X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

IDP Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Week 6 - Streamers, Fades, Matchups for Defensive Players

Titans Defense D/ST Streamers, Rankings, Waiver Wire - Harold Landry Fantasy Football IDP

In our IDP Rankings column this week, we considered one factor that can cloud the reading of fantasy rankings. Namely, we addressed how rankings can rob some fans of the nuisances they may need in specific leagues or situations. For example, if you're a team in need of a solid floor, sometimes going with a lower-ranked but safer DB over the higher-ranked big play DB is smart.

Upside versus floor is not the only fantasy nuance that a flat set of rankings fails to convey. The truth is that an inanimate column ranking one player after another with no explanation cannot possibly convey all the factors that go into a list of 150 players or more. You need a weekly write-up that is far too long to ever get published if you want to understand each and every rank.

While explaining each ranking each week is impossible, fans should know that there are a variety of factors that go into my weekly IDP rankings. For DLs, I consider things like pass rush win rate, pressure rate, and alignment. For corners, we look at shadow rate, opponent target rate, etc. For every position, we factor in the defender’s film, metrics, production, and individual matchup.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:

 

Casual IDP Streamers and Fades

Stream: Jamien Sherwood, LB, New York Jets

Sherwood is a converted safety out of Auburn who made my preseason sleepers list way back when he was a rookie. Unfortunately, it took him several years to grow into the linebacker position and contribute. Since C.J. Mosley has been out, Sherwood has contributed.

The former Tiger has had a starter designation in four of five games this year, with a snap rate over 80% in every contest after New York’s opening loss to the 49ers. Since Mosley went down, Sherwood’s playing time has jumped to over 90%, and he averaged 8.25 Standard IDP points per game. That rate is good for LB26 on the year.

This week, the Jets get a Bills offense that ranks 26th in pass rate and runs the ball tenth most in victories. The matchup isn’t necessarily the best on paper, but it’s above average for opposing linebackers. If Mosley is out again this week, Sherwood is a borderline LB2. If Mosley plays, Sherwood will still be worth starting in deep IDP leagues.

Note: Our rankings and sleepers were put together before Robert Saleh was officially fired. His exit could impact the Jets' defensive performance. However, Jeff Ulbrich's promotion indicates they will continue using the same scheme and personnel packages.

Stream: Travon Walker, DL, Jacksonville Jaguars

Walker is coming off a massive three-sack performance, but that's not why we are elevating him this week. Rather, we like Walker because of his matchup and the fact he is just the 38th most-started DL in fantasy.

The Bears’ offensive line ranks surprisingly high in many metrics, given that they don’t look great on film. Caleb Williams has a way of running into sacks, though. It’s why the offensive line is only credited with surrendering 13 sacks all year, yet Chicago allows the fifth most sacks per game.

Walker should have a particularly good matchup this week, given that he will play almost all of his snaps over Darnell Wright. No blocker on the Bears is credited with more sacks allowed than Wright, and he’s allowed the second most pressures. This is a fine fantasy matchup.

Fade: Nate Hobbs, DB, Las Vegas Raiders

Hobbs has historically been a solid source of tackles, which has earned him a DB3 and sometimes a DB2 label in previous seasons. The versatile slot corner is not earning that label this year, though. Despite being the 19th most rostered and 15th most started DB in fantasy, he is actually DB151 overall in fantasy points per game.

That’s awful.

Fans of Hobbs should not expect a rebound this week. The Steelers are a low-volume passing attack with a quarterback who does not attempt many risky throws, assuming Justin Fields starts. This matchup is why we told you to fade Trevon Diggs last week, and Diggs produced just two Standard IDP fantasy points in that game.

Fade: Harold Landry III, DL/LB, Tennessee Titans

Fair warning: Whether you fade Landry or not will depend a lot on who starts as the quarterback for the Colts.

With Anthony Richardson, the Colts average the second-fewest pass attempts in the NFL. Worse, Richardson is nearly impossible to take down. Plus, Indy’s offensive line ranks in the top five in terms of pressure rate allowed and pass rush win rate. In other words, with Richardson, the Colts are a low-volume offense with good pass blocking.

If Joe Flacco starts again this week, Landry isn't quite as easy to fade. While the Colts' blockers are still a problem, Flacco is attempting nearly twice as many passes as Richardson, and the old man is much easier to take down.

 

Premium/Deep League Streamers and Fades

Stream: Yaya Diaby, DL/LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Diaby remains a metrics darling who just isn't closing sacks enough to be a fantasy starter yet. However, the volume is there, as the sophomore has played the 23rd most pass rush snaps of all edge defenders. He is also fourth amongst all edges in pass rush win rate and quarterback pressures.

With all those reasons for hope, this week should be the one where Diaby's production sees a spike. The Saints started the season off well in pass blocking, but they are now the second lowest-rated pass-blocking unit in the NFL. They have allowed 22 pressures and nine quarterback hits off the edge, plus Spencer Rattler is making his NFL debut.

Stream: Jourdan Lewis, DB, Dallas Cowboys

Lewis is the Cowboys’ top nickel corner. He plays 87.9% of his snaps in the box, inline, or in the slot.

The Lions deploy Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot 46% of the time. Sam LaPorta plays 76% of his snaps either inline or in the slot. Expect Lewis to play more than usual. Also, expect him to see a lot of the Lions' two best pass-catchers. That should make him worth a stream in deeper IDP formats.

Fade: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, DB, New York Jets

Despite all our warnings that shutdown corners like Sauce don’t usually produce in fantasy, fantasy managers continue to deploy him based on his name value. Gardner is the 50th most rostered DB in fantasy, and the 49th most started this week. Both are high, given he ranks as DB147 in fantasy ppg and has a poor matchup this week.

The Bills offense attempts the third-fewest pass attempts per game this season. They also have no wide receiver who merits forcing the ball to, so Josh Allen can avoid Gardner all he wants. Buffalo has no reason to give Sauce more than two or three targets, meaning the All-Pro will have to rely on run support for his fantasy points.

Fade: Dennis Gardeck, DL/LB, Arizona Cardinals

Gardeck is currently the 47th most rostered and 43rd most-started DL in fantasy. This is despite the fact that he has yet to play 70% of his team's defensive snaps and has seen more than 50% of the snaps just once this year.

The Cardinals' pass rushers have a particularly tough matchup this week. While Green Bay is throwing the ball more now that Jordan Love is healthy, their offensive line remains the top-rated pass-blocking unit in the NFL this season. They have allowed just 17 pressures and two sacks off the edge all season.

 

Defenders Worth Stashing

Tuli Tuipulotu, DL/LB, Los Angeles Chargers

Drafted as a second-round project in 2023, the USC alum has nearly doubled his defensive snap rate since Week 1. The edge isn't producing elite fantasy stats right now, but his strength as a tackler and in run support could earn him steady snaps even if Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa are both healthy.

Rostered in just 0.3% of IDP leagues, this second-year edge is worth stashing in deeper IDP formats. Do not be surprised if his improvements earn him consistent playing time and possibly lead the Chargers to move on from Bosa or Mack in the long term.

Devin White, LB, Free Agent

White has worn out his welcome with two teams in less than a year. He also suffers mental lapses on the field and is inconsistent in his production. However, there is a reason why the Buccaneers drafted White so high in the NFL Draft and why the Eagles signed him in free agency.

There is a substantial chance that White will step into a starting role sometime this season and produce high-end LB3 stats, perhaps once a contender's lead linebacker goes down with an injury. That potential is worth stashing, and you shouldn't have to give up any FAAB to add White, even in deep IDP leagues.

DaRon Bland, DB, Dallas Cowboys

Bland led the NFL in interceptions last season while topping it in defensive touchdowns by 150%. He is currently rostered in just 3% of IDP leagues and is the 76th most rostered DB in fantasy. This is due in part to the fact Bland has been injured all season, but the ballhawk was a full practice participant this week and is close to returning.

Mind you, and we stand by our preseason warning that Bland is being overrated by anyone who expects him to produce DB2 or higher fantasy points. His fantasy production last year was entirely dependent on big plays, which are incredibly hard to replicate or rely on. However, he is still rostered in far fewer leagues than you would expect.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Chris Sale5 hours ago

Wins National League Cy Young Award
Tarik Skubal6 hours ago

Wins 2024 American League Cy Young Award
Paul George6 hours ago

Exits Game On Wednesday, Hyperextends Left Knee Again
Scoot Henderson6 hours ago

Leaves Game On Wednesday, Won't Return
Jalen Johnson7 hours ago

Active On Wednesday Night
Zach Collins7 hours ago

Uncertain To Play On Thursday
Austin Eckroat7 hours ago

Heads To The RSM Classic After Win
Harris English7 hours ago

Finding Form Heading To The RSM Classic
Ben Griffin7 hours ago

Continues Playing Well Heading To The RSM Classic
Denny McCarthy7 hours ago

Returns to The RSM Classic
Patrick Williams7 hours ago

Likely To Miss At Least One Week
Kyle Anderson8 hours ago

Available For Matchup With Hawks
Victor Wembanyama8 hours ago

Out Again On Thursday
Jusuf Nurkic8 hours ago

Available On Wednesday
Stephen Curry8 hours ago

Will Play Against Atlanta
De'Anthony Melton8 hours ago

To Undergo Season-Ending ACL Surgery
Tre Mann8 hours ago

Probable For Thursday Night Matchup Against Detroit
Mike Conley8 hours ago

Appears On Injury Report For Thursday With Toe Injury
Donte DiVincenzo8 hours ago

Questionable Heading Into Thursday
Josh Jacobs9 hours ago

Limited With Multiple Injuries
DeVonta Smith9 hours ago

Misses Practice On Wednesday
Isaiah Hartenstein9 hours ago

To Make Season Debut On Wednesday
Tyrese Maxey9 hours ago

Active On Wednesday
Jarace Walker9 hours ago

Available On Wednesday
Ben Sheppard9 hours ago

Ruled Out For Wednesday
Myles Turner9 hours ago

To Play On Wednesday
Jalen Green10 hours ago

Available On Wednesday
Vince Williams Jr.10 hours ago

Out Versus 76ers
Wendell Carter Jr.10 hours ago

Unavailable Versus Clippers
Seth Jones11 hours ago

Expected To Miss Four Weeks
Sam Darnold11 hours ago

Limited With Foot Injury
Max Domi11 hours ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Jalen Hurts11 hours ago

Limited On Wednesday
Connor Ingram11 hours ago

Out Day-To-Day With An Upper-Body Injury
Jake Ferguson11 hours ago

Picks Up A DNP On Wednesday
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen11 hours ago

Returns To Action Versus Kings
CeeDee Lamb11 hours ago

Listed As Limited, Dealing With Two Injuries
Alex Tuch11 hours ago

Available Wednesday
Tage Thompson11 hours ago

Remains Out On Wednesday
Sam LaPorta11 hours ago

Practicing In Full
Jordan Eberle11 hours ago

To Remain Out On Wednesday
George Kittle12 hours ago

Will Play In Week 12
Ludvig Aberg12 hours ago

Looks To Defend RSM Classic Title
Ladd McConkey12 hours ago

Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Si Woo Kim12 hours ago

An Intriguing Option At RSM Classic
Maverick McNealy12 hours ago

In Solid Form Ahead Of RSM Classic
Eric Cole12 hours ago

Chasing First Tour Victory At RSM Classic
San Francisco 49ers12 hours ago

Nick Bosa Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Christian McCaffrey12 hours ago

Does Not Practice On Wednesday
George Kittle12 hours ago

Limited During Wednesday's Practice
Brock Purdy12 hours ago

Limited On Wednesday
Alexander Mattison13 hours ago

Zamir White Not Practicing On Wednesday
Sam LaPorta13 hours ago

Trending Towards Playing In Week 12
Calvin Ridley15 hours ago

Out Wednesday With Illness
Isiah Pacheco15 hours ago

To Practice On Wednesday
D'Andre Swift15 hours ago

Won't Practice On Wednesday
Brandin Cooks16 hours ago

Cowboys Open Brandin Cooks' Practice Window
Mike Evans16 hours ago

Practicing Again On Wednesday
Connor Bedard20 hours ago

Ends Drought With Two Assists
Sam Reinhart20 hours ago

Pushes Point Streak To 11 Games
Mark Scheifele20 hours ago

Celebrates Ninth Career Hat Trick
Evan Bouchard20 hours ago

Rocks Senators With Three-Point Period
Connor McDavid20 hours ago

Nets Two Goals During Three-Point Night
TB20 hours ago

Nicholas Paul Exits Early With Injury Tuesday
Zach Hyman20 hours ago

Sits Out Third Period Versus Senators
1 day ago

Guardians' Stephen Vogt Named AL Manager Of The Year
Milwaukee Brewers1 day ago

Pat Murphy Named NL Manager Of The Year
Jonas Brodin1 day ago

Returns To Action
Joel Eriksson Ek1 day ago

Returns To Wild Lineup
1 day ago

Nick Pivetta Declines Boston's Qualifying Offer
Robert Thomas1 day ago

Back For Blues Tuesday
Jose Siri1 day ago

Mets Acquire Jose Siri From The Rays
Alexander Romanov1 day ago

Rejoins Islanders Lineup
Brayden Point1 day ago

Ready To Return Versus Penguins
Conor Garland1 day ago

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
J.T. Miller1 day ago

Takes Indefinite Leave For Personal Reasons
Jake Ferguson1 day ago

"Will Be Hard-Pressed" To Play In Week 12
2 days ago

Phillies To Meet With Juan Soto
2 days ago

Luis Severino Rejects Qualifying Offer From Mets
2 days ago

Willy Adames Declines Brewers Qualifying Offer
2 days ago

Teoscar Hernandez Declines Qualifying Offer From Dodgers
2 days ago

Juan Soto Declines Yankees' Qualifying Offer
Luis Gil2 days ago

Wins AL Rookie Of The Year Award
Paul Skenes2 days ago

Named 2024 NL Rookie Of The Year
Brady Singer3 days ago

Reds, Royals Discussing Jonathan India, Brady Singer
3 days ago

Sean Manaea To Reject Mets' Qualifying Offer
3 days ago

Braves Have Interest In Walker Buehler
3 days ago

Astros Interested In Willy Adames
Charles Oliveira3 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Chandler3 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 309
Karine Silva3 days ago

Suffers Her First UFC Loss
Viviane Araujo3 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Mauricio Ruffy3 days ago

Extends His Win Streak To Six
Nick Martinez4 days ago

Signs Qualifying Offer With Reds
4 days ago

Luis Severino Likely To Decline Qualifying Offer From Mets
James Llontop4 days ago

Loses Clear-Cut Decision In Thrilling Fight At UFC 309
Paul Craig4 days ago

Loses Decision At UFC 309
Bo Nickal4 days ago

Remains Undefeated With Lackluster Performance At UFC 309
Stipe Miocic4 days ago

Retires After UFC 309 Loss
Jon Jones4 days ago

Gets TKO Win At UFC 309 To Defend Heavyweight Title
Grayson Rodriguez5 days ago

Orioles Optimistic Grayson Rodriguez Will Have A Full Spring Training
6 days ago

Red Sox Have Productive Meeting With Juan Soto
Michael Chandler6 days ago

Set For A Rematch At UFC 309
Charles Oliveira6 days ago

A Favorite At UFC 309
Viviane Araujo6 days ago

An Underdog At UFC 309
Karine Silva6 days ago

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy6 days ago

Looks For His Second UFC Win

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Bo Nix - Fantasy Football Rankings, QB, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Fantasy Football Matchups We Love - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 12 Include Bo Nix, De'Von Achane, Quentin Johnston, Calvin Ridley, more

It seems as though fantasy managers were either incredibly disappointed or incredibly excited in Week 11. The output was modest for most players. However, if you had a monopoly on a select few players such as Cooper Kupp, Taysom Hill, or the Detroit Lions, you likely won your week. With the fantasy playoffs roughly three weeks […]


Brian Thomas Jr - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Rookie Report for Week 12 - Searching for League Winners

We're getting awfully close to the fantasy football playoffs, and it's been an interesting year for rookies. Unfortunately, even some that seemed cemented into league-winner status have had huge drop-offs in production, but yet others have emerged. Extracting value wherever you can is vitally important. Unfortunately, there's an upcoming squeeze. With trade deadlines nearing in […]


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL injury News

NFL DFS Lineup Picks For FanDuel, DraftKings - Steelers vs. Browns TNF Showdown (Week 12)

Welcome back, RotoBallers! This will be an interesting matchup between stout AFC North defenses. The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) are traveling to take on the Cleveland Browns (2-8). We have no players of significance on the injury report for this game, therefore everyone is on the table! We have been pretty successful so far with these […]


Jonnu Smith - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Jonnu Smith Fantasy Football Outlook - Was His Big Game Legit or a Fluke?

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith had his first big game in Week 7, but he broke out in an even bigger way in Week 11 in a win against the Las Vegas Raiders. He caught six of his eight targets for 101 yards and a touchdown in the 34-19 win. His biggest play came […]


Patrick Mahomes - Fantasy Football Rankings, DFS Lineup Picks, NFL Injury News

NFL Pick'em Pool Picks (Week 12) - Targets, Avoids, Predictions for Pick'em Contests (2024)

There will be six teams on a bye for Week 12. The good news is, we still have some great matchups. That includes the Chargers hosting the Ravens and the Rams taking on the Eagles. Each week of the NFL season, I’ll share my picks for each game and rank their selections for those who […]


Jake Bates - Fantasy Football Rankings, Kicker Waiver Wire Pickups, Streamers

Week 12 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings: Kicker Updates Include Justin Tucker, Chris Boswell, Austin Siebert, Cameron Dicker, Wil Lutz, Chase McLaughlin

If you're one of the many fantasy managers who have struggled to get production out of your fantasy kicker spot, be sure to use our Week 12 fantasy football kicker rankings for 2024 to guide you in setting optimal lineups. The kicker position has always been challenging to predict and project, so we're here to […]


Isiah Pacheco - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Running Backs

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Running Backs (Half-PPR) - Chubba Hubbard, Isiah Pacheco, Tyrone Tracy, JK Dobbins, Kareem Hunt, Tony Pollard

Somehow, only three weeks of the fantasy football regular season remain in most leagues. Whether you're hoping to hold onto a top seed or need to stack a few wins together to qualify for the playoffs, our initial Week 12 fantasy football running back projections for the 2024 NFL season will help you understand where […]


Xavier Worthy - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Wide Receivers (Half-PPR) - Xavier Worthy, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jayden Reed, DeAndre Hopkins, Tank Dell

The fantasy football playoffs begin in Week 15, so needless to say, time is running out if you need wins to qualify. If you're in a must-win spot down the stretch, it's critical to read our Week 12 fantasy football wide receiver projections for the 2024 NFL season. Ahead of the all-important slate, let's dig […]


David Njoku - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Tight Ends (Half-PPR) - George Kittle, Hunter Henry, Zach Ertz, David Njoku, Tucker Kraft, Mark Andrews, more

We're back for another week of fantasy football coverage, and while rankings are a great place to start your weekly start-or-sit preparation, you can use our Week 12 fantasy football tight end projections for the 2024 NFL season for further assistance. Ahead of the Week 12 slate, let's navigate the numbers and see the projected […]


Bo Nix - Fantasy Football Rankings, QB, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections Quarterbacks: Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, Russell Wilson, Jared Goff, C.J. Stroud, Sam Darnold, Jordan Love, Jayden Daniels

It's make-or-break time for many fantasy managers, so it's time to lock in and set optimal lineups. Our Week 12 fantasy football quarterback projections for the 2024 NFL season are here to assist. Check the projections below to see how key Week 12 QBs such as Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes, Jordan Love, Jared […]


Houston Texans Defense D/ST Streamers, Rankings, Waiver Wire - Derek Stingley Fantasy Football IDP

D/ST Strength of Schedule: Best Fantasy Football Defense Streamers and Matchups (Weeks 12-17)

Ahh, the good old Defense/Special Teams (DST) position in fantasy football. It is a controversial inclusion in fantasy lineups for some fantasy players, but strategizing around DSTs is one of my favorite aspects of the in-season fantasy football experience. In the article below, I will present the strength of schedule (SOS) for the fantasy Defense/Special […]


Video: Week 12 Must-Start Defense (D/ST) Streamers - 2024 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Analysis

We're back and dropping fire content for Week 12! Check out our top 2024 fantasy football must-start Defenses (D/ST) and be prepared to dominate your matchups! LaQuan Jones discusses his top "Must Start" Defense (D/ST) streamers that have the potential to be game-changers in Week 12, as well as some defenses that you might want […]


D'Andre Swift - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injuries

Fantasy Football Trade Targets - Buy/Sell For Week 12 Including Josh Downs, T.J. Hockenson, Bucky Irving, D'Andre Swift

For many fantasy football gamers, the end of Week 11 marked the last opportunity to make trades ahead of the fantasy playoffs. However, there are plenty of leagues that have a later deadline and some that have no deadline at all. This is especially true of dynasty leagues, and while this week's column will still […]