Week 18 IDP Rankings for Fantasy Football (2025) - Defense Positional Rankings for LB, DL, DB

December 31, 2025

Fantasy football IDP rankings and IDP streamers for Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season. Chris's IDP fantasy start 'em, sit 'em picks for individual defensive players.

We are now entering Week 18, the final week before the NFL’s playoffs begin. As we have stated before, this is the time when many NFL teams begin resting players. Teams that have their playoff seeds locked up will often sit their players entirely or have them play just a single series to “keep fresh,” while long-eliminated teams will sit their best players in pursuit of a draft pick.

In fact, the Raiders are pursuing that draft pick in a manner rarely seen. Their decision to sit Maxx Crosby reportedly led the former All-Pro to leave the building in disagreement. At the same time, they also shut down Brock Bowers and several younger players who need experience, regardless of whether the game’s results matter (i.e., Jack Bech).

With that in mind, the format for our Risers and Fallers will be a bit different this week. Our Fallers will focus on insecure playing time more than usual, with an eye on players who may “start” but only play a drive or two before resting. Meanwhile, our Risers will feature players or units who have a clear incentive or desire to win for playoff seeding or for their coaches.

IDP Scoring System for Rankings:

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

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

Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week

DL Riser of the Week:

Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, Denver Broncos

The Chargers are an elite fantasy matchup for pass rushers, grading second-worst in pass blocking and pressures surrendered this year. They also give up the fourth most sacks per game. Factor in the fact that they are now sitting their cool-headed quarterback, and the potential for sacks is high on Denver’s defense.

To make matters even better, the Broncos can secure the AFC’s top seed with a win, assuring a first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage. That should give them plenty of incentive to play their starters until this game is assured. Los Angeles also has playoff seeding on the line, but their “resting” of Justin Herbert could suggest they don’t care that much about seeds.

While few people need to be told to start Bonitto every week, he is the 15th-most rostered DL in fantasy, and that means he is available in some shallow leagues. That could be particularly true if your league is playing in Week 18. Plus, Cooper is widely available and another player whose value is elevated by the playoff/rest factors of Week 18.

DL Fade of the Week:

Byron Young and Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams

Whether you bench your Rams defenders should depend on what happens in the Seahawks vs. 49ers game on Saturday. The Rams want the fifth seed in the playoffs because it means they get an advantageous matchup against the NFC South champion. That five-seed will be lost if the 49ers win on Sunday, making this Sunday meaningless and removing the incentive to play starters

If San Fran wins, do not be surprised if Sean McVay fields his starters for two or three drives before benching them. He has historically protected his players in such situations, and a 49ers victory would lock the Rams into their seed. That means that there is a real risk Rams players will be listed as “starting” but only give you a few opportunities for fantasy points.

Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week

LB Riser of the Week:

Tatum Bethune, San Francisco 49ers

Available in 87% of IDP leagues as of this writing, Bethune is just the 35th-most rostered LB in fantasy. Some of that is due to his recent injuries and many teams being eliminated from their fantasy playoffs. Still, the fact remains he is a readily available option for those with a linebacker need and something to play for in Week 18.

The 49ers have a lot on the line this week, with the top seed in the NFC at stake against their division rivals. That means that all 49ers should be available and likely to play a full game. This contest projects to be close, heavily contested, and involve a lot of run plays, too. Plus, Bethune has a whopping 80 tackles in his past seven healthy games.

LB Fade of the Week:

Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker, Green Bay Packers

The Packers have nothing to play for this week, as their playoff seed is entirely dependent on others. Whether they win or lose, the Packers will not change their playoff fortunes. Worse, Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur has openly bemoaned injuries they suffered in Week 18 of last season, when the team had secured a playoff appearance but was jockeying for positioning.

With their history of injuries in seemingly meaningless games, and the only value of the contest being “keeping players fresh,” it is difficult to trust Packers starters this week. While Cooper and Walker could start and play all game, they could also play one series and then ride the pine.

Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week

DB Riser of the Week:

Dane Belton and Paulson Adebo, New York Giants

If there were any doubts about whether the Giants plan to play out their schedule and fight for every meaningless win, it was erased when they sacrificed the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft by beating the Raiders. The time for them to rest starters and try to lose was in Week 17, not now.

With few questions about the playing time of New York’s starters, as they try to build the resume of interim Head Coach Mike Kafka, Belton’s stock continues to rise. Fellow safeties Tyler Nubin and Jevon Holland are on IR, opening the door for Belton to play 100% of the snaps against a high-volume Cowboys offense.

DB Fade of the Week:

Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

As we mentioned earlier, the Chargers do have playoff seeding to play for this week. Defeating the Broncos would not only ensure their division rival would not secure the top seed, but it would also allow L.A. to play the Steelers or Ravens in the Wild Card round instead of a streaking Jaguars team.

With that said, the Chargers' decision to pull Herbert from their lineup suggests other gimpy veterans could join him. James has a history of injuries, and he has played through ailments all season. So, the vet could be a prime candidate to sit this game out, at least in part. Given that he is the sixth most used DB in fantasy, that could mean trouble for several championship squads.

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