Welcome to the electrifying debut of ‘Ballers and Fallers’—your weekly ticket to the wild rollercoaster of IDP performances. Get ready to ride the highs and lows as we shine the spotlight on the standout stars and the not-so-shining disappointments at every IDP position. This insider’s guide, combined with our expert waiver wire picks, will help you conquer your IDP league. So, fasten your seatbelts, because we’re about to plunge headfirst into the exhilarating world of defensive fantasy football.
BALLERS
Jarran Reed, DL SEA: Reed’s ascent among DLs has been nothing short of impressive. Currently holding the 17th spot after three weeks, he defied expectations in week 3 when experts didn’t even place him within the top 50 at his position. Surging to the 5th position, Reed is making a significant impact. Throughout the season, he’s tallied 13 tackles, including 1 for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended. What’s remarkable is his consistent presence on the field, accounting for over 53% of defensive snaps across three games. Reed’s performance is undoubtedly turning heads in the DL category.
Kenneth Murray, LB LAC: Murray has emerged as a rising star in the linebacker position. Despite not being ranked among LBs, he shattered expectations by finishing as the 5th-ranked LB in week 3. His season statistics speak volumes with 22 tackles, including 3 for loss, 1 interception, 1 sack, and 1 pass defended. What’s particularly noteworthy is his consistent presence on the field, playing 100% of the snaps in the past two weeks. In week 3, he led the team with nine tackles, showcasing his ability to make a significant impact on the game. Murray is undoubtedly a player to watch as he continues to shine in the LB role.
Alontae Taylor, DB NO: Taylor has been making waves in the fantasy football world. Currently occupying the 6th spot among DBs this season, he’s been a consistent performer. Across three games, Taylor has recorded 14 tackles and 1 sack. What sets him apart is his remarkable field presence, with an impressive 98% and 100% snap participation in the past two weeks. In week 3, Taylor’s stellar performance propelled him to the 2nd-ranked DB, solidifying his status as a rising star in the IDP realm.
FALLERS
Haason Reddick, DL PHI: Reddick’s 16 sacks from the previous season seem like a distant memory as he has yet to record a single sack this season. His performance has been lackluster, with only 1 assisted tackle across three games. Despite his significant playing time, accounting for over 66% of snaps in the first three games, he currently ranks as the 277th DL and has accumulated a meager 2 fantasy points this season, making him a notable faller in the IDP landscape.
Shaquille Leonard, LB IND: Leonard’s performance this season doesn’t align with the high expectations set for him. Despite being ranked much higher, he currently sits at the 61st spot among LBs. In week 3, he was projected to finish as the 24th-ranked LB but ended up in the 50th spot. While his 19 combined tackles with 1 for loss are respectable, they fall short of the lofty expectations some analysts have set for him, earning him the ‘faller’ label in the IDP landscape.
Jaquan Brisker, DB CHI: Brisker’s impressive performance in 2022, where he notched 104 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception across 15 games, set a high standard. However, in 2023, he’s recorded a total of 19 tackles, which, while not significantly below his average per game, doesn’t align with his current rankings. In week 3, he was ranked as the 4th DB but didn’t even make the top 50. His performance falls short of his current rankings, placing him as the 74th DB in IDP fantasy football.
