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’ll 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 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.
$ Stock up and Bankrupt $
There’s not as much to report here as there will be in season, but there are a few things we should note. They may be significant to remember later when we are making decisions about whom to pick up and whom to cut early in our seasons.
There were a few rookie edge rushers who made noise across their respective camps. Chase Winovich had a great preseason for the Patriots and drew comparisons to Rob Ninkovich. Those who played IDP during Ninkovich’s glory days remember what an impactful player he was for big-play lineups. Winovich played most of his snaps with his hand in the dirt in the preseason game, meaning most league hosting sites may opt to classify him as a defensive end.
Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns had a fantastic preseason and logged multiple sacks during game action. Due to Carolina making the switch to primarily running 3-4, Brian Burns is likely to be classified as an outside linebacker on most league sites before all is said and done.
Montez Sweat earned rave reviews in camp and looks set to start over incumbent Ryan Anderson. Though this outside linebacker didn’t earn as much fanfare as some of the other rushers in this class, he could be relevant sooner rather than later in this format.
The Dolphins cut T.J. McDonald, clearing the way for Reshad Jones to return to prominence in IDP circles. This defense is expected to see extensive time on the field this season, which should only help Jones’ case at returning to DB1 status. Kiko Alonso’s departure elevates Jerome Baker into a starting linebacker for Miami.
Jadaveon Clowney was traded to Seattle. This move greatly improves their pass rush and helps deal with the suspension of interior pressure specialist Jarran Reed. Conversely, the move hurts the Texans, particularly J.J. Watt, who will now have to deal with double teams more often.
Kiko Alonso was traded to the Saints. It is doubtful that this is an upgrade because the Saints really employ only one three-down linebacker in their scheme, and that will be Demario Davis’ role.
$ Injury Settlements $
Thankfully, it is early in the season and there is not as much to report in terms of injury situations as there will be in season. Still, there are quite a few players on whom we need to keep an eye.
Flying under the radar this offseason is the fact that Demarcus Lawrence had shoulder labrum repair surgery and his week one status is questionable. He is expected to be available, but fantasy general managers need to watch this closely as we head toward the opener. With Robert Quinn serving a two-game suspension and Taco Charlton rehabbing an ankle injury sustained in the dress rehearsal game, it’s looking like Dorance Armstrong will be the starter opposite Lawrence. If Lawrence does end up needing more time, the team would have to also call upon former Lion Kerry Hyder to take his place. (Armstrong and Hyder will both be discussed later in the matchups section of the column.) On the interior, Tyrone Crawford remains questionable to play during week one while recovering from offseason hip surgery.
Dee Ford has been dealing with knee tendonitis but looks probable to start. On the other hand, Nick Bosa is questionable to play but has been improving from the high ankle sprain he suffered in training camp. If Bosa can’t go, Arik Armstead will likely play the snaps that Bosa would have received.
Like Demarcus Lawrence, Ezekiel Ansah also needed an offseason labrum repair. Additionally, he also strained his groin in offseason work and was looking very iffy for week one. Ansah recently returned to practice and the Seahawks have since told the media they believe Ansah will play. First-round pick L.J. Collier continues to deal with an odd ankle injury that the medical staff has had trouble treating. Expect Cassius Marsh to start opposite Ansah in week one.
Jason Pierre-Paul is likely to miss substantial time as he rehabilitates from a neck injury sustained in an offseason car crash. Vita Vea sprained his LCL and is questionable for week one. Inside linebacker Lavonte David seems to be on track to play in the season opener, despite missing significant preseason and camp time after a meniscus procedure. His backup, Deone Bucannon, sustained a knee injury in the third preseason contest, but the team indicated it was not serious and he is probable to play week one. These injuries combined with the offseason switch to the 3-4 has been interesting because the personnel on this line have more collective experience and better fits in a 4-3 scheme. This may be a unit that struggles to generate pressure against all but the worst offensive lines they face.
Harold Landry’s situation should be monitored. While the Titans’ coaches deny Landry is dealing with an injury, a long string of missed practices and no appearances in preseason suggest otherwise. Landry has returned to practice but is doing only light work at present. He is a player that had a promising rookie campaign and is expected to jump up to a full-time role this year opposite Cameron Wake.
Jarrad Davis dodged a proverbial bullet. An injury that looked to be more significant when it happened on the field turned out to be a high ankle sprain. While his week one availability is in question, it is good for his general managers that he did not suffer a season-ending injury. Jaylen Reeves-Maybin would be the choice to start if Davis misses multiple games.
Despite returning to a light practice, Saints interior defender Sheldon Rankins is doubtful for the start of the regular season after a procedure to clean up his Achilles tendon. David Onyemata would fill in for Rankins and would be an interesting option in DT-required formats against a leaky Texans offensive line.
The Los Angeles Rams lost interior linebacker Micah Kiser for the season due to a pectoral tear. Fantasy general managers should speculatively grab Bryce Hagar. If he earns a three-down role, he will have depth value for our teams.
Both Broncos inside linebackers are ailing. Todd Davis is dealing with a calf strain and Josie Jewell is suffering from an oblique strain. Both are questionable for week one with Jewell being the more likely of the two to suit up. As the Broncos have been showing so little in the preseason, it is anyone’s guess as to which of Joseph Jones, Alexander Johnson, or Keishawn Bierria Denver would get starter duties if Davis or Jewell cannot go.
Jaguars rookie inside linebacker Quincy Williams is back after missing time with a knee issue. He will be taking Telvin Smith Sr’s place this year and looked great in his playing time leading up to the injury. He is a player that could be much more impactful than most are currently projecting him to be.
Derwin James is heading to IR after a foot injury and the Chargers seem inclined to use Adrian Phillips in his place. Phillips has been tremendous when the team has used him in a hybrid linebacker role. If they will stick to making him a full-time player, he will be impactful for IDP. The “dress rehearsal” game usage suggests that will be the case.
With the Cardinals thin at corner due to injuries and the suspension of Patrick Peterson, Byron Murphy will get to start. In corner-required formats, it is a good idea to start rookie corners that are both talented and will get tons of volume. Murphy fits this mold and should post some terrific numbers, at least until this team gets Robert Alford and Patrick Peterson back later in the year.
$ Money in the Bank $
Note: This section will become more extensive as the season progresses and offensive and defensive trends are established. For the first few weeks, it will be limited to pass rush projections.
Baltimore Ravens Pass Rushers vs. Miami Dolphins Offensive Line
The Dolphins line is ranked the worst in the league according to Footballguy Matt Bitonti. While Baltimore lost Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs this offseason, they have proven that the next-man-up approach can work in their scheme. Pernell McPhee, Matt Judon, and perhaps even Tyus Bowser are in for a good game as Miami’s line will have no answer for the exotic looks and blitzes the Ravens will throw at them.
Cleveland Browns Pass Rushers vs. Tennessee Titans Offensive Line
The Titans are missing the suspended Taylor Lewan for the next four games and we should fully expect that his loss will continue to hurt the Titans as it did all preseason. The Titans are in for a very bad day against a fearsome Browns unit featuring defensive end Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, and Larry Ogunjobi. All four of those players are must-starts at their respective positions.
Denver Broncos Pass Rushers vs. Oakland Raiders Offensive Line
Oakland’s starting left guard is suspended for two games and their starting right guard should miss multiple weeks with an MCL injury. Derek Wolfe, Von Miller, and Bradley Chubb stand to benefit greatly. Wolfe earns consideration as a DE3 in this matchup, while Miller and Chubb are big-play must-starts at linebacker.
Detroit Lions Pass Rushers vs. Arizona Cardinals Offensive Line
This matchup will be a real test of Kyler Murray’s ability to evade rushers. Arizona has one of the leakier offensive lines and Detroit has put together one of the more fearsome interior lines. Guys like A’Shawn Robinson and Tre Flowers are in line for nice days. Robinson is a must-start in DT required leagues and Tre Flowers is a strong DE2 candidate.
Dallas Cowboys Pass Rushers vs. New York Giants Offensive Line
The Giants' line has improved, but it still is a bottom third unit. The Cowboys can take full advantage of that fact. If he’s active, starting Demarcus Lawrence is a given, but picking up Dorance Armstrong and playing him against this group would also be a smart move. If Lawrence can’t go, Kerry Hyder becomes worthy of spot start consideration. Both Armstrong and Hyder are experienced players who have shown promise in their own right at various times of their NFL career.
New Orleans Saints Pass Rushers vs. Houston Texans Offensive Line
The Texans offensive line has two rookies in the trenches and has not shown positive progress in their preseason work. In contrast, the New Orleans defensive ends, Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport, have proven to be extremely disruptive, especially against inferior lines. Cameron Jordan is a must-start and Marcus Davenport is a very solid DE2 this week.
Tennessee Pass Rushers vs. Cleveland Browns Offensive Line
Cleveland showed vulnerability against a weak pass-rushing unit in Tampa Bay. Though Tennessee is not an especially great unit in this regard, they are trending in the right direction in their second year in the aggressive Dean Pees scheme. Jurell Casey is a strong DE2 option, while Harold Landry and Cameron Wake are worth considering for your LB3 or LB4 in these big-play settings.
$ Insufficient Funds $
New York Giants Pass Rush vs. Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line
A first-year defense implementing a new scheme is one strike. A lack of proven pass rushers is another. Facing one of the best offensive lines in football? Strike three, you are out!
Texans Pass Rush vs. New Orleans Saints Offensive Line
The Saints have the top line in football according to Matt Bitonti. While it is hard to sit defensive end J.J. Watt, it may be necessary if there are other options. Jadaveon Clowney is no longer around to provide complimentary pressure and free up Watt.
Redskins Pass Rush vs. Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line
Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis, and Montez Sweat are all in for a rough day against a healthy and cohesive Eagles line. Currently ranked second by Matt Bitonti, Philadelphia’s group should have minimal trouble protecting Carson Wentz.