Week 8 was full of blowouts and several sacks. In fact only four teams didn’t record a sack last week. The Buffalo Bills had seven defensive lineman record a sack against the Carolina Panthers, which is rare. Myles Garrett recorded 5 sacks in a blowout loss, which is beyond remarkable. Even on a large bye week there were 15 forced fumbles. Let’s take a look back at some names mentioned in last week’s IDP Report.

Weekly Grade: A- These three cleared well over the double-digit mark, and two delivered on the big play. Sweat had an excellent game despite the Bears losing by over ten points. The most combined tackles and a sack. Jonathan Allen delivered on Thursday night with a sack and five tackles. Marcus Jones provided 2 passes defended, 1 tackle for loss in addition to 6 combined tackles. 

These IDPs delivered when called upon in week 8. Thus the grade is A- for an exceptional week, one more pass defended or a turnover by Jones would have pushed this to an A or A+.

The Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on bye this week. Get players from those teams out of your lineup. 

Fantasy Football IDP Risers Week 9

Anthony Nelson is a linebacker/edge player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is a 6’ 7” 241 pound veteran that few have heard of. He’s played his entire career with the Buccaneers, and was a part of the Super Bowl winning team. It’s the here and now that matters for fantasy football, particularly IDP leagues.

With Haason Reddick going down, Nelson has shouldered the responsibility. He has recorded a sack in back to back-to-back weeks and his snap count has gone up. Look for another big performance in week 9. Pick up and stash this IDP in leagues with deeper benches.

Chase Young is a defensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints. He is a popular name, as the former second overall pick in the 2020 draft. A year in which he was awarded the Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. Injuries derailed his career, but he has been productive for the New Orleans Saints.

Since returning in week 6 he has played 35 or more snaps. Last week he earned the IDP trifecta. A sack, strip, fumble recovery against Baker Mayfield. He has recorded 0.5 or more sacks in back-to-back games and will continue to be a force for New Orleans. Keep an eye on this IDP riser for week 9 and beyond.

Quan Martin is a defensive back for the Washington Commanders. Martin has steady production throughout most of the season, but is going unnoticed. He has 54 tackles this season, including 14 last night against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Most free safeties do not score consistently as he does. He is the rare tackling machine who can play the deep third of the field as well. The Commanders offense will continue to have issues, which will give Martin more snaps. Keep an eye on this IDP week 9 riser who could become a weekly starter.

Fantasy Football Week 9 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Gervon Dexter, Defensive Lineman, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have an excellent defensive line that is producing fantasy football points across the line. Gervon Dexter is a great pick up for anyone who might have Myles Garrett on a bye. The Chicago Bears play the Cincinnati Bengals who have allowed several sacks, and pass often.

Dexter logged 5 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit, and 1.0 sack last week. Week 9 presents an opportunity to play against arguably the least mobile quarterback in the NFL. Joe Flacco. Fantasy football managers with low FAAB should target Dexter. He’s probably free or $1.00. Pick him up and insert him into the fantasy football week 9 lineup.

Khalil Mack, Defensive Lineman/Linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers

The veteran has returned, and is impacting the game for the Los Angeles Chargers. He has a sack in three consecutive games, but is sack dependent for fantasy football points. The good news is the Chargers play the Tennessee Titans in week 9, and a sack is almost guaranteed.

Khalil Mack will be playing against a rookie quarterback that is raw and in the middle of a rough learning process. Mack and the Chargers are in a three team race for the AFC West. They must win matches they are expected to win, and Mack will contribute with a big play in week 9. Pick up this IDP and put him in the lineup.

Riley Moss, Defensive Back, Denver Broncos

Pat Surtain exited the game last week against the Dallas Cowboys. In what appeared to be a flawless game, the loss of Surtain is expected to be severe. It is being labeled a pectoral strain, and there are grumblings about him being placed on IR. That is a major setback for the Denver Broncos defense, but a great fantasy football opportunity for others.

Riley Moss was already the starting cornerback opposite Surtain, but he will be asked to shoulder more responsibility. Including playing against the opposing teams best WR. He has recorded five or more combined tackles in three of the last four weeks. He will have opportunities for pass deflections and interceptions as more passes are almost guaranteed to happen. Pick up Moss if in need of a defensive back from one of the four teams on bye.

NFL Week 9 IDP Matchups To Capitalize On

Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins Thursday 8:15 PM ET

It’s not often that a bonafide stud gets mentioned in the IDP Report. However, this week Roquan Smith is. Not only to keep taking advantage of Thursday night football, but because he is available in more leagues then he should be. Roquan should be rostered in every IDP fantasy football league.

Smith was injured for two weeks, and on bye for a third. Including the week he was injured it had been almost a month of inactivity before Sunday’s victory over the Chicago Bears. He could have been dropped in leagues which do not require several IDPs or do not have IR spots. Or the heart breaking action of being left on the bench last week.

He is going to have a great night against the Miami Dolphins and their short pass offense. A dozen tackles are on the horizon, pick him up or start him with confidence.

Carolina Panthers vs Green Bay Packers Sunday 1:00 PM ET

The Carolina Panthers allowed 7 sacks against the Buffalo Bills, and are playing one of the best defenses in the league in week 9. The Green Bay Packers. Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary are must starts, but are owned in most IDP leagues. For those in need, look for defensive tackle, DeVonte Wyatt. 

Wyatt is even more valuable in leagues which require a true defensive tackle, but has value as a defensive lineman. He can work the interior of the offensive line which can not pass protect. Andy Dalton is expected to start once again, and the Packers defensive line should have a feast. Save the FAAB budget, and pick up Wyatt for free on the week 9 waiver wire.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Las Vegas Raiders Sunday 1:00 PM ET

Montaric Brown is a cornerback, and cornerbacks rarely get mentioned in the IDP report. The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off of their bye week and play against the Las Vegas Raiders week 9. Geno Smith has not looked sharp, and Brown has a great opportunity for a big play. He only has one career interception, but 15 passes defended. Including three this season. Brown has recorded three or more tackles in the Jaguars last three matches too.

Jacksonville is 4 - 3 but not currently in the AFC playoff picture. They must keep playing well, and the secondary will have their best opportunity to make an impact on the score. Brown is available in most leagues due to being on the bye last week. Pick him up and play him for a one week spot start.