Years ago, when Deone Bucannon introduced himself as a "money linebacker" on Sunday Night Football, the audience had a good laugh. The term was a reference to his defensive responsibilities but conjured images in the minds of viewers of the huge game checks that Bucannon was earning at that time. Memes popped up in the following days of Bucannon on top of piles of money and gold coins. Hopefully, following the guidance given in this column will have your rosters overflowing with a wealth of IDP riches. We will primarily focus on edge rushers but will also hit on some of the other players and situations that are likely to impact teams in big play leagues. We will cover risers and fallers in the format, injury situations about which fantasy general managers need to know, and upcoming matchups to target.
Note: The defensive player injuries covered in this column are not an exhaustive list, but an attempt to cover the situations most likely to impact big play IDP squads. For more extensive coverage of injury situations, see Jene Bramel’s latest Injury Rounds column.
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Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan was ejected in the New Orleans loss for throwing a punch at Chiefs offensive lineman Andrew Wylie. It has already been announced that he will not be suspended for this upcoming week. He should be a good play this week, as one can read about below.
Need an upside play at linebacker this week? Think about Saints linebacker Kwon Alexander. His snap share has been over 90% the last two weeks and he has a fantastic tackle matchup with the Vikings for championship week. It is certainly a gamble, but one worth taking, especially if you are an underdog in your matchup.
Vikings linebacker Todd Davis is also a nice plug-and-play option this week against the run-heavy Saints.
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- Browns interior lineman Sheldon Richardson suffered a neck injury during Sunday Night Football and did not return.
- Jets interior lineman Quinnen Williams was evaluated for a concussion.
- Patriots edge defenders John Simon (arm) and JaWhaun Bentley (hamstring) both left their game and did not return.
- Vikings pass rusher Ifeadi Odenigbo injured his ankle.
- 49ers safety Jimmie Ward was concussed.
- Cowboys safety Xavier Woods suffered a chest injury.
- Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis hurt his groin.
- Patriots cornerback Stephon Gillmore suffered a non-contact leg injury.
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New Orleans Saints Pass Rushers versus Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line
The Vikings have slipped to the bottom third of the league in terms of sacks allowed with 2.4 sacks a game. They allowed three in their last contest. Cameron Jordan, Trey Henderickson, and Marcus Davenport are fine options this week for fantasy teams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pass Rushers versus Detroit Lions Offensive Line
The Lions will likely continue to be without starting center Frank Ragnow. While they did not give up a sack to the rancid Titans pass rush last week, they have been averaging 2.6 sacks a game. The Buccaneers pass rush is more formidable than most, so expect this matchup to produce some big plays for Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Shaquil Barrett.
Arizona Cardinals Pass Rushers versus San Francisco 49ers Offensive Line
Arizona Cardinals Defensive Backs versus C.J. Beathard
The injury hits keep coming for the 49ers. Meanwhile, Arizona’s pass rush has really started to catch fire in the past few weeks. Haason Reddick, Marcus Golden, and Budda Baker should be played here. It also looks like the mistake-prone C.J. Beathard may be called into action because of a Nick Mullens elbow injury. That makes Chris Banjo, Patrick Peterson, and Dre Kirkpatrick worthy of consideration this week if general managers are fishing for an interception or two.
Baltimore Ravens Pass Rushers versus New York Giants Offensive Line
Baltimore piled up five sacks against a bad team last week and should continue chugging along against another team with huge protection problems. Yannick Ngakoue, Matt Judon, and Tyus Bowser are choice options this week.
Kansas City Chiefs Pass Rushers versus Atlanta Falcons Offensive Line
The Chiefs have lacked pass-rush punch this year, but they have an opportunity to have a good game against the Falcons, who are giving up 2.6 sacks per game. Frank Clark and Chris Jones are auto-starts this week. Play Tanoh Kpassagnon if you need to shoot for the moon.
Washington Football Team Pass Rushers versus Carolina Panthers Offensive Line
This was a tough one to call. On one hand, the Panthers have been mediocre at protecting their signal-caller this year, allowing 2.1 sacks a game. On the other, they just gave up three sacks to the Packers and are up against the second-most formidable pass rush. Lean toward Jonathan Allen, Chase Young, and Montez Sweat getting back on track this week after surprisingly being held without a sack last week.
Cleveland Browns Pass Rushers versus New York Jets Offensive Line
The Jets may have their first win at the expense of the Rams, but it did not stop them from giving up a couple of sacks along the way. It is going to be tougher for Cleveland if Sheldon Richardson misses time, but expect Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon to still come up with a sack or two in this contest.
Chicago Bears Pass Rushers versus Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Line
Jacksonville allowed five sacks in their last game and are giving up 2.6 per game on the year. While Chicago has been middle-of-the-road with their pass rush this year, it is fair to think that Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, or Robert Quinn are better-than-normal plays against this putrid offensive line.
Houston Texans Pass Rushers versus Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Line
Cincinnati Bengals Pass Rushers versus Houston Texans Offensive Line
Both teams rank 30th and 31st respectively in terms of protecting their quarterback. While both are also not top-flight pass rush units, they each have a few players that could take advantage of the juicy matchup. On Houston’s side, play J.J. Watt. Whitney Mercilus makes a nice boom-bust play if you need some punch in your lineup. On the Cincinnati side, Carl Lawson and Sam Hubbard are very good choices for your squad.
Denver Broncos Pass Rushers versus Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Line
The Broncos are not great at protecting their quarterback, but the Chargers have been even worse this year, allowing 2.1 sacks per contest. Denver has also been fairly effective at generating pass rush pressure, with 2.6 sacks per game. Expect Bradley Chubb and Malik Jackson to do some damage this week.
Philadelphia Eagles Pass Rushers versus Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line
Dallas Cowboys Pass Rushers versus Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line
The Eagles have surprisingly ranked second in the league over the course of the year in sacks generated. The Cowboys’ pass rush has been less prolific, but against a banged-up Eagles line, they should be able to also have a nice day. On the Philadelphia side, start Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Derek Barnett. On the Dallas side, Demarcus Lawrence, Aldon Smith, and Randy Greggory are also worth playing this week in spots where you roster them and do not have more clear options.
Los Angeles Rams Pass Rushers versus Seattle Seahawks Offensive Line
No need to question whether to start Aaron Donald or not. Seattle did not give up a sack last week but is still averaging 2.9 a game. Micheal Brockers is also a good option this week if big points are needed in your matchup.
Buffalo Bills Pass Rushers versus New England Patriots Offensive Line
Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are clear plays in this contest against a sagging Patriots team giving up 2.2 sacks a game and three sacks in their latest contest.
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Miami Dolphins Pass Rushers versus Las Vegas Raiders Offensive Line
The Raiders protect their quarterback well and allow only about a sack a game. While the Dolphins have been hot lately, they will probably run into a wall in this contest.
Pittsburgh Steelers Pass Rushers versus Indianapolis Colts Offensive Line
Indianapolis Colts Pass Rushers versus Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line
This could easily be a sack stalemate between two teams that have been the two best units in the league at protecting their quarterback. It is hard to consider sitting your studs in championship week, but you may want to consider it if you have reliable options with good matchups.
Green Bay Packers Pass Rushers versus Tennessee Titans Offensive Line
Tennessee Titans Pass Rushers versus Green Bay Packers Offensive Line
The Titans do not have a pass rush right now, so nobody would really be considering Harold Landry unless absolutely desperate anyway. The Green Bay team is where general managers must really hit the brakes, as Tennessee has done a very good job protecting Tannehill even without Taylor Lewan.
