Week 1 of the NFL season always has the most actionable information for fantasy managers. While we may have opinions on expected player usage going into the season, our expectations should shift with new data. I'm here to share some of the most important trends that impact IDP player value.
Minnesota LB Ivan Pace Jr played above Brian Asamoah (68% to 3%)
Pace earned a 12% tackle efficiency which was significantly better than teammate Jordan Hicks' 5% rate. Pace should be one of the hottest IDP waiver adds this week.
Buffalo LB Terrel Bernard played 100% of defensive snaps in Week 1.
One of my favorite players of the offseason finally got his chance to start and he showed out with a 21% tackle efficiency while playing alongside Matt Milano. If he is available in your league, add him and start him if needed.
The linebacker and second safety position in Pittsburgh is a mess for now.
Cole Holcomb played 78% of snaps, followed by 69% from Kwon Alexander and 43% from Elandon Roberts. Managers should exercise caution before starting any of these players. Meanwhile, at safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick was the only Steeler to play 100% of snaps - and played 47% in the sweet spot. He played there only 30% of the time last season. This looks like an upgrade for Fitzpatrick if he continues this usage. Behind him, Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal split time. Mike Tomlin does not care about your fantasy team. Oh yeah, TJ Watt is so back.
The Cleveland Linebacker situation is still gross.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah led the position group with a 77% snap share. Anthony Walker played 59% and rotated with Sione Takitaki, who played the other 41%. JOK is the only Cleveland linebacker that can be somewhat reliably started right now. S Grant Delpit is the tackle machine you want in this defense.
Jordyn Brooks is not human.
Just 8 months after ACL surgery, he started, played 64% of snaps, and earned a 23% tackle efficiency. He's only going to get better as his playing time increases. Devin Bush can be dropped in shallower formats.
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