Eyes of the Guru IDP Info: Week 6

Guru's IDP Notes: Arizona Cardinals 

Kyzir White has been somewhat disappointing. While it is true that he's scored at least nine fantasy points in four of five games, he has yet to exceed twelve in any game. White's one tackle and three assists in week five were season-low tackle numbers. He salvaged the day with an interception but it is hard to have much confidence in him at this point.

White's odd numbers may not be all his fault. In the two away games the Cardinals have played, he is 6-9 with a pick. In the three home games, White is 9-18-0. If he were 18-9, there would be nothing to talk about. So is he really showing up late to the party two-thirds of the time, or does the NFL need to do something to standardize defensive stats?

With Budda Baker in the final year of his contract and Jalen Thompson a free agent in 2026, rookie safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson could be a big factor for the Cardinals in the future. Taylor-Demerson played a dozen snaps over the first four games combined. In week five, he was on the field as a third safety for 22. This could be a sign that the Cardinals will start using more big nickel looks to compensate for their linebacker situation, or it could be a case of the coaching staff looking to work the rookie into the mix more.

Guru's IDP Notes: Atlanta Falcons

Troy Andersen has shown how productive he can be. Now we need him to show that he can be durable. Andersen missed week five with a sore knee. He is not expected to miss significant time but we shall see. Rookie DJ Bertrand got the start against the Buccaneers, going 4-1 on a 72% play share.  

Dee Alford was knocked out of Sunday's contest with a concussion. Antonio Hamilton Sr. jumped over Clark Phillips III to take Alford's place.  

After the first two games, it looked like Matthew Judon would overcome the curse of the Falcons' pass rush. Since that time, the curse has taken hold of him as well. Judon went from 5-7-1.5 in the first two games, to 5-1-0 in the last three as the Falcons have taken the familiar place of last in the league in sacks yet again.

Guru's IDP Notes: Baltimore Ravens

After making a huge interception in the win over Cincinnati, Marlon Humphrey left the stadium in a walking boot due to an ankle injury. Coach Harbaugh did not seem concerned, indicating that he expects Humphrey to be available for week six. This is something to monitor.

The Ravens signed Yannick Ngakoue to bolster their pass rush, or at the least add some depth.

Guru's IDP Notes: Buffalo Bills

The Bills got Terrel Bernard back from the strained pectoral. Maybe his production will follow next week. Bernard looked fine health-wise and played every snap. The two tackles and three assists were more a result of the Texans' game plan than any underperformance by Bernard, who salvaged the day for fantasy managers with an interception.

The game script played right into the hands of Dorian Williams who answered with a personal best of 11-1 and a fumble recovery. Williams continues to impress both on the field and in the box scores. If the trend continues, could he displace Matt Milano going forward? It sure looks like a possibility.  

Damar Hamlin is another young player who is emerging. With a strong line of 7-3, Hamlin has at least twelve points in three of the last four games. The Jets have been a mediocre matchup for safeties, but the Bills' struggles against the run could trump that. I like Hamlin's chances of another solid outing in week six.

Cole Bishop stood in for Taylor Rapp who missed the game with a concussion. Bishop was solid on the field but light on the stat sheet at 2-2. This likely has more to do with the deep safety role than any struggle by Bishop.

The Bills keep calling it a forearm injury when talking about Taron Johnson. They have not said the words broken forearm, but it feels like that could be the right description. The word from Buffalo is that Johnson could return to practice soon. There are two important factors to consider here. Players returning from broken forearms often last a short time before breaking the arm again, and Cam Lewis is playing well in relief. Lewis keeps showing up in the box scores and coming off his 7-1  against Houston, he now has at least eleven points in three of five games.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Carolina Panthers

The first start for rookie Trevin Wallace was an eye-opener for IDP managers. He put up an impressive fifteen combined stops while playing every snap. There were some mistakes on the field, which is normal for a rookie, but nothing that should cause the team to look for other options, not that they have any.

Claudin Cherelus also made his first career start but was less productive at 1-4  on 65% of the snaps. Josey Jewell will eventually get back on the field but he did not practice at all last week. There is no word yet on his status for week six.  

Jadeveon Clowney left Sunday's game with a shoulder injury and did not return. He walked off in pain with his arm hanging but the team has not yet given an update on the severity of the injury.

Guru's IDP Notes: Chicago Bears

A couple of weeks back, I talked about Kyler Gordon being on the verge of a breakout and how the splash plays were coming. Over the last two games, Gordon has two turnovers and half a sack, giving him at least nine fantasy points in three of the last four weeks.   

Montez Sweat has a couple of sacks on the season but has been rather disappointing in general. He is 6-2-2 on the season and has given us a pair of goose eggs, including week five. This is surprising, considering how he jump-started the Bears' defense after joining them last season. The ankle injury he is playing through is probably a contributing factor.

Guru's IDP Notes: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals' struggling defense got more bad news when Dax Hill suffered a torn ACL in Sunday's game. After having his role reduced due to poor play in week four the team may have no choice but to rely on Cam Taylor-Britt going forward. The good news is that Taylor-Britt looked much better in week five.

Sam Hubbard played through a hamstring injury and struggled in September. He finally looked healthy against the Ravens. Hubbard was the Bengals' best defender in the loss to Baltimore, totaling 7-2-1. With games against the Giants and Browns over the next two weeks, Hubbard could be a good spot play.   

B.J. Hill returned to action on a limited basis, playing 18 snaps. That was enough to remind the team how badly he was missed. On the stat sheet, he was 2-3 with a batted pass. On the field, Hill's impact was bigger.

With the return of Hill, the strong play of rookie Kris Jenkins Jr., and Sheldon Rankins returning to practice on Wednesday, Zach Carter went from starter to the street over the last week.

Guru's IDP Notes: Cleveland Browns

Jordan Hicks missed week five with an elbow injury, making Devin Bush the starter against Washington. Bush responded to the opportunity with ten tackles, including eight solo, and a pass breakup on 93% of the snaps. The Browns elected not to place Hicks on IR, meaning they don't expect him to miss more than a couple of weeks. That said, Managers could get a start or two out of Bush before he returns to the bench.

Guru's IDP Notes: Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys lost yet another edge defender when Marshawn Kneeland went down with a knee injury after four snaps. The good news is that Kneeland's injury is not season-ending. He is expected to be out for four to six weeks. Tyrus Wheat and Chauncey Golston took most of the snaps with Carl Lawson spelling them.  

DeMarvion Overshown's steady increase in playing time culminated in week five when he and Eric Kendricks were on the field for every snap.

With injuries also mounting in the secondary, Amani Oruwariye got the start at corner opposite of Trevon Diggs.

Guru's IDP Notes: Denver Broncos

In watching the Bronco's defense, you would never know they are playing with a pair of backup inside linebackers. This unit has not missed a beat while Cody Barton and Justin Strnad also provide good production for IDP managers. We already knew Barton could be productive with a big enough role. He has been on the field for every snap since the loss of Alex Singleton. Strnad, on the other hand, is somewhat of a surprise. He had four tackles and a sack versus the Jets in week four and followed it with seven tackles and two assists on 73% of the snaps against Las Vegas. Managers will want to get these guys in our lineups this week. The Chargers don't provide many big play opportunities but they have been a strong matchup for linebackers who make a lot of tackles.  

Nik Bonitto has a sack in three straight games since moving into the starting lineup. The problem is, other than those sacks, he has one tackle, two assists, and a batted pass over those three games. Combine that with a play share that dwindled to just over 50% last week and a less-than-favorable matchup with the Chargers, and Bonitto probably belongs on the bench this week.

Guru's IDP Notes: Detroit Lions

CeeDee Lamb was noticeably aggravated by his lack of involvement in the second half on Sunday night. The squeaky wheel usually gets the oil so look for Dallas to emphasize getting him the ball this week. That likely means a lot of action for Carlton Davis who has been traveling with opponents' best receivers often over the first four games.   

Guru's IDP Notes: Green Bay Packers

So maybe Xavier McKinney can intercept a pass every week… He now has one in each of the first five games and a pending matchup with a Cardinals offense that throws a lot. Kyler Murray has thrown two picks so far. The risk of playing McKinney is real. Take away the interceptions, and he averages fewer than three tackles and an assist.

The Packers fielded three safeties on 73% of the snaps in week five. It was the first time they rolled with a big nickel as their base scheme. Even more interesting, it was rookie Evan Williams going 4-6 while starting and playing every snap, while Javon Bullard finished 5-3 on 73%. The shift to the big nickel could have a lot to do with matchup and the secondary shuffle to compensate for Jaire Alexander being out. We'll have to see how that works out once Alexander is back. There could be more than that to the playing time between the two rookie safeties. Slip Williams onto your waiver list this week just in case.

The trend took a break in week four but returned in week five when Edgerrin Cooper once again gained playing time at the expense of Isaiah McDuffie. Cooper was 3-2-1 on a 38% play share while McDuffie went 3-6 and was down to 59%.

Guru's IDP Notes: Houston Texans

A strange game script led to an odd-looking stat sheet for the Texans. The Bills ran the ball 24 times, but Josh Allen completed 9 passes on 30 attempts. That explains why there were so few tackle numbers for Houston's defenders. The question is, where is the pass rush? On paper, the Texans have arguably the best edge tandem in the league. So how is it that Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. have four sacks between them on the season? Don't look for help from the matchups anytime soon. The Patriots, Packers, and Colts are all among the top ten in terms of protecting their quarterbacks.

Henry To'oto'o was in a full-time role for the second consecutive game. That is one positive twist for IDP managers. The other is that DeMeco Ryans recently told reporters that Christian Harris is improving but is not yet ready to be activated from IR. It sounds like we could get a few more starts from To'oto'o before we have to worry about his playing time.

Guru's IDP Notes: Jacksonville Jaguars

Antonio Johnson has been consistent with exactly five solo stops in each of the first four games. While that is a good start, he has done little more. Four of his five assists over that span came in week one, and he has zero impact in the splash play columns. The upside is limited but Johnson did manage a season-high eleven stops, including eight solos in week five. With a string of quality matchups on the schedule, he could be a serviceable option to get us through the bye-week labyrinth.

Jacksonville has at least two more games to play before Foye Oluokun is eligible to return from IR. With Devin Lloyd also missing week four, it was clear cut that Ventrell Miller and Chad Muma were the starters and played full-time. Lloyd's return in week five threw a wrench into the situation. His numbers were weak at 2-4 but he did log 97% of the snaps. Ventrell Miller had the best production at 6-1, despite working on fewer than 60% of the snaps in a timeshare with Muma who was 3-2 on 46%.

Travon Walker turned in the best game of his career against the Colts at 4-1-3 with a forced fumble and a batted pass. He's not likely to top that, but he and Josh Hines-Allen should be in our lineups this week against a Bears team allowing three and a half sacks per game.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Las Vegas Raiders

Isaiah Pola-Mao moved into the starting lineup when Marcus Epps was injured. In week four, Palo-Mao was productive in the box score and looked the part on the field. I need to review the game and give it a closer look, but what I have seen looks like Palo-Mao may have swapped responsibilities with Tre'von Moehrig. Moehrig seemed to be working up near the line in a strong safety role much of the time against Denver. Moehrig has at least nine fantasy points in each of the last three games and some plus matchups on the schedule over the next month.

With Divine Deablo and Luke Masterson hurt, Tommy Eichenberg got the start next to Robert Spillane, seeing 71% of the snaps.

Guru's IDP Notes: Miami Dolphins

Jordan Poyer missed week five with a shin injury and Javon Holland missed time with a hand injury. Miami is on bye this week so those guys could be good by the time the Dolphins take the field next. If they are not, Marcus Maye could be a good stream option. There has never been any doubt about his ability. It's his availability that has been an issue. Maye played every snap against the Patriots, posting a solid 5-4 with a pass breakup.

Interestingly, Anthony Walker Jr. and David Long Jr split time equally in week five. At this point, we can assume it was a case of Long being eased in from the injury, but it is something to watch.

Guru's IDP Notes: Minnesota Vikings

The Jets did a good job of blocking Minnesota's edge rushers but they struggled when the Vikings turned blitz-happy. Andrew Van Ginkel made one play in the game but at least it was a pick-six. Beyond that, the edge positions combined for three tackles and four assists. We should not overreact to this.  

We should not overreact to this either; Ivan Pace Jr. had a productive game going 5-1-1. Those are impressive numbers considering he was limited to 26 snaps. Pace missed a couple of games so this could be a case of him being on a pitch count. On the other hand, the Vikings have fielded three safeties on over 80% of the snaps in the last two games, and it has worked well. Pace has a knack for doing a lot with a little but it would be a lot easier to trust him if he gets back to 70% participation we saw in week two.

Guru's IDP Notes: New England Patriots

Is Bill Belichick back in New England? Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers were out so what did the Patriots do? They rolled out a big nickel base with three safeties on the field for almost 70% of the snaps. Jaylinn Hawkins and Marte Mapu played every snap with Dell Pettus as the third guy. Interestingly, the scheme worked well as the Patriots held Minnesota to 15 points.

Kyle Dugger was questionable leading up to last week's game so he could be back in action for week six. Peppers' situation is a bit more tedious. He was questionable for week five with a sore shoulder but could have bigger problems this week. Peppers was arrested on multiple charges including assault and battery, and strangulation. There are always two sides to these stories. Unless they know more about the situation than has been reported, the team will likely wait until the legal process has run its course before making a decision.

Put Christian Ellis on your watch list. He played six snaps over the first three games and 40 in the last two.  

Guru's IDP Notes: New Orleans Saints

Injuries are forcing a shuffle at the linebacker positions in New Orleans. Demario Daivs was back after missing week four but Pete Werner and Willie Gay Jr missed with hamstring and hand injuries respectively. In week four, Werner and D'Marco Jackson held down the fort. In week five, it was Davis and Anfernee Orji. Orji played well and was productive at 6-4. That has him on a lot of waiver lists this week. It's hard to argue with the potential but chances are, when either Werner or Gay return, Orij will go back to special teams.

The player we might want to grab here is Johnathan Abram. Will Harris left last week's game after a non-contact injury that did not look good. As of Wednesday afternoon, there has been no update on Harris. Abram took over and finished a solid 6-2 on less than 70% of the snaps.

Brian Bresee is quietly 9-1-4 with a forced fumble over the last four games. If you need help at tackle, see if he's available.

Guru's IDP Notes: New York Giants

Andru Phillips played 16 snaps in week one. He turned that opportunity into four combined tackles and a forced fumble. It was enough to land him in the starting role for week two. In that game, Phillips played well (for a rookie) and exploded in the box score for 7-5-1. He started again in week three but was injured early. Phillips returned to face Seattle but did not start and was limited to 23 snaps. If this guy makes his way back into a starting role, the rookie corner rule will be in full effect, and we could see more stat lines like week two from him. Watch this one closely, or go ahead and pick him up for safekeeping.

The Giants' defensive turnaround from last season is nothing short of impressive. No one is enjoying it more than Dexter Lawrence II who is having the best year of his career. The big man is dominating the line of scrimmage and is already one sack away from his career best of seven.

Bobby Okereke, however, is not enjoying the new defense so much, at least not on paper. He is not playing poorly, the entire defense is simply playing better so there are fewer opportunities and more competition for them.  

The Giant had at least five defensive backs on the field for every play versus Seattle. That left 26 snaps for Micah McFadden.  

Guru's IDP Notes: New York Jets

Michael Carter suffered a hamstring injury on his first snap. Isaiah Oliver stepped into the slot role and had a great game statistically at 5-1-1. Edge Michael Clemmons also looked good last week. He and Will McDonald IV got to the quarterback for sacks and had several pressures in the loss to Minnesota. Think twice about starting any of these guys against Buffalo this week, though. The Bills are a mediocre matchup for linebackers, but Josh Allen has been sacked just six times, has not thrown an interception, and is struggling to find a pass catcher he can count on.   

Guru's IDP Notes: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles were off last week but they still made news with the release of Devin White. There are several teams out there in need of help at linebacker. Unless there is really an injury concern, don't expect White to be unemployed for long. The question is, does he have anything to offer?

Guru's IDP Notes: Pittsburgh Steelers

Alex Highsmith is on IR and Nick Herbig has already been ruled out with a hamstring. That leaves T.J. Watt and Jeremiah Moon as the team's only healthy edge defenders.

Patyon Wilson continues to see his playing time creep up at the expense of Elandon Roberts. Wilson saw 58% of the action to Roberts' 37% in week five.

Guru's IDP Notes: Seattle Seahawks

Jerome Baker missed a couple of games with a hamstring issue. He returned with a bang, going 8-6-1 with a forced fumble against the Giants. Most importantly, he came through healthy. Brown and Tyrel Dodson should be in lineups this week against a San Francisco offense that has been a plus matchup for linebackers.

Derick Hall turned in another strong outing at 4-2-1 with a forced fumble. The 49ers are a mediocre matchup for the edge position, but be aware that Hall is dealing with a foot issue. Watch the late-week practice reports to check on his status.

Seattle got a boost from the return of Nwosu Uchenna. Unfortunately, it did not last long. Uchenna left with a thigh injury and has already been ruled out for week six. The good news for Seattle is that Boye Mafe was a full participant at practice on Tuesday and is expected to go this week.

Guru's IDP Notes: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Yaya Diaby is still limping around on the sore ankle at times but is starting to produce. Diaby landed his first sack of the season in week four and followed it with a five-tackle performance versus Atlanta. The Saints don't allow many sacks, at least not with Derek Carr under center. Carr will not be there this week, though. New Orleans will be starting a backup and potentially a rookie at quarterback.

Everyone wants to tag Antoine Winfield Jr. as questionable while he tries to make it back from the foot injury. The fact is, he has not been on the practice field since the injury. Until that happens, curve any optimism and prepare as if we will be without him yet again.

One way to do that might be to grab Tykee Smith. The rookie has seen at least 40 snaps in every game with much of that action coming as a slot defender. With Winfield on the mend and Jordan Whitehead joining him in the trainer's room with a groin this week, Smith is in line to be a full-time safety versus the Saints. He had decent numbers in a couple of games with a part-time role. Smith played all but one snap last week and was 9-2 with a batted pass and a forced fumble.

Guru's IDP Notes: Washington Commanders

Our Commanders linemen were all but absent for the first three games. They are showing up now. After three weeks Jonathan Allen was 3-1-0 on the season. Over the last two games, he is 8-1-2. Likewise, Dorance Armstrong had four assists and half a sack heading to week four. In the last two games, he is 4-4 2.5. Whatever it was that had these guys in the dark early, the light has come on and the Comanders are playing better defense than anyone expected.  

Frankie Luvu has three sacks in the last two games, including two and a half last week. We could see more of that in the coming weeks. Luvu doubled as an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher against the Browns. He lined up on the edge several times, often as the second man, creating an overload. Cleveland had no answer. The Ravens will be a bigger challenge.   

Jeremy Chin was off to a fast start versus the Browns. He had three tackles and an assist before halftime but managed nothing in the second half. There is no word of an injury so for now, we have to assume it was just a case of the Brown offense not getting the ball past the linebackers much in the second half. That is not going to be the case this week versus Baltimore. Chinn has given us one quality outing so far, this week should be his second.  

That does it for the week six offering. Best of luck to you as we approach the middle of the fantasy season.

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