The NFL gives us a one-week break, a nice offering after the “bye-pocalypse” of Week 7. All IDP are in play this week, save for those sidelined by injury (witness the Injury Report below), and thus we have plenty of rising IDP to profile in this installment of the IDP Report. Fantasy owners will be busy replacing those defensive players picked up to fill in during last week’s six-team “byemageddon” events, so let us get to the profiles of those fantasy football players you might want to add to your team(s). 

Bye Weeks coming up: Week 8-NONE!; Week 9: Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, San Francisco; Week 10-Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams, Miami, Philadelphia

 

Fantasy Football IDP Risers - Elevator Going Up

Linebackers

Terrell Bernard, Buffalo Bills

It is fairly likely that the Bill LB is not readily available in your leagues, being owned in 64% of Yahoo leagues and 76.9% of ESPN leagues. If he is available, though, he is a fine addition to your roster, being as he is an every-down LB and coming off a double-digit total tackle (TT) game (nine solo, two assists) with one of those wrap-ups being for a loss of yards (TFL). He also provided on the big play front, with a fumble recovery (FR) against the host Patriots. With Buffalos’ defensive ranks being depleted due to injuries, look for Bernand to continue to put up useful IDP results. 

Kenneth Murray, Jr. Los Angeles Chargers

Murray is another linebacker finding himself on the field for every snap the defense plays and is coming off a productive day with a sack, eight TT (seven solo, two TFL) and a QB hit/hurry (QH). An every down LB who provides both tackles and big plays is well worth considering as part of your IDP roster.

David Mayo, Washington Commanders

Mayo is due to see more playing time (PT) with fellow Commander Cody Barton being sidelined with an ankle injury. He made the most of his time on the field in Week 7, picking up 11 TT (nine solo). He has a good matchup this week, with the Eagles on the slate.

Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions

IDP owners who expected big things from the Lions’ first round pick have been disappointed with Campbell’s lack of PT to date, although that was remedied by a 90% snap effort against the Ravens in Week 7. Look for his value to continue to rise, assuming he continues to play significant snaps as his pedigree suggests good to great things for the rookie.

Defensive Linemen

Odafe Oweh, DE, Baltimore Ravens

He should be readily available, having been on the sidelines due to an ankle injury suffered early this season, and he provided some big play value in Week 7’s victory over the visiting Lions, with a sack, a QH and a forced fumble (FF). Only a few tackles: three TT, two solo). His pass rushing skills are why you should target him for your DL ranks.

Charles Omenihu, DE,Kansas City Chiefs

Here is another DE that missed games, though not due to an injury but rather a suspension. He also came back into the game by putting up some significant big play results: a sack, a pair of QH and a pass deflection (PD). He also had two solos, one a TFL. He only saw the field for 51% of the snaps on defense, and his pass rushing skills are what drives his value in IDP.

Bryce Huff, DE, New York Jets

Huff also possesses excellent pass rush skills. This week he faces the Giants who have been extraordinarily generous in the sack allowed department this season. He racked up 1.5 sacks in his last effort, and has 2.5 over the two recent games prior to being off in Week 7 with a bye.

Dexter Lawrence II, DT, New York Giants

Lawrence is coming off a huge effort in Week 7, with six TT (two solo, one TFL), a pair of sacks and four (!) QH. That kind of pressure on the opposing QB makes him a rising star, especially in leagues that mandate a DT position be occupied.

Justin Jones, DT, Chicago Bears

Jones only collected a trio of TT in Week 7, but he has 10 TT over his last two contests. He was credited with a sack against the visiting Raiders’ offense and a QH and PD while playing 2/3 of the defensive snaps for the Bears in their Week 7 victory. Another DT to consider for those of you who need that specific position filled on your fantasy roster. 

Defensive Backs

Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears

The safety was questionable going into the Week 7 contest, but shook it off and played every down against the Raiders. He collected 10 TT (nine solo) and also had a PD on his stat sheet. He is a DB to consider as you populate your IDP roster for the second half of the fantasy season.

Terrell Edmunds, S, Tennessee Titans

The Week 7 opponent, Miami, did not offer many opportunities to make hay while the sun shone for the Titans, but Edmunds managed to rack up nine TT (eight solo) while also playing every down on defense. Be advised that the DB has moved to Tennessee in a trade, and should assume a starting role in the Titan secondary.

Kerby Joseph, S, Detroit Lions

The second-year DB is fresh off a double-digit TT effort (nine solo). He is somewhat of an inconsistent fantasy point producer, but in the right matchup, he provides value in tackle-oriented formats. He is still developing into a defensive force, playing with a team that is improving quickly on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage.

Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears 

The first of a pair of Bear DBs we are profiling, Johnson picked off two passes in Week 7 and also contributed a pair of PDs against the visiting Raiders. Three TT (two solo) do not constitute massive point production but are a nice toss-in with the big plays. Week 8’s matchup in Los Angeles against the Chargers is a good one for continued fantasy value.

Kyler Gordon, CB, Chicago Bears

What is noted above about the Charger matchup goes for Gordon, obviously, and he is seeing his PT increase as he returns to action following a broken hand he suffered earlier this season. He collected seven TT last game (four solo) and a QH showing his ability to pressure the opposing signal caller. He is playing in the slot position, improving his potential for continued fantasy point production.

Deonte Banks, CB, New York Giants

The Giant rookie DB is beginning to produce fantasy value, coming off a seven TT (five solo) effort where he also had an INT and a PD, making him a dual threat on the IDP front. Week 9 is a good matchup against the Raiders, even if this week is not so bright and shiny with the Jets on the schedule.

Joey Porter, Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

As a rookie cornerback, Porter is a desired IDP piece as opposing offenses will target him until he proves himself. He is racking up limited tackles currently, but does have a pair of PDs and one INT over his last two games.

Fantasy Football IDP Risers - Escalator Going Down

Linebackers

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Cleveland Browns

He is trending down this week, due to a reduction in his snap count of late. His tackle production over the past two contests is merely pedestrian as well, making him a liability for your IDP roster. 

Derrick Barnes, Detroit Lions

Two consecutive contests with just a pair of tackles in each devalue Barnes’ fantasy value greatly. A LB that does not contribute either tackles or big plays has no place on your fantasy roster.

Defensive Linemen

None to speak of this week, save those in the Injury Report below.

Defensive Backs

Kareem Jackson, S, Denver Broncos

Jackson endured his second ejection of the season in Week 7. That kind of behavior, and the attention he will likely receive from officials on the gridiron, makes him a fantasy millstone.

Marcus Maye, S, New Orleans Saints

Over the past two games following his reactivation from suspension, he has been mostly a non-producer for his owners. He has just two solo tackles over those last two games. He is still seeing significant snaps but is listed as questionable this week with a hamstring issue, so that also limits his potential utility at this point.
 

 

NFL Week 8 Matchups to Exploit

Remember, the first team listed is the one to use your IDPs against. Do not go crazy, and play a LB5 against the Colts or Jaguars, but certainly you will do well if you own a top DL playing on the Eagles or a Washington defensive back going against the Eagles that you can plug in this week, for the most part.

Linebackers

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Pittsburgh

Baltimore Ravens vs Arizona

Cleveland Browns vs Seattle

Indianapolis Colts vs New Orleans

Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver

Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington

Defensive Ends

Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia

Atlanta Falcons vs Tennessee

New York Giants vs New York Jets

Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Chargers

Cleveland Browns vs Seattle

Defensive Tackles 

Cleveland Browns vs Seattle

Indianapolis Colts vs New Orleans 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Buffalo

New York Jets vs New York Giants

New Orleans Saints vs Indianapolis

Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia

Safeties

Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay

Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver

Carolina Panthers vs Houston

New Orleans Saints vs Indianapolis

Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington

Cornerbacks

New York Giants vs New York Jets

Los Angeles Chargers vs Chicago

Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas

Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington

Miami Dolphins vs New England

Cleveland Browns vs Seattle

New England Patriots vs Miami

Waiver Wire Targets

This section is intended to serve as a shortened cheat sheet listing those waiver wire targets you should be considering if you need to plug a hole in your starting lineup. All these players are spotlighted above, and you can read my comments about them in the "Elevator Going Up" section of this article. Not all the players commented on are here, however, as there is no need to waste your time searching for players that are heavily owned. This group consists of those that you may have a chance of locating on your league's waiver wire in that they are owned in significantly less than 50% of leagues. Happy claiming for your weekly matchups.

Linebackers

Kenneth Murray, Jr. Los Angeles Chargers

David Mayo Washington, Commanders

Jack Campbell Detroit Lions

Defensive Linemen

Odafe Oweh, DE, Baltimore Ravens

Charles Omenihu, DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Dexter Lawrence II, DT, New York Giants

Justin Jones, DT, Chicago Bears

Bryce Huff, DE, New York Jets

Defensive Backs

Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears

Terrell Edmunds, S, Tennessee Titans

Kerby Joseph, S, Detroit Lions

Jaylon Johnson, CB, Chicago Bears 

Kyler Gordon, CB, Chicago Bears

Deonte Banks, CB, New York Giants

Joey Porter, Jr. CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 8 IDP Injuries - Ouch (My Aching Roster)

All the injury reports below need evaluation prior to kickoff.  Teams are notoriously sketchy about injury reports, and we often do not know a player's status until just before game time. Consider the list below as a "heads up" as to what is going on early in the week, and should not be considered definitive.

Linebackers

Krys Barnes Arizona Cardinals hamstring

Malik Hamm Baltimore Ravens ankle IR

Tyus Bowser Baltimore Ravens knee NFI-R

Baylon Spector Buffalo Bills hamstring

Sione Takitaki Cleveland Browns hamstring

Jordan Kunaszyk Cleveland Browns knee-MCL IR

Malcolm Rodriguez Detroit Lions ankle

De’Vondre Campbell Green Bay Packers ankle

Divine Deablo Las Vegas Raiders ankle

David Long Miami Dolphins head

Josh Uche New England Patriots foot

Nick Herbig Pittsburgh Steelers illness

Ushenna Nwosu Seattle Seahawks pectoral

Drew White Washington Commanders knee PUP

Cody Barton Washington Commanders ankle

Defensive Linemen

DE

L.J. Collier Arizona Cardinals biceps IR

Carlos Watkins Arizona Cardinals IR

Khalid Kareem Chicago Bears hip IR

Keion White New England Patriots concussion

Payton Turner New Orleans Saints toe IR

Robert Beal, Jr. San Francisco 49ers hamstring IR

DT

Ed Oliver Buffalo Bills toe

Devonte Wyatt Green Bay Packers knee

Eric Johnson Indianapolis Colts ankle

DaVon Hamilton Jacksonville Jaguars back IR

Otito Ogbonnia Los Angeles Chargers kneecap PUP

Larrell Murchison Los Angeles Rams knee

Austin Faoliu Seattle Seahawks knee PUP

Bryan Mone Seattle Seahawks knee-ACL PUP

Vita Vea Tampa Bay Buccaneers groin

Phidarian Mathis Washington Commanders calf IR

Defensive Backs

S

Jalen Thompson Arizona Cardinals hamstring

Marcus Williams Baltimore Ravens hamstring

Ar’Darius Washington Baltimore Ravens chest IR

Jaquan Brisker Chicago Bears illness

Eddie Jackson Chicago Bears foot

Terell Smith Chicago Bears illness

K’Waun Williams Denver Broncos ankle IR

C.J. Gardner-Johnson Detroit Lions pectoral IR

Darnell Savage Green Bay Packers calf IR

Zayne Anderson Green Bay Packers hamstring

Andre Cisco Jacksonville Jaguars lower body

Brandon Facyson Las Vegas Raiders shin IR

Alohi Gilman Los Angeles Chargers heel

Jason Taylor II Los Angeles Rams groin IR

J.T. Gray New Orleans Saints hamstring

Reed Blankenship Philadelphia Eagles ribs

Levi Wallace Pittsburgh Steelers foot

Kaevon Merriweather Tampa Bay Buccaneers ankle

Jeremy Reaves Washington Commanders knee-ACL IR

CB

Antonio Hamilton Arizona Cardinals groin

Kevon Seymour Baltimore Ravens ankle

Damarion Williams Baltimore Ravens ankle IR

Trayvon Mullen Baltimore Ravens toe NFI-R

Jerry Jacobs Detroit Lions knee

Eric Stokes Green Bay Packers hamstring IR

Jaire Alexander Green Bay Packers back 

Julius Brents Indianapolis Colts quadriceps 

Dallis Flowers Indianapolis Colts Achilles IR

Tyson Campbell Jacksonville Jaguars hamstring

Gregory Junior Jacksonville Jaguars hamstring IR

Jakorian Bennett Las Vegas Raiders shoulder

Nate Hobbs Las Vegas Raiders ankle

Deane Leonard Los Angeles Chargers hamstring

Xavien Howard Miami Dolphins groin

Marcus Jones New England Patriots shoulder IR

Adoree’ Jackson New York Giants neck

Aaron Robinson New York Giants knee-ACL/MCL PUP

Michael Carter II New York Jets hamstring 

Bradley Roby Philadelphia Eagles shoulder

Avonte Maddox Philadelphia Eagles pectoral IR

Darrell Luter, Jr. San Francisco 49ers knee PUP

Roger McCreary Tennessee Titans hamstring 

As ever, good luck and Godspeed in your fantasy efforts. Make sure to read all of our great articles to help you win your fantasy matchups every week and ultimately bask in championship glory. If you have any fantasy football questions, especially about IDP leagues, you can also send a message to ia@fantasyalarm.com for a personal response from the writer of this article. 

Naturally, the more detail you can send about your league, such as the number of teams, the platform you play in (Yahoo, ESPN, etc.), scoring and roster system, the better the ability to provide accurate advice.