IDP Matchups, Living the Stream: Week 3

Photo: USA Today Sports

Well, here we are, two weeks into the 2023 fantasy football season. And already, the panic level for some IDP managers is ramping up.

It really shouldn't be—an 0-2 start is hardly the end of the world. But tell that to a fantasy manager whose team has yet to log a win. Or one who is dealing with injuries or slow starters.

There is no shortage of both. Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson all landed on injured reserve over the past couple of days. Cleveland Browns edge-rusher Myles Garrett, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard, and Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton all rank outside the top 50 at their respective positions at this point in the season.

Now, in most cases, this is where I advise taking a deep breath with some players. Garrett will be fine. Leonard's snap share is a tad worrisome, but if healthy, he has IDP upside that very few linebackers can match. But my patience with defensive backs is usually short, and injuries are an unfortunate reality that has to be dealt with.

So whether you're patching a hole in the starting lineup or just looking to stop a skid by goosing a few more points from your IDPs, here's a gander at some of Week 3's more intriguing matchup plays.

DE Bradley Chubb, Miami (vs. Denver)

Last week, the Dolphins finally got a glimpse of the Bradley Chubb that Miami flipped a first-round pick for a year ago—the 27-year-old was a force against the New England Patriots, piling up seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Per Tom D'Angelo of the Palm Beach Post, Chubb said he was determined for both he and his teammates to improve on a terrible defensive showing in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

"Last week, I felt like I wasn't active enough," Chubb said. "I felt like, in a way, I was just kind of the 11th guy out there. I took that as a challenge … Okay, I'm not going to do that again. I'm going to make sure I make plays for this team to put us in position to win."

The effort was all the more impressive, given that Jaelan Phillips sat out the win with a back injury. Now, Chubb and the Dolphins face his old team in the Denver Broncos—the same Denver Broncos team that allowed an NFL-high 63 sacks last year. Russell Wilson has already been dropped nine times this season as well, so Chubb's a good bet to get home on Sunday.

DE George Karlaftis, Kansas City (vs. Chicago)

Karlaftis built up quite a head of steam over the latter stages of his rookie season, logging at least half a sack in six of his last seven games. If Sunday's rather low-scoring win over the Jacksonville Jaguars was any indication, Karlaftis plans to build on that strong finish—in large part because the young edge-rusher said he's that much more comfortable in Year 2.

"Just seeing and knowing what's expected," Karlaftis told Aaron Ladd of KSHB 41. " You know, I've played Jacksonville before. This offense, this quarterback. A lot of the [offensive] linemen. Having that knowledge and knowing what to expect. Not having as many unknowns. That's been the biggest thing going into Year 2."

For the first time in his young career, Karlaftis recorded more than one sack in a game against the Jags. His 5.5 tackles per game in the early going is also a big boost over his rookie numbers. Sunday at Arrowhead, the Chiefs host a Bears team that allowed 58 sacks a year ago and has given up 10 in two games this year. Karlaftis is going to have ample opportunities to keep his hot streak going.