Week 1 IDP Rankings for Fantasy Football (2024) - Defense Positional Rankings for LB, DL, DB

September 2, 2024

Fantasy football IDP rankings and IDP streamers for Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. Chris's IDP fantasy start em, sit em picks for individual defensive players.

A new NFL season is finally upon us. This means there are plenty of things to get excited and worried about. At the precipice of every season, without fail, all fantasy fans and analysts cling to the notion that we know what to expect and we know what variables to account for. This is often false.

Much of our preseason projections will help predict outcomes, but there is no accounting for the human element in sports. Odds favor Trent Williams continuing to give pass-rushers problems and Aaron Rodgers being stingy with opposing cornerbacks, but age could bite both. Therefore, you must be cautious about relying too much on the past.

Annually, I warn fans that we can use past metrics and film to try and predict the future, but any projections for Week 1 will have more variables than usual. Playing Week 1 matchups are never as reliable as they are by midseason. So, early on, you should rely on talent over matchups.

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

Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets

Johnson was a premium pass-rush prospect coming out of Florida State with the ability to win with speed and leverage. He has flashed in his career to date, but the loss of Bryce Huff and the continued holdout of Haason Reddick could create an elite snap share for Johnson.

To open the season, Johnson gets to tee off on the 49ers. While this isn't always an ideal matchup, San Francisco's star left tackle Trent Williams continues to hold out. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ starting right tackle (Colton McKivitz) was one of the worst pass-blocking tackles in the NFL last year.

Just an insane play from Jermaine Johnson (#11) pic.twitter.com/I7HmTGCU16

— JR (@JRNYSports) August 29, 2024

DL Disappointment of the Week

Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants

This could be a breakout season for Thibodeaux, who should benefit from playing with Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence II on the same front. Unfortunately, he could start the season in a rather tough spot.

Christian Darrisaw is one of the NFL's best pass-blockers, finishing with the third-fewest pressures allowed amongst all linemen with at least 500 snaps in 2023. Thibodeaux will likely alternate sides, so he won’t always face Darrisaw, but his preseason usage suggests he will see a lot of the left tackle.

Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week

LB Riser of the Week

Omar Speights, Los Angeles Rams

The leading interior linebacker for the Rams has historically produced quality fantasy stats under Sean McVay. Even Troy Reeder was a reliable fantasy resource in that spot, and Reeder could again seize the position … though the Rams dumped him once for a reason.

With Ernest Jones IV gone, someone has to fill the void in the middle of a Los Angeles unit that has produced quality tacklers with multiple defensive coordinators and on-field leaders. For now, it appears Reeder will again get the chance to be that guy, based on how he’s been treated since the trade.

However, Omar Speights has gotten a lot of positive buzz out of camp. The Rams even sat him in the final preseason game to preserve him. The Rams and everyone else know Reeder is a stopgap measure. Once Speights gets acclimated to the NFL, he could be the leader of this unit.

If Ernest Jones gone, that would be terrible news but Omar Speights definitely look like he got NEXT!
pic.twitter.com/MrtXw8MLvG

— Zeus (@LilMamba06) August 26, 2024

LB Disappointment of the Week

Ernest Jones IV, Tennessee Titans

If Jones is truly healthy and plays 100% of the Titans’ snaps, he will be a no-doubt LB1 this week and every week after. His tackling prowess is too valuable not to start in all IDP formats.

However, there were reported concerns about Jones' health, contributing to his being traded to Tennessee. The trade also happened late in the summer, meaning the vet had very limited snaps with his new teammates and their new scheme. Those are both mild concerns.

Against a Bears offense that could look to pass far more than expected with Caleb Williams under center, do not be surprised if this former Ram fails to meet expectations in his first game with the Titans. He could be on a snap count or simply need time to acclimate in a mediocre matchup.

Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week

DB Riser of the Week

Stephon Gilmore and Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings

It’s unclear whether Gilmore will ever shadow with the Vikings, but he has done so throughout his career, including as recently as 2022. With Byron Murphy Jr. designated for the slot, Minnesota does not have a better option on the outside.

Both Gilmore and Murphy should see a lot of snaps against Malik Nabers this week. In less than two-quarters of preseason play with Daniel Jones, Nabers had six targets. Do not be surprised if Jones, who has looked inaccurate in camp, peppers Nabers and his corners with double-digit throws.

DB Disappointment of the Week

L’Jarius Sneed, Tennessee Titans

Sneed was regularly considered a DB1 over the past few years. This was partly due to the massive volume he would see as Chiefs opponents fell behind and were forced to throw. He notched seven or more tackles in five games last year, four of which were wins where Kansas City paced its opponents.

While the Titans' scheme and offense could prove better for Sneed than some fear, expecting him to continue as a top-10 fantasy DB to start this year is risky. His matchup and role in Tennessee's Week 1 contest are concerning enough to drop him into the DB3 tier to start.

L’Jarius Sneed owning the “number 1” player in the NFL pic.twitter.com/HmwkSQ0nb2

— Wes Wisley (@TitansStats) August 3, 2024

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