After weeks of sleeper, busts, injuries and cuts, we’re finally here. FOOTBALL! For the first week of IDP rankings, there are not many changes from my preseason rankings. Teams change from year to year, and IDP stats tend to be less opponent-based than their offensive counterparts, so we’re left primarily with overall talent.
There are two reasons to change my preseason rankings for Week 1, and they both involve downgrades:
Downgrade Rookies and Sleepers Who Are Not Starting
I was very high on Dion Jordan, Jon Bostic and Kenny Vaccaro all preseason. But Jordan will likely split snaps with Olivier Jordan, while Bostic and Vaccaro are stuck behind D.J. Williams and Roman Harper/Malcolm Jenkins respectively. As sure as the leaves change color and I spend every Sunday night torn between SNF and Breaking Bad, these young studs will turn into fantasy gold over time. But for Week 1, it might be worth playing a more established player who is less likely to be intimidated by the bright lights, and more likely to be on the field for every down.
Downgrade Injured Players, Even If The Injuries Are Minor
If a Runningback is listed as Probable, you’ll wait to see if Schefter says he’s playing, and then start him without thinking twice. On defense it’s a little different. A starting RB is likely to get a full load of carries as long as he is playing. But if your Linebacker has a minor injury, his coaches are much more likely to limit his playing time if they can. This means that three-down LBs become two-down LBs, and other players will see their snap counts drop from their usual level. Less snaps means less opportunities to rack up stats, which obviously means less value. If you have a bench option that is completely healthy, they might be a better choice than banged up starters like Anthony Spencer, Jairus Byrd, and even Patrick Willis.
So without further ado, here are the Razzball Week 1 IDP Rankings:
Disclaimer: For these and all of my rankings, I am assuming a balanced IDP scoring system with a 3:1 ratio of sacks/interceptions to solo tackles. If you have any questions regarding your league’s specific settings, please ask in the comments.
