Analyzing IDP Trends From Week 2

Photo: USA Today Sports

Week 2 is an important week for many reasons. First, it helps humble those who succumbed to Week 1 hype. However, it also provides additional data to reference against Week 1. It allows us to double-check if player usage was a fluke or the real deal. This week’s IDP Trend Analysis article breaks down some of the most important factors impacting player value this season! Let’s dive in:

EDGE Rasheem Green is back in the Houston defensive line rotation.

After missing Week 1, Green made an immediate impact for the Texans in Week 2. He earned four pressures for two sacks on 54% of snaps, a stat line almost the same as teammate edge rusher Jerry Hughes’ from last week. It’s clear that Houston is using a balanced rotation at edge that can be productive for the players involved. Green (and Hughes, for that matter) should be in the mix for an emergency start in moderately deep IDP leagues.

The Browns do not use a full-time linebacker.

Managers were excited about the potential upside for linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah entering the season, and his recent production is likely adding fuel to the fire. They should exercise some caution regarding his weekly production floor, though. Owusu-Koramoah has played 80% of snaps through two weeks, and teammate LB Anthony Walker has quietly earned 72% of snaps during that time. Because these players are not on the field for every down, there is some weekly volatility risk in play, and managers should temper their expectations about how safe a start they truly are.

LB Jerome Baker played 59% of his snaps on the defensive line in Week 2 for Miami.

He also played on the defensive line 18% of the time in Week 1. With seven tackles through two weeks of football, there is cause for concern regarding his future production. Linebackers have a lower tackle efficiency when they line up at that position, and if this trend continues, Baker could let managers down in IDP leagues.

LB Logan Wilson played 100% of snaps in Week 2 for Cincinnati.

Managers were likely disappointed after Wilson earned only three tackles in his game against the Cowboys. They should not rush to sell him after one down week, though. Linebackers that play every snap are a rare and valuable commodity in IDP leagues, but even they can have a down week. Wilson will certainly bounce back soon.