Five Bold IDP Predictions for the 2024 Season
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the anticipation for standout individual defensive performances is at an all-time high. In the world of fantasy football, where every tackle, sack, and interception can make or break a week. IDP leagues bring a unique thrill to the game. This year, we are diving into some bold and controversial hot takes on the defensive side of the ball. From predicting breakout stars to calling out potential disappointments, these predictions are sure to spark debate and keep you on the edge of your seat all season long. We will start with mild takes and spice our way up through these five bold predictions!
JARED VERSE leads the Los Angeles Rams in SACKS
How spicy is this? The reader can decide, but Verse steps into a prime opportunity to make an immediate impact. Especially, with Aaron Donald now retired. The argument can be made that the Rams sack leader in 2023, Kobie Turner, is returning to the Rams. So, yes, Verse will have competition with Turner. On the other hand, Turner led the Rams in sacks with nine total. Donald was second on the team last year with eight total sacks. It is not like Turner completely dominated and was the only one causing pressure. Byron Young will also be in the mix to lead the team in sacks.
In 2023, Verse has nine total sacks while at Florida State. Over his final two seasons at Florida State, Verse had a total of 16.5 sacks. He plays with a high motor and gets off the line quickly. Verse has an arsenal of maneuvers to use when attacking the line that allows him to generate pressure consistently. Teams understand what Turner can do at a pro level, but as a rookie Verse’s impact right now is unknowing. Many had him as the best defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft, however, he was not the first defender off the board. Verse can silence the teams that passed on him by leading the way for the Rams in sacks during his rookie campaign.
FOYESADE OLUOKUN & DEVIN LLOYD will both be in the TOP TEN for TACKLES
Another potentially mild take. As we know, Oluokun is currently the LB1 for most in IDP leagues. Because of his dominance some push Lloyd down their rankings even though he has consistently produced too. In fact, they may have both been in the top ten last season had Lloyd not missed two games.
Oluokun is a fantastic asset for the Jaguars and IDP members, however, the torch will one day need to be passed. Luckily, for the Jaguars, they do not need to search for his predecessor. A healthy Lloyd and dominating Oluokun is all the Jaguars need to compete as both bring proper tackling techniques and great ball pursuit. During Lloyd’s rookie season, he had 115 total tackles. Last season, he had 127 total tackles while missing two games. Let us get a full season of a now established NFL player in Lloyd alongside Oluokun and watch them both get over 145 tackles.
C.J. MOSLEY does not FINISH in the TOP TEN for TACKLES
Now we start to spice things up, for the past three seasons Mosley has topped 150 total tackles in each. He has been the centerpiece to the Jets defense. As their leader, he should still get plenty of tackles, but as a top ten tackler he might be the odd man out. Veteran teammate, Quincy Williams, is aging like fine wine, only getting better as he progresses through his career. Last season, Mosley had 151 total tackles. This was his lowest in the past three seasons. On the other hand, Williams had a career high 139 total tackles. Earlier we spoke about Oluokun one day passing the torch. That torch for the Jets will be passed this season. Williams will take the top tackler spot for the New York Jets, thus pushing out Mosley from a top ten tackler rank. Not to mention other linebackers like Devin Lloyd, Fred Warner, Nick Bolton, and Ivan Pace will do their part in entering that mix of top ten tacklers.
DEREK STINGLEY Leads the League in INTERCEPTIONS
Two of the past three seasons a defensive back from a Texas team has led the NFL in interceptions. Last year, DaRon Bland led with nine interceptions. In 2021, Trevon Diggs led with 11 interceptions. The unfortunate part is both of them played for the Dallas Cowboys. (I am a Houston native) The 2022 season had a four-way tie for the leader in interceptions with Riq Woolen, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Justin Simmons all recording six interceptions.
Last season, Stingley had a career-high five interceptions that tied him with the fourth most in the league. This season the Houston Texans drafted a top cornerback in Kamari Lassiter from Georgia to play opposite of Stingley. The Texans have one of the hardest schedules this season and Stingley will be the CB1 of the team. This means he will most likely be the one they call upon to guard the WR1 of their opponents. That could potentially transition into more targets thrown towards Stingley meaning more opportunities to come for him to make interceptions.
Stingley has only been in the league for two seasons, going on his third, but already has shown improvements since his rookie season. He is a ball-hawk that will find ways to disrupt passes and make plays for his team. The addition of Lassiter will also help since the new rookie has shown shutdown potential while at Georgia. Plus, the team added edge rusher Danielle Hunter, an aggressive edge rusher that is guaranteed to bring additional pressure towards quarterbacks. That additional pressure could lead to quick, off-balance throws opening up opportunities for Stingley to jump routes and gain more interceptions.
MATT JUDON Leads the League in SACKS
Most will flock to T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, or even Nick Bosa. However, Judon deserves his flowers as a premier pass-rusher in the NFL. Two years ago, Judon was tied as the seventh overall in sacks with 12.5. In 2022, he was tied for fourth overall with 15.5 sacks. Last season, he was on pace to have a career high in sacks having four sacks in four games, however, injury would cut his season short. Judon only played four games in 2023. His absence was noticed on the Patriots defense.
Fast forward to today, Judon is now an Atlanta Falcon that struggled in the pass rush last season. They struggled so much that majority of their draft picks ended up being players to help on the defensive line. The Atlanta Falcons have the easiest schedule on paper this year, and Judon looks to be the veteran presence within their front seven. He will be the leader for the young athletes. Plus, now that he is healthy, he will look to replicate his hot start from the 2023 season to pursue career high numbers in terms of sacks. Judon is my dark horse to lead the NFL in sacks in 2024.
Bold predictions are fun to think about, but when they happen were they really that bold to begin with? Either way this season is another filled with opportunity for athletes to etch their name into glory. That glory could mean winning a Super Bowl, leading the league in tackles, or just achieving personal milestones. The NFL never disappoints.
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