Week 4 is here and an IDP league motto of “Next man up” seems to be in full swing with a lot of guys filling in for starters that continue to get bit by this injury bug. Maybe no preseason has something to do with it, but then again 2020 has thrown a curveball at everyone playing fantasy football. A lot of questions are being asked about someone on the waiver wire or someone you picked off of the waiver wire. Or should you play this tier-one linebacker or someone who is available?
Write this on a sticky note to your phone, laptop, TV, or anything you use when setting up your IDP leagues. Play your studs! There are reasons those guys are getting paid big bucks to play all those snaps. Yes, matchups are nice, but playing time is the name of the game for IDP assets, and those guys get more opportunities than your offensive players no matter how many snaps they get. So remember, because we went over this last year as well, play your studs! Now it’s time for the Week 4 IDP report.
Defensive Linemen
Jonathan Allen vs Baltimore Ravens
Even though Allen has been a starter, he is about to see a nice uptick in snaps with Matt Ioannidis heading to season-ending injured reserve with a torn bicep. His Week 1 snap count was low, but he managed a half a sack with three tackles and then four total tackles in Week 2. Then last week he really stood out with nine total tackles and a sack on quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Ravens are a tough matchup, but they, like the Browns, are a run-first offense. Allen could be a nice start to get some points here in a deep league or even regular IDP leagues where you need a defensive lineman.
Alton Robinson at Miami Dolphins
Who even is Robinson? He was the fifth-round draft pick by the Seahawks who played at Syracuse. They selected him as a developmental talent but now he has the opportunity to make a splash right away. Now, you shouldn’t rush out and start him this week, but you should stash him and if he performs, he can provide a good IDP asset down the stretch. With the Seahawks dealing with the injury bug on the defensive side, Robinson was given 30 snaps on Sunday and he did not disappoint. He racked up three tackles, all being solo, two for a loss, and a sack. If the offense of Seattle continues to force teams to play from behind, his pass-rushing ability makes him a nice start during matchup-based advantages, and he gets Miami this week. Robinson could have a breakout game if you need to start him.
Linebackers
Kyzir White at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If White is not on your team, scoop him up now. White has been playing alongside rookie Kenneth Murray and it seems the focus on Murray has opened tackling chances for White. Not to mention, since taking over for Drue Tranquill who was placed on season-ending IR, White has only missed one snap. So, the playing time is there and the immediate impact results in playing him in shallower leagues too. Along with the nice 11 tackle stat line from last week, playing the Buccaneers this week should warrant another start. He also has defensive back eligibility.
Ty Summers vs Atlanta Falcons
Summers was plugged in once the injury to Christian Kirksey occurred. He ended up with nine total tackles, tied for most tackles Sunday night. He should immediately slide into the starting spot at least until Kirksey returns. Even then, Summers might be awarded snaps with how this playing time pans out. In the defense, the linebacker position typically racks up the tackles and Summers could start off hot against an Atlanta team that, well, you know what they’ve done the last few weeks.
Defensive Backs
Julian Love at Los Angeles Rams
Love proved on Sunday that he has started to become an IDP option with some reliability. Plug him in, if you happen to be out of options or feel comfortable enough. At this point, you are fine plugging him in with the number of snaps he’s continuing to get. Also, the Giants defense cannot seem to get off the field right now. In Week 2 he had five total tackles and an interception, then last week racked up 11 total tackles with 10 being solo. With Jabrill Peppers missing time with an ankle injury, Love has the potential to continue this tackle count. He is a nice stash for those deeper leagues to keep an eye on and possibly a plug-in for injuries sake.
Taylor Rapp vs New York Giants
With starting safety Jordan Fuller going down with a shoulder injury, Rapp took full advantage of his playing time in Week 3. He had eight total tackles and six of those were solo. Rapp should return to form after his knee injury hiccup that led to Fuller starting over the second-year player. Rapp had 100 tackles in 2019 over the span of just 10 games. He will be a viable option going forward if, for some reason, Fuller becomes healthy and isn’t given starts right away.
Sleeper
Mykal Walker at Green Bay Packers
Foyesade Oluokun went down with a groin injury in Week 2, which resulted in Walker assuming an every-down role next to Deion Jones. He took full advantage with eight total tackles and a forced fumble for Week 3. Now, most likely he will go back down into a two-down role once Oluokun returns. But in your dynasty leagues, take note that Walker could emerge as an LB1 fantasy linebacker in the future and is worth a start this year as long as Oluokon isn’t on the field. This Falcons defense gets pushed in the middle often enough that Walker will continue making splashes when he touches the field. Stash him and play him where need be.
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