It is Week 3 and there are still some very good IDP players that are not rostered. We have managed to get this far without an excruciating amount of IDP-relevant injuries (knock on wood), so now it is time to trust what we are seeing on the field.
Last week there was some impressive rookie domination while a few veterans showed they still have what it takes.
Remember it isn’t always strictly about the matchup. Sometimes good players overcome “bad” matchups. This week look for good players.
LINEBACKERS
Myles Jack, Pittsburgh Steelers
It is becoming pretty evident that the defense will be winning the games for the Steelers. At the very least they will be spending a lot of time on the field.
Jack played 87% of the defensive snaps last week. He had 13 total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
With the absence of TJ Watt all of the Steelers are going to need to step up.
Frank Luvu, Carolina Panthers
Luvu is a must-start. He was on the field for 85% of the defensive snaps in Week 1 and 96% of the defensive snaps in Week 2. In Week 2 Luvu finished the game with 10 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and one pass defended.
This week the Panthers get Jameis Winston and the New Orleans Saints. Last week the Saints gave up 55 tackles, six sacks and three interceptions.
Leighton Vander Esch, Dallas Cowboys
It would be smart to jump on the Vander Esch bandwagon while he is still healthy. Last week he was on the field for 90% of the defensive snaps. He finished with seven total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and one pass defended.
It has never been about talent with Vander Esch, just his ability to stay healthy.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
It didn’t take long for Hutchinson’s talent to shine. Playing 81% of the defensive snaps last week he not only set the Lions’ rookie sack record (3) but also had six total tackles and two tackles for loss.
The Lions take on the Minnesota Vikings this week.
Dorance Armstrong, Dallas Cowboys
Armstrong was only on the field for 48% of the defensive snaps in Week2. He did collect two tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks. The better news is that this week the Cowboys will play the New York Giants and in Week 4 they will play Washington.
DJ Reader, Defensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals
Reader has averaged 63.7% of the defensive snap time in two weeks. He has collected seven tackles, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery in those two weeks.
This week the Bengals play the New York Jets who have given up the most points to defensive tackles so far this season.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
L’Jarius Snead, Cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs
Snead has been on the field for 100% of the defensive snaps. Last week against the Los Angeles Chargers he had seven tackles. He has also blitzed the quarterback 11 times in the last two games (second most in the NFL). This week the Chiefs will play the Indianapolis Colts who are second in points given up to opposing cornerbacks.
Von Bell, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals
Bell has been on the field for 61 defensive snaps in Week1 and 63 in Week2. He has seven total tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and one quarterback hit.
Good Luck!
