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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 1 IDP Rankings for Fantasy Football (2024) - Defense Positional Rankings for LB, DL, DB

MIles Garrett - Fantasy Football Defense Rankings, D/ST Streamers, Waiver Wire, IDP Pickups

Fantasy football IDP rankings and IDP streamers for Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. Chris's IDP fantasy start em, sit em picks for individual defensive players.

A new NFL season is finally upon us. This means there are plenty of things to get excited and worried about. At the precipice of every season, without fail, all fantasy fans and analysts cling to the notion that we know what to expect and we know what variables to account for. This is often false.

Much of our preseason projections will help predict outcomes, but there is no accounting for the human element in sports. Odds favor Trent Williams continuing to give pass-rushers problems and Aaron Rodgers being stingy with opposing cornerbacks, but age could bite both. Therefore, you must be cautious about relying too much on the past.

Annually, I warn fans that we can use past metrics and film to try and predict the future, but any projections for Week 1 will have more variables than usual. Playing Week 1 matchups are never as reliable as they are by midseason. So, early on, you should rely on talent over matchups.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

IDP Scoring System for Rankings:

  • 6-points per Defensive Touchdown
  • 4-points per Forced Turnover (FF/INT)
  • 3-points per Sack
  • 2- points per PD, FR, Safety
  • 1-point Solo Tackle
  • 0.5-points Assisted Tackle

Note: These rankings are also based on leagues that start one player at each defensive position (DL, LB, DB) and two DFLEX.

 

Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 T.J. Watt Steelers Falcons
2 Maxx Crosby Raiders Chargers
3 Micah Parsons Cowboys Browns
4 Nick Bosa 49ers Jets
5 Danielle Hunter Texans Colts
6 Myles Garrett Browns Cowboys
7 Aidan Hutchinson Lions Rams
8 Josh Hines-Allen Jaguars Dolphins
9 Montez Sweat Bears Titans
10 Khalil Mack Chargers Raiders
11 Will Anderson Jr. Texans Colts
12 Trey Hendrickson Bengals Patriots
13 Matthew Judon Falcons Steelers
14 Brian Burns Giants Vikings
15 Jonathan Greenard Vikings Giants
16 Derrick Brown Panthers Saints
17 Carl Granderson Saints Panthers
18 Javon Hargrave 49ers Jets
19 Christian Wilkins Raiders Chargers
20 Jaelan Phillips (Q) Dolphins Jaguars
21 Jermaine Johnson Jets 49ers
22 Alex Highsmith Steelers Falcons
23 Andrew Van Ginkel Vikings Giants
24 Laiatu Latu Colts Texans
25 Kayvon Thibodeaux Giants Vikings
26 Harold Landry III Titans Bears
27 Joey Bosa (Q) Chargers Raiders
28 DeForest Buckner Colts Texans
29 Jeffery Simmons Titans Bears
30 Greg Rousseau Bills Cardinals
31 Jonathon Cooper Broncos Seahawks
32 Boye Mafe Seahawks Broncos
33 Leonard Floyd 49ers Jets
34 Byron Young Rams Lions
35 Quinnen Williams Jets 49ers
36 George Karlaftis Chiefs Ravens
37 Josh Sweat Eagles Packers
38 Cameron Heyward Steelers Falcons
39 Sam Hubbard Bengals Patriots
40 Jadeveon Clowney Panthers Saints
41 Chris Jones Chiefs Ravens
42 Travon Walker Jaguars Dolphins
43 Rashan Gary Packers Eagles
44 Harrison Phillips Vikings Giants
45 Jared Verse Rams Lions
46 Bryce Huff Eagles Packers
47 Anfernee Jennings Patriots Bengals
48 Dallas Turner Vikings Giants
49 Austin Booker Bears Titans
50 Trevis Gipson Seahawks Broncos

 

DL Riser of the Week

Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets

Johnson was a premium pass-rush prospect coming out of Florida State with the ability to win with speed and leverage. He has flashed in his career to date, but the loss of Bryce Huff and the continued holdout of Haason Reddick could create an elite snap share for Johnson.

To open the season, Johnson gets to tee off on the 49ers. While this isn't always an ideal matchup, San Francisco's star left tackle Trent Williams continues to hold out. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ starting right tackle (Colton McKivitz) was one of the worst pass-blocking tackles in the NFL last year.

 

DL Disappointment of the Week

Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants

This could be a breakout season for Thibodeaux, who should benefit from playing with Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence II on the same front. Unfortunately, he could start the season in a rather tough spot.

Christian Darrisaw is one of the NFL's best pass-blockers, finishing with the third-fewest pressures allowed amongst all linemen with at least 500 snaps in 2023. Thibodeaux will likely alternate sides, so he won’t always face Darrisaw, but his preseason usage suggests he will see a lot of the left tackle.

 

Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 Zaire Franklin Colts Texans
2 Foyesade Oluokun Jaguars Dolphins
3 Bobby Okereke Giants Vikings
4 Roquan Smith Ravens Chiefs
5 Ivan Pace Jr. Vikings Giants
6 Fred Warner 49ers Jets
7 Nick Bolton Chiefs Ravens
8 Azeez Al-Shaair Texans Colts
9 Terrel Bernard Bills Cardinals
10 Ernest Jones IV Titans Bears
11 E.J. Speed Colts Texans
12 T.J. Edwards Bears Titans
13 Alex Singleton Broncos Seahawks
14 Quay Walker Packers Eagles
15 C.J. Mosley Jets 49ers
16 Patrick Queen Steelers Falcons
17 Bobby Wagner Commanders Buccaneers
18 Jordyn Brooks Dolphins Jaguars
19 Lavonte David Buccaneers Commanders
20 De’Vondre Campbell 49ers Jets
21 Devin White Eagles Packers
22 Logan Wilson Bengals Patriots
23 Kyzir White Cardinals Bills
24 Frankie Luvu Commanders Buccaneers
25 Jordan Hicks Browns Cowboys
26 Quincy Williams Jets 49ers
27 Alex Anzalone Lions Rams
28 Tyrel Dodson Seahawks Broncos
29 Eric Kendricks Cowboys Browns
30 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Browns Cowboys
31 Robert Spillane Raiders Chargers
32 Demario Davis Saints Panthers
33 Josey Jewell Panthers Saints
34 Trenton Simpson Ravens Chiefs
35 Tremaine Edmunds Bears Titans
36 Kaden Elliss Falcons Steelers
37 Devin Lloyd Jaguars Dolphins
38 Troy Reeder Rams Lions
39 Shaq Thompson Panthers Saints
40 Blake Cashman Vikings Giants
41 Denzel Perryman Chargers Raiders
42 Ja’Whaun Bentley Patriots Bengals
43 Germaine Pratt Bengals Patriots
44 Payton Wilson Steelers Falcons
45 Christian Rozeboom Rams Lions
46 Jerome Baker Seahawks Broncos
47 Jack Campbell Lions Rams
48 Divine Deablo Raiders Chargers
49 Drue Tranquill Chiefs Ravens
50 Omar Speights Rams Lions

 

LB Riser of the Week

Omar Speights, Los Angeles Rams

The leading interior linebacker for the Rams has historically produced quality fantasy stats under Sean McVay. Even Troy Reeder was a reliable fantasy resource in that spot, and Reeder could again seize the position … though the Rams dumped him once for a reason.

With Ernest Jones IV gone, someone has to fill the void in the middle of a Los Angeles unit that has produced quality tacklers with multiple defensive coordinators and on-field leaders. For now, it appears Reeder will again get the chance to be that guy, based on how he’s been treated since the trade.

However, Omar Speights has gotten a lot of positive buzz out of camp. The Rams even sat him in the final preseason game to preserve him. The Rams and everyone else know Reeder is a stopgap measure. Once Speights gets acclimated to the NFL, he could be the leader of this unit.

 

LB Disappointment of the Week

Ernest Jones IV, Tennessee Titans

If Jones is truly healthy and plays 100% of the Titans’ snaps, he will be a no-doubt LB1 this week and every week after. His tackling prowess is too valuable not to start in all IDP formats.

However, there were reported concerns about Jones' health, contributing to his being traded to Tennessee. The trade also happened late in the summer, meaning the vet had very limited snaps with his new teammates and their new scheme. Those are both mild concerns.

Against a Bears offense that could look to pass far more than expected with Caleb Williams under center, do not be surprised if this former Ram fails to meet expectations in his first game with the Titans. He could be on a snap count or simply need time to acclimate in a mediocre matchup.

 

Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 Antoine Winfield Jr. Buccaneers Commanders
2 Kyle Hamilton (Q) Ravens Chiefs
3 Jessie Bates III Falcons Steelers
4 Derwin James Chargers Raiders
5 Camryn Bynum Vikings Giants
6 Brian Branch Lions Rams
7 Jaquan Brisker Bears Titans
8 Josh Metellus Vikings Giants
9 Devon Witherspoon Seahawks Broncos
10 Xavier McKinney Packers Eagles
11 Reed Blankenship Eagles Packers
12 Jalen Pitre Texans Colts
13 Julian Love Seahawks Broncos
14 Kamren Curl Rams Lions
15 Ji’Ayir Brown 49ers Jets
16 Grant Delpit Browns Cowboys
17 Brandon Jones Broncos Seahawks
18 Jevon Holland Dolphins Jaguars
19 Justin Reid Chiefs Ravens
20 Nate Hobbs Raiders Chargers
21 Donovan Wilson Cowboys Browns
22 Kyle Dugger Patriots Bengals
23 Charvarius Ward 49ers Jets
24 Trent McDuffie Chiefs Ravens
25 Tyson Campbell Jaguars Dolphins
26 Stephon Gilmore Vikings Giants
27 Jalen Thompson Cardinals Bills
28 Budda Baker Cardinals Bills
29 Jeremy Chinn Commanders Buccaneers
30 L’Jarius Sneed Titans Bears
31 Kerby Joseph Lions Rams
32 C.J. Gardner-Johnson Eagles Packers
33 Jason Pinnock Giants Vikings
34 Talanoa Hufanga (Q) 49ers Jets
35 Taron Johnson Bills Cardinals
36 Christian Gonzalez Patriots Bengals
37 Minkah Fitzpatrick Steelers Falcons
38 Marcus Williams Ravens Chiefs
39 Rayshawn Jenkins Jaguars Dolphins
40 Jordan Whitehead Buccaneers Commanders
41 Geno Stone Bengals Patriots
42 Taylor Rapp Bills Cardinals
43 Byron Murphy Jr. Vikings Giants
44 Kenny Moore II Colts Texans
45 Denzel Ward Browns Cowboys
46 Paulson Adebo Saints Panthers
47 Jabrill Peppers Patriots Bengals
48 Derek Stingley Jr. Texans Colts
49 Roger McCreary Titans Bears
50 Cam Taylor-Britt Bengals Patriots

 

DB Riser of the Week

Stephon Gilmore and Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings

It’s unclear whether Gilmore will ever shadow with the Vikings, but he has done so throughout his career, including as recently as 2022. With Byron Murphy Jr. designated for the slot, Minnesota does not have a better option on the outside.

Both Gilmore and Murphy should see a lot of snaps against Malik Nabers this week. In less than two-quarters of preseason play with Daniel Jones, Nabers had six targets. Do not be surprised if Jones, who has looked inaccurate in camp, peppers Nabers and his corners with double-digit throws.

 

DB Disappointment of the Week

L’Jarius Sneed, Tennessee Titans

Sneed was regularly considered a DB1 over the past few years. This was partly due to the massive volume he would see as Chiefs opponents fell behind and were forced to throw. He notched seven or more tackles in five games last year, four of which were wins where Kansas City paced its opponents.

While the Titans' scheme and offense could prove better for Sneed than some fear, expecting him to continue as a top-10 fantasy DB to start this year is risky. His matchup and role in Tennessee's Week 1 contest are concerning enough to drop him into the DB3 tier to start.



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


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tee Higgins

Trying to Prevent Injuries
Lamar Jackson

Extension for Lamar Jackson on Ravens Docket
Anthony Volpe

Leaves Early Friday With Elbow Contusion
Gabriel Moreno

Exits Early on Friday With Hand Injury
Tyreek Hill

Won't Catch Passes Until August
Shane Bieber

Shut Down From Throwing Until Next Week
Ryan Mountcastle

Out 8-12 Months With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
Rome Odunze

Anticipates Big Year 2
Shea Langeliers

A's Place Shea Langeliers on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Keilan Robinson

Joins Eagles
Ladd McConkey

Focused on Staying Healthy
Logan O'Connor

to Miss 5-6 Months Following Hip Procedure
Ezequiel Tovar

Rockies Place Ezequiel Tovar on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Lindor

Out Again on Friday With Toe Injury
Tyler Seguin

Nursing a Shoulder Injury
DAL

Pete DeBoer Fired by Stars
Stuart Skinner

Seeks Sixth Consecutive Win Friday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Friday
A.J. Greer

Remains Out Friday
Corbin Burnes

to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Bryce Harper

Day-to-Day With Sore Wrist, Not Playing on Friday
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning on Friday
Ryan Ritter

Promoted to Major Leagues
Gardner Minshew II

Throwing at OTAs
Rondale Moore

Active at OTAs
Colston Loveland

Could Return Soon
Kyle Monangai

has "Really Stepped Up"
Anthony Richardson

No Structural Damage to Anthony Richardson's Shoulder
Sean O'Malley

Set For A Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Second Title Defense
Kayla Harrison

Could Become The New UFC Champion
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena Set For Co-Main Event
Joe Pyfer

A Favorite At UFC 316
Kelvin Gastelum

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Mario Bautista

Looks For His Eighth Consecutive Win
Isaac Guerendo

Taking Part in OTAs
Patchy Mix

Makes His UFC Debut
Evan Engram

Off to a Good Start at OTAs
Alvin Kamara

Not Present for OTAs
Vicente Luque

An Underdog At UFC 316
Kevin Holland

Set To Open Up UFC 316 Main Card
Derek Carr

Didn't Want to "Just Take the Saints Money"
Trevor Lawrence

Making Progress at OTAs
Framber Valdez

Dominates the Pirates on Thursday
Marcus Semien

Goes Deep Twice on Thursday
Alex Caruso

Shines Off the Bench in Game 1
Luguentz Dort

Knocks Down Five Triples in Game 1
Cason Wallace

Moves into the Starting Lineup in Game 1 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores 38 Points in Game 1 Defeat
Obi Toppin

Drops 17 Points in Game 1
Aaron Nesmith

Posts a Double-Double in Pacers Game 1 Victory
Pascal Siakam

Leads the Pacers with 19 Points in Game 1 Win
Tyrese Haliburton

Hits Game-Winning Shot as Pacers Steal Game 1
Davante Adams

Making Positive Impact on Puka Nacua
Anthony Richardson

Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Michael Pittman Jr.

OK But Likely to be Held Out of Minicamp With Knee Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers

Quindell Johnson Heading to Pittsburgh
Karl-Anthony Towns

Undergoes Treatment for Knee, Finger Issues
Nate McCollum

Waived by Seahawks
Kevin Durant

Knicks Reportedly Make an Offer for Kevin Durant
Tyler Soderstrom

Slugs Two Homers in Blowout Win Over Twins
Kyle Teel

Being Called Up by White Sox
Shea Langeliers

Exits Early on Thursday
Shane Bieber

Scratched With Elbow Soreness
Zack Wheeler

Phillies Expect Zack Wheeler to Return Early Next Week
Josh Naylor

Day-to-Day With Multiple Injuries
Brandon Woodruff

Pulled Off Rehab Assignment After Elbow Injury
Giancarlo Stanton

Could Return in Mid-June
Nicolas Batum

Clippers Expect Nicolas Batum to Return for Next Season
Tyus Jones

Reportedly on Kings Radar
Jeff Green

Wants to Play for Two More Years
Steven Adams

Rockets Desperate to Get Steven Adams Under a New Contract
Fred VanVleet

Likely to Remain in Houston
Nate Schmidt

Logs Pair of Helpers Wednesday
Carter Verhaeghe

Registers Two Assists In Game 1 Loss Against Oilers
Sam Bennett

Establishes New Franchise Record with 12 Postseason Goals
Kasperi Kapanen

Stays Productive in Finals Opener
Connor McDavid

Records Two Assists in Wednesday's Win
Leon Draisaitl

Scores Twice in Game 1 Win Against Panthers
Kristaps Porzingis

to be Moved This Offseason?
Phoenix Suns

Jordan Ott Named Suns Head Coach
Zion Williamson

to Remain Pelicans "Focal Point"
Nikita Kucherov

Takes Home Second Ted Lindsay Award
Derek Forbort

Sticking with Canucks for One More Year
Noah Cates

Lands Four-Year, $16 Million Extension
Brock Nelson

Staying with Avalanche for Three Years
A.J. Greer

Out for Wednesday's Game 1
Connor Brown

Ready to Go Wednesday
Rico Hoey

a Decent Dark-Horse Option at TPC Toronto
Harry Hall

a Decent Option at TPC Toronto
Beau Hossler

Not Appealing Ahead of RBC Canadian Open
Taylor Pendrith

Could See Success at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Fox

a Solid Option at TPC Toronto
Mackenzie Hughes

is a Risky Option at TPC Toronto
Eric Cole

Not A Great Option For RBC Canadian Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at TPC Toronto
Quade Cummins

Hard to Trust at RBC Canadian Open
PGA

Matti Schmid a High-Risk, High-Reward Play at TPC Toronto
Jake Knapp

a Boom-or-Bust Option at RBC Canadian Open
Doug Ghim

a Sneaky Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Gary Woodland

a Solid Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy

Eyes Third RBC Canadian Open Title
Wyndham Clark

Hoping to Reverse Slide at RBC Canadian Open
Erik Van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen Continues Rocky 2025 Campaign
Sahith Theegala

Trying to Find Positives in 2025
Justin Rose

Enjoying Career Renaissance at 44
John Pak

Striving to Improve on PGA Tour
Kurt Kitayama

Roller-Coaster Season to Continue in Canada
Max Homa

Motivated for RBC Canadian Open
New York Knicks

Knicks Fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau
Bronny James Jr.

May Have Regular Role with Lakers Next Season
Dante Exum

and Mavericks Have "Mutual Interest" to Work Out New Deal
Tyler Kleven

Inks Two-Year Extension with Senators
Marcus Johansson

Staying with Wild for One More Year
Yanni Gourde

Agrees to Six-Year Extension with Lightning
Ludovit Klein

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 107
Mateusz Gamrot

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Ramiz Brahimaj

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Billy Ray Goff

Gets Submitted
Bruno Lopes

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Dustin Jacoby

Scores First-Round Knockout
Ketlen Vieira

Dominates at UFC Vegas 107
Macy Chiasson

Dominated At UFC Vegas 107
Duško Todorović

Dusko Todorovic Drops Three Fights in a Row
Zachary Reese

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joey Logano

Puts Together a Clean Race and Finishes In the Top Five At Nashville
William Byron

Steady Performance Earns Him a Top-Five Finish At Nashville
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Finally Returns to the Top 10 At Nashville
Kyle Larson

Rollercoaster Day At Nashville Ends In the Top 10
Tyler Reddick

Makes A Top-10 Recovery At Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Denny Hamlin Factors for Nashville Win Until Ryan Blaney's Three-Wide Pass
Ryan Blaney

Joey Logano Runs Better Than Expected, Still No Match for Teammate Ryan Blaney
Erik Jones

Delivers Best Run Since 2022 at Nashville
Christopher Bell

Recovers From Stage 2 Crash to Finish 10th
Ross Chastain

Mildly Disappointing at Nashville but Still Runs Decently
Chase Briscoe

Dominates Early but Struggles in Traffic
Carson Hocevar

a Great DFS Option to Consider for Nashville Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Solid Value Option For Nashville DFS Lineups
Justin Haley

Should DFS Players Roster Justin Haley At Nashville?
Todd Gilliland

Is A Safe Value Play For Nashville DFS Lineups
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Nashville, Could Have to Miss Race
Ross Chastain

Always Strong at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Struggling to Find Speed at Nashville
Chase Elliott

Can Chase Elliott Snap Winless Streak at Nashville?
Alex Bowman

Still Searching for First Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Can Ty Gibbs Turn Things Around at Nashville?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF