Will Shaq Barrett continue his monster start to the season? Is OLB the new MLB? Did I talk about crapping my pants on the Big3IDP podcast this week? All that and more on this weeks episode!
This article series will be set up exactly the same as last years 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.
These start or sit decisions are only suggestions the responsibility for your lineup is ultimately yours and yours alone. I have been playing IDP fantasy football for sixteen years now so this isn’t my first rodeo and 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.
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 11:30 AM eastern time on ESPN and NFL websites to check for surprise inactives each Sunday***
Last week I made approximately 231 “decisions” (start or sit) and got 174 correct or in the ballpark and 57 incorrect or not even close for a 76% correct rate. My average for all of last season was 74% correct overall and through week two we are holding at 75% correct for this season. Let’s dive into this weeks 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 this week, it’s been all sunshine and rainbows so far but 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. Buyer beware.***
Is this the man to lead us all to waiver wire glory for the rest of the season? Kemal Ishmael gets his chance to shine.
Titans @ Falcons
Tennessee Titans
Tier one starts: Jayon Brown (LB) Jurell Casey (DT) Kevin Byard (S)
Tier two starts: Rashaan Evans (LB) Harold Landry (EDGE) Titans Cornerbacks, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Titans corners
Tier three starts: Kenny Vaccaro (S) Cameron Wake (DE,LB)
Sits: All others & Wesley Woodyard (LB) *Playing time*
Atlanta Falcons
Tier one starts: Deion Jones (LB) Grady Jarrett (DT)
Tier two starts: Davondre Campbell (LB) Kemal Ishmael (S)
Tier three starts: Ricardo Allen (S) Vic Beasley (DE) Damontae Kazee (S) Tak McKinley (DE) Adrian Clayborn (DE)
Sits: Falcons Cornerbacks, this is not an ideal matchup to start or stream Falcons corners
Will Tremaine Edmunds continue to make me look ridiculous for calling him the LB1 before the season?
Patriots @ Bills
New England Patriots
Tier one starts: Jamie Collins (LB) *I still don’t believe this but I’d be a moron not to put him here, start at your own risk though, playing time and nature of Pats IDP in general*
Tier two starts: Kyle Van Noy (LB) Donta Hightower (LB)
Tier three starts: Patrick Chung (S) Devin McCourty (S) Micheal Bennett (DE) Chase Winovich (DE)
Sits: Patriots Cornerbacks, this is not an ideal matchup to start or stream Patriots corners. Also it should be said that trusting any Patriots IDP at all, like ever, is not a great idea. I’ve seen this movie a few times it always ends the same.
Buffalo Bills
Tier one starts: Tremaine Edmunds (LB) Matt Milano (LB) Jordan Poyer (S)
Tier two starts: Bills Cornerbacks, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Bills corners, preferably Levi Wallace then Tra’Davious White. Jerry Hughes (DE) Trent Murphy (DE)
Tier three starts: Micah Hyde (S) Ed Oliver (DT) Siran Neal (S) Shaq Lawson (DE)
Sits: Lorenzo Alexander (LB)
Will Damon Snacks Harrison have another great week of production with less than ideal playing time?
Chiefs @ Lions
Kansas City Chiefs
Tier one starts: Frank Clark (DE) Chris Jones (DT) Anthony Hitchens (LB)
Tier two starts: Chiefs Cornerbacks, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Chiefs corners, preferably Kendall Fuller. Tyrann Mathieu (S) Damien Wilson (LB)
Tier three starts: Juan Thornhill (S) Alex Okafor (DE) Emmanuel Ogbah (DE)
Sits: Darron Lee (LB) Reggie Ragland (LB) *Playing time for both*
Detroit Lions
Tier one starts: Tracy Walker (S) Lions Cornerbacks, this is an excellent matchup to start or stream Lions corners, preferably Quandre Diggs if he’s listed as corner in your league then Darius Slay.
Tier two starts: Quandre Diggs (S) Jarrad Davis (LB) Trey Flowers (DE)
Tier three starts: Damon Harrison (DT) Devon Kennard (LB) Romeo Okwara (DE) A’Shawn Robinson (DT)
Sits: Jahlani Tavai (LB) *Playing time* Mike Daniels (DT) *Injury concerns* Christian Jones (LB) *Playing time*
Will Anthony Walker step up in a big way again this week if Darius Leonard is a no go?
Raiders @ Colts
Los Angeles Raiders
Tier one starts: Karl Joseph (S)
Tier two starts: Vontaze Burfict (LB) Tahir Whitehead (LB)
Tier three starts: Clelin Ferrell (DE) Jonathan Hankins (DT) Raiders Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Raiders corners.
Sits: Everyone else, Nicholas Morrow (LB) might be playable in super deep leagues but I’m all set personally.
Indianapolis Colts
Tier one starts: Darius Leonard (LB) *If healthy* Anthony Walker (LB) *If Leonard doesn’t play, tier two if he does*
Tier two starts: Bobby Okereke (LB) *If Leonard doesn’t play, sit if he does* Denico Autry (DT) Clayton Geathers (S) Justin Houston (DE)
Tier three starts: Khari Willis (S) Margus Hunt (DT) Al Quadin Muhammed (DE) Colts Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Colts corners.
Sits: Everyone else, keep an eye on the Darius Leonard situation prior to kickoff whether or not he plays effects many situations with the Colts IDP this week.
Missing: This man was last seen in the San Diego area and was reported to be a top three defensive end but has been nowhere to be found this season, contact local authorities with any information.
Chargers @ Dolphins
Los Angeles Chargers
Tier one starts: Joey Bosa (DE) Thomas Davis (LB)
Tier two starts: Melvin Ingram (DE)
Tier three starts: Denzel Perryman (LB) Jerry Tillery (DT) Chargers Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Chargers corners. Reyshawn Jenkins (S)
Sits: Kyzir White (LB) *Playing time*
Miami Dolphins
Tier one starts: Jerome Baker (LB) Sam Eguavoen (LB)
Tier two starts: Bobby McCain (S) Dolphins Cornerbacks, this is a good matchup to start or stream Dolphins corners, preferably Xavien Howard.
Tier three starts: Christian Wilkins (DE) Davon Godchaux (DT) Taco Charlton (DE) Raekwon McMillan (LB)
Sits: Everyone else
Will Cole Holcomb continue to put up terrific numbers with less than ideal playing time?
Redskins @ Giants
Washington Redskins
Tier one starts: Landon Collins (S)
Tier two starts: Jonathan Allen (DT) Jon Bostic (LB) Cole Holcomb (LB) Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE)
Tier three starts: Montae Nicholson (S) Daron Payne (DT) Matt Ioannidis (DE) Montez Sweat (EDGE) Redskins Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Redskins corners.
Sits: Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) *Playing time*
New York Giants
Tier one starts: Alec Ogletree (LB) *If healthy* Antoine Bethea (S)
Tier two starts: Jabrill Peppers (S) Ryan Connelly (LB) *If Ogletree doesn’t play* Markus Golden (DE)
Tier three starts: Lorenzo Carter (LB) Dexter Lawrence (DE) Giants Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Giants corners, preferable Janoris Jenkins.
Sits: Micheal Thomas (S)
Myles Garrett continues to dominate opponents like I dominate my toilet after Taco Bell
Browns @ Ravens
Cleveland Browns
Tier one starts: Joe Schobert (LB) Myles Garrett (DE) Larry Ogunjobi (DT)
Tier two starts: Mack Wilson (LB) Sheldon Richardson (DT)
Tier three starts: Olivier Vernon (DE) Morgan Burnett (S) *If healthy*
Sits: Browns Cornerbacks, this is not an ideal matchup to start or stream Browns corners.
Baltimore Ravens
Tier one starts: Patrick Onwuasor (LB)
Tier two starts: Tony Jefferson (S) Earl Thomas (S) Matthew Judon (EDGE)
Tier three starts: Kenny Young (LB) Ravens Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Ravens corners.
Sits: Chris Board (LB)
JJ Watt thinking about clapping the cheeks of anyone who doubts he’ll have tier one defensive end numbers this season
Panthers @ Texans
Carolina Panthers
Tier one starts: Luke Kuechly (LB) Donte Jackson (CB)
Tier two starts: Shaq Thompson (LB) Eric Reid (S) Tre Boston (S) James Bradberry (CB) Panthers Cornerbacks, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Panthers corners.
Tier three starts: Brian Burns (DE,LB) Gerald McCoy (DT) Mario Addison (DE,LB)
Sits: Dontari Poe (DT)
Houston Texans
Tier one starts: JJ Watt (DE) Justin Reid (S) Zach Cunningham (LB) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Whitney Mercilus (EDGE)
Tier two starts: NA
Tier three starts: Tashaun Gipson (S) DJ Reader (DT) Texans Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Texans corners, preferably Jonathan Joseph.
Sits: Jahleel Addae (S) *Playing time*
Aaron Donald looks to parlay his excellent performance against the Browns into another twenty sack season
Buccaneers @ Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tier one starts: Lavonte David (LB) Shaq Barrett (EDGE) Devin White (LB) *If healthy*
Tier two starts: Jordan Whitehead (S) Kevin Minter (LB) *If White doesn’t play* Bucs Cornerbacks, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Bucs corners, preferably Vernon Hargreaves.
Tier three starts: Mike Edwards (S) Carl Nassib (DE) N’Damakong Suh (DT) Vita Vea (DT)
Sits: NA, everyone else.
Los Angeles Rams
Tier one starts: Cory Littleton (LB) John Johnson (S) Aaron Donald (DT)
Tier two starts: Eric Weddle (S) Dante Fowler (DE) Clay Matthews (EDGE) Rams Cornerbacks, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Rams corners, preferably Peters or Talib.
Tier three starts: Taylor Rapp (S) Micheal Brockers (DE)
Sits: Samson Ebukam (LB) *Playing time*
Bobby Wagner, as consistent as bubble guts after Chipotle
Seahawks @ Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks
Tier one starts: Bobby Wagner (LB) JaDaveon Clowney (DE)
Tier two starts: KJ Wright (LB) Bradley McDougald (S)
Tier three starts: Mychal Kendricks (LB) Quinton Jefferson (DT) Ezekiel Ansah (DE) *If healthy*
Sits: LJ Collier (DE) *Playing time, health* Seahawks Cornerbacks, this is not an ideal matchup to start or stream Seahawks corners.
Arizona Cardinals
Tier one starts: Jordan Hicks (LB) Chandler Jones (EDGE) Budda Baker (S)
Tier two starts: Haason Redick (LB)
Tier three starts: DJ Swearinger (S) Terrell Suggs (EDGE) Cardinals Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Cardinals corners.
Sits: All others, there’s some linemen with decent playing time but no standout production or consistency.
This is the man Kirk Cousins has seen in his nightmares all week
Vikings @ Bears
Minnesota Vikings
Tier one starts: Danielle Hunter (DE) Linval Joseph (DT) Harrison Smith (S) Eric Kendricks (LB)
Tier two starts: Everson Griffen (DE) Anthony Barr (OLB) *If healthy*
Tier three starts: Anthony Harris (S)
Sits: Eric Wilson (OLB) *If Anthony Barr plays* Jayron Kearse (S) *Playing time* Vikings Cornerbacks, this is not an ideal matchup to start or stream Vikings corners.
Chicago Bears
Tier one starts: Khalil Mack (EDGE) Roquan Smith (LB) Akiem Hicks (DT)
Tier two starts: Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) Eddie Jackson (S) Danny Trevethan (LB)
Tier three starts: Leonard Floyd (DE) Bears Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Bears corners, preferably Kyle Fuller or Prince Amukamara.
Sits: Roy Robertson Harris (DL) *Flash in the pan week one*
Von Miller looks to do the Aztec two step on everyones favorite new quarterback this season
Jaguars @ Broncos
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tier one starts: Ronnie Harrison (S) Calais Campbell (DE) Myles Jack (LB) *If healthy*
Tier two starts: Quincy Williams (LB) Josh Allen (DE)
Tier three starts: Yannick Ngakoue (DE) Marcell Dareus (DT)
Sits: Najee Goode (LB) *He only had significant playing time due to Myles Jack injury last week* Jags Cornerbacks, this is not an ideal matchup to start or stream Jags corners.
Denver Broncos
Tier one starts: Von Miller (EDGE) Josey Jewell (LB)
Tier two starts: Bradley Chubb (EDGE) Justin Simmons (S) Todd Davis (LB)
Tier three starts: NA
Sits: Derek Wolfe (DE) *Playing time* Broncos Cornerbacks, this is not an ideal matchup to start or stream Broncos corners.
Leighton Vander Esch looks to feast in a dream matchup against Alvin Kamara and to a much lesser extent Teddy Bridgewater
Cowboys @ Saints
Dallas Cowboys
Tier one starts: Jaylon Smith (LB) Leighton Vander Esch (LB) Demarcus Lawrence (DE)
Tier two starts: Robert Quinn (DE) Jeff Heath (S) Xavier Woods (S) *If healthy*
Tier three starts: Darian Thompson (S) *If Xavier Woods doesn’t play* Cowboys Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Cowboys corners, preferably Chidobe Awuzie (CB)
Sits: Sean Lee (LB) *Playing time*
New Orleans Saints
Tier one starts: Cameron Jordan (DE) Demario Davis (LB)
Tier two starts: Marcus Davenport (DE) Sheldon Rankins (DT) *If healthy* Saints Cornerbacks, this is an ideal matchup to start or stream Saints corners.
Tier three starts: AJ Klein (LB) Vonn Bell (S) Marcus Williams (S) Trey Hendrickson (DE)
Sits: Kiko Alonso (LB)
Jessie Bates, shattering the FS aren’t IDP relevant myth since 2018
Bengals @ Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals
Tier one starts: Jessie Bates (S) Sam Hubbard (DE) Shawn Williams (S)
Tier two starts: Nick Vigil (LB) Preston Brown (LB) Geno Atkins (DT) Carlos Dunlap (DE)
Tier three starts: Bengals Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Bengals corners, preferably Dre Kirkpatrick.
Sits: All others
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tier one starts: Devin Bush (LB) Terrell Edmunds (S) TJ Watt (EDGE)
Tier two starts: Mincah Fitzpatrick (S) Cameron Heyward (DT) Stephon Tuitt (DE)
Tier three starts: Marc Barron (LB) Bud Dupree (EDGE) Steelers Cornerbacks, this is an OK matchup to start or stream Steelers corners.
Sits: NA, all others.
***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 teams 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 weeks results and make sure you are ahead of the curve for getting any of those surprise studs AKA Darius Leonard last year. The next weeks 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 pod catching 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 weeks matchups.
Follow Tony Johns.
