If there’s one thing that IDP managers love, it’s a good old-fashioned panic.

Just two weeks into the 2024 season, there is no shortage of 0-2 teams whose managers are losing it. On some level, it’s understandable—after months of the offseason and the hope and joy of draft day, no one wants to open the year with consecutive losses. It sucks.

The Godfather sympathizes. Heck, he empathizes.

But it’s far too early in the season to hit any big red buttons. Yes, there are legitimate reasons for concern in some cases. Linebackers not getting the snaps we expected. High-end IDPs like Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. getting hurt.

But there are also players who are just off to slow starts—especially on the defensive line. It’s the nature of that position. Get one two-sack game in Week 3, and suddenly, an edge-rusher’s numbers are right where they should be. Linebackers will rebound if the snaps are there. Red-hot defensive backs will cool off. Order will be restored to the universe.

Well, to an extent, anyway.

The best course of action is to take a long breath. Relax. And get ready for the week to come. Get a win in Week 3.

IDP Studs and Duds is here to help.

Each week during the 2024 season, I’ll point out some Individual Defensive Players who could be set to exceed expectations this week (Studs) and some who, for whatever reason, are riskier plays than normal (Duds).

This isn’t necessarily to say that every “Stud” is a must-start (it depends on your other options) or that every “Dud” should be glued to your bench (just that the odds of a letdown week are greater than usual).

Numbers in parentheses denote ranking in fantasy points allowed to that position in 2023 in The Godfather’s Default IDP Scoring. 

IDP STUD OF THE WEEK

LB Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston (at MIN) (1)

Al-Shaair was part of the Texans’ free-agent spending spree, brought in to lead the linebacker corps for a Houston team with aspirations of a deep playoff run. After playing for DeMeco Ryans in San Francisco, Al-Shaair has quickly become a leader for the Texans defense, quickly earning the respect of teammates like third-year safety Jalen Pitre.

"Azeez is a true pro, a guy that’s really locked in, a guy that’s really not letting anything slide," Pitre told reporters. "I think that, that leadership and that accountability is going to do nothing but uplift this team. And I’m glad that he’s on my team because he definitely makes me better on and off the field. It’s a lot of things that we do off the field. We’ve got a little HORSE game going to see who’s got the better shot and I’m going to be honest, he’s up right now. But, like I said, it’s always tomorrow to get back at him.”

Al-Shaair was rightly roasted for throwing a punch in last week’s win over the Chicago Bears, but he also had a big night in the box score, posting 10 total stops, two QB hits, and a sack. This week Al-Shaair and the Texans travel to face a Vikings team that led the league in fantasy points allowed to linebackers last year. Look for a second straight big game—hopefully with less punching.

IDP DUD OF THE WEEK

LB Robert Spillane, Las Vegas (vs. CAR) (28)

Spillane is one of the more underrated linebackers in the NFL—a player who went from undrafted free agent to reserve to quality starter. Spillane no longer has to look over his shoulder or wonder how many snaps he’ll get in a month, but he told reporters that doesn’t mean he isn’t still doing it.

“I would say the chip on my shoulder has grown to a crack on my shoulder at this point in my career,” Spillane said. “You get some recognition, you get some praise, but at the same time, you know that there's so much more out there for you to go take. The moment you look worse than you did the previous season is the fastest way to get out of the league.”

Spillane has been a rock for IDP managers in 2024, posting back-to-back 10 tackle outings and adding an interception in last week’s upset of the Baltimore Ravens. This week’s matchup with the Panthers will likely put an end to that streak—the Panthers were a bottom-five fantasy matchup for linebackers a year ago, and in 2024 Carolina is tied for last in the league in rushing attempts.