Analyzing IDP Trends From Week 2

Photo: USA Today Sports

The New York Jets have played 62 more defensive snaps than the Buffalo Bills through two weeks.

Keep in mind that the average number of snaps a defense will play in a game is about 59. This means that there is a difference of an entire game's worth of snaps between these two defenses. Expect some regression to the mean for both of these teams. The top 4 teams so far in defensive snaps are the Jets, Packers, Colts, and Dolphins. Every player on these teams has scored an above-expectation amount of points relative to how many they might in a typical game. The opposite can be said for the Bills, Rams, Buccaneers, and Cowboys. To see the entire list, check out my Twitter/X, and I will share the graphic.

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The Chicago Bears' defensive line is the least productive in the league through two weeks.

They have generated only 29 pressures and one sack. While they have faced two of the better offensive lines in the league in the Packers and Buccaneers, this is still telling for fantasy football. A poor pass rush means that all players on the defensive line are getting a piece of a smaller pie. Managers should be hesitant to start any members of this position group unless this trend turns around positively.

ED Chase Young is back for Washington.

Young played 71% of defensive snaps and earned a 23% pressure rate. After much skepticism surrounding his health and ability to perform at an NFL level, Young showed out in his first game back from injury. This strong performance needs to be appreciated within the context of the game, however. The Commanders pressured Russel Wilson 37 times for 8 sacks, so everyone was getting to the quarterback. That being said, Young can be a starting option in moderately deep leagues.

Houston LB Henry To'oTo'o out-snapped Christian Harris for the first time in Week 2.

To'oTo'o played 80% of snaps and earned a 15% tackle efficiency, while his former Alabama teammate played only 39% of snaps and made a single tackle. This now marks two weeks in a row where Harris has seen a decreased snap share, and managers should consider moving on from him in shallower leagues. If this trend continues, To'oTo'o can be considered a starting option in moderately deep leagues.

Indianapolis LB E.J. Speed has increased in snap share from Week 1 to Week 2.

Conversely, teammate Shaquille Leonard has decreased in snap share from 86% to 71% of defensive snaps. Speed has increased from 41% to 54% of snaps and has a solid 15% tackle efficiency through two weeks. It's too soon to make lasting predictions about their usage, but if this trend continues, Speed could be the linebacker to have behind Zaire Franklin. In any case, he needs to be rostered in most league formats.