IDP Observations: Week 2

It was an exciting Week two of fantasy football. The IDP community is starting to understand the various schemes teams use and snap share distribution. Week Two has concluded, and we are beginning to see the emergence of some veterans who were terrible in week one and the rise of some younger players as they get more comfortable in their systems. These notes and more in this week's IDP Observations: Week 2 Edition.

Players Who Balled Out this Weekend

Micah Parsons, DE, Dallas

I am convinced that Micah Parsons read my article last week, listened to my "Call to Action," and delivered the production we expect to IDP managers. With two sacks, a forced fumble, and four tackles, Parsons has returned to dominating defenses from many angles and will continue to do so until an offensive coordinator starts to use two linemen to block him; that may be the only way to stop him. Parsons has returned to the elite-level players in IDP.

Danielle Hunter, LB/DE, Minnesota

Danielle Hunter may have been the best player on the field for the Viking's defense against the Eagles on Thursday night. Hunter notched eight total tackles. His impact was felt most by the three sacks he recorded against Jalen Hurts, and Hunter's week one also included seven tackles and one sack. On the season, Hunter has 15 tackles and four sacks. If Hunter has been foolishly left on your IDP waiver wire, grab him and reap the benefits.

Julian Love, S, Seattle

I'll admit I wasn't a huge Julian Love fan heading into this season. I believed Love switching from the Giants and joining a deeper defensive backfield in Seattle would hamper his IDP stats. Then, Love goes out and posts 22 tackles in the first two weeks and a fumble recovery. So far, Love will be a consistent producer of tackles and should also contribute in other categories.

Frankie Luvu, LB, Carolina

In the Panthers' loss to the Saints, Frankie Luvu made every attempt to suppress the Saints. Luvu made nine tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss. On the season, Luvu has 14 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Last night was the standard IDP managers expect from Luvu, and I anticipate more nights like last night.

Players on the Upswing

Jonathan Cooper, DL/LB, Denver

Jonathan Cooper showed up BIG in the heartbreaking loss to the Commanders on Sunday. Cooper had eight total tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. With only a 52% snapshare this week, let's hope the Broncos give Cooper more opportunities to shine, and those IDP numbers may enter the range of a player who is a "must-start."

Dax Hill, S, Cincinnati

Week one saw Dax Hill post six tackles and one interception. In week two, Hill had 11 total tackles. I like what I see out of Hill, and the Bengals are using Hill on at least 73% of the snaps. If you need help at DB, Hill offers enough upside to roster at this point.

Deommodore Lenoir, DB, San Francisco

In 2022, Deommodore Lenoir had a solid 77-tackle season with one interception and a sack. In 2023, Lenoir quickly started to rack up IDP stats that have caught the attention of many IDP managers through the first two games. Lenoir has 19 tackles and one interception to start the year. With his playing time increasing, Lenoir may establish himself as a solid IDP contributor in deeper leagues.

Players on the Downswing

Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay

After week one, IDP owners may have yet to be impressed with Lavonte David's production, but it wasn't horrible. However, some managers may be tempted to cut bait after this week's two-tackle performance. And I fully support that decision. David is not worth rostering at this point. Too many other starting linebackers are worth rostering with a TON more upside than David. Lavonte David may have been an elite IDP player in the past, but that's precisely where his production is: in the past.

Shaquille Leonard, LB, Indianapolis

Shaq Leonard has consistently seen 60% of the snap share through the season's first two games. In game one, Leonard notched eight tackles, and in game two, there were three tackles. 11 total tackles for a linebacker on the field that much is not stellar. Conversely, Zaire Franklin has seen a bit more playing time (70% and 84%) but has also notched 30 tackles and a forced fumble. With Franklin performing at an elite level, Leonard's long-term future is more complex than it once was. Leonard was once automatic to log 120+ tackles a season, but that player no longer appears to exist. Leonard may be a situational linebacker, which will extend his playing career but does not help IDP managers.  

Teammates that Dominated

Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, LB, Las Vegas

With a combined 24 tackles and two sacks, Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo made every effort to keep the Bills from scoring, but it wasn't enough in the Raiders' 38-10 loss. Although the Raiders' defense as a unit could have been better, Spillane and Deablo can be helpful as pieces in IDP if you are looking for depth pieces.

Quay Walker and De'Vondre Campbell, LB, Green Bay

Thirty-one combined tackles for the Green Bay linebacking duo in week two were solid. Ideally, we see other contributions from interceptions and forced fumbles for IDP. That would have been last week, as Walker had a pick 6 in the Bears game. This duo should be the heart of the Packers' defense and will accumulate a ton of tackles in the process. They need to notch more countable stats to elevate to "must start" in IDP. 

Alonzo Highsmith and T.J. Watt, LB, Pittsburgh

One thing has become clear during Monday Night Football games: Pittsburgh wins. Last night, they won that game because of the dominating defensive performance by Alonzo Highsmith and T.J. Watt. Highsmith began the Steelers' scoring with a 30-yard interception for a touchdown on the first offensive play by the Browns. T.J. Watt sealed the game with a strip-sack of Deshaun Watson, recovered the fumble, and returned it for a touchdown. Combined, Highsmith and Watt had 11 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, one interception, and two touchdowns. A great game by both IDP mainstays!

Bueller? Bueller?

Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco

Micah Parsons heard my call to action. Nick Bosa (and a few others ) did not. This past week against the Rams, Bosa had just one tackle and one assist. I'm not recommending dropping Bosa in any format. However, our patience is wearing thin. Let's hope Bosa bounces back against the Giants.

Haason Reddick, DE, Philadelphia

Similarly to Bosa, Haason Reddick has been missing in action this season. The Eagles' defensive line loves to rotate players in and out. So, this season may not replicate last season for IDP owners. With two games in the books, Reddick only has one tackle and ZERO sacks to his credit. Reddick's lack of a fast start will require patience from IDP managers. However, you may have to look elsewhere for your DL spot if weeks like the past two keep happening. I've already seen the social media posts asking, "Is it time to drop Reddick?" Although frustrating, you must be patient with players relying primarily on sacks to accrue IDP points. Let's check back in two weeks to reassess.

Jordan Poyer, DB, Buffalo

Where has Jordan Poyer been for the Buffalo defense? After a so-so first game with seven tackles, game two against the Raiders saw Poyer record just three tackles. For a DB that many expected to be one of the top DBs in IDP, Poyer has not lived up to expectations. His snap share has been down this season. Let's hope he sees the field more in week three and those numbers improve.

Quirky Stat Line of the Week

Tre Brown, S, Seattle

Tre Brown did a little of everything this week, as he recorded 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 touchdown. He did make four total tackles. Talk about checking off all the boxes! Brown has notched games of 61% and 55% snap share. If that number holds (or increases), he may be an exciting flier if you need a DB for your IDP roster.

IDP Man of the Year Stock Watch

I'll list players making a case to be the IDP Man of the Year each week. This is my version of the most outstanding IDP player. Each week, the list will include players who consistently put up great IDP statistics and are in the hunt for the IDP Man of the Year Award.

1. T.J. Watt, DE/LB, Pittsburgh
2. Danielle Hunter, DE, Minnesota
3. Zaire Franklin, LB, Indianapolis
4. DeForest Buckner, DE, Indianapolis
5. Alex Highsmith, LB, Pittsburgh

* on the rise: Tre Brown, DB, Seattle; Micah Parsons, DE, Dallas; Frankie Luvu, LB, Carolina