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.

Editor's Note: Stay competitive in IDP fantasy football leagues with RotoBaller’s IDP rankings, sleepers, and waiver wire pickups for individual defensive players.

 

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

Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF