IDP Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 15

December 14, 2022

Chris Gregory gives his IDP rankings and the top streamers to start along with defensive players to sit for Week 15 of the 2022 fantasy football season.

“I’m interested in (insert player name). What do you want for him? Get back to me ASAP!”

It's a common fantasy inquiry most of us receive every year, especially in the last weeks before the trade deadline. People identify players you have that they want, and they tell you to make an offer, asking you to negotiate against yourself. Without offering a player in return or stating what they think your player’s worth, they expect you to make the first move because they are interested in what you have. It's an aggravating trick all of us have dealt with, and most of us have even tried it once or twice.

If this tactic is used against you, don't fall for it. If anyone should show their hand first in trade talks, it should be the person initiating the talks. That’s why you should put responsibility on them. One way to do that is to simply say they'll need to make the first offer because you’re happy keeping that player. The second route, and arguably more effective one, is to demand your ideal return for the player and negotiate backward from there. Either way, don't do the legwork for window shoppers.

Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week

DL Gamble(s) of the Week: Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints

In our Casual IDP Scoring, Cameron Jordan ranked just 34^th out of all defensive linemen coming into this past weekend. That ranking may have been generous to Jordan, too. At that time, the Saints had not sat out their bye yet, while many of the DLs ahead of Jordan in those rankings had. That said, the veteran may be on the decline, but he has a promising matchup this week in Atlanta.

Desmond Ridder will be making his first pro start this weekend, and he will be doing it behind a line allowing pressure on over 31% of their dropbacks. That’s bad, and it could get worse. What has saved the Falcons from ranking worst in sacks allowed is their insanely low passing volume (second-lowest in the NFL). However, the rookie from Cincinnati’s appearance under center could incentivize Atlanta to test out their 2022 Draft class by throwing more. If that happens, Jordan could be in for a big day.

DL Fold(s) of the Week: Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars

We could be doing Josh Allen a favor here, as the only time he does much recently is when he makes our fade or fold list. That said, Allen has just four sacks on the season. Three of those came against offensive lines ranking in the bottom third of the NFL in Adjusted Sack Rate and sacks allowed. In short, those sacks were expected.

The Cowboys have a league-average offensive line. While their right tackle (Terence Steele) is out, Jerry Jones expects Tyron Smith back this week. That would allow Tyler Smith to replace Steele on the right side. When healthy, Tyron is a notable improvement over Tyler on the left side, but the rookie is no worse a pass-blocker than Steele. Thus, Dallas' line could improve despite Steele going down. Consider Allen's low ceiling to be lower than usual.

Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week

LB Gamble(s) of the Week: Deion Jones, Cleveland Browns

This is simply a reminder that Jones is out there in 98% of IDP leagues and he’s playing well for fantasy purposes. While it's been some time since Jones was an above-average NFL player, he has posted 20 tackles, one INT, and 1.5 sacks in three starts for the Browns. Now Sione Takitaki is on IR, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is set to have an MRI. Jones should see plenty of opportunities against a run-heavy Ravens attack this week.

LB Fold(s) of the Week: Tremaine Edmunds, Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins remain one of the least run-oriented teams in the NFL, running the ball at the third-lowest rate in their past three games. They also focus a higher-than-usual amount of their aerial attention on deep balls. That script doesn't play into Edmunds' wheelhouse, which is why he totaled just four Casual IDP Scoring fantasy points in his last matchup with Miami. In a week where you have no LBs on bye, Edmunds is a serious fade.

Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week

DB Gamble(s) of the Week: Cam Taylor-Britt, Cincinnati Bengals

Taylor-Britt has been one of our IDP streamers for two weeks straight, and now he graduates to our Gamble of the Week. The former Cornhusker has averaged 7.25 tackles per game over his last four starts, with three PDs and an FF. Now, he gets the most pass-oriented offense in the NFL. While Tom Brady remains a phantom in the pocket, he avoids sacks by tossing risky balls into traffic. That could lead to Taylor-Britt's first INT as a pro.

DB Fold(s) of the Week: Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles

Overall, the Chicago Bears attempt just 21 pass attempts per game this season. Justin Fields is attempting just 5.4 passes to the left side of the field this year. Darius Slay plays 68.6% of his time wide-left. Add it all up, and Slay should have a low-volume week against Chicago. That makes him very big play-dependent. You can afford to pass on big play-dependent corners in most leagues, with zero teams on bye.

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