Welcome back to IDP fantasy football! It has been a long grueling time off, but the time is finally here! Week 1 of fantasy football is upon us, and with that means we are getting back to our favorite starts and sits of the week. If you are joining us, it means you are trying a new format or you a seasoned IDP veteran having some questions on who you should start and sit heading into Week 1. You came to the right place! Each week, we will analyze matchups, player performances, and defensive schemes to help you make informed decisions on who to start and who to sit in your IDP leagues. Our insights will give you the edge you need to dominate your league on the defensive side of the ball. After all, DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS! Last season was our first dive into IDP starts and sits and we got 62.3 percent of our picks correct! We have a target goal and know what we need to beat to improve over last season. So, get ready to make your lineup decisions as we break down the top players to trust and those to avoid each week.
*SIDE NOTE* – We consider a start as a player that will earn 10 or more points for you while a sit scores less than 10 points.
STARTS
Edge Rusher – Seattle Seahawks – Boye Mafe (vs DEN) – START
Mafe improved over his rookie season stepping in as an impact player for the Seahawks in 2023. Not only did he lead the team in sacks with nine total, but he also led in pressures with 58 total. That was 15 more pressures than the second on the team. Mafe will look to continue his growth heading into his third season. His Week 1 matchup gives him opportunity to start the season off with a bang. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the Broncos, Mafe should have ample opportunities to apply pressure, as inexperienced quarterbacks often struggle under the rush. This pressure could force Denver into a more one-dimensional offense, leaning heavily on the run game. If this happens it increases Mafe’s chances to make tackles and disrupt plays. His ability to exploit the situations could have him accumulate sacks and tackles against a Broncos offense still finding its rhythm with a rookie quarterback.
Edge Rusher – New York Giants – Kayvon Thibodeaux (vs MIN) – START
Thibodeaux improved in just about every stat category last season and has favorable matchup to start Week 1. The Vikings might be a completely new team this year and not in a good way. They lost some key pieces on their offense including their starting quarterback from last season. Sam Darnold will take the reins as the starter, and even though Darnold is seasoned veteran he has not showed much promise with opportunity given. Thibodeaux and the defensive line will look to make his debut with the Vikings anything but easy in Week 1. Plus, the addition of Brian Burns should help remove some blockers attention from Thibodeaux, allowing him somewhat easier opportunities to get after the quarterback. Thibodeuax will look to add pressure as he did over 40 times last season, but this time he will hope to continue to build on his sack efficiency after nearly tripling his rookie year performance in year two. Last season, Thibodeaux had three games where he had multiple sacks and in Week 1 it is possible he has another multiple sack performance.
Linebacker – New York Jets – Quincy Williams (@ SF) – START
Over the past three seasons Williams has continuously gotten better. The 49ers are known for their run-heavy offense and reliance on short and intermediate throws, both of which play directly into Williams’ strengths as a tackler and playmaker. With San Francisco’s commitment to pounding the ball on the ground and executing quick passes, Williams will have opportunities to rack up tackles and disrupt plays. Slowly, but surely, he is going to take over the lead tackle role from the Jets. Last season, he started off hot recording double digit tackles in week one. His role in the Jets’ defense, combined with the 49ers’ offensive tendencies, positions him for a potentially high-scoring fantasy performance in Week 1.
Linebacker – Kansas City Chiefs – Nick Bolton (vs BAL) – START
Despite missing eight games last season, Bolton showed his resilience and playmaking ability with a standout playoff performance. In four games played he had 40 total tackles. As he returns to the field, Bolton is poised to regain his role as the Chiefs’ top tackler. The Ravens offense is a run-heavy team, more so now that they added star running back Derrick Henry, but this provides ideal opportunity for Bolton. With Baltimore’s focus on the ground game and short passes, Bolton should be in prime position to pile up tackles making him a valuable asset in your lineup for Week 1.
Defensive Back – Arizona Cardinals – Budda Baker (@ BUF) – START
The passing attack for Buffalo has lost some key weapons, but quarterback Josh Allen will likely still be called upon to throw a plethora of times. Baker is an experienced defensive back that knows how to take advantage of opportunities given. Last season was a down year for Baker after only playing in 12 games and having no interceptions. His season opener should help him erase last year completely. The Bills like to pass, at least in the past they have. Their offense may run differently with less depth at the receiver position. This situation sets up Baker for a potentially big game, as he’s likely to be in position to make plays on the ball, whether it’s breaking up passes, making tackles, or even snagging an interception. With Allen likely to target his less experienced receivers, Baker’s playmaking ability and instincts could lead to a productive fantasy outing.
Additional Players to consider starting:
Las Vegas Raiders – DL – Christian Wilkins
Chicago Bears – DL – Montez Sweat
Denver Broncos – LB – Alex Singleton
Minnesota Vikings – LB – Ivan Pace
Detroit Lions – DB – Kerby Joseph
SIT
Edge Rusher – Houston Texans – Will Anderson (@ IND) – SIT
Anderson has been dealing with a soft tissue injury that may impact his game. Plus, the addition of edge rusher Danielle Hunter may take some opportunity from him. The Texans rebuilt their defense on every level adding key pieces all around. Anderson, a former first round pick, will be an impactful player for the Texans, however, week one on the road against a divisional rival might cause for a tough start. The Colts will be led by dual-threat quarterback Anthony Richardson, a big-bodied quarterback with unnatural athleticism. Richardson has a strong arm and speed to escape pressure and extend plays. This matchup will be tough for the Texans all around. Anderson should be able to add pressure to the Colts backfield but connecting will be another task that may not be as easy.
Edge Rusher – Los Angeles Chargers – Tuli Tuipulotu (vs LV) – SIT
Last season, Tuipulotu struggled against the Raiders, failing to make a significant impact, and this matchup does not promise a turnaround. Moreover, star edge rusher Joey Bosa is on track to start in the season opener. Tuipulotu’s playing time is likely to be limited if Bosa is good to go. This reduces his chances to accumulate tackles or sacks. The presence of Bosa in the lineup means Tuipulotu could see fewer snaps, making him a risky play in Week 1. Plus, the Raiders offense may focus on quick releases and a balanced attack thus deterring Tuipulotu’s fantasy impact.
Linebacker – Jacksonville Jaguars – Devin Lloyd (@ MIA) – SIT
Lloyd will have another season over 100 tackles, however, Week 1 will be difficult for him. The Dolphins, known for their quick, up-tempo style and reliance on speedy playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, might limit Lloyd’s opportunities to impactful plays. Miami’s offense tends to spread the ball quickly, potentially minimizing Lloyd’s chances for tackles and big plays. Additionally, the Dolphins’ offensive scheme could force the Jaguars’ linebackers into more coverage situations. An area in which Lloyd might not excel at. Given these factors, it might be wise to keep Lloyd on the bench and wait for a more favorable matchup.
Linebacker – Washington Commanders – Frankie Luvu (@ TB) – SIT
Luvu did produce career high numbers in total tackles and fumbles forced last season, but that was on a team without Bobby Wagner. Wagner is as stout as they come at the linebacker position and he will likely be the leader in Week 1 in terms of tackling. The Buccaneers’ offense is led by an experienced quarterback and supported by a solid offensive line. They are likely to focus on quick, short passes to neutralize the pass rush, limiting Luvu’s opportunities for tackles and sacks. Additionally, Tampa Bay’s run game might not be as heavy, further reducing Luvu’s chances to rack up points. Luvu will be a solid candidate to start in coming weeks, but until the matchup is more favorable keep him on your bench.
Defensive Back – Atlanta Falcons – Jessie Bates (vs PIT) – SIT
Despite leading the team in tackles in 2023 with 132 tackles, Bates might be a risky play in Week 1. The addition of Justin Simmons might cause the Falcons to experiment with different combinations, making it difficult to predict Bates’ snap count and role. Furthermore, the Steelers might employ a conservative game plan. They may focus on short passes and the run game, which could limit Bates’ opportunities for big plays. With these uncertainties in the Falcons secondary, sitting Bates in Week 1 might be ideal. At least until we know what the rotation in the secondary looks like.
Additional Players to consider sitting:
Philadelphia Eagles – Edge – Jalen Carter
Indianapolis Colts – Edge – Laiatu Latu
Tennessee Titans – LB – Ernest Jones
Pittsburgh Steelers – Patrick Queen
New York Jets – DB – Sauce Gardner
Be sure to follow us along all season long for weekly tips on who start and who to sit on the defensive side of the ball. Follow me on X @ThePPRShow for more fantasy football content and thank you for reading.
For a more detail start/sit list, make sure you check out our Week 1 IDP Rankings.