Years ago, when Deone Bucannon introduced himself as a “money linebacker” on Sunday Night Football, the audience had a good laugh. The term was a reference to his defensive responsibilities but conjured images in the minds of viewers of the huge game checks that Bucannon was earning at that time. Memes popped up in the following days of Bucannon on top of piles of money and gold coins. Hopefully, following the guidance given in this column will have your rosters overflowing with a wealth of IDP riches. We’ll primarily focus on edge rushers but will also hit on some of the other players and situations that are likely to impact teams in big play leagues. We will cover risers and fallers in the format, injury situations fantasy general managers need to know, and upcoming matchups to target.
Note: The defensive player injuries covered in this column are not an exhaustive list, but an attempt to cover the situations most likely to impact big play IDP squads. For more extensive coverage of injury situations, see Jene Bramel’s latest Injury Rounds column.
$ Stock up and Bankrupt $
We had not one, but two ejections of important IDPs in week one! Kwon Alexander was ejected for a headshot to Jameis Winston and Myles Jack earned his ousting after throwing a punch at Sammy Watkins. Suspensions are unlikely for both players, which is good news for their general managers.
Those rostering Devin Bush have had a roller coaster ride the past few days. Shortly before game one, Mike Tomlin made comments to suggest Devin Bush would not have a three-down role. That is indeed how it played out. Despite getting only 76% of the snaps, Bush managed 11 combined tackles. That’s great efficiency and may force the coaching staff to revise their stance on Bush’s playing time. Either way, Bush is a solid start, especially in leagues that require three or more starting linebackers.
As expected, Alex Ogletree was the only full-time linebacker for the Giants. Tae Davis showed promise with two solos and one assist, but he was on the field for only 46% of snaps. It will be interesting to see if Davis’ opportunities increase, but for now, Davis should remain on our watch list.
Patrick Onwuasor was the only full-time defender for the Ravens. While he managed only five total tackles, there will be better days ahead for Onwuasor when he faces more competent offenses that can stay on the field.
Shaq Thompson played 98% of the time and put up seven solo stops. If he continues to play as he did against the Rams on Sunday, we will remember this as the season he finally broke out.
Thomas Davis had an impressive debut in a new uniform. He was the only linebacker who played 100% of the snaps and he made the most of them. He put up seven solo tackles and seven assists. Kyzir White was also on the field frequently, but only at 86% of the snaps. It was safety Adrian Phillips who hit 97% of the snaps. It’s looking very much like Derwin James’ absence will lead to a nearly full-time role for Phillips. He should be rostered immediately if he is not already in your leagues.
Jordan Whitehead turned out to be the safety to own in Tampa Bay. He played 100% of the snaps against San Francisco and registered eight total tackles.
Falcons linebacker Deion Jones got off to a slower start than his fantasy general managers were hoping. Jones was at 62% percent of snaps played compared to De'Vondre Campbell at 100%. It looks like the coaching staff wanted to ease Jones back in after no preseason action. Look for his counts to rise and Campbell’s to fall in the coming games.
Don’t get discouraged by Cleveland’s overall lackluster defensive performance against Tennessee. The Titans’ Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith did a wonderful job of scheming to mitigate the pressure of Cleveland’s defensive front. The Titans allowed only four sacks, which is impressive considering that they are down two starting offensive linemen currently. IDP assets like Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, and Sheldon Richardson should have better days. Corner Greedy Williams was a surprise start in this game and played 66% of the snaps. If his playing time trends upward again next week, we will want to grab him in corner required leagues, as he will meet the criteria for the rookie corner rule.
Detroit linebackers Christian Jones and Jahlani Tavai. registered just 72% and 71% of the snaps respectively. The Cardinals running primarily four-wide-receiver sets is going to make teams more likely to deploy safeties and corners to defend. Make sure to keep this in mind as your IDP teams face Arizona.
Hybrid safety Raven Greene becomes a player of interest after his debut for the Packers in Chicago. He was being used in the way that IDP players were hoping that Josh Jones could achieve the past two years. 77% of snaps is still not quite full-time, but many of those snaps were in the box where tackles are more likely. Safety Darnell Savage was at 100% usage and played well, getting seven solo stops on the evening. He’s someone fantasy general managers should roster in big play formats.
Colts linebacker Anthony Walker dropped to 56% usage against the Chargers. Walker was a liability in coverage last year. If the Colts use Walker less this year, as many have suspected they might, he’s not worth rostering.
Linebacker Najee Goode (71%) played more snaps than Quincy Williams (66%). This low usage was also surprising considering Myles Jack’s relatively early exit from the game. It will be something owners need to monitor closely going forward.
Damien Wilson filled in for the injured Reggie Ragland and was in for 81% of the snaps. If Ragland gets this type of usage, he will be worth consideration in leagues where four or more linebackers must start.
It was expected that linebacker Jerome Baker would play full-time. Sam Eguavoen nearly made it to that mark, logging 94% of the snaps. While he had only two tackles and two assists and is not as skilled as Baker, he’s worth rostering from the standpoint of the volume this defense will generate. Safety Reshad Jones surprisingly did not play much, getting just 44% playing time. Jones may not return to elite status as long as he’s with this new regime that does not seem to be as high on him as the previous one.
Everson Griffen was back at his usual workload for the Vikings and the buy-low window for his services is officially closed. The defense looks to be as formidable as ever this year.
Both Marcus Maye and Jamaal Adams are playing 100% of the snaps in the Gregg Williams defense. Both have IDP value, but Adams remains the frontrunner in big play formats.
With an 82% snap mark, defensive end Derek Barnett has officially moved into a full-time role in Philadelphia. Three solos marked just the beginning for Barnett, who is primed for a big year if he can stay healthy.
Wesley Woodyard is doing just enough to hold both Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans back from being full-time players. The three-man rotation is a good problem for Tennessee to have but is a headache for IDP general managers.
$ Injury Settlements $
Washington defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams were banged up in week one. Williams looks more likely to be able to suit up for week two, but Allen is doubtful.
Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah did not end up playing after all for Seattle. We cannot trust him in our lineups until he has made it through a couple of games with no setbacks from both the sore shoulder and the groin strain he recently suffered.
Edge rusher T.J. Watt hurt his hip Sunday night against New England and is questionable for week two.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley treated his owners to a pick-six defensive touchdown before suffering a groin strain. His availability for week two is up in the air.
A pair of Davis linebackers did not play this week. Broncos linebacker Todd Davis and Lions linebacker Jerrod Davis were not able to go. Monitor their statuses heading into week two.
Rams Corner Eric Weddle suffered a scalp laceration and a concussion that knocked him out of action in week one, but he is probable for this week’s contest.
Pittsburgh’s Joe Haden sustained an AC joint sprain and his status for week two is uncertain.
$ Money in the Bank $
Note: This section will become more extensive as the season progresses and offensive and defensive trends are established. For the first few weeks, it will be limited to pass rush projections.
Baltimore Ravens Pass Rushers vs. Arizona Cardinals Offensive Line
Baltimore feasted on the Dolphins last week and now get another cupcake matchup against Arizona’s line. Kyler Murray is more mobile than Ryan Fitzpatrick, but Pernell McPhee and Matt Judon still have a great chance at adding another sack or two to their yearly totals in this contest.
Dallas Cowboys Pass Rushers vs. Washington Offensive Line
Demarcus Lawrence and Dorance Armstrong wrecked the Giants line and Washington’s group is arguably worse. It’s going to be a bad day for Case Keenum. Demarcus Lawrence is an obvious start, but Dorance Armstrong is a strong DL2 candidate in this matchup.
New England Patriots Pass Rushers vs. Miami Dolphins Offensive Line
Because it’s New England and we have no idea how they’ll deploy from game to game, it’s hard to pick who might go off among Michael Bennett, Jamie Collins, Donta’ Hightower, or others. Just know that if you have to start one, you have a better-than-average chance that they are going to hit a big play against what might be the worst team in football currently.
Houston Texans Pass Rushers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Line
Jacksonville Jaguars Pass Rushers vs. Houston Texans Offensive Line
Grouping these matchups together makes sense because it’s going to be the same story for both teams. Jacksonville and Houston both have suspect offensive lines and will need their defenses to keep them in what may be a very ugly, low-scoring contest. The Texans will have the upper hand in that they will be facing an inexperienced quarterback making his first start for Jacksonville, but the Jaguars defense could keep this game close. J.J. Watt and Calais Campbell remain must-starts, as they always are. Yannick Ngakoue, Josh Allen, and Brennan Scarlett also have a chance to cash in but need to be compared to others you have on your roster before giving them the green light.
Buffalo Bills Pass Rush vs. New York Giants Offensive Line
After seeing what happened to the Giants last week, you should be happy to get Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy into the lineup as DL2-3s.
Carolina Panthers Pass Rushers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Line
Jameis Winston took three sacks and dealt with pressure all game against the 49ers. On a short week and against a formidable pass rush, we can probably expect more of the same for Winston. Mario Addison, Brian Burns, and Gerald McCoy are not automatic starts, but they are decent third options at their respective positions.
$ Insufficient Funds $
Rams Pass Rushers vs. the New Orleans Saints Offensive Line
As we discussed in the previous week, the New Orleans Saints have one of the best offensive lines in the league. You can’t sit Aaron Donald in most instances. However, if you have a clearly better option, you might think about taking it this week.
Washington Pass Rush vs. Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line
Jonathan Allen may not play with his injury and Matt Ioannidis and Montez Sweat once again have a bad matchup. Pass!
Raiders Pass Rush vs. Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Line
The Raiders continue to have problems generating in this area and Kansas City has one of the best lines paired with one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the game.
Atlanta Falcons Pass Rush vs. Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line
Aside from facing one of the better lines in football, the Falcons just can’t seem to get a pass rush going. They struggled mightily against the Vikings’ non-elite front and generated just one sack the entire day.
Takkarist McKinley and Adrian Clayborn were probably not in your lineup to begin with, but make sure you don’t make a big mistake and start them here.
