RADIO
Arguably the biggest change during the 2022 NFL season so far is the decline in quarterback production. Chief amongst the disappointments are Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, who have taken major steps back in production. Their passing yards and touchdowns are way down, as are their win totals. That decline in production obviously hurts their teams' chances of winning, just as it does the odds for their fantasy teams… but could this decline in play also help those looking for IDP streamers?
A deeper look at the IDP relevant statistics suggests managers should still avoid streaming DLs and DBs against Brady, despite his decline in production. While the GOAT is on pace to commit more fumbles this year than in his two previous years with Tampa, he’s actually tracking to commit fewer turnovers overall. His Bad Throw percentage is also better than in previous years, while his sack and pressure rates are surprisingly steady. In fact, there isn’t a single statistic that suggests Brady is a quality matchup for fantasy defenders.
As for Rodgers, it is worth noting his turnover rate is up in 2022. He’s on pace to commit 14 turnovers this year after giving away 11 in the previous two combined. However, Rodgers’ Bad Throw percentage, pressure rate, and sack percentage are all down from last year, as is his volume. The data also suggests Rodgers is due to slow his turnover pace in the second half of the season, which means you should think twice about streaming defenders against him as well... With that, let’s get to our IDP rankings!
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Micah Parsons | Cowboys | Bears |
| 2 | Nick Bosa | 49ers | Rams |
| 3 | Myles Garrett (Q) | Browns | Bengals |
| 4 | Aaron Donald | Rams | 49ers |
| 5 | Matthew Judon | Patriots | Jets |
| 6 | Maxx Crosby | Raiders | Saints |
| 7 | Za’Darius Smith | Vikings | Cardinals |
| 8 | Demarcus Lawrence | Cowboys | Bears |
| 9 | Brian Burns | Panthers | Falcons |
| 10 | Montez Sweat | Commanders | Colts |
| 11 | Danielle Hunter | Vikings | Cardinals |
| 12 | Deatrich Wise Jr. | Patriots | Jets |
| 13 | Bradley Chubb | Broncos | Jaguars |
| 14 | Haason Reddick | Eagles | Steelers |
| 15 | Josh Allen | Jaguars | Broncos |
| 16 | Cameron Jordan | Saints | Raiders |
| 17 | Gregory Rousseau | Bills | Packers |
| 18 | Rashan Gary (Q) | Packers | Bills |
| 19 | Alex Highsmith | Steelers | Eagles |
| 20 | Jerry Hughes | Texans | Titans |
| 21 | Shaquil Barrett | Buccaneers | Ravens |
| 22 | Cameron Heyward | Steelers | Eagles |
| 23 | Von Miller | Bills | Packers |
| 24 | Kwity Paye (Q) | Colts | Commanders |
| 25 | Jaelan Phillips | Dolphins | Lions |
| 26 | Trey Hendrickson (Q) | Bengals | Browns |
| 27 | Quinnen Williams | Jets | Patriots |
| 28 | Sam Hubbard | Bengals | Browns |
| 29 | Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | Dolphins |
| 30 | Denico Autry | Titans | Texans |
| 31 | Zach Allen | Cardinals | Vikings |
| 32 | Dorance Armstrong | Cowboys | Bears |
| 33 | Rashad Weaver | Titans | Texans |
| 34 | Dexter Lawrence | Giants | Seahawks |
| 35 | Arik Armstead | 49ers | Rams |
| 36 | Yannick Ngakoue | Colts | Commanders |
| 37 | Jeffery Simmons | Titans | Texans |
| 38 | Uchena Nwosu | Seahawks | Giants |
| 39 | Baron Browning (Q) | Broncos | Jaguars |
| 40 | Vita Vea | Buccaneers | Ravens |
| 41 | Daron Payne | Commanders | Colts |
| 42 | Dre’Mont Jones | Broncos | Jaguars |
| 43 | Deforest Buckner | Colts | Commanders |
| 44 | Kayvon Thibodeaux | Giants | Seahawks |
| 45 | Rasheem Green | Texans | Titans |
| 46 | Chase Young (Q) | Commanders | Colts |
| 47 | Travon Walker | Jaguars | Broncos |
| 48 | Samson Ebukam | 49ers | Rams |
| 49 | Grady Jarrett | Falcons | Panthers |
| 50 | Jonathan Allen | Commanders | Colts |
DL Gamble(s) of the Week: Arik Armstead, San Francisco 49ers
It'll be a gamble just adding Armstead, given how often he's been rumored to return only to be out another week. Initial reports are the 49ers do expect their top interior pass rusher to return in Week 8, though. Most should consider starting him, even with a snap count possibly looming if he plays.
The Rams' interior offensive line is one of the worst in the game, allowing 50 quarterback pressures in six games. They are currently on their third-string center and backup left tackle as well. LA is a premium matchup for San Francisco pass rushers, and Armstead could be the best value amongst them this week.
DL Fold(s) of the Week: Preston Smith, Green Bay Packers
Despite being the seventh most pass-happy offense in the NFL, the Bills have surrendered the fewest sacks and have the third-best Adjusted Sack Rate. Those numbers are almost entirely thanks to Josh Allen’s mobility and power, as he’s arguably the hardest QB to bring down in the NFL. Despite his line giving up more than 10 pressures per game, Allen is brought down less than once per contest. We are fading Rashan Gary this week, and dropping Smith off our board altogether.
Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Roquan Smith | Bears | Cowboys |
| 2 | Jordyn Brooks | Seahawks | Giants |
| 3 | Zaire Franklin | Colts | Commanders |
| 4 | C.J. Mosley | Jets | Patriots |
| 5 | Foyesade Oluokun | Jaguars | Broncos |
| 6 | Micah Parsons | Cowboys | Bears |
| 7 | Devin Lloyd | Jaguars | Broncos |
| 8 | Bobby Wagner | Rams | 49ers |
| 9 | T.J. Edwards | Eagles | Steelers |
| 10 | Devin White | Buccaneers | Ravens |
| 11 | Cole Holcomb | Commanders | Colts |
| 12 | De’Vondre Campbell | Packers | Bills |
| 13 | Jordan Hicks | Vikings | Cardinals |
| 14 | Pete Werner | Saints | Raiders |
| 15 | Divine Deablo | Raiders | Saints |
| 16 | Logan Wilson (Q) | Bengals | Browns |
| 17 | Eric Kendricks | Vikings | Cardinals |
| 18 | Demario Davis | Saints | Raiders |
| 19 | Lavonte David | Buccaneers | Ravens |
| 20 | Myles Jack | Steelers | Eagles |
| 21 | Mykal Walker (Q) | Falcons | Panthers |
| 22 | Fred Warner | 49ers | Rams |
| 23 | Josey Jewell (Q) | Broncos | Jaguars |
| 24 | Bobby Okereke | Colts | Commanders |
| 25 | Rashaan Evans | Falcons | Panthers |
| 26 | Frankie Luvu (Q) | Panthers | Falcons |
| 27 | Dre Greenlaw (Q) | 49ers | Rams |
| 28 | David Long Jr. | Titans | Texans |
| 29 | Christian Kirksey | Texans | Titans |
| 30 | Malcolm Rodriguez | Lions | Dolphins |
| 31 | Germaine Pratt | Bengals | Browns |
| 32 | Zaven Collins | Cardinals | Vikings |
| 33 | Cody Barton | Seahawks | Giants |
| 34 | Kamu Grugier-Hill (Q) | Texans | Titans |
| 35 | Patrick Queen | Ravens | Buccaneers |
| 36 | Shaq Thompson | Panthers | Falcons |
| 37 | Jerome Baker | Dolphins | Lions |
| 38 | Quay Walker | Packers | Bills |
| 39 | Quincy Williams | Jets | Patriots |
| 40 | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoa | Browns | Bengals |
| 41 | Isaiah Simmons | Cardinals | Vikings |
| 42 | Leighton Vander Esch | Cowboys | Bears |
| 43 | Denzel Perryman | Raiders | Saints |
| 44 | Alex Anzalone | Lions | Dolphins |
| 45 | Jamin Davis | Commanders | Colts |
| 46 | Nicholas Morrow | Bears | Cowboys |
| 47 | Ernest Jones | Rams | 49ers |
| 48 | Ja’Whaun Bentley | Patriots | Jets |
| 49 | Devin Bush | Steelers | Eagles |
| 50 | Josh Bynes | Ravens | Buccaneers |
LB Gamble(s) of the Week: Jamin Davis, Washington Commanders
Davis has yet to collect more than six total tackles in a game, which is concerning for those who play in a Casual IDP format. However, he has remained on our radar thanks to his potential for sacks, as he regularly rushes the passer. This week could be a perfect time to roll the dice on Davis getting one of those sacks and possibly more tackles than usual.
The Colts are starting Sam Ehlinger at QB, who lacks pedigree and experience. The former Longhorn does offer mobility, but he's played in just three NFL games. Sunday will mark both the first start and first regular season throw of his career. Given his profile as a relatively mobile but limited passer, we can expect the Colts to protect him by returning to their run-heavy ways. We can also expect several broken plays, some sacks behind a bad offensive line, and a fumble.
LB Fold(s) of the Week: Josh Bynes, Baltimore Ravens
Tampa Bay's offense attempts the second-fewest rush attempts per game in the NFL. While the Bucs send 59.7% of their throws to the intermediate area where linebackers roam, over half of those targets go to the slot, where Bynes has lined up just seven times this year. Worse, coverage isn't Bynes' strong suit, and it's an area where Patrick Queen usually takes the lead.
While this matchup isn’t deadly for Bynes’ fantasy value, we are concerned about how inactive he is in coverage and the low opportunity share he should see. Given Tampa's pass-heavy script and the fact that Damarion Williams is likely to get most of the Chris Godwin slot targets, the floor and ceiling both feel low for Bynes this week.
Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Talanoa Hufanga | 49ers | Rams |
| 2 | Jordan Poyer | Bills | Packers |
| 3 | Jonathan Owens | Texans | Titans |
| 4 | Minkah Fitzpatrick (Q) | Steelers | Eagles |
| 5 | Harrison Smith | Vikings | Cardinals |
| 6 | Jevon Holland | Dolphins | Lions |
| 7 | Donovan Wilson | Cowboys | Bears |
| 8 | Grant Delpit | Browns | Bengals |
| 9 | Jalen Thompson | Cardinals | Vikings |
| 10 | DeShon Elliott | Lions | Dolphins |
| 11 | Jalen Pitre | Texans | Titans |
| 12 | Eddie Jackson | Bears | Cowboys |
| 13 | Budda Baker | Cardinals | Vikings |
| 14 | Antoine Winfield Jr. (Q) | Buccaneers | Ravens |
| 15 | Julian Love | Giants | Seahawks |
| 16 | Ryan Neal | Seahawks | Giants |
| 17 | Jayron Kearse | Cowboys | Bears |
| 18 | Justin Simmons | Broncos | Jaguars |
| 19 | Jaquan Brisker | Bears | Cowboys |
| 20 | Andre Cisco | Jaguars | Broncos |
| 21 | Marlon Humphrey | Ravens | Buccaneers |
| 22 | Rayshawn Jenkins | Jaguars | Broncos |
| 23 | Richie Grant | Falcons | Panthers |
| 24 | Kevin Byard | Titans | Texans |
| 25 | Jeff Okudah | Lions | Dolphins |
| 26 | Kyle Dugger (Q) | Patriots | Jets |
| 27 | Rasul Douglas | Packers | Bills |
| 28 | A.J. Terrell (Q) | Falcons | Panthers |
| 29 | Mike Edwards (Q) | Buccaneers | Ravens |
| 30 | Johnathan Abram | Raiders | Saints |
| 31 | Jalen Ramsey | Rams | 49ers |
| 32 | Kamren Curl | Commanders | Colts |
| 33 | Vonn Bell | Bengals | Browns |
| 34 | Jaylinn Hawkins (Q) | Falcons | Panthers |
| 35 | Kenny Moore II | Colts | Commanders |
| 36 | Geno Stone | Ravens | Buccaneers |
| 37 | James Bradberry | Eagles | Steelers |
| 38 | Chuck Clark | Ravens | Buccaneers |
| 39 | Darius Slay | Eagles | Steelers |
| 40 | Roger McCreary | Titans | Texans |
| 41 | Xavier Woods | Panthers | Falcons |
| 42 | Xavier McKinney | Giants | Seahawks |
| 43 | Charvarius Ward (Q) | 49ers | Rams |
| 44 | Jordan Whitehead | Jets | Patriots |
| 45 | C.J. Gardner-Johnson | Eagles | Steelers |
| 46 | Andrew Adams | Titans | Texans |
| 47 | Trevon Diggs | Cowboys | Bears |
| 48 | Devin McCourty | Patriots | Jets |
| 49 | Derek Stingley | Texans | Titans |
| 50 | Marcus Epps | Eagles | Steelers |
DB Gamble(s) of the Week: James Bradberry & Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles
In games Kenny Pickett has played from behind, the whopping two he's played, the Pitt star has thrown an average of 48 passes. No team attempts more passes per game than that. We anticipate Pickett will be playing from behind against an Eagles team dominating their schedule and remaining healthy while doing so.
In Pickett's four games of NFL experience, he's thrown seven interceptions and has sent 57% of his passes to the boundaries. Both of those statistics are positive for the Eagles' corners. While Picket has shown flashes so far, he will force throws and try to make things happen when the Steelers are down. That should be the case again this week, meaning both Bradberry and Slay are viable big-play gambles this week.
DB Fold(s) of the Week: Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
The Jaguars sit right in the middle of the NFL in terms of pass attempts per game (18th overall). Their top pass catcher lines up in the slot 78% of the time. Their #3 target is Evan Engram, who sets up in-line or in the slot 92% of the time. Surtain II has taken just 18 snaps on the interior over two seasons as a pro.
With the Jaguars finding life in their run game thanks to Travis Etienne, expect Doug Pederson’s staff to call a balanced game. Since two of their top three pass-catchers line up away from Surtain, that balanced game plan and the direction of Trevor Lawrence’s passes should both count against Denver’s elite corner. We are fading him accordingly.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Win More With RotoBaller
Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:
Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.
