Week 6 IDP Rankings: All Defense Positions

Fantasy football IDP rankings and IDP streamers for Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. Chris's IDP fantasy start 'em, sit 'em picks for individual defensive players.

The release of Germaine Pratt this week was an interesting one, as the former Bengal was coming off the best statistical season of his career and was an early favorite to replace Robert Spillane at the heart of Las Vegas' defense. This was particularly interesting since Devin White was the one to force Pratt out after White became a journeyman who frustrated past coaches.

Pratt’s exodus is largely noteworthy because it reminds us that fantasy defenders can experience major swings in value quickly and for unexpected reasons. Rarely do we see offensive weapons get signed for a key role, lose that role immediately, then get cut. Even more rarely do we see offensive weapons get picked up and immediately contribute elsewhere, but defenders do.

A fine example of this roller coaster is Tyrel Dodson, currently fantasy's LB7 overall. Remember that Dodson was a sleeper last year until Seattle dumped him midseason, and he lost all value. Then, his value recovered when Miami picked him up. Then, it dropped again when it benched him. Then, it spiked again this year. In other words, defenders often have nine lives in fantasy.

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IDP Scoring System for Rankings

Note: These rankings are also based on leagues that start one player at each defensive position (DL, LB, DB) and two DFLEX.

• 6 points per Defensive Touchdown
• 4 points per Forced Turnover (FF/INT)
• 3 points per Sack
• 2 points per PD, FR, Safety
• 1 point Solo Tackle
• 0.5 points Assisted Tackle

Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week

DL Riser of the Week

Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers

The 40th-most-rostered DL in fantasy, Gary is vastly outperforming his roster rate. The presence of Micah Parsons has helped Gary face more one-on-one matchups, leading to his current DL11 overall ranking in fantasy points per game. Gary also has a strong matchup on paper this week.

The Bengals allow the fourth-most quarterback pressures per game, and they just traded for one of the least mobile passers in the NFL. Reports indicate that Cincinnati plans to start Joe Flacco this week, with less than one week of practice in its offense. That should only exacerbate his sack rate, currently the 12^th worst in the NFL this year.

DL Disappointment of the Week

Quinnen Williams, New York Jets

The 23rd-most-rostered DL in fantasy, Williams is actually held in more leagues than Nik Bonitto and Rashan Gary. Bonitto, in particular, should be rostered in more leagues than Williams, but that is not the only reason to ground this Jet in Week 6.

Gang Green faces a strong Broncos front this week. Denver ranks first in pass-blocking grade, first in pressures allowed, and has allowed the second-fewest sacks per game this year. Better yet, Denver has allowed just one total sack from interior pass-rushers this season. That data does not offer a positive outlook for Williams this week.

Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week

LB Riser of the Week

Nakobe Dean, Philadelphia Eagles

Dean has not yet been activated for games, nor is he an automatic starter in most lineups once he is. The play of Jihaad Campbell and Zack Baun could relegate Dean to base downs work only early in his return, if not permanently. That possibility, plus the risk his injury could hinder his mobility, are both concerns.

With that said, Dean has been listed as a full practice participant for the first time this year. That is major progress for a linebacker who finished as fantasy’s LB9 overall in points per game. Dean has annually made our IDP sleepers list and proved why last year, so his return to full practice means he is a major riser and a player worth monitoring.

LB Disappointment of the Week

Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears

Edmunds is not necessarily a faller for us, as we have kept him in our LB3/LB4 range all season long. However, his production this season has been that of a true LB1. The former Bill is currently first at his position in fantasy points per game, and he is currently on pace to finish with 170 total tackles … which would be 49 more than his career high.

We name Edmunds as a faller not because we do not believe in his talent, but simply to discourage fantasy managers from chasing him on waivers as if his current pace is likely to sustain. Remember that Edmunds has been thriving without T.J. Edwards on the field, but Edwards is back to practicing and should eat into Edmunds’ tackle totals soon.

For those using Edmunds as a weekly LB3 or counting on him as an LB2 streamer this week, stay the course. He has a solid matchup on tap with the Commanders, and Edwards may be a week away from returning. However, no one should add Edmunds expecting that he will remain LB1 in PPG for much longer.

Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week

DB Riser of the Week

Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks

Emmanwori made both our Deep Streamers and our Players to Stash lists last week, and for good reason. The former Gamecock is a long, fast, instinctive tackler who fits the Kyle Hamilton role in Mike Macdonald’s scheme. The second-round pick was drafted to be an immediate starter, and injuries are all that kept him from that role.

In his first snaps since being injured in Week 1, Emmanwori got the start and a 63% snap share. His usage was likely limited to acclimate him from injury, but you should expect that total to rise quickly. The rookie is available in 98% of leagues and is a strong hybrid safety capable of recording eight tackles in any game, so the needle is pointing up.

DB Disappointment of the Week

Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons

Historically, Bates has been highly dependent on interceptions and pass deflections for his fantasy production. While he has totaled triple-digit tackles in each of his past two seasons, turnovers and PDs still made up 42% of his fantasy production last year. So, any matchup that offers low passing or turnover potential is worrisome for him.

The Bills are attempting the 20th-most pass attempts per game this season, while their offense averages a mere 0.8 turnovers per game. Worse, Josh Allen's turnover-worthy play rate is just 1.5%, which is fifth-lowest amongst starting quarterbacks this year. In other words, this is a risky matchup for the oft-used Bates.

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