Week 9 IDP Rankings for Fantasy Football - Positional Rankings for Linebacker, Defensive Line, Defensive Back

Am I the only one who feels the number of noteworthy injuries in the NFL is increasing despite almost every rule being geared toward player safety? The data and reports are mixed on this subject, but the optics are there. For example, the NFL reports that concussions have steadily declined since 2015, but CBS reported concussions were up significantly in 2022. The New York Times also reported ACL injuries doubled from 2017 to 2021, while overall injuries went up.

It's important to note we all want players to be safe, and no one wants them risking their lives or long-term health for one game. That said, the data on injury rates is sparse, and its integrity has been questioned before. Further, it’s unclear how honest NFL teams are about injuries or illnesses each week. For example, why is it common for a player to be absent from Wednesday's injury report, he’s a full practice all week, yet he misses on Sunday with a pre-existing problem?

It's hard to say whether players are getting hurt more or less today. How could you answer that question when injury reports are rarely transparent? Bijan Robinson was just the latest example of a player who was limited with an ailment never listed on any injury report nor discussed in any pre-game statements. How many similar issues have popped up that we don't know about? And how can fans place bets or set lineups if they don't know how accurate injury reports are?

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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

DL Riser of the Week:

Carl Granderson, DL, Houston Texans

Granderson has been on a tear since we recommended him as a quality add early in the season. Obvious I had a lot to do with this. Honestly, I may be the sole reason for his ascent.

Despite his recent list of strong performances, Granderson is only the 35^th most rostered DL in fantasy. This rate ignores the fact the Saints' top pass rusher ranks 12^th in our standard IDP scoring this season. He has a very good matchup against the Bears this week, too.

Both of Chicago’s starting offensive tackles grade negatively in pass protection this year. They also surrender pressure on 10% of their pass-blocking reps, which is well below the league average. Granderson's floor this week should be as a DL2, and he has DL1 upside.

DL Disappointment of the Week:

Jonathan Greenard, DL, Houston Texans

One of our streamer recommendations last week, Greenard dominated Carolina to the tune of 2.5 sacks. He is the top pass rusher on his squad this year, and his metrics are above average. However, he has a tough matchup this week.

The Buccaneers remain the top-graded pass-blocking unit in the NFL. Their starting offensive tackles have surrendered an astonishingly low 22 quarterback pressures on the season, with left tackle Tristan Wirfs giving up just seven. Greenard spends almost all of his time over the left tackle this year, meaning he will see a lot of Wirfs.

Feel free to play Greenard as a DL3, as he can return value with just one big play. However, he is a risky start with a low floor as long as he and Wirfs are lining up across from one another.

Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week

LB Riser of the Week:

Nakobe Dean, Philadelphia Eagles

I've written extensively about Dean, so my regular readers will know I love the kid. His instincts and tackling are so good it doesn't matter that he tests slow and small. When Dean returned from injury in Week 6, we predicted he would cut into Nicholas Morrow's playing time quickly, and his snaps would ramp up gradually. Both those things are proving true.

While Dean sees much less playing time than teammate Zach Cunningham, the metrics and film don't suggest that should be the case. Dean logged an impressive 11 solo tackles in less than 70% of snaps last week, and my hope is he will continue to see his playing time increase. While Dallas isn't an ideal fantasy matchup this week, they aren't a bad one in a bye week that steals seven elite starting fantasy LBs.

LB Disappointment of the Week:

Denzel Perryman & Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Houston Texans

As we predicted last week, the Texans' linebacker corps was a dreadful rotation once the room was completely healthy. The only surprise was that Blake Cashman was the one who didn't come off the field. Meanwhile, Perryman, To'oTo'o, and Christian Harris cannibalized each other’s snaps.

While To'oTo'o was arguably one of Houston's best defenders over the past few weeks, his fantasy value tanked with Perryman and Harris available. As of this writing, Cashman is the player to start on this unit until we get more clarity on their split. If someone does rise out of the three-way fight, it should be To'oTo'o based on film and metrics… but my gut says Perryman will get veteran treatment.

Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week

DB Riser of the Week:

Tre’von Moehrig, DB, Las Vegas Raiders

Rostered in just 2.5% of IDP leagues, Moehrig is a former second-round pick who sits 13^th at his position in my standard IDP scoring. He's playing 100% of the Raiders' snaps and has four games with six or more tackles this season. Now he gets a Giants offense that is a mess, feeding opposing defenses with tackles and turnovers. He's a fine play this week.

DB Disappointment of the Week:

Tennessee Titans Defensive Backs

The Steelers are the 10^th-lowest volume pass attack in the NFL this season and the sixth-lowest volume offense overall. Odds say they will be even more conservative with Kenny Pickett playing injured.

Roger McCreary is the most productive fantasy DB left on Tennessee’s roster, but he stays in the slot 72% of the time. The Steelers’ offense isn’t deploying a usable slot option since Pat Freiermuth went down, with Diontae Johnson lining up inside just 14% of the time. That means the most reliable fantasy defender in the Titans’ backfield could see very low volume, and he’s the only DB they have who could be considered reliable.

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