IDP Start/Sit Week 8
In Week 7, we got 8 of 10 picks correct! The 80% correct in week 7 is currently our season high! We just passed the halfway point of the fantasy football season. Every start and every sit is critical moving forward as we get ready for our playoff pushes. This week we have some favorable matchups in our starts. Our sits consist of players with opportunity but have yet to capitalize on it. The second half of the season starts now, so let us kick it off with a BANG in our week IDP starts and sits.
*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 7 IDP Starts and Sits, let us take a look at how we did in Week 6.
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12pts | PASS |
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19pts | PASS |
| 19pts | PASS | |
| 20pts | PASS | |
| 19pts | PASS |
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9pts | PASS |
| 26pts | FAIL | |
| 7pts | PASS | |
| 33pts | FAIL | |
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8pts | PASS |
**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 Line – San Francisco 49ers – Nick Bosa (vs DAL) – START
Over the past two games, he has registered five quarterback hits but has only managed a partial sack. However, the Cowboys’ offensive line presents a favorable matchup, ranking among the bottom five in the league in pass protection. With Dallas struggling to keep their quarterback clean, Bosa is due for a breakout performance. His ability to pressure the quarterback consistently is still intact. Opportunities for sacks are bound to follow when facing a vulnerable line like this one.
Through seven weeks, Bosa has 3.5 sacks, which is already an improvement from his 2.5 sacks at this point last season. These stats indicate that he is on a better trajectory, and a big game could help him regain his rhythm. The Cowboys’ reliance on the passing game makes this an ideal matchup for Bosa to rack up quarterback pressures and potentially multiple sacks. If he can convert his pressures into production this week, fantasy managers can expect a significant boost in points. This matchup offers a great chance for Bosa to bounce back and deliver a high-level performance.
Edge Rusher – Chicago Bears – Montez Sweat (@ WAS) – START
Coming off a bye week, Sweat had time to reset after a rough outing in Week 5 with zero points, followed by a six-point performance in Week 6. The extra rest and preparation should put him in a good position to bounce back. Although Washington’s offensive line is typically solid, there is uncertainty at quarterback, with Jayden Daniels’ status in question. If Marcus Mariota takes the field, it opens the door for Sweat to exploit a more vulnerable situation. Mariota has already shown a tendency to take sacks in limited action.
Sweat has already proven his ability to deliver under the right circumstances, recording sacks in both Weeks 3 and 4. Facing a mobile quarterback like Mariota may present additional opportunities for tackles or sacks if he is forced out of the pocket. With the Bears likely counting on Sweat to provide a pass-rushing spark, this week’s matchup gives him a favorable chance to get back on track. All signs point to a strong showing, and he is well-positioned to produce meaningful fantasy points in this matchup.
Linebacker – Atlanta Falcons – Kaden Elliss (@ TAMPA) – START
Currently, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dealing with significant injuries to their receiving corps. With both of Tampa Bay’s top receivers sidelined, the Buccaneers may rely more heavily on their run game or focus on short-to-intermediate passing plays. Either game plan plays into Elliss’ strengths, as he excels at tracking the ball and making tackles in space. If Tampa leans on the ground attack, Elliss will have plenty of opportunities to rack up tackles. Conversely, if the Buccaneers shift to shorter throws, Elliss’ ability to cover the middle of the field will put him in a prime position to make stops and disrupt plays.
Elliss has been a model of consistency this season, posting double-digit fantasy points in every game so far. His combination of run-stopping ability and pass coverage versatility gives him multiple paths to producing points in this matchup. Additionally, the Falcons’ defensive scheme often positions him in high-impact situations, whether pressuring the quarterback or dropping into coverage. Given the Buccaneers’ likely shift in offensive strategy, this week offers Elliss a great chance to maintain his strong form and potentially exceed his usual production.
Linebacker – Detroit Lions – Alex Anzalone (vs. TEN) – START
The Tennessee Titans offense leans heavily on their run game—one of the few things still working for them. This run-heavy approach sets up well for Anzalone, who thrives in run-stopping situations and should see plenty of tackle opportunities. Anzalone has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of the five games he has played this season. In the two games he fell short, his snap count was limited. Now fully healthy and cleared from the concussion he suffered in Week 2, Anzalone should return to his usual role with a high snap percentage, giving him every chance to rack up points.
With star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson sidelined, Anzalone and linebacker Jack Campbell will need to step up as the anchors of the Lions’ front seven. This increased responsibility should translate to even more involvement for Anzalone, especially in a game where Tennessee’s offense may struggle to move the ball effectively through the air. If the Titans stick with their run-first game plan, Anzalone’s tackling ability will be critical. Against a struggling Titans offense, Anzalone’s versatility and leadership on the field make him a solid bet to deliver a productive fantasy outing.
Defensive Back – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Antoine Winfield Jr. (vs ATL) – START
Winfield appears fully healthy after missing four games with a foot injury. In Week 6, he eased back into action with 80% of the snaps, but by Week 7, he played every defensive snap. When healthy, Winfield is a must-start due to his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game. This week’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons gives him plenty of opportunities to make plays both in coverage and against the run. The Falcon’s offense relies on a balanced attack through the air and on the ground.
Winfield’s all-around skill set makes him particularly valuable in this matchup, as he can defend against the passing game while also playing a role in slowing down the Falcons’ improving rushing attack. His ability to line up at multiple positions—whether as a deep safety, in the box, or in slot coverage—ensures that he will be heavily involved regardless of how the game unfolds. If Atlanta leans on the run, Winfield’s tackling ability will shine, and if through the air, Winfield’s ball-hawking instincts could lead to interceptions or pass breakups. With his snap count back to 100%, Winfield offers a high floor and significant upside, making him a reliable IDP option this week.
Additional Players to consider starting:
Denver Broncos – DL – Zach Allen
Los Angeles Chargers – DL – Khalil Mack
Pittsburgh Steelers – LB – Patrick Queen
New York Jets – LB – Jamien Sherwood
Atlanta Falcons – DB – Jessie Bates
SIT
Edge Rusher – Houston Texans – Danielle Hunter (@ INDY) – SIT
Back-to-back weeks of sitting Hunter is a tough. However, this week’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts makes it a smart move. While Hunter is capable of explosive performances, he has been inconsistent this season. Even with a sack in his last outing, he failed to crack double-digit fantasy points. In his previous matchup against the Colts, Hunter struggled to make an impact, despite playing 80% of the defensive snaps. Given the strength of Indianapolis’s offensive line, it will be difficult for him to get consistent pressure this week.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson adds another layer of difficulty for Hunter, as Richardson’s mobility makes him harder to sack. Even when Hunter generates pressure, his status as a known playmaker means he will likely draw extra blockers. This limits his ability to convert opportunities into stats. While Hunter remains a top-tier edge rusher, this particular matchup does not set up well for his fantasy production. Benching him may feel risky, but given the factors at play, it is a safer move to avoid the potential of another disappointing performance. Look for better matchups in the coming weeks where his upside is more favorable.
Edge Rusher – Tennessee Titans – Harold Landry (@ DET) – SIT
Landry has been inconsistent this season, alternating between productive outings and quiet games. This makes it hard to trust him in challenging matchups like this one. The Lions’ offense is designed to get the ball to their dynamic playmakers quickly, limiting opportunities for defenders to generate pressure or accumulate tackles. Detroit’s offensive line is also one of the better units in the league, capable of protecting the quarterback and blocking effectively downfield. Even when Landry manages to generate pressure, Detroit’s offensive scheme reduces his sack opportunities. The Lions rely on quick passes and misdirection plays that neutralize edge rushers.
Additionally, with players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown excelling in space, Tennessee defenders will face the challenge of making clean tackles. Landry’s hit-or-miss production makes him a boom-or-bust option this week. The odds are tilted against him given the Lions’ ability to manage pass rushers effectively.
Linebacker – Indianapolis Colts – Segun Olubi (@ HOU) – SIT
Olubi impressed last week when he stepped into a larger role after Jaylon Carlies left with an injury. However, this week’s matchup presents a tougher challenge. Even if Olubi continues to see an expanded role due to the possible absences of EJ Speed and Carlies. Houston’s elusive and dynamic offense will make it difficult for him to replicate last week’s success. The Texans’ quick, playmaking offense, led by C.J. Stroud, emphasizes short passes and creative runs that can minimize tackle opportunities for linebackers.
Additionally, the Texans’ divisional familiarity with the Colts adds another layer of complexity. They know how to scheme against Indianapolis defenders. In contrast, Zaire Franklin is a must-start, as he is the heart of the Colts’ defense and offers more consistency in both tackles and big plays. While Olubi may see playing time, the risk of him being game-scripted out or struggling to keep up with Houston’s offense makes him a risky fantasy option this week.
Linebacker – Los Angeles Chargers – Denzel Perryman (vs NO) – SIT
Although Perryman is listed as a starter, his role has become less certain with the return of rookie linebacker Junior Colson, who is gradually getting healthier. The Chargers’ linebacker rotation has also become crowded, with Daiyan Henley emerging as the leader in snaps and production over the past two weeks. This increasing competition within the linebacker group makes it difficult to rely on Perryman, as his snap count and usage fluctuate. The Saints’ offense presents a reasonable opportunity for linebackers to make plays, but the lack of clarity in Perryman’s role leaves too much uncertainty for fantasy managers to trust him this week. With multiple linebackers sharing playing time, Perryman’s path to consistent fantasy production becomes murky. Even if the matchup is promising, the rotational nature of the Chargers’ linebacking corps introduces a risk of low output. For these reasons, Perryman is better left on the bench until his role solidifies or a clearer trend in playing time emerges.
Defensive Back – Philadelphia Eagles – Reed Blankenship (@ CIN) – SIT
Early in the season, Blankenship looked like a must-start player, delivering consistent performances and anchoring the Eagles’ secondary. However, since leaving mid-game against the Buccaneers in Week 4 with an injury, he has not regained his top form, even with a bye week to rest and recover. His recent lack of production raises concerns about his reliability. This makes it risky to trust him against a Bengals offense that thrives through the air with elite receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Bengals’ pass-heavy attack will test the Eagles’ secondary. Blankenship has yet to show he is fully back to being the disruptive playmaker he was earlier in the season. He could still log tackles given Cincinnati’s volume of passing plays. However, until Blankenship demonstrates that he can return to his game-changing ways, it is safer to leave him on the bench this week.
Additional Players to Consider Sitting:
Cincinnati Bengals – DL – Sam Hubbard
Jacksonville Jaguars – DL – Josh Hines-Allen
Tennessee Titans – LB – Jerome Baker
New York Jets – LB – C.J. Mosley
Seattle Seahawks – DB – Devon Witherspoon
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.