Week 1 brought clarity and insight regarding many ambiguous situations for IDP. I won't cover the more obvious performances (like Kamu Grugier-Hill's 18-tackle game) but focus instead on trends that impact player value the most. So what surprised me in Week 1?
EDGE Lorenzo Carter led the team in snaps on the defensive line for Atlanta
The Falcons signed Carter this offseason to help bolster a poor defensive line unit, and he made an immediate impact in Week 1. He was on the field for 51 of 61 snaps and earned a sack and two tackles. While he might not be in the mix to start in shallower IDP leagues, he should be in consideration in deeper ones.
EDGE Jerry Hughes is a starter for Houston
While Jonathan Greenard led the Texans defensive line in snaps, Hughes was right behind him with 55 of 92 snaps played. He had two sacks, three tackles, and a forced fumble in that time. While the Texans appear to have a rotation at edge, Hughes did start the game, and managers should keep an eye on him in deeper IDP leagues.
EDGE George Karlaftis played 78% of defensive snaps for Kansas City
The Chiefs drafted Karlaftis in the first round of this year’s draft. The rookie out of Purdue made his much-anticipated NFL debut on Sunday and played 51 of 65 snaps in the Chiefs’ blowout win over the Cardinals. That was the second-most out of any player on the defense behind only LJarius Sneed. While ‘Furious George’ failed to land a sack in Week 1, his six pressures should give managers optimism for future production.
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EDGE Malik Reed played 9 of 13 defensive snaps after EDGE T.J. Watt was injured for Pittsburgh.
Reed had zero pressures and no tackles during that time, though. Expect his snap volume to increase as he elevates into a more significant role, but temper your expectations accordingly. The Steelers' defensive line has some talented rushers. Still, to be relevant in most IDP leagues, Reed must show that he can contribute alongside Alex Highsmith, Cameron Heyward, and others.
LB Frankie Luvu played more snaps than teammate LB Shaq Thompson for Carolina
Entering the season, most expected Thompson to be the Panthers' linebacker to have, but after Week 1, it appears that Luvu may be the leader in snaps for them. Managers should look to add him in most formats but wait to start him until he proves his usage is consistent.
LB Dre Greenlaw is a full-time starter for San Francisco
This offseason, some managers were unsure if the second 49ers linebacker would be Dre Greenlaw or Azeez Al-Shaair. The answer is Greenlaw since he played 100% of the defensive snaps in Week 1. While he may have underwhelmed on the stats sheet, Greenlaw should be considered a start-worthy player in any league format.
LB Leighton Vander Esch played 85% of defensive snaps for Dallas
With the reigning defensive rookie of the year Micah Parsons playing most of his snaps at EDGE, there was an opening for a middle linebacker to have a high volume of snaps for the Cowboys. In Week 1, Vander Esch played 53 of 62 total defensive snaps. His main competition for snaps is Anthony Barr, who was on the field for only 56% of defensive snaps. Managers should expect solid albeit inconsistent production from Vander Esch this season, should his usage continue.
S Grant Delpit played 100% of defensive snaps for Cleveland.
There was some uncertainty surrounding the Browns safeties heading into this season, but after Week 1, it appears to have cleaned up quite nicely. Delpit played all 53 defensive snaps and was in the sweet spot (DL, Box, or Slot) on 66% of those snaps. If this usage continues, expect Delpit to be in consideration for a starting safety spot in moderate to deep IDP leagues.
CB Kyler Gordon and S Jaquan Brisker played 100% of defensive snaps for Chicago.
The Bears drafted both rookies in the second round of this year’s draft, and they immediately made an impact on defense. Brisker played 44% of his snaps in the sweet spot and was involved throughout the game. Gordon was expected to man the Nickel role on this defense, and he showed out in his first regular-season game, racking up six solo tackles, including one for loss. While the Bears’ defense did play an above-average number of snaps vs. the 49ers on Sunday, expect both rookies to continue to be productive moving forward.