have the most solid floor and a terrific ceiling. If you need guaranteed production these players are the best bet to get that for you. These will likely be obvious most of the time.
Tier 2 Production: These players will get you some points but are missing something that makes them your best choice. This could be a lack of playing time, talent or some other factor that hurts their chances at an outstanding performance. These players are usually a good option in deeper leagues with large rosters or all IDP leagues.
Tier 3 Production: These players are a shot in the dark. These are starts you will likely only make in larger leagues with huge rosters or during bye weeks or for short term injury replacements. There’s a chance it could work out but not a great one due to any number of factors including lack of playing time, talent or ideal matchup. This tier is as close to “sit” as you can get while still having some value. These players are mostly used in larger leagues with huge rosters and in all IDP leagues.
Sit: Pretty easy, sit em. For any number of reasons from a nagging injury to lack of playing time, talent or ideal matchup these players should NOT be started this week. I will be wrong on these occasionally throughout the season but at the time of publishing the players in this category are far more likely to bust and get you nothing rather than have a good or great week.
***Player situations change due to injury and other factors, this article was written days before Sunday so please pay attention and adjust your lineup accordingly ***
***If I don’t mention a player they are a sit or just not on my radar yet which likely means they should be a sit. If a player is inactive or injured after this article is published please use common sense and sit them. Check the inactive list at 11:40 AM eastern time and 3:40 PM eastern time on ESPN and NFL websites to check for surprise inactives each Sunday***
Last week I made approximately 252 “decisions” (start or sit) and got 190 of them correct or in the ballpark and 62 incorrect or not even close for a 75% correct rate. My average for all of last season was 74% correct overall and through this week we are holding at 75% correct for this season. Let’s dive into this week’s games.
***For any “EDGE” players listed the rule of thumb is to drop them a level in expected production from where they are listed if you start them as a regular linebacker instead of in a specific “Edge” or “OLB” slot in your league. This is due to the inconsistent nature of production for these players being sack dependent for the majority of their points. If your league has an “Edge” or “OLB” slot to plug them in to then everyone takes the same risk putting those players in that slot each week, however if you choose to use these players in a regular linebacker slot there’s a good chance they don’t get a sack and you end up with little to no points from them.
They are a boom or bust option when used in a regular linebacker slot. Keep that in mind as you play Shaq Barrett or Whitney Mercilus, there will be weeks where they don’t have any sacks and it won’t be pretty if you started them in a regular linebacker slot and your opponent started a guy like KJ Wright in that same slot when KJ gets his usual 4-8 tackles and you’re down that many fantasy points in just that one player to player matchup. We’ve already seen multiple weeks where both Mercilus and Barrett did nothing at all and if you played them in a regular linebacker slot it might have cost you a win. Buyer beware.***
***Writers note, the following players have been declared inactive since I started writing this article Wednesday: Jaquiski Tartt, Jadaveon Clowney, LVE and Mychal Kendricks. The implications are as follows, Marcell Harris will likely be in at safety for the 49ers in relief of Tartt, he’s a tier three most likely. Ezekiel Ansah might see more snaps for Seattle if he plays, I would just eat the Clowney inactive and find another option. Sean Lee becomes an almost tier one against the Rams. There isn’t a IDP relevant backup for Kendricks, look elsewhere for help.***
I would take a bullet for Jessie Bates.
Patriots @ Bengals
New England Patriots
Tier one starts: NA
Tier two starts: Jamie Collins (LB)
Tier three starts: Kyle Van Noy (LB) Donta Hightower (LB) Devin McCourty (S) Patrick Chung (S) Stephon Gilmore (CB)
Sits: All others, and realistically playing any Patriots IDP any time is a risk, massive fluctuation week to week in playing time and production for the entire defense.
Cincinnati Bengals
Tier one starts: Shawn Williams (S) Jessie Bates (S) Nick Vigil (LB)
Tier two starts: Sam Hubbard (DE) *If inactive then Carl Lawson (DE) becomes tier two* Carlos Dunlap (DE) Geno Atkins (DT) Bengals Cornerbacks, preferably Jackson & Dennard, this is a good matchup to start or stream Bengals corners.
Tier three starts: Andrew Billings (DT) Germaine Pratt (LB) Carl Lawson (DE) *Unless Hubbard is inactive, then tier two*
Sits: All others
A perplexed Damon Harrison wonders how the seemingly innocent fart he trusted is now a shit in his pants, Detroit USA Circa 2019
Buccaneers @ Lions
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tier one starts: Devin White (LB) Lavonte David (LB) Shaq Barrett (EDGE)
Tier two starts: Jordan Whitehead (S) Jason Pierre Paul (DE) N’Damakong Suh (DT) Bucs Cornerbacks, preferably Davis & Bunting, this is a decent matchup to start or stream Bucs corners.
Tier three starts: Andrew Adams (S) Mike Edwards (S) Carl Nassib (DE) Vita Vea (DE)
Sits: All others
Detroit Lions
Tier one starts: Tracy Walker (S) Tavon Wilson (S) Lions Cornerbacks, preferably Slay and Slay only, second IDP relevant corner spot is in fluctuation between Coleman and Oruwariye and starting the wrong one could prove to be a disaster, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Slay.
Tier two starts: Trey Flowers (DE)
Tier three starts: Devon Kennard (LB) Mike Daniels (DT) Christian Jones (LB) Jarrad Davis (LB) Jahlani Tavai (LB) Damon Harrison (DT) A’Shawn Robinson (DT)
Sits: Will Harris (S) *Playing time* Romeo Okwara (DE) *Playing time* ***Read my instant reaction article if you’re wondering why half the Lions IDP relevant players are now tier three and honestly probably closer to sit this week***
Eddie Jackson prepares to let us all down this week.
Bears @ Packers
Chicago Bears
Tier one starts: Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) Khalil Mack (EDGE)
Tier two starts: Eddie Jackson (S) Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) Bears Cornerbacks, preferably Fuller & Amukamara (if healthy), this is a good matchup to start or stream Bears corners. Leonard Floyd (EDGE) Kevin Pierre Louis (LB)
Tier three starts: Nichols, Robertson-Harris, Williams, Goldman
Sits: Roquan Smith (LB) *Injury* All others
Green Bay Packers
Tier one starts: Blake Martinez (LB)
Tier two starts: Darnell Savage (S) Adrian Amos (S) Za’Darius Smith (EDGE) Preston Smith (EDGE) Kenny Clark (DT)
Tier three starts: Dean Lowry (DE) Keith Fackrell (LB) Packers Cornerbacks, preferably King & Alexander, this is just an OK matchup to start or stream Packers corners.
Sits: All others
Jayon Brown does not sit down to pee.
Texans @ Titans
Houston Texans
Tier one starts: Zach Cunningham (LB) Bernardrick McKinney (LB)
Tier two starts: Tashaun Gipson (S) Justin Reid (S) Whitney Mercilus (EDGE) Texans Cornerbacks, preferably Roby & Joseph, this is a good matchup to start or stream Texans corners.
Tier three starts: DJ Reader (DT) Brennan Scarlett (LB)
Sits: All others
Tennessee Titans
Tier one starts: Jayon Brown (LB) Kevin Byard (S)
Tier two starts: Titans Cornerbacks, preferably Ryan then Jackson if healthy, smith if inactive, this is a good matchup to start or stream Titans corners. Harold Landry (EDGE) Rashaan Evans (LB) Jurrell Casey (DT)
Tier three starts: Kenny Vaccaro (S) *Playing time cut significantly last week, just a heads up* Jeffrey Simmons (DT)
Sits: All others
Tom Brady clenches his booty hole tight as he catches Frank Clark out the corner of his eye, Mass USA Circa 2019
Broncos @ Chiefs
Denver Broncos
Tier one starts: Justin Simmons (S) Todd Davis (LB) Broncos Cornerbacks, preferably Jackson, Yiadom & Harris, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Broncos corners.
Tier two starts: Alexander Johnson (LB) Von Miller (EDGE)
Tier three starts: Will Parks (S)
Sits: All others
Kansas City Chiefs
Tier one starts: Frank Clark (DE) Chris Jones (DT)
Tier two starts: Tyrann Mathieu (S) Anthony Hitchens (LB) Alex Okafor (DE)
Tier three starts: Juan Thornhill (S) Daniel Sorensen (S) Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE) Damien Wilson (LB) Derick Nnadi (DT) Chiefs Cornerbacks, preferably Ward & Breeland, this is just an OK matchup to start or stream Chiefs corners.
Sits: All others
Julian Love is our new messiah.
Dolphins @ Giants
Miami Dolphins
Tier one starts: Jerome Baker (LB)
Tier two starts: Vince Biegel (LB) Christian Wilkins (DE)
Tier three starts: Raekwon McMillan (LB) Davon Godchaux (DT) Dolphins Cornerbacks, preferably Rowe & Needham, this is just an OK matchup to start or stream Dolphins corners.
Sits: All others, Taco Charlton (DE) saw zero snaps last week by the way
New York Giants
Tier one starts: Alec Ogletree (LB) Antoine Bethea (S)
Tier two starts: Julian Love (S,CB) Dexter Lawrence (DE) Markus Golden (EDGE) Giants Cornerbacks, preferably Beal & Baker although I wouldn’t do it, with Jenkins cut this week we have no idea what the Giants cornerbacks situation will look like this week and this matchup isn’t good enough to screw around with.
Tier three starts: David Mayo (LB) Dalvin Tomlinson (DT) Leonard Williams (DE)
Sits: All others
Matt Ioannidis takes a break from splitting firewood to split Carson Wentz‘s butt cheeks this week.
Eagles @ Redskins
Philadelphia Eagles
Tier one starts: NA
Tier two starts: Malcolm Jenkins (S) Nigel Bradham (LB) Fletcher Cox (DT) Brandon Graham (DE) Derek Barnett (DE)
Tier three starts: Rodney McLeod (S) Nathan Gerry (LB) Josh Sweat (EDGE) Vinny Curry (DE) *If Barnett injured and out again, sit if Barnett healthy* Eagles Cornerbacks, preferably Darby & Mills, this is just an OK matchup, borderline horrid, to start or stream Eagles corners, I wouldn’t do it unless forced to.
Sits: All others
Washington Redskins
Tier one starts: Landon Collins (S) Jonathan Allen (DT) Matt Ioannidis (DE)
Tier two starts: Montae Nicholson (S) Jon Bostic (LB) Redskins Cornerbacks, preferably Moreland and Moreland only, and even he’s a massive risk, the Skins corner situation is in flux and this matchup isn’t good enough to screw around with, steer clear.
Tier three starts: Daron Payne (DT) Montez Sweat (EDGE) Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE) Cole Holcomb (LB)
Sits: Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) *Playing time* All others
Eric Reid remains as hot as Taco Bell induced diarrhea.
Seahawks @ Panthers
Seattle Seahawks
Tier one starts: Bobby Wagner (LB) KJ Wright (LB)
Tier two starts: Bradley McDougald (S) Quandre Diggs (S) Jarran Reed (DT) Jadaveon Clowney (DE)
Tier three starts: Seahawks Cornerbacks, preferably Griffin & Flowers, this is just an OK matchup to start or stream Hawks corners. Mychal Kendricks (LB) *If healthy*
Sits: All others
Carolina Panthers
Tier one starts: Shaq Thompson (LB) Luke Kuechly (LB) Eric Reid (S)
Tier two starts: Tre Boston (S) Gerald McCoy (DT) Panthers Cornerbacks, preferably Jackson & Bradberry, this is a good matchup to start or stream Panthers corners.
Tier three starts: Bruce Irvin (EDGE) Mario Addison (EDGE) Vernon Butler (DE)
Sits: Brian Burns (DE) *Playing time*
Behold, the clapper of cheeks.
Jaguars @ Raiders
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tier one starts: Donald Payne (LB) *If he plays, there’s a report out there that Jacksonville could sit him for Leon Jacobs or Austin Calitro, I dumped all my shares and went with other options. Jax has done this already this season with Goode & Williams and could do it again this week. A lot of people could end up with a zero, avoid this situation at all costs unless you see something saying that Payne is DEFINITELY starting this week* Calais Campbell (DE) Yannick Ngakoue (DE)
Tier two starts: Jarrod Wilson (S) Ronnie Harrison (S) Josh Allen (DE)
Tier three starts: Jaguars Cornerbacks, preferably Bouye & Herndon, this is just an OK matchup to start or stream Jags corners.
Sits: All others
Oakland Raiders
Tier one starts: Tahir Whitehead (LB)
Tier two starts: Eric Harris (S) Maxx Crosby (DE) Jonathan Hankins (DT)
Tier three starts: Nicholas Morrow (LB) Clellin Ferrell (DE) Maurice Hurst (DT) Lamarcus Joyner (S) Raiders Cornerbacks, preferably Worley & Mullen, this is just an OK matchup to start or stream Raiders corners.
Sits: DJ Swearinger (S) *Released*
Jordan Hicks has been as quiet as a fart in church, can he come back to life in time to help us in playoffs?
Browns @ Cardinals
Cleveland Browns
Tier one starts: Joe Schobert (LB)
Tier two starts: Mack Wilson (LB) Damarious Randal (S) Sheldon Richardson (DT) Larry Ogunjobi (DT) Browns Cornerbacks, preferably Ward & Williams, this is a decent matchup to start or stream Browns corners.
Tier three starts: Sheldrick Redwine (S) Chad Thomas (DE)
Sits: Justin Burris (S,CB) *Playing time* All others
Arizona Cardinals
Tier one starts: Budda Baker (S) Jordan Hicks (LB) Chandler Jones (EDGE)
Tier two starts: Cardinals Cornerbacks, preferably Murphy & Peterson, this is a good matchup to start or stream Cardinals corners.
Tier three starts: Joe Walker (LB) Corey Peters (DT) Jalen Thompson (S)
Sits: Terrell Suggs (EDGE) *Released* Haason Redick (LB) *No playing time last week*
Joey Bosa doubles over in pain from the three day old Chipotle induced bubble guts.
Vikings @ Chargers
Minnesota Vikings
Tier one starts: Harrison Smith (S) Danielle Hunter (DE)
Tier two starts: Anthony Barr (EDGE) Eric Kendricks (LB) Anthony Harris (S) Everson Griffen (DE) Linval Joseph (DT) Vikings Cornerbacks, preferably Waynes & Rhodes, this is a decent matchup to start or stream Vikings corners. I would only trust Wayne for IDP purposes though personally.
Tier three starts: Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE)
Sits: All others
Los Angeles Chargers
Tier one starts: Derwin James (S) Joey Bosa (DE)
Tier two starts: Melvin Ingram (DE) Drue Tranquil (LB) Chargers cornerbacks, preferably Facyson, Heyward then King, this is a decent matchup to start or stream Chargers corners.
Tier three starts: Thomas Davis (LB) Reyshawn Jenkins (S) Adrian Phillips (S)
Sits: All others
The ultimate cheek clapper will likely put a hurting on Dak Prescott‘s booty this week, lord help me.
Rams @ Cowboys
Los Angeles Rams
Tier one starts: Aaron Donald (DT) Cory Littleton (LB)
Tier two starts: Taylor Rapp (S) Dante Fowler (EDGE) Clay Matthews (EDGE) Rams Cornerbacks, preferably Hill & Ramsey, this is a good matchup to start or stream Rams corners.
Tier three starts: Eric Weddle (S) Micheal Brockers (DE) Samson Ebukam (LB)
Sits:
Dallas Cowboys
Tier one starts: Jaylon Smith (LB) Leighton Vander Esch (LB) *If healthy, Sean Lee (LB) Tier one if inactive* Demarcus Lawrence (DE)
Tier two starts: Darian Thompson (S) or Jeff Heath (S) *Thompson if Heath inactive* Sean Lee (LB) *Tier one if LVE inactive* Robert Quinn (DE) Micheal Bennett (DE) Cowboys Cornerbacks, preferably Awuzie & Jones then Lewis, this is a good matchup to start or stream Cowboys corners.
Tier three starts: Xavier Woods (S) Maliek Collins (DT)
Sits: All others
Nick Bosa is not as good as his brother.
Falcons @ 49ers
Atlanta Falcons
Tier one starts: Deion Jones (LB) De’Vondre Campbell (LB) Grady Jarrett (DT)
Tier two starts: Damontae Kazee (S) Ricardo Allen (S) Falcons Cornerbacks, preferably Oliver & Sheffield, this is a good matchup to start or stream Falcons corners.
Tier three starts: Foye Oluokon (LB) Falcons Pass Rush (Clayborn, Beasley, McKinley)
Sits: All others
San Francisco 49ers
Tier one starts: Fred Warner (LB) Nick Bosa (DE) Deforest Buckner (DT) 49ers Cornerbacks, preferably Witherspoon, Sherman is injured and there’s no certainty who the second IDP relevant corner, AKA who else will get a ton of playing time, will be, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Witherspoon and you may certainly venture a guess as to who else to start in regards to 49ers corners.
Tier two starts: Jimmy Ward (S) Dre Greenlaw (LB) Arik Armstead (DE)
Tier three starts: Jaquiski Tartt (S)
Sits: All others, Richard Sherman (CB) *Injured and out*
It sure would be nice if this guy did something this week.
Bills @ Steelers
Buffalo Bills
Tier one starts: Jordan Poyer (S) Tremaine Edmunds (LB)
Tier two starts: Matt Milano (LB) Jordan Phillips (DT) Shaq Lawson (DE)
Tier three starts: Micah Hyde (S) Lorenzo Alexander (LB) Trent Murphy (DE) Jerry Hughes (DE) Star Lotuleilei (DT) Ed Oliver (DT) Bills Cornerbacks, preferably White then Wallace much, much, much further down the line. I would only play White this week and frankly I wouldn’t play him at all this matchup sucks ass for streaming corner.
Sits: All others
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tier one starts: TJ Watt (EDGE) Cameron Heyward (DT)
Tier two starts: Terrell Edmunds (S) Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) Bud Dupree (EDGE) Marc Barron (LB)
Tier three starts: Devin Bush (LB) Javon Hargrave (DT) Vince Williams (LB) Steelers Cornerbacks, preferably Haden, Nelson then Hilton, this is just an OK matchup to start or stream Steelers corners.
Sits: All others
Jimmy G just seconds before filling his drawers with poop as Cameron Jordan, a member of the Ultra Mega Cheek Clapper Ten Thousand Club, cuts his life span short.
Colts @ Saints
Indianapolis Colts
Tier one starts: Darius Leonard (LB) Colts Cornerbacks, preferably Desir & Moore, Ya-Sin if Moore is injured and out, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Colts corners. Justin Houston (DE)
Tier two starts: Malik Hooker (S) Khari Willis (S) Anthony Walker (LB)
Tier three starts: Jabal Sheard (DE) Denico Autry (DT)
Sits: All others, Bobby Okereke (LB) *Playing time*
New Orleans Saints
Tier one starts: Demario Davis (LB) Cheek Clapper Supreme (DE) (AKA Cameron Jordan)
Tier two starts: Craig Robertson (LB) Vonn Bell (S)
Tier three starts: Marcus Williams (S) Onyemata (DT) Hendrickson (DE) Saints Cornerbacks, preferably Apple & Lattimore, this is just an OK matchup to start or stream Saints corners.
Sits: Marcus Davenport (DE) & Sheldon Rankins (DT) *Playing time*
***Please make sure to check the inactives that come out each Sunday before the games start to make sure your players aren’t a surprise inactive due to a surprise injury. Obviously, if I have any of these guys listed as a start of any kind and they are inactive DO NOT START THEM. This article is written usually days before the games and surprise injuries can and will happen, make sure you stay up to date to avoid getting a surprise zero in your lineup***
***These are only suggestions ultimately it’s your decision who you start or sit. If a player gets hurt or has a bad game it happens it’s part of the game and not the result of me using a voodoo doll with your fantasy team’s name on it. I wish you all nothing but the best and hope you win all your matchups this and every week. Take home that hardware.***
Keep an eye out for my instant reaction and defensive waivers article dropping during the week next week, likely Thursday morning. I’ll be covering all the production and playing time from every single IDP relevant player and giving you options for defensive waivers. We’ll go over the week’s results and make sure you are ahead of the curve for getting any of those surprise studs AKA Darius Leonard last year. The next week’s start or sit will drop next Saturday morning and the Thursday night games start or sit will be in Tweet form (@Orangeman3142). Also, make sure and catch our weekly podcast on all your podcatching sites dropping Tuesday night or Wednesday morning all season long. Idpguys.org will continue to be your one-stop-shop for all things IDP.
Thank you for reading and good luck in this week’s matchups. Make sure you’re following @IDP_Dude and @JoeythetoothIDP to make sure you’re covered from all angles in regards to waivers, starts and sits and general IDP information, the three of us handle the Lions share of the IDP writing here at the site.
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