RADIO
For those not paying close attention, you should be prepared for a pass rush influx to hit IDP lineups this week. In Week 9, our top-four fantasy DLs were out due to byes and injuries. All four are projected to be back this week. In addition, former phenom Chase Young is optimistic about his return this week. That offers a lot of upside and talent to people who have been hurting at a relatively thin position.
Micah Parsons, Nick Bosa, and Myles Garrett's returns are a welcome reprieve from a short hiatus. Last week, numerous IDP managers had to stomach shelving a bye-week defender on their thin benches just so they didn't lose out on an elite sack artist, and those who held them will be rewarded. However, remember each player was dropped in a number of leagues due to roster constraints this past weekend. If they are out there, grab them now.
The bigger return news is that of T.J. Watt and Young, though. Neither is ranked where we would usually have them, and that’s largely due to questions about playing time in their first games back. We won’t blame people who leave Young on benches for a week, but Watt has to start immediately. Anticipate Watt returning as our DL1 overall once he’s proven his health, and Young should be a DL2 in the same scenario... with that, let’s get to our weekly rankings!
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Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Micah Parsons | Cowboys | Packers |
| 2 | T.J. Watt (Q) | Steelers | Saints |
| 3 | Nick Bosa | 49ers | Chargers |
| 4 | Myles Garrett | Browns | Dolphins |
| 5 | Aaron Donald | Rams | Cardinals |
| 6 | Maxx Crosby | Raiders | Colts |
| 7 | Khalil Mack | Chargers | 49ers |
| 8 | Danielle Hunter | Vikings | Bills |
| 9 | Brian Burns | Panthers | Falcons |
| 10 | Bradley Chubb | Dolphins | Browns |
| 11 | Za’Darius Smith | Vikings | Bills |
| 12 | Montez Sweat | Commanders | Eagles |
| 13 | Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | Bears |
| 14 | Cameron Jordan | Saints | Steelers |
| 15 | Javon Hargrave | Eagles | Commanders |
| 16 | Von Miller | Bills | Vikings |
| 17 | J.J. Watt | Cardinals | Rams |
| 18 | Demarcus Lawrence | Cowboys | Packers |
| 19 | Uchenna Nwosu | Seahawks | Buccaneers |
| 20 | Cameron Heyward | Steelers | Saints |
| 21 | Kwity Paye | Colts | Raiders |
| 22 | Josh Allen | Jaguars | Chiefs |
| 23 | Jaelan Phillips | Dolphins | Browns |
| 24 | Jerry Hughes | Texans | Giants |
| 25 | Baron Browning (Q) | Broncos | Titans |
| 26 | Haason Reddick | Eagles | Commanders |
| 27 | Denico Autry | Titans | Broncos |
| 28 | Dre’Mont Jones | Broncos | Titans |
| 29 | Vita Vea | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
| 30 | Joe Tryon-Shoyinka | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
| 31 | Jeffery Simmons | Titans | Broncos |
| 32 | Derrick Brown (Q) | Panthers | Falcons |
| 33 | Deforest Buckner | Colts | Raiders |
| 34 | Chase Young (Q) | Commanders | Eagles |
| 35 | Rashad Weaver (Q) | Titans | Broncos |
| 36 | Nik Bonitto | Broncos | Titans |
| 37 | Daron Payne | Commanders | Eagles |
| 38 | Markus Golden | Cardinals | Rams |
| 39 | Jonathan Allen | Commanders | Eagles |
| 40 | Dorance Armstrong | Cowboys | Packers |
| 41 | Yannick Ngakoue | Colts | Raiders |
| 42 | Grady Jarrett | Falcons | Panthers |
| 43 | Samson Ebukam | 49ers | Chargers |
| 44 | Zach Allen | Cardinals | Rams |
| 45 | Robert Quinn | Eagles | Commanders |
| 46 | Chris Jones | Chiefs | Jaguars |
| 47 | Leonard Floyd | Rams | Cardinals |
| 48 | Preston Smith | Packers | Cowboys |
| 49 | Travon Walker | Jaguars | Chiefs |
| 50 | Kenny Clark | Packers | Cowboys |
DL Gamble(s) of the Week: Nik Bonitto, DL/LB, Denver Broncos… if Ryan Tannehill Starts for Tennessee
We almost went with Chase Young in this spot, given the gamble most will make if he even plays this week. Bonitto was just too attractive an option to ignore, though. We’ve told you how high we are on the former Sooner for months, and now he could be in line for increased playing time with Bradley Chubb gone.
What’s better for Bonitto is his potential matchup this week. The Titans have the second-worst Adjusted Sack Rate in the NFL this year and have given up the league median in sacks (20) despite being the third run-heaviest team in the NFL and taking zero sacks in two games with Malik Willis under center. When Ryan Tannehill is the starter, the Titans' sack rate is in the top third of the NFL. We are firing Bonitto up as a DL3 if Tannehill plays.
DL Fold(s) of the Week: All Broncos Pass Rushers if Malik Willis Starts for Tennessee
We are high on the Broncos’ pass rushers this week because we are projecting Tannehill to start. Tannehill averages nearly double the pass attempts that Malik Willis does as the Titans’ starter. He also takes pressure at a higher rate.
However, if Malik Willis remains the starter this week, we will change our tune on all Broncos edge rushers. Willis is averaging 13 pass attempts per game as a starter while taking zero sacks, even when playing an elite offense like the Chiefs. If Willis is the starter, only the Broncos' primary tacklers (Josey Jewell) are IDP options in most formats.
Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Zaire Franklin | Colts | Raiders |
| 2 | Foyesade Olukun | Jaguars | Chiefs |
| 3 | Jordyn Brooks | Seahawks | Buccaneers |
| 4 | Drue Tranquill | Chargers | 49ers |
| 5 | T.J. Edwards | Eagles | Commanders |
| 6 | Josey Jewell | Broncos | Titans |
| 7 | Devin Lloyd | Jaguars | Chiefs |
| 8 | Bobby Wagner | Rams | Cardinals |
| 9 | Rashaan Evans | Falcons | Panthers |
| 10 | Cole Holcomb | Commanders | Eagles |
| 11 | Devin White | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
| 12 | De’Vondre Campbell (Q) | Packers | Cowboys |
| 13 | Jordan Hicks | Vikings | Bills |
| 14 | Pete Werner | Saints | Steelers |
| 15 | Nick Bolton | Chiefs | Jaguars |
| 16 | Frankie Luvu | Panthers | Falcons |
| 17 | Mykal Walker | Falcons | Panthers |
| 18 | Demario Davis | Saints | Steelers |
| 19 | Denzel Perryman | Raiders | Colts |
| 20 | Eric Kendricks | Vikings | Bills |
| 21 | Myles Jack | Steelers | Saints |
| 22 | Micah Parsons | Cowboys | Packers |
| 23 | Shaquille Leonard | Colts | Raiders |
| 24 | Christian Kirksey | Texans | Giants |
| 25 | David Long Jr. | Titans | Broncos |
| 26 | Elandon Roberts | Dolphins | Browns |
| 27 | T.J. Watt (Q) | Steelers | Saints |
| 28 | Shaq Thompson | Panthers | Falcons |
| 29 | Fred Warner | 49ers | Chargers |
| 30 | Malcolm Rodriguez | Lions | Bears |
| 31 | Isaiah Simmons | Cardinals | Rams |
| 32 | Nicholas Morrow | Bears | Lions |
| 33 | Lavonte David | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
| 34 | Dre Greenlaw (Q) | 49ers | Chargers |
| 35 | Jerome Baker | Dolphins | Browns |
| 36 | Kyzir White | Chargers | 49ers |
| 37 | Zaven Collins | Cardinals | Rams |
| 38 | Tremaine Edmunds | Bills | Vikings |
| 39 | Jack Sanborn | Bears | Lions |
| 40 | Blake Martinez | Raiders | Colts |
| 41 | Quay Walker | Packers | Cowboys |
| 42 | Willie Gay Jr. | Chiefs | Jaguars |
| 43 | Matt Milano (Q) | Bills | Vikings |
| 44 | Alex Anzalone | Lions | Bears |
| 45 | Leighton Vander Esch | Cowboys | Packers |
| 46 | Derrick Barnes | Lions | Bears |
| 47 | Deion Jones | Browns | Dolphins |
| 48 | Jonas Griffith | Broncos | Titans |
| 49 | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Q) | Browns | Dolphins |
| 50 | Jamin Davis | Commanders | Eagles |
LB Gamble(s) of the Week: Jack Sanborn, Chicago Bears
Last week, I did a brief rundown of IDP winners from the NFL's trade deadline, and Sanborn was listed as one of the biggest. Beat writers anticipated he would be first in line to fill in for Roquan Smith, which proved true in Week 9. His playing time jumped from 22% of defensive snaps to 88%, and he notched seven solo tackles against a Dolphins team that averages the eighth-fewest rush attempts in the NFL.
There’s an argument that Sanborn could lose snaps to A.J. Klein once he’s more acclimated to Chicago. That’s a risk we will take with Sanborn, who is a sure tackler and has a decent matchup against the 13th-most run-heavy offense in the NFL this week. Detroit is an offense that sends plenty of targets across the middle as well. This week, we consider Sanborn a borderline LB3 option, though the unknowns are risky.
LB Fold(s) of the Week: Cody Barton, Seattle Seahawks
Barton started this offseason with plenty of hype as the guy to replace Bobby Wagner next to Jordyn Brooks in Seattle's scheme. Early on this year, he did just that. Barton played no fewer than 94% of the defensive snaps in his first three starts this season. His participation and production have waned since then, though.
Barton has played over 60% of Seattle's snaps in his past four games just once. During that span, he's averaged four total tackles per game while notching just one big play (a sack) and one pass deflection. To make matters worse, he now gets a Buccaneers offense that is the most pass-heavy unit in the league. There is potential for upside with Barton, given Tampa's short-area passing game, but the needle is pointing down on this former sleeper.
Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Derwin James | Chargers | 49ers |
| 2 | Jordan Poyer (Q) | Bills | Vikings |
| 3 | Jonathan Owens | Texans | Giants |
| 4 | Harrison Smith | Vikings | Bills |
| 5 | Talanoa Hufanga | 49ers | Chargers |
| 6 | Minkah Fitzpatrick (Q) | Steelers | Saints |
| 7 | Jalen Thompson | Cardinals | Rams |
| 8 | L’Jarius Sneed | Chiefs | Jaguars |
| 9 | Donovan Wilson | Cowboys | Packers |
| 10 | Eddie Jackson | Bears | Lions |
| 11 | Grant Delpit | Browns | Dolphins |
| 12 | DeShon Elliott | Lions | Bears |
| 13 | Julian Love | Giants | Texans |
| 14 | Ryan Neal | Seahawks | Buccaneers |
| 15 | Jaylinn Hawkins | Falcons | Panthers |
| 16 | Jevon Holland | Dolphins | Browns |
| 17 | Jaquan Brisker | Bears | Lions |
| 18 | Jalen Pitre | Texans | Giants |
| 19 | Richie Grant | Falcons | Panthers |
| 20 | Antoine Winfield Jr. (Q) | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
| 21 | Kevin Byard | Titans | Giants |
| 22 | Rayshawn Jenkins (Q) | Jaguars | Chiefs |
| 23 | Mike Edwards | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
| 24 | Justin Simmons | Broncos | Titans |
| 25 | Andre Cisco | Jaguars | Chiefs |
| 26 | Jayron Kearse | Cowboys | Packers |
| 27 | Marcus Maye | Saints | Steelers |
| 28 | Kerby Joseph (Q) | Lions | Bears |
| 29 | Jaire Alexander | Packers | Cowboys |
| 30 | Patrick Peterson | Vikings | Bills |
| 31 | Nick Scott | Rams | Cardinals |
| 32 | Tariq Woolen | Seahawks | Buccaneers |
| 33 | Kamren Curl | Commanders | Eagles |
| 34 | Jalen Ramsey | Rams | Cardinals |
| 35 | Kenny Moore II | Colts | Raiders |
| 36 | Roger McCreary | Titans | Broncos |
| 37 | A.J. Terrell (Q) | Falcons | Panthers |
| 38 | Tre’Davious White | Bills | Vikings |
| 39 | Damar Hamlin | Bills | Vikings |
| 40 | Trevon Diggs | Cowboys | Packers |
| 41 | James Bradberry | Eagles | Commanders |
| 42 | Xavier Woods | Panthers | Falcons |
| 43 | Mike Jackson | Seahawks | Buccaneers |
| 44 | Marcus Epps | Eagles | Commanders |
| 45 | Charvarius Ward | 49ers | Chargers |
| 46 | Stephon Gilmore | Colts | Raiders |
| 47 | Marshon Lattimore (Q) | Saints | Steelers |
| 48 | Carlton Davis | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
| 49 | Jeff Okudah | Lions | Bears |
| 50 | Juan Thornhill | Chiefs | Jaguars |
DB Gamble(s) of the Week: Tre’Davious White, Buffalo Bills
White is typically a player you avoid in fantasy because opponents avoid him regularly. If the shutdown corner does play this week, the Vikings may not be able to avoid him, though. Justin Jefferson is obviously Minnesota’s top player and pass catcher, so if White is healthy enough to shadow, he will follow the fellow LSU product. That should offer plenty of volume.
DB Fold(s) of the Week: Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
Tennessee was the third-lowest volume passing attack with Ryan Tannehill and is the lowest with Malik Willis. Denver's pass rushers may be able to overcome that volume if Tannehill is under center, but Patrick Surtain II has a poor matchup regardless of the passer. The Titans' de facto lead receiver (Robert Woods) averages two targets per game with Willis and 5.3 per game with Tannehill. There’s no one for Surtain to shadow, and the volume is low anyways.
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