It’s that time once again, IDP Nerds. We are back again to give you all the IDP fantasy knowledge you need to prepare for week 3 in the NFL. You’re not going to want to miss this week’s IDP fantasy guide; it contains everything you’ll need to know to stay ahead of your league mates. We strive for excellence, and together, we can put ourselves in the best position to remain competitive in IDP dynasty fantasy football.
Our writers answer all start/sit questions on Discord before the games exclusively for the #Nerdherd. The advanced metrics used in this article are courtesy of Fantasy Points Data Suite, use code NERDS for 25% off your own data suite subscription or All-in bundle.
IDP Fantasy Start Candidates
Defensive Line (DL)
Kayvon Thibodeaux | New York Giants
It’s no secret that the New York Giants are among the worst teams in the NFL. In Week 2, they set an NFL record by becoming the first team in history to lose a game while scoring three touchdowns without allowing a touchdown. Luckily for us, just because the team is terrible doesn’t mean they can’t score fantasy points and help us win our matchups. Kayvon Thibodeaux had a solid bounce-back week against the Washington Commanders, racking up four tackles and creating three QB pressures.
The former Oregon Duck EDGE rusher has a great matchup this week against the Cleveland Browns, who have yet to have either of their starting tackles healthy this season. The Browns have allowed the 2nd most sacks (8) and surrendered the 13th most tackles per game (15.5) to the DL position. Thibodeaux has also succeeded against AFC opponents; of his 15.5 career sacks, 5.5 have come against AFC opponents. The Giants will potentially be without Brian Burns, who has a groin injury. It’s shaping up to be an excellent week for Kayvon Thibodeaux to collect his first sack of the season.
Linebacker (LB)
Ernest Jones | Tennessee Titans
IDP fantasy managers didn’t have to wait long for Ernest Jones to declare himself the alpha linebacker for the Tennessee defense. Jones, who was traded just before the season started, took time to learn a new defensive system under the Titans’ defense coordinator, Dennard Wilson. The former Rams LB played just 46% of snaps in Week 1 but found himself with a 100% defensive snap share in Week 2. The Titans’ defense is first in the NFL in yards allowed (206.5), and Jones is a big part of that success.
Ernest Jones is one of the top linebacker options ahead of a Week 3 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay has allowed the most tackles (44) to the LB position through two games. Ernest Jones racked up nine tackles and two tackles for loss last week. He finished as the LB22 the previous week and the LB51 in points per game early in the season. The Packers offense allowed 22 tackles to the linebacker position last week. IDP managers should feel confident with Ernest Jones in their lineups for Week 3.
Defensive Back (DB)
Quentin Lake | Los Angeles Rams
Quentin Lake has been an excellent find for IDP managers just two games into the season. The former sixth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft has been the Rams’ leading tackler through two weeks. Lake has 20 tackles on the season and has seen his box snaps increase from Week 1 (9) to Week 2 (18). Lake is being used more towards the line of scrimmage in run support, leading to more opportunities for high-volume tackling games. The Rams’ safety should have another intense week playing the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, who allow the second most tackles (38) to the safety position in 2024.
Defensive Tackle (DT)
Grover Stewart | Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts interior defensive lineman is the next man up after a significant injury to star DT DeForest Buckner, which landed him on injured reserve for at least four games. Grover Stewart finished as the DT7 last week with seven tackles. The Colts DT has had 4 consecutive seasons with at least 40+ tackles, including 70 in 2022. IDP managers should use this week’s matchup as an advantage. The Colts’ defense will play the Chicago Bears, who have allowed a league-leading 4.5 sacks per game.
Cornerback (CB)
Alontae Taylor | New Orleans Saints
It would only be right for me to stay on brand and continue to lead the Alontae Taylor hype train. The Saints defensive back was the cover athlete for this week’s waiver wire article, which you can check out HERE. After Week 1, he finished as the CB1 overall and followed that up with a CB8 finish last week.
Taylor ranks as the DB3 overall in points per game this season and is the only CB in the top five. The Saints DB is playing 82% of his defensive snaps as a slot CB, per Fantasy Points Data Suite. IDP managers should expect another big game from Taylor against the Philadelphia Eagles offense, which has allowed the fourth most tackles (32) to cornerbacks.
IDP Sit Candidates
Defensive Line (DL)
Zaven Collins | Arizona Cardinals
The former 2021 first-round pick in the NFL Draft is off to a good start this season with 11 tackles and a sack. Collins has played linebacker and EDGE rusher over his first four seasons with the Cardinals. Still, he looks much more comfortable in an actual EDGE rusher role for this defense. This season, the Tulsa product is the DL22 in PPG despite only recording a single sack over the first two games.
IDP managers shouldn’t consider this a plus matchup for the Cardinals’ defensive front. The Detroit Lions have only allowed two sacks this season and have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. The Arizona defense looks overmatched against a very dynamic Lions offense. There are worse options than Zaven Collins this week, so IDP managers should temper expectations.
Linebacker (LB)
Jordyn Brooks | Miami Dolphins
There’s not much sugarcoating it for IDP managers; Jordyn Brooks has been a big disappointment through two weeks. The former Seattle Seahawks LB has produced 3 consecutive 100+ tackle seasons but looks lost in his first two games with Miami. Brooks has a 100% defensive snap share on the season but has only produced 10 tackles.
Jordyn Brooks ranks as the LB68 in PPG, and his lack of tackle volume and impact plays makes him a tough start for IDP managers. We often advocate for the ‘Revenge Game’ scenario in fantasy football, but the numbers tell us to fade this matchup. The Seattle Seahawks allow the fewest tackles (9.5) per game to the LB position. IDP managers should look to be more flexible in their starting lineups rather than start a player who hasn’t been producing as expected.
Defensive Back (DB)
Jalen Pitre | Houston Texans
Jalen Pitre had one of the best rookie seasons for any defensive back in recent IDP fantasy history. The Louisville product had 147 tackles and five interceptions as a rookie. He was a prominent candidate for regression in his second season, and that hit him hard, with just 84 tackles last season. His usage has been much different since the Houston Texans hired DeMeco Ryans.
Pitre has played more slot CB, and his tackle volume has suffered. He was once a plug-and-play starter but is now more matchup-dependent for dynasty managers. He draws a tough matchup in Week 3. The Minnesota Vikings have allowed the 6th fewest tackles (19) to defensive backs this season. Pitre will have better matchups as the season goes on, but this isn’t the wrong spot for IDP managers to stream a CB with a higher points-per-game average.
IDP Fantasy Injury Updates
Jerome Baker | Seattle Seahawks
In Week 2, Jerome Baker was forced out of action with a hamstring injury. The Seahawks turned to rookie LB Tyrice Knight, who had a 65% snap share and finished as the LB59 in his first NFL action. The UTEP product posted an 81.0 tackling grade (Pro Football Focus); he should directly benefit from Jerome Baker’s absence. IDP managers who took a chance on the rookie LB have a prime opportunity with unexpected playing time. The Seattle LB group has a favorable matchup this week against the Miami Dolphins offense, allowing the most tackles (22) per game to the LB position. It is unlikely that Baker will suit up this week; IDP fantasy managers should have Tyrice Knight in their lineups.
IDP Fantasy Six Pack of Facts
- Aidan Hutchinson making his case for DL1 – 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble
- The Tackle Heavy Colts – Nick Cross (15), E.J. Speed (12), and Zaire Franklin (10)
- Fred Warner does it all – 9 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 INT, 2 Forced Fumbles
- Four Vikings scored more than 20 points – 2 DL, 1 LB, and 1 DB
- Keion White Breakout – 11 Tackles, 4.5 Sacks, 1 FF, and 20+ PPG this season
- Rookie Fever – Jared Verse (DL6) and Andru Phillips (DB3) in Week 2
Weekly IDP Fantasy Roster Management
IDP Fantasy Tip of the Week
It’s still early in the season, so one of the most important things is to stay active. This means utilizing the waiver wire, trade block, and engagement with your league mates. Establishing good relationships with other managers in your league can become very important, even if that isn’t done directly through trade negotiations. Encouraging managers never to burn a bridge is a crucial piece of information that is lost in dynasty fantasy football. It’s imperative never to find yourself in a scenario where you have one or more managers in the league that you will not trade with. Removing emotions from fantasy football is essential for every owner to help the league grow.
Establishing those relationships can quickly help managers improve their teams. Because of the increase in positions and players, dynasty IDP fantasy football has many more layers than the offensive-only formats. It allows managers to build their teams in many different ways. The flexibility to build a strong defense while offensive players are young and developing can keep you competitive yearly.
A strong recommendation for me would be to take accurate assessments of your team and base your aggressiveness on trading off of that. There should always be a plan for what you envision for your team, which can change over the season. Whether you’re going all in for a championship or the team is a year or more away, never stop trying to improve your roster.
IDP Fantasy Final Thoughts
That will wrap up another week of IDP coverage. As the season goes on, we will tweak the format based on your feedback, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Twitter (X) @Glosser13. I look forward to being available for any IDP advice you may need.
All of my IDP Nerds, don’t forget to join the live #NerdHerds Discord channel for Sunday mornings. The team is looking forward to answering your IDP lineup questions. Also check out the Positional Matchups with IDP players to focus by staff writer Brad Custer (@MonCalFF)!
