Analyzing IDP Trends From Week 9

Photo: Mark Hoffman, USA Today Sports

This week, I'll discuss some usage changes, injury news, and which players managers should - and should NOT - look to as replacements.

The Bills were without multiple starters on defense in Week 9.

Safety Micah Hyde has been out for a few weeks already, but safety Jordan Poyer has also missed time intermittently. Since his injury, Damar Hamlin has filled in for Hyde, and Jaquan Johnson has been the second backup when needed. Managers should know how the depth chart stacks up because these starting roles are valuable. On that same note, starting linebacker Matt Milano was also inactive for this game, and backup Terrell Bernard filled in once again. He has now played a full-time role filling in for both Milano and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Bernard is worth adding in moderately deep leagues as an injury stash with significant upside should one of the two Buffalo starters miss any more time.

LB Jack Sanborn played 88% of defensive snaps for Chicago.

This one is pretty straightforward. Last week, I mentioned that Sanborn had an opportunity to take over the starting role vacated by Roquan Smith. After putting up seven combined tackles in Week 9, managers can be confident that Sanborn is in contention for a weekly start. He may be a somewhat volatile asset as he is not a 100% snap player yet, but he needs to be rostered in most IDP leagues.

S Eric Rowe played 77% of defensive snaps for Miami in Week 9.

Well, this was surprising! Last week, Rowe was a healthy scratch and did not play, but he was once again elevated to active status on Sunday and started for the Dolphins. This shifted teammate S Jevon Holland back to a deep safety role and significantly hindered his tackle efficiency. Rowe played 53% of his snaps in the sweet spot, leading to seven combined tackles. While he is still a limited-volume player, there is a chance his role increases further. With usage like this, managers might consider him a starting option in deep IDP leagues.