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Fred Warner 2024 Outlook: Better NFL Linebacker Than Fantasy
6 months agoFred Warner has arguably been the best linebacker in the NFL over the past four years. His ability to cover top wide receivers, rush the passer, and support the run is unparalleled among linebackers. However, 2023 marked the first time Warner has been a top-five fantasy LB in Standard IDP Scoring. Warner typically struggles in fantasy because he spends so much time in coverage that his tackle numbers suffer. He is typically 40-70 tackles behind the league leader. That's a big deal in most IDP formats, especially when the BYU product doesn't produce more than three sacks per season. Warner's tackle numbers didn't spike in 2023, either. Instead, he ascended in fantasy because of an uptick in turnovers. Warner's previous career high in forced turnovers was four, but he doubled that last year. While the superstar is always a threat to get his hands on the ball, his career production suggests his 2023 turnover total was an outlier. Expect Warner to continue getting 130 total tackles each year and double-digit PDs, but his turnover and sack numbers should be low. That makes him a low-end LB1 option in most formats.
