Last week we took a Holyfield left uppercut right to the chin. However, even though we were knocked down, it is the way we get back up that matters. Let us shake off the defeat, brush the dirt off our shoulders and get back to it. This week we are starting to see what teams are struggling allowing some IDP talent to find success. Let us dive into the news we have and decide what some of our better start options. On the other hand, we will discuss which players might be better on your bench heading into week three.
*SIDE NOTE*—We consider a start as a player who will earn 10 or more points for you, while a sit scores less than 10 points.
Before we look at our Week 3 IDP Starts and Sits, let us take a look at how we did in Week 2.
| Nnamdi Madubuike | 9pts | FAIL |
| Khalil Mack | 3pt | FAIL |
| Bobby Wagner | 18pts | PASS |
| Tyrel Dodson | 16pts | PASS |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | 8pts | FAIL |
| Christian Wilkins | 8pts | PASS |
| Matthew Judon | 14pts | FAIL |
| Ernest Jones | 17pts | FAIL |
| Lavonte David | 11pts | FAIL |
| Trent McDuffie | 11pts | FAIL |
**Injuries happen when we least expect it! In case of an all-of-sudden injury or reason a player cannot play, be sure to check out our pivot options too!**
STARTS
Defensive Lineman – Indianapolis Colts – Kwity Paye (vs CHI) – START
The Chicago Bears’ offensive line has been struggling. In fact, they have been struggling enough that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is tied for the lead in sacks. With DeForest Buckner sidelined for the next four games, Paye will be asked to take on a larger role in generating pressure. Through two games, Paye has been effective with four total pressures, two tackles for loss, and one sack. His ability to add pressure should provide him with an opportunity to get to Williams. With how horrendous the Bears’ offensive line has been, it is possible that Paye gains his second sack of the season. With Buckner out, the Colts will need Pay to step up, and he has shown the skill set to deliver. If you are looking for a player who can capitalize on a favorable matchup, Paye is a must-start.
Defensive Lineman – Buffalo Bills – Greg Rousseau (vs JAX) – START
Rousseau has shown his ability to get after the quarterback this season. In week one, he had three sacks against the Arizona Cardinals. Jacksonville’s pass protection has been shaky this season. Through two games, they have allowed seven sacks on quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Rousseau is primed to take advantage and deliver more sack opportunities. In addition to his pass-rushing ability, Rousseau has been effective in stopping the run, totaling six run stops through two weeks. Jacksonville will likely lean on their running game to lose pressure off Lawrence. This would allow Rousseau to shine in another area of the game in which he has thrived in. His versatility in both phases of the game makes him a high-upside option for this matchup. In week three, Rousseau has the potential to contribute not only with sacks but also with key tackles for loss.
Linebacker – Cleveland Browns – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (vs NYG) – START
Last week we started a linebacker against the Giants and found success. We are sticking to that mindset to start another linebacker against the Giants. Heading into week two, the Giants struggled to establish their run game, but in week two, they found some comfort within that run game. However, Koramoah has excelled at closing gaps and stopping the run. His instincts and ball-tracking awareness allow him to be a disruptive force for Cleveland’s defense. Koramoah has the ability to read and react quickly making him a key player against a Giant’s team that has had issues in blocking. With the Giants’ offense struggling outside of Malik Nabers, Koramoah is positioned to take advantage of their lack of consistent offensive weapons, especially in the running game.
Plus, Koramoah is the second-best pass rusher on the Browns, which will allow him to have the opportunity to pressure quarterback Daniel Jones. Given New York’s offensive line struggles and their reliance on a limited group of playmakers, Koramoah could have his most productive week yet. His versatility in both the run and pass rush game makes him a high-impact player this week.
Linebacker – Las Vegas Raiders – Robert Spillane (vs CAR) – START
Spillane has been a centerpiece for the Raiders defense this season. Through two weeks, Spillane has been all over the field, racking up 20 total tackles, with 15 being solo. He consistently wraps up ball carriers with his ability to read plays effectively. His sound tackling mechanics make him a reliable option for any fantasy manager. With his role as a key defensive leader, Spillane should continue to pile up stats, making him a high-floor option this week.
This week, the Raiders face a struggling Carolina Panthers team that has already benched their starting quarterback due to poor performance. The Panthers’ offensive struggles create an opportunity for Spillane to maximize his talents. He will likely see plenty of action with Carolina likely leaning into a short passing attack to stabilize the offense. Spillane has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His consistency in both run defense and coverage will give him a plethora of opportunities to rack up tackles and potentially create turnovers against this struggling Panthers offense.
Defensive Back – Chicago Bears – Jaquan Brisker (@ INDY) – START
Colts quarterback, Anthony Richardson, is currently tied for the league lead in interceptions with four through two games. Richardson has the arm strength to throw deep, but his accuracy has been an issue since his college days. On the other side, Brisker has excellent closing speed and playmaking ability to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers. He connects with ball carriers quickly and possesses strong tackling techniques. Given Richardson’s tendency for erratic throws, Brisker could have a busy day defending passes and making crucial tackles. Brisker is in a great position to capitalize on Richardson’s aggressive yet inaccurate passing style. His instincts and ability to break on the ball, could lead to a game-changing play. The tackles will be there for Brisker. Moreover, the upside of gaining an interception are higher against a passer like Richardson.
Additional Players to consider starting:
San Francisco 49ers – DL – Nick Bosa
Houston Texans – DL – Danielle Hunter (revenge game)
Tennessee Titans – LB – Ernest Jones
Cincinnati Bengals – LB – Logan Wilson
Arizona Cardinals – DB – Budda Baker
SIT
Edge Rusher – Pittsburgh Steelers – Alex Highsmith (vs LAC) – SIT
The Steelers defensive front will have a battle in the trenches this week. Offensive tackles, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt for the Los Angeles Chargers both look like they can make the Pro Bowl this year. This means edge rushers like Highsmith have to work double time to add pressure to the Chargers backfield. Highsmith, who has only managed five pressures through the first two games of the season, could struggle to create any significant disruption against this level of competition. His inability to consistently win matchups early this season suggests that he may not be in top form to handle the Chargers’ elite protection.
Additionally, Slater and Alt excel in both pass protection and run blocking, utilizing their blocking techniques, such as quick hand placement and agility to neutralize edge rushers. This could limit Highsmith’s ability to use his speed and power moves effectively. Given Highsmith’s recent lack of production, it may be wise to explore other options in fantasy IDP formats, especially since the Chargers’ offensive line poses one of the tougher matchups in the league. Without significant improvement in his ability to generate pressure, Highsmith could have minimal impact this week.
Edge Rusher – Miami Dolphins – Jaelan Phillips (@ SEA) – SIT
Miami’s edge rusher still appears to be working his way back to full strength after an achilles injury from last season. While Phillips is a phenomenal athlete with the ability to dominate the field, his injury history has hampered his consistency throughout his career. Until he proves he is back to 100 percent and fully ready to play at a high level, the risk of reduced production makes it difficult to trust him as a starter. His health is a concern. It might be wise to wait until he shows he is fully recovered before relying on him for big fantasy points.
That said, this could also present a buy-low opportunity for fantasy managers. Phillips’ talent is undeniable, and if he can return to full health, he has the potential to be a disruptive force on the Dolphins’ defense. Stashing him on your bench while monitoring his recovery might allow you to snag him at a lower value before he regains his peak form.
Linebacker – Philadelphia Eagles – Nakobe Dean (@ NO) – SIT
The Saints’ offensive line has been one of the best in the league at run blocking. Running back Alvin Kamara has thrived behind his blockers. Kamara is known for his elusiveness and ability to evade tackles, often finding ways to gain yards after contact. This makes it difficult for opposing linebackers to rack up reliable tackle numbers. With the Saints’ emphasis on the run game and Kamara’s ability to break free from defenders, Dean may struggle to make the impactful plays needed to generate solid IDP points. Dean’s performance has been inconsistent so far this season, particularly when it comes to tackling. In week one, he struggled to wrap up ball carriers. Although he improved in week two, the inconsistency in his tackling is concerning when facing teams with excellent run blocking and an elusive running back. Until Dean proves he can consistently handle the elusive backs and strong run-blocking lines, it might be safer to leave him on your bench.
Linebacker – Arizona Cardinals – Kyzir White (vs DET) – SIT
The Lions have two elusive running backs who excel at making defenders miss, with a remarkable 68.8 percent of their yards coming after contact. This means White could struggle to bring down these backs consistently. The Lions’ ability to extend plays after initial contact makes it difficult for linebackers like White to rack up reliable fantasy production. In addition, the Lions’ offense is filled with playmakers and field stretchers who could further diminish White’s impact. Detroit may create opportunities that keep White away from the action. This could limit his chances to make plays. If the Lions focus on spreading the ball out and using their passing game to exploit weaknesses, White could be erased from the game altogether. Given the combination of elusive backs and a versatile offensive attack, this week may be a good time to bench White in IDP formats.
Defensive Back – Minnesota Vikings – Camryn Bynum (vs HOU) – SIT
Bynum has missed key tackling opportunities early on, limiting his impact in IDP leagues. Against a Texans team loaded with playmakers at the receiver position, his tackling struggles could further be exposed. Houston’s wideouts are particularly skilled at maneuvering past defenders and racking up yards after the catch. This could make it harder for Bynum to generate consistent fantasy points this week. The Texans’ ability to stretch the field and evade tacklers poses a challenge for Bynum, whose production has been underwhelming so far. Bynum may find himself out of position or simply unable to make plays against a surging Texans team. Until he shows more consistency in his tackling, it might be wise to keep him on our benches. His upside is limited this week, and any week he plays against an offense with playmakers that make defenders miss.
Additional Players to Consider Sitting:
Tennessee Titans – Edge – Harold Landry
Jacksonville Jaguars – DL – Travon Walker
Pittsburgh Steelers – LB – Patrick Queen
New Orleans Saints – LB – Demario Davis
Cleveland Browns – DB – Grant Delpit
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 for offensive starts and sits be sure to check out @TFFGRobbie article too. Thank you for reading.
For a more detailed start/sit list, make sure you check out our Weekly IDP Rankings.