X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 16 IDP Start Em, Sit Em - Streamers and Fades for Fantasy Football Defensive Players

Detroit Lions Defense, Aidan Hutchinson - Fantasy Football DST Rankings, Streamers, IDP Sleepers

Fantasy football IDP start em, sit em for Week 16 of the 2023 NFL season. Chris looks at IDP streamers and fades to consider as starts/sits for fantasy lineups.

At the risk of beating a dead horse, I'd like to address NFL disasters that were easy to see coming. While this topic deserves a full-blown article, I have just two paragraphs to fit this in. Because of that limit, I will try to be brief in my arguments. I will also write a more in-depth article on this topic sometime soon if Rotoballer and my readers are interested.

The NFC South is loaded with disasters that many of us saw coming. First amongst them is the Falcons, whom I’ve trashed for years. To put it briefly, Atlanta has the easiest schedule in the NFL (per Sharp Analysis), yet their offense ranks 26th in points and 19th in yards. Arthur Smith is an offensive coach who barely auditioned Desmond Ridder in 2022, doesn’t score points, and doesn’t use his top weapons. It’s no mystery why Atlanta sits third in the NFL’s worst division.

While Arthur Smith will always be the bane of my existence, the Saints' routinely questionable moves make his job easier. New Orleans' leadership has routinely shown an inability to assess draft pick value and player quality. Their decision to deal multiple firsts for both Marcus Davenport and Trevor Penning proves that. The signing of Derek Carr and the hiring of Dennis Allen were two more moves for mediocrity. Paying to be .500 is an intolerable strategy.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Casual IDP Streamers and Fades

Stream: Taron Johnson, DB, Buffalo Bills

This year, Taron Johnson plays 93.7% of his snaps in the box or the slot. That should put him against the Charger's top two offensive weapons (Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen) a lot this week. Allen, in particular, is a strong matchup since he takes 58.2% of his snaps in the slot.

Helping matters even more is the fact the Chargers' defense is allowing the fifth-most points per game, and their current quarterback (Easton Stick) looked horrendous in his first start last week. While it's a small sample size, Stick leads the NFL in Turnover Worth Play percentage amongst passers with more than ten snaps. Consider that Stick has one fewer Turnover Worthy Play than Kenny Pickett, who has played 11 more games.

Stream: Bryce Huff, DL, New York Jets

Perhaps Jacoby Brissett has finally figured out what it takes to be a premium starting quarterback in the NFL. After 48 starts and eight seasons under his belt, it's unlikely. What's more likely is his performance against the Rams was the kind of hot streak that we occasionally see when a backup steps in for a struggling starter.

As an NFL starter, Brissett averages 2.8 sacks per game. That rate ranks ninth highest amongst NFL teams this year. The Commanders are giving up the third-most sacks per game this season, too, and their pass blockers allow 16.4 quarterback pressures per game. Now they face a Jets pass rush that generates pressure at the seventh-highest rate in the NFL.

Gang Green's leader in Pass Rush Win Rate, sacks, and quarterback hurries is Bryce Huff. He is second on the team in QB hits as well. Huff is rostered in just 0.2% of IDP leagues despite these sparkling stats. While his production is extremely sack-dependent, this matchup is a good one to stream him in.

Fade: De’Vondre Campbell, LB, Green Bay Packers

Campbell already earned my “LB Disappointments” designation in a previous edition of my IDP Weekly Rankings. Despite strong playing time, he’s registered just one game with six or more tackles in his past seven contests. That’s concerning, given he derives nearly all of his fantasy production from tackles.

Even more concerning is the fact Campbell has publicly aired dirty laundry against the team. He recently posted on social media that he will no longer play through injuries and will only give to others what they give back to him. That is a paraphrase, but the general sentiment is that Campbell feels disrespected by his organization. Publicly speaking on things like this rarely lead to increased production, especially on defense.

Fade: Quincy Williams, LB, New York Jets

Williams is another name that is hard to fade. However, his production has been sporadic of late. He’s averaging a steady seven fantasy points per game over his past four games, which is fine. However, that kind of scoring is not what you look for from an LB1 or even an LB2 in the fantasy playoffs, which is what he’s currently treated as.

This week the Jets face a Commanders team with an unpredictable identity. The team has been the highest-volume pass offense in the NFL with Sam Howell under center. However, Howell doesn’t look like the starter this week and Ron Rivera has repeatedly said he wants to establish the run… which could be hard if Brian Robinson remains out. Plus, the team doesn't trust Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. is unestablished.

With the targets for Washington’s weapons being sporadic and the run game unreliable, it is hard to predict or trust what the Commanders will do against a very strong Jets defense. That is especially true if Brissett really is the starter. That doubt is enough to drop Williams into our LB3 tier this week.

 

Premium/Deep League Streamers and Fades

Stream: Markquese Bell, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Bell is a converted safety. So, it comes as no surprise that he is strong in coverage. He has played seven contests against offenses that target the tight end and running back positions ten or more times per game. In those matchups, he averages seven tackles per game while collecting three PDs and a forced turnover.

While Miami isn't primarily a check-down team, they regularly involve their running backs in the passing game. In six games where Devon Achane has 10% or more of the snaps, the Dolphins average exactly ten targets to their running backs and tight ends. Better yet, 84% of those targets come within five yards of the line of scrimmage and 48% are up the middle, putting them in Bell's range.

Stream: Ji’Ayir Brown, DB, San Francisco 49ers

Brown's usage as a starter for the 49ers has varied, with opportunities in the box mixed into a heavy role at high safety. However, he saw the most snaps in the box he has all season against Arizona last week. That's promising, given that Lamar Jackson should demand similar treatment to Kyler Murray.

The 49ers’ rookie safety is just the 81st most rostered DB in fantasy, but his matchup and profile are much stronger than that. Consider him a viable DB3 streamer against Lamar and the Ravens.

Fade: Keisan Nixon, DB, Green Bay Packers

Nixon is the 34th most rostered DB in fantasy, and it's easy to see why many consider him a strong start against the Panthers. Carolina has been pass-heavy all season, and there was a period where Adam Theilen was averaging double-digit targets from the slot. This matchup isn't as strong as it once was, though.

Since Carolina changed head coaches, they have gone from the second-highest-volume pass offense in the NFL to the tenth-lowest-volume. Theilen's participation has dropped accordingly. The former Viking has just 23 total targets over his past four games, which is not the volume you seek when streaming an opposing corner. Nixon has also been extremely turnover-dependent recently, averaging just 2.3 tackles over his past six games.

Fade: Zaven Collins, DL/LB, Arizona Cardinals

This is another dead horse I don’t like to beat, but I have to at this point. Collins is currently the 36th most rostered and the 39th most-started DL in fantasy. However, he averages the 91st most points amongst all DLs in my Standard Scoring system. He has exactly one game with more than five fantasy points, and that was thanks to an interception in Week 1.

While the Bears are a decent matchup for a pass rusher, Collins isn’t a true pass rusher. He averages half the pass rush snaps that your average edge receives each week because he’s used as a hybrid who offers run support. Unfortunately, he doesn’t collect many tackles in that role. So, it’s hard to trust Collins in even the best matchups.

 

Defenders Worth Adding

K.J. Britt, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Britt has stepped in for Devin White over the past two games and is averaging a solid 7.5 fantasy points per game. If the rumors are true that White is on the outs with the organization, his stand-in could become a full-time replacement. That role is worth a speculative add in deep leagues.

Britt is just the 102nd most-rostered LB in fantasy.

Bryce Huff, DL, New York Jets

If you scroll up, you'll see why you should consider streaming Huff this week. Those reasons all apply to why you should add him in redraft and dynasty leagues, too.

How is he the 150th most rostered DL in IDP leagues? He has strong value in sack-premium scoring, at the least.

Stephon Gilmore, DB, Dallas Cowboys

Advanced metrics suggest Gilmore is the strongest corner of Dallas' current starters, but he doesn't get the picks that Daron Bland does, so he is a lower priority. Still, Gilmore faces a high-volume Dolphins attack this week. The veteran has at least one PD in nine games this year and five contests with five or more tackles. He's a solid streaming option in deep IDP leagues or formats that require you to start multiple CBs.



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!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Scottie Scheffler

The Untouchable Favorite At CJ Cup
Tom Kim

A Popular Name To Avoid At TPC Craig Ranch
Austin Eckroat

Looking To Find Success Again At TPC Craig Ranch
Ben Kohles

Finishes Tied For 59 At Corales Puntacana Championship
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For Second At Corales Puntacana Championship
Beau Hossler

Finishes Tied For 60 At Valero Texas Open
Doug Ghim

Finishes Tied For 18 At the Valero Texas Open
Jordan Spieth

Finishes Tied For 18 At RBC Heritage
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut At Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For Eighth At RBC Heritage
George Kirby

"Feeling Great", Could Throw Again On Sunday
Tyler Fitzgerald

Returning To Starting Nine
Josh Lowe

Progressing Well, Could Play In Rehab Games On Saturday
Shane McClanahan

Begins "Throwing-Like" Activities
Patrik Laine

Remains Day-To-Day
Gabriel Vilardi

On Track To Return Wednesday
Brandon Hagel

Ruled Out For Game 5
Marcus Johansson

Returns To Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Won't Start On Wednesday
Dylan Moore

Placed On 10-Day Injured List With Hip Inflammation
Jonas Siegenthaler

Considered A Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Brett Pesce

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Back In Tuesday's Lineup
Frederik Andersen

Unavailable Tuesday
Aaron Nesmith

Upgraded To Available
Las Vegas Raiders

Jack Bech A Strong Candidate To Be An Immediate Starter
Las Vegas Raiders

Zamir White Competing For Depth Role
New York Jets

Mason Taylor To Immediately Be Atop Jets Tight End Depth Chart
Bennedict Mathurin

Cleared For Game 5
Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid Setting Up As Post-Hype Sleeper In 2025?
Denver Broncos

Dre Greenlaw Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold To Take Over 90% Of The Snaps
Tennessee Titans

Titans In No Rush To Trade Will Levis
Daulton Varsho

Reinstated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Says He Knows He's Ready To Start For Vikings
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Picking Up Fifth-Year Option On Dax Hill
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Apply Unrestricted Free-Agent Tender To J.K. Dobbins
Seattle Seahawks

Jaren Hall Cut Loose By Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Compare Josh Simmons To Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater
Denver Broncos

Pat Bryant Compared To Michael Thomas
Denver Broncos

RJ Harvey Could Do It All For Broncos
Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Likely To Man The X Spot For Panthers
Green Bay Packers

Packers, Jaire Alexander Continue To Discuss Potential Reunion
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Discussed George Pickens With Steelers
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs To Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis
Washington Commanders

Matt Gays Signs One-Year Deal With Commanders
San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle Signs Four-Year Extension With 49ers
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Records Third Consecutive Double-Double
Brandin Podziemski

Hits Six Treys During 26-Point Performance
Jimmy Butler III

Leads Warriors In Scoring Monday Night
Jarrett Allen

Has Double-Double, Six Steals In Blowout Win
Brandon Boston Jr.

Recovering From Ankle Surgery
Kelly Olynyk

Undergoes Heel Procedure
Aaron Nesmith

Probable For Tuesday's Action
Nathan MacKinnon

Has Two Points In Losing Effort
Martin Necas

Records Two Assists In Game 5 Loss
Mikko Rantanen

Tallies Three Points In Monday's Win
Wyatt Johnston

Leads Stars To Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Returns To Winning Ways
Anton Lundell

Earns Two Points Monday
Ryan Gerard

Going For A Texas Trifecta Of Sorts
Brandon Hagel

Departs Loss Early
Joe Highsmith

Hoping To Make More Putts In Texas
Eric Cole

Expecting Big Things In Texas
Brian Campbell

May Go Under The Radar At CJ Cup
Riley Greene

Homers Twice On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

Exits Monday's Win Early
Los Angeles Chargers

Tre Harris Expected To Fill X Role For Chargers
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active For Game 4
Isaiah Stewart

Uncertain For Game 5
Michael Porter Jr.

Expected To Play In Game 5
Brandon Nimmo

Has Career Game
Russell Westbrook

Questionable For Tuesday Night
Tyler Glasnow

Going On The Injured List
Jaylen Brown

Back On The Injury Report
Jrue Holiday

Out Again On Tuesday Night
Bennedict Mathurin

Questionable For Game 5
Damian Lillard

May Not Play Next Season
Luis Arraez

Expected To Return On Tuesday
Johnathan Kovacevic

To Remain Out Tuesday
Brenden Dillon

Unavailable Tuesday
Luke Hughes

Not Ready To Return For Game 5
Darius Garland

Remains Out On Monday
Ross Colton

Remains Out On Monday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back Returns To Stars Lineup Monday
Miro Heiskanen

To Miss Game 5
Jordan Westburg

Placed On Injured List
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go For Game 4
William Byron

Ends With A Strong Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Bad Luck Continues With Talladega Crash
Kyle Larson

Has A Career-Best Performance At Talladega
Ian Machado Garry

Gets Back On Track With UFC Kansas City Win
Brad Keselowski

Talladega Run Ends Early After Crashing
Carlos Prates

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Zhang Mingyang

Still Undefeated In The UFC
Anthony Smith

Retires After UFC Kansas City Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous Decision Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous-Decision Loss
David Onama

Extends Win Streak At UFC Kansas City
Michel Pereira

Drops Decision At UFC Kansas City
Abus Magomedov

Extends His Win Streak
Nicolas Dalby

Gets Finished For The First Time
Randy Brown

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ikram Aliskerov

Gets First-Round TKO Finish At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Gets TKO'd At UFC Kansas City
Chase Elliott

Recovers from Speeding Penalty to Finish Fifth
Joey Logano

Finishes Last at Talladega After Disqualification for Missing Spoiler Brace
Ryan Preece

Loses Talladega Race First in Photo Finish Then in Post-Race Inspection
NASCAR

Poor Toyota Strategy Arguably Cost Bubba Wallace Winning Chances at Talladega
Christopher Bell

Unhurt After Hard Contact with Inside Retaining Wall
Joe Ryan

Posts Stellar Outing
Jaylen Brown

Available For Game 4
Nick Lodolo

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Tyler Glasnow

Removed Early On Sunday
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 4
Jaden Ivey

Making Progress
Tarik Skubal

Racks Up 11 Strikeouts
Luke Weaver

In Line To Get The Bulk Of Save Opportunities Moving Forward
Devin Williams

Removed From Closer Role
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Austin Hays

Smacks Two Homers On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF