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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 2 IDP Rankings for Fantasy Football (2024) - Defense Positional Rankings for LB, DL, DB

49ers Defense D/ST Streamers, Rankings, Waiver Wire - Nick Bosa Fantasy Football IDP

Fantasy football IDP rankings and IDP streamers for Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. Chris's IDP fantasy start em, sit em picks for individual defensive players.

As happens after Week 1 of every NFL season, there is a lot of panic in the fantasy community right now. Inevitably, some of the veterans you've always relied on are starting to show their age, while many sleepers or breakouts haven't yet cracked their shells. It's a natural time to worry and to overreact.

The first thing to remember is that plenty of superstars struggle in Week 1. Just consider Joe Burrow's opening season jitters. Between 2020-2023, Burrow averaged just 218 passing yards, one passing TD, 1.25 INTs, and 23 rushing yards in Week 1 games. That translates to just 7.8 fantasy ppg in standard leagues.

Burrow was awful to start this season, too, but you won’t drop him. Cutting a fantasy stalwart like Joe Cool after one dud is foolhardy, and the same applies to your IDP studs. Remember, Week 1 is just 5% of the season after a long offseason of rust and relaxation. Opening week is always hectic and strange, but talent and opportunity usually persevere.

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

 

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 with one player at each defensive position (DL, LB, DB) and two DFLEX.

 

Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 T.J. Watt Steelers Broncos
2 Maxx Crosby Raiders Ravens
3 Micah Parsons Cowboys Saints
4 Myles Garrett Browns Jaguars
5 Nick Bosa 49ers Vikings
6 Khalil Mack Chargers Panthers
7 Josh Hines-Allen Jaguars Browns
8 Brian Burns Giants Commanders
9 Montez Sweat Bears Texans
10 Trey Hendrickson Bengals Chiefs
11 Aidan Hutchinson Lions Buccaneers
12 Danielle Hunter Texans Bears
13 Joey Bosa Chargers Panthers
14 Boye Mafe Seahawks Patriots
15 Kayvon Thibodeaux Giants Commanders
16 Will Anderson Jr. Texans Bears
17 Carl Granderson Saints Cowboys
18 Jaelan Phillips Dolphins Bills
19 Christian Wilkins Raiders Ravens
20 Dexter Lawrence Giants Commanders
21 Harold Landry III Titans Jets
22 Alex Highsmith Steelers Broncos
23 Javon Hargrave 49ers Vikings
24 Jared Verse Rams Cardinals
25 DeForest Buckner (Q) Colts Packers
26 Chris Jones Chiefs Bengals
27 Gregory Rousseau Bills Dolphins
28 Jalen Carter Eagles Falcons
29 Jonathon Cooper Broncos Steelers
30 Andrew Van Ginkel Vikings 49ers
31 Byron Young Rams Cardinals
32 Josh Sweat Eagles Falcons
33 George Karlaftis Chiefs Bengals
34 Cameron Heyward Steelers Broncos
35 Matthew Judon Falcons Eagles
36 Jeffery Simmons Titans Jets
37 Dallas Turner Vikings 49ers
38 Laiatu Latu Colts Packers
39 Jonathan Greenard Vikings 49ers
40 Bryce Huff Eagles Falcons
41 Quinnen Williams Jets Titans
42 Keion White Patriots Seahawks
43 Rashan Gary Packers Colts
44 Travon Walker Jaguars Browns
45 Harrison Phillips Vikings 49ers
46 Zaven Collins Cardinals Rams
47 Leonard Floyd 49ers Vikings
48 Sam Hubbard Bengals Chiefs
49 Zach Allen Broncos Steelers
50 Leonard Williams Seahawks Patriots

 

DL Riser of the Week

Jared Verse, DL, Los Angeles Rams

Verse was my favorite defender in this year’s NFL Draft, thanks to his combination of motor and power that helped him repeatedly obliterate blockers last fall. Verse flashed that same dominant power in Week 1, securing a sack and logging the sixth-most QB pressures in the league despite playing against a stout Detroit offensive line.

The Cardinals should offer Verse a far easier matchup than the Lions did, especially with Jonah Williams out. Arizona surrendered four sacks and 12 pressures to Buffalo, including a three-sack performance from Gregory Rousseau. Given the matchup and talent, Verse is a nice upside play this week.

 

DL Disappointment of the Week

Matthew Judon, Atlanta Falcons

Fading Judon this week may be risky since he overcame a shortened offseason and limited help to produce a respectable 4.5 Standard IDP points against Pittsburgh. That said, Judon is a rotational pass rusher in this front and the Steelers' patchwork line was a favorable matchup for an edge like him.

This week, Judon gets a far less favorable matchup against the Eagles. Philly fields two of the best pass-blocking tackles in the NFL, who surrendered a combined three pressures against the Packers in Week 1. Philadelphia has had PFF's top-graded pass-blocking unit for two straight seasons, and they are on pace for a similarly effective season so far.

 

Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 Foyesade Oluokun Jaguars Browns
2 Roquan Smith Ravens Raiders
3 Alex Singleton Broncos Steelers
4 Bobby Okereke Giants Commanders
5 Quay Walker Packers Colts
6 T.J. Edwards Bears Texans
7 Zaire Franklin Colts Packers
8 Fred Warner 49ers Vikings
9 Terrel Bernard Bills Dolphins
10 Eric Kendricks (Q) Cowboys Saints
11 E.J. Speed Colts Packers
12 Ivan Pace Jr. Vikings 49ers
13 Nick Bolton Chiefs Bengals
14 Bobby Wagner Commanders Giants
15 C.J. Mosley Jets Titans
16 Logan Wilson Bengals Chiefs
17 Zack Baun Eagles Falcons
18 Jordyn Brooks Dolphins Bills
19 Lavonte David Buccaneers Lions
20 Patrick Queen Steelers Broncos
21 Azeez Al-Shaair Texans Bears
22 Kyzir White Cardinals Rams
23 Tyrel Dodson Seahawks Patriots
24 De’Vondre Campbell 49ers Vikings
25 Ernest Jones Titans Jets
26 Quincy Williams Jets Titans
27 Alex Anzalone Lions Buccaneers
28 Robert Spillane Raiders Ravens
29 Frankie Luvu Commanders Giants
30 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Browns Jaguars
31 Jordan Hicks Browns Jaguars
32 Demario Davis Saints Cowboys
33 Shaq Thompson Panthers Chargers
34 Christian Rozeboom Rams Cardinals
35 DeMarvion Overshown Cowboys Saints
36 Kaden Elliss Falcons Eagles
37 Devin Lloyd Jaguars Browns
38 Troy Reeder Rams Cardinals
39 Ja’Whaun Bentley Patriots Seahawks
40 Tremaine Edmunds Bears Texans
41 Josey Jewell Panthers Chargers
42 Nakobe Dean Eagles Falcons
43 Germaine Pratt Bengals Chiefs
44 Trenton Simpson Ravens Raiders
45 Blake Cashman Vikings 49ers
46 Jerome Baker Seahawks Patriots
47 Jack Campbell Lions Buccaneers
48 David Long Jr. Dolphins Bills
49 Payton Wilson Steelers Broncos
50 Divine Deablo Raiders Ravens

 

LB Riser of the Week

Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles

If you have followed my articles and rankings since I started covering IDP for Rotoballer nearly five years ago, you know Zack Baun has always been one of my favorites. I had him ranked as a top-25 prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, and I bemoaned the poor fit New Orleans was for his skill set.

After considering Baun a “sleeper” or “breakout” candidate every offseason, including this one, his ascension may finally be happening. In Week 1, Baun was the clear lead linebacker for Philly, playing 100% of the snaps while securing 15 tackles and two sacks. Those sacks are part of his skill set, too, as he was a gifted pass rusher in Wisconsin.

Rumors are that Baun may be playing Devin White out of a job (more on that below), and it was Nakobe Dean who came off the field in the rare instance Philly used just one linebacker last week. Baun is a well-rounded tackler who produced the second-most fantasy points of any LB in Week 1, and he is available in 99.2% of IDP leagues.

Note that Baun also has a premium matchup this week. The Falcons ran their entire offense through Bijan Robinson in Week 1, which is great for Baun. Even better, the Falcons' pass-blocking unit surrendered constant pressure against Pittsburgh, and Kirk Cousins looked incapable of getting away from it.

 

LB Disappointment of the Week

Devin White, Philadelphia Eagles

The official word out of Philadelphia is that White did not play in Week 1 due to an ankle injury. The unofficial word is that the team may be trying to trade him. By all accounts, both Baun and Nakobe Dean have outplayed the more expensive White this offseason. The team also likes the depth at the LB position with Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Despite being a premium athlete who can produce as a pass rusher and tackler, White lost favor in Tampa Bay over the past few years. Be it personality or a decline in ability, White ceded playing time to much less heralded defenders on the Buccaneers, and it looks like that may happen again in Philadelphia.

 

Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week

Rank Player Team Opponent
1 Derwin James Chargers Panthers
2 Kyle Hamilton (Q) Ravens Raiders
3 Brian Branch Lions Buccaneers
4 Jessie Bates III Falcons Eagles
5 Jaquan Brisker Bears Texans
6 Julian Love Seahawks Patriots
7 Reed Blankenship Eagles Falcons
8 Minkah Fitzpatrick Steelers Broncos
9 Camryn Bynum Vikings 49ers
10 Antoine Winfield Jr. (D) Buccaneers Lions
11 Xavier McKinney Packers Colts
12 Josh Metellus Vikings 49ers
13 Jalen Pitre Texans Bears
14 Julian Blackmon Colts Packers
15 Jevon Holland Dolphins Bills
16 Grant Delpit Browns Jaguars
17 Charvarius Ward 49ers Vikings
18 Justin Reid Chiefs Bengals
19 Devon Witherspoon Seahawks Patriots
20 Nate Hobbs Raiders Ravens
21 Quentin Lake Rams Cardinals
22 Kyle Dugger Patriots Seahawks
23 Ji’Ayir Brown 49ers Vikings
24 Trent McDuffie Chiefs Bengals
25 Budda Baker Cardinals Rams
26 Donovan Wilson Cowboys Saints
27 Jalen Thompson Cardinals Rams
28 Rayshawn Jenkins Jaguars Browns
29 Alontae Taylor Saints Cowboys
30 Jordan Whitehead Buccaneers Lions
31 Kerby Joseph Lions Buccaneers
32 C.J. Gardner-Johnson Eagles Falcons
33 L’Jarius Sneed Titans Jets
34 Talanoa Hufanga (Q) 49ers Vikings
35 Nick Cross Colts Packers
36 Brandon Jones Broncos Steelers
37 Tyson Campbell Jaguars Browns
38 Marcus Williams Ravens Raiders
39 Javon Bullard Packers Colts
40 Jason Pinnock Giants Commanders
41 Geno Stone Bengals Chiefs
42 Christian Gonzalez Patriots Seahawks
43 Kenny Moore II Colts Packers
44 Cam Taylor-Britt Bengals Chiefs
45 A.J. Terrell Falcons Eagles
46 Paulson Adebo Saints Cowboys
47 Kamren Curl Rams Cardinals
48 Derek Stingley Jr. Texans Bears
49 Roger McCreary Titans Jets
50 Tykee Smith Buccaneers Lions

 

DB Riser of the Week

Javon Bullard, Green Bay Packers

Bullard was an overlooked prospect when it came to our preseason IDP rankings, but he demands attention after an NFL debut with 11 tackles. While Bullard played in the box less than Xavier McKinney last week, contrary to what his hard-hitting style would suggest, he does merit plenty of box and nickel assignments.

Bullard is widely available in IDP leagues, with a rostership of just 1.4%. He also has a fascinating matchup against a Colts offense that should run the ball a lot but also attempt several risky deep throws. Richardson risked interception on at least four of his 19 passes last week.

 

DB Disappointment of the Week

Green Bay Packers Cornerbacks

While there is plenty of potential for Packer defenders playing in the box or deep, beware of their outside corners. The Colts ran the fewest plays in the NFL in Week 1. Now, the Packers are projected to start Malik Willis, whose career completion percentage is 52.2% and who has thrown for a total of 350 yards in eight NFL games and three starts.

Given how inefficient the Packers' offense is likely to be with Willis under center and the Colts' slow pace of play, players like Jaire Alexander could see an extremely limited number of opportunities to make a play. Expect Richardson and company to run a lot and throw a few balls up for grabs, but ultimately limit throws to the outside.



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


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.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP