After a week’s respite, we are back to dealing with the task of swapping in IDP that are actually taking the field to populate our starting rosters in fantasy football. We are also approaching crunch time, when your decisions will determine whether a playoff berth awaits your squad or you are relegated to the consolation rungs of your league’s end-of-the-season activity. If you are still in the running for that championship trophy (and unless your season has been an absolute disaster, you should be; if not, condolences, and there is always next season as a slight bit of encouragement), then take a gander at the rising IDPs profiled below and consider whether one or more could help your team’s chances this week and in the future. 

Bye Weeks coming up: Week 9-Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers; Week 10-Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles; Week 11- Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints

 

Fantasy Football IDP Risers - Elevator Going Up

Linebackers

Jordyn Brooks, Seattle Seahawks

Brooks was not expected to be much of a factor for the Seahawks, having suffered a torn ACL at the close of the regular season in 2022. He has instead been contributing from Week 1, and in the tilt in Week 8 against the Browns he had 10 total tackles (TT), four of which were solos. He also kicked in with some big play value, notching a sack, forcing a fumble (FF) and picking up a pair of QB hits/hurries (QH). This week’s matchup is a good one, facing the Ravens, albeit on the road.

Jack Sanborn, Chicago Bears

There is a chance that Tremaine Edmunds knee injury will limit his time on the field again in Week 9, and that affords Sanborn an opportunity to rack up some significant tackle production. He had eight TT in Week 8 (seven solo). His value is only in tackle-oriented formats, though, as he offers little in the way of big play potential.

David Mayo, Washington Commanders

Mayo was used on the defensive side of the field in 87% of the snaps in Week 8, and that led to a team-leading nine TT (six solo). Cody Barton is likely to miss multiple games, and thus Mayo will be seeing the majority of snaps on defense in the middle LB slot. Washington’s recent housecleaning at the trade deadline is likely to keep the defense seeing significant time on the field, which should result in big tackle numbers for Mayo over the next few weeks.

Nakobe Dean, Philadelphia Eagles

None of the Eagle linebackers is seeing every-down time on the field, but Dean is making the most of his playing time (PT) opportunities, racking up 12 TT in Week 8 (11 solo), and two of those wrap-ups were for loss of yards (TFL). If his production stays consistent, he could become three-down LB and that will increase his value considerably. Be advised that he is on bye next week, but then has a pair of great matchups on the schedule.

Leo Chenal, Kansas City Chiefs

Another LB getting an opportunity to shine due to injury, here to Willie Gay, Jr. He contributed in limited PT with double digit tackles (10 TT, six solo, two TFL) while only seeing action on 69% of the defensive plays. He also was active in the big-play realm, with a sack and a QH.

Defensive Linemen

Jaelan Phillips, DE Miami Dolphins

His downside is missing time on the field due to injury, but when active, he is a valuable IDP to plug in. In Week 8 against the visiting Patriot offense, he had eight TT (seven solo, one TFL), to go with his sack and QH. When he is able to play, he produces. The key is determine his injury status before inserting him in your lineup, and then hope he stays healthy during the course of the game.

Jermaine Johnson, DE New York Jets

The 2022 first round draft selection is developing into a defensive force, coming off a two sack effort against the Giants (not the stoutest of opponents, granted). He also had six TT (three solo, two TFL) and four (!) QH. His pass rushing skills continue to develop in his second year of action, and now leads the Jets with four sacks on the season. He will be looking to add to that total on Monday night against the visiting Chargers.

Baron Browning, DE Denver Broncos

Browning is coming back from injury and ramping up his time on the field, playing similar snap counts to Jonathan Cooper and Nik Bonitto. He collected four solo tackles in Week 8 against the Chiefs in a victory (two TFL). He was also credited with a pair of sacks and three QH. A FF was a nice bit of icing on the cake. 

Jeffery Simmons, DT Tennessee Titans

Another DL producing a pair of sacks in Week 8, the DT also added six solo tackles (two TFL) and a FF with two QH. A DT that produces on both the tackle and big-play fronts is extraordinarily valuable, especially in those leagues that mandate a DT positing be filled weekly.

Defensive Backs

Reed Blankenship, S Philadelphia Eagles

The addition of Kevin Byard via trade to step in at free safety will allow Blankenship to step up his attack against opposing offenses. He is coming off an eight TT effort (seven solo) where he also picked off a pass (INT) and defensed another pass (PD). 

Tony Adams, S New York Jets

The Giants were hamstrung on offense with limited QB play, but Adams still racked up double-digit tackles (seven solo, one TFL) while playing every snap on defense. Given what he was able to provide against the Giants, a so-so matchup for safeties on the season, he should continue to be of use even with an upcoming slew of middle of the road matchups.

Keanu Neal, S Pittsburgh Steelers

Neal was pressed into action when Minkah Fitzpatrick left with a hamstring injury, and responded with seven TT (seven solo) while also recovering a fumble (FR). He figures to be the starter this week with Fitzpatrick on the Injury Report as inactive in Week 9. This week’s matchup (and next week, too) is not superior, but Week 11 against the Browns looks tasty. Maybe consider using him while he is a full-time DB this week, then keep an eye on him down the road based on opponent and opportunity.

DaRon Bland, CB Dallas Cowboys

The second-year CB is demonstrating an ability to track the football, with four INT on the season in seven games. He has also returned three of those picks for TDs, including one in Week 8. He also contributed two PDs and seven TT (six solo) against the visiting Rams. He has three great contests on the schedule coming up, in terms of points allowed to corners. Grab him while he is available in most leagues (owned in 17% of Yahoo leagues, only 12.6% on ESPN currently).

Fantasy Football IDP Risers - Escalator Going Down

Linebackers

Henry To’oto’o, Houston Texans

His PT is being reduced with a concurring diminishing worth on the fantasy production front. He had just three TT in Week 8 (one solo) and was on the field for less than 505 of the defensive snaps played against the host Panthers. Time to cut him loose until his role in the defensive scheme returns to previous levels.

Defensive Linemen

Deatrich Wise Jr., DE New England Patriots

Wise seems to have given up his starting spot to rookie Keion White based on his usage in Week 8. He is coming off a one assisted tackle effort, as well, making him a fine candidate to toss back into the free agent pool.

Defensive Backs

Isaiah Simmons, S New York Giants

Another IDP who is being relegated to part-time PT. He managed to put up just one PD on 38% of the snaps last week, and so long as that is his role on defense, a part-timer, he is not worthy of a roster position on your IDP squad.

 

NFL Week 9 Matchups to Exploit

Remember, the first team listed is the one to use your IDPs against. Do not go crazy, and play a LB5 against the Colts or Ravens, but certainly you will do well if you own a top LB or DL playing for the Cardinals on their visit to Cleveland or a safety on either side of the Miami Dolphin/Kansas City Chiefs matchup that you can plug in this week, for the most part.

Linebackers

Cleveland Browns vs Arizona

Indianapolis Colts @ Carolina

Baltimore Ravens vs Seattle

Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas

Kansas City Chiefs vs Miami

Defensive Ends

New York Giants @ Las Vegas

Washington Commanders @ New England

Cleveland Browns vs Arizona

Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota

Defensive Tackles 

Cleveland Browns vs Arizona

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia

Washington Commanders @ New England

Indianapolis Colts @ Carolina

New York Jets vs Los Angeles Chargers

Safeties

Miami Dolphins @ Kansas City

Cleveland Browns vs Arizona

Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas

Minnesota Vikings @ Atlanta

Kansas City Chiefs vs Miami 

Cornerbacks

Los Angeles Chargers @ New York Jets

New York Giants @ Las Vegas

Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay

Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas

Miami Dolphins @ Kansas City

 

Waiver Wire Targets

This section is intended to serve as a shortened cheat sheet listing those waiver wire targets you should be considering if you need to plug a hole in your starting lineup. All these players are spotlighted above, and you can read my comments about them in the "Elevator Going Up" section of this article. This group consists of those that you may have a chance of locating on your league's waiver wire in that they are owned in significantly less than 50% of leagues. Happy claiming for your weekly matchups.

Linebackers

Jordyn Brooks Seattle Seahawks

Jack Sanborn Chicago Bears

David Mayo Washington Commanders

Nakobe Dean Philadelphia Eagles

Leo Chenal Kansas City Chiefs

Defensive Linemen

Jaelan Phillips DE Miami Dolphins

Jermaine Johnson DE New York Jets

Baron Browning DE Denver Broncos

Jeffery Simmons DT Tennessee Titans

Defensive Backs

Reed Blankenship S Philadelphia Eagles

Tony Adams S New York Jets

Keanu Neal S Pittsburgh Steelers

DaRon Bland CB Dallas Cowboys

 

Week 8 IDP Injuries - Ouch (My Aching Roster)

All the injury reports below need evaluation prior to kickoff.  Teams are notoriously sketchy about injury reports, and we often do not know a player's status until just before game time. Consider the list below as a "heads up" as to what is going on early in the week, and should not be considered definitive.

Linebackers

Krys Barnes Arizona Cardinals hamstring

Tae Davis Atlanta Falcons concussion

Malik Hamm Baltimore Ravens ankle IR

Tyus Bowser Baltimore Ravens knee NFI-R

David Ojabo Baltimore Ravens ankle IR

Baylon Spector Buffalo Bills hamstring

Claudin Cherelus Carolina Panthers knee

Frankie Luvu Carolina Panthers hip

Brian Burns Carolina Panthers elbow

Chandler Wooten Carolina Panthers hamstring

Marquis Haynes Carolina Panthers back IR

Justin Houston Carolina Panthers hamstring

Tremaine Edmunds Chicago Bears knee

Akeem Davis-Gaither Cincinnati Bengals knee

Jordan Kunaszyk Cleveland Browns knee-MCL IR

Zaire Franklin Indianapolis Colts knee

Willie Gay, Jr. Kansas City Chiefs lower back

Nick Bolton Kansas City Chiefs wrist IR

Divine Deablo Las Vegas Raiders ankle

Luke Masterson Las Vegas Raiders concussion

Kana’I Mauga Las Vegas Raiders knee IR

Brian Asamoah Minnesota Vikings ankle

Josh Uche New England Patriots foot

Ja’Whaun Bentley New England Patriots hamstring

Dre Greenlaw San Francisco 49ers shoulder

Uchenna Nwosu Seattle Seahawks pectoral IR

Drew White Washington Commanders knee PUP

Cody Barton Washington Commanders ankle IR

Defensive Linemen

DE

Carlos Watkins Arizona Cardinals biceps IR

L.J. Collier Arizona Cardinals biceps IR

LaCale London Atlanta Falcons knee

Za’Darius Smith Cleveland Browns undisclosed

Alex Wright Cleveland Browns knee

Dean Lowry Minnesota Vikings groin

Payton Turner New Orleans Saints toe IR

Robert Beal, Jr. San Francisco 49ers hamstring IR

Logan Hall Tampa Bay Buccaneers groin

DT

Kevin Strong Arizona Cardinals shoulder

Grady Jarrett Atlanta Falcons knee-ACL IR

Sheldon Rankins Houston Texans knee

Eric Johnson Indianapolis Colts ankle

Otito Ogvonnia Los Angeles Chargers kneecap PUP

Daniel Ekuale New England Patriots biceps IR

Al Woods New York Jets Achilles IR

Jalen Carter Philadelphia Eagles back

Cameron Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers groin IR

Austin Faoliu Seattle Seahawks knee PUP

Bryan Mone Seattle Seahawks knee-ACL PUP

Vita Vea Tampa Bay Buccaneers groin

Defensive Backs

S

Marcus Williams Baltimore Ravens hamstring

Ar’Darius Washington Baltimore Ravens chest IR

Damar Hamlin Buffalo Bills illness

Vonn Bell Carolina Panthers quadriceps

Jaquan Brisker Chicago Bears concussion

Terell Smith Chicago Bears illness

Josh Blackwell Chicago Bears hamstring IR

K’Waun Williams Denver Broncos ankle IR

C.J. Gardner-Johnson Detroit Lions pectoral IR

Khalil Dorsey Detroit Lions knee

Andre Cisco Jacksonville Jaguars hamstring

Daniel Thomas Jacksonville Jaguars hamstring

Brandon Facyson Las Vegas Raiders shin IR

Jason Taylor II Los Angeles Rams groin IR

Jevon Holland Miami Dolphins concussion

 Brandon Jones Miami Dolphins concussion

Levi Wallace Pittsburgh Steelers foot

Minkah Fitzpatrick Pittsburgh Steelers hamstring

Kaevon Merriweather Tampa Bay Buccaneers ankle

Mike Brown Tennessee Titans ankle IR

CB

Darly Worley Baltimore Ravens shoulder IR

Trayvon Mullen Baltimore Ravens toe NFI-R

Damarion Williams Baltimore Ravens ankle IR

Kaiir Elam Buffalo Bills ankle

Troy Hill Carolina Panthers illness

Jaycee Horn Carolina Panthers hamstring IR

Greg Newsome II Cleveland Browns groin

Julius Brents Indianapolis Colts quadriceps

Tyson Campbell Jacksonville Jaguars hamstring

Gregory Junior Jacksonville Jaguars hamstring IR

Xavien Howard Miami Dolphins groin

Marcus Jones New England Patriots shoulder IR

Aaron Robinson New York Giants knee-ACL/MCL PUP

Bradley Roby Philadelphia Eagles shoulder

Avonte Maddox Philadelphia Eagles pectoral IR

Samuel Womack San Francisco 49ers knee IR

Darrell Luker, Jr. San Francisco 49ers knee PUP

Roger McCreary Tennessee Titans hamstring

Caleb Farley Tennessee Titans back PUP

As ever, good luck and Godspeed in your fantasy efforts. Make sure to read all of our great articles to help you win your fantasy match ups every week and ultimately bask in championship glory. If you have any fantasy football questions, especially about IDP leagues, you can also send a message to ia@fantasyalarm.com for a personal response from the writer of this article. Naturally, the more detail you can send about your league, such as number of teams, platform you play in (Yahoo, ESPN, etc.), scoring and roster system, the better the ability to provide accurate advice.