IDL and Edge Streaming Matchups, Week 9

Photo: Paul Rutherford, USA Today Sports

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Week 8 brought some great matchups but poor results. There was one call we had that could have been an absolute Week-winner. That was Jermaine Johnson II. He blew up in Week 8 with six tackles, two for a loss, and two sacks. The other five streaming options were mediocre at best. This week looks like there are some more good matchups to exploit though. Here are the top IDL and edge streaming matchups for Week 9.

IDL and Edge Streaming Options

Edge, Samson Ebukam, Indianapolis Colts

Matchup: Carolina Panthers - Ranked 18th in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

Ebukam is the overlooked edge defender on the Colts. All the talk is about rising star Kwity Paye and super sleeper Dayo Odeyingbo. It seems that Ebukam's strong start to the season is lost in the fog of this stout defensive line. Ebukam currently has a career-high pass-rush grade per PFF with 68.6. He has had a strong start to the season with 26 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles.

The Colts take on the Panthers in Week 9, providing an intriguing matchup for the Colts' edge defenders. In Week 8, the Panthers allowed six sacks to the Texans, and they have allowed 25 sacks on the season, which is fifth-worst. Ebukam is a solid edge 2/3 for Week 9.

Edge, D.J. Wonnum, Minnesota Vikings

Matchup: Atlanta Falcons - Ranked 6th in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

Wonnum was one of the league's worst edge rushers during the first five weeks of the season. It took him to Week 6 to produce a pass-rush win. With that said, he has been on a recent tear. His role expanded with Marcus Davenport out with injury. His response has been 11 tackles and three sacks over the past two games and 13 pressures over the past three.

Wonnum and company face the Falcons in Week 9. Though the offensive line is actually quite strong, it has struggled to protect the quarterback. They have allowed 26 sacks, the fourth most in the NFL. The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins to an Achilles tear in Week 8. This leaves rookie Jaren Hall as the team's likely starter. Because of this, the Vikings defense may be on the field more often than they would like to be., providing plenty of pass-rush opportunities.

IDL, Christian Barmore, New England Patriots

Matchup: Washington Commanders - Ranked 28th in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

Barmore has been a quiet monster on the interior for the Patriots. He holds a 76.1 pass-rush grade per PFF on the season, and his last three games have been nothing short of impressive. During that span, he has 13 tackles and two sacks, plus five pressures over the last two. His matchup for Week 9 almost makes him not only a streaming option but a must-start.

The Patriots take on the Commanders who have had an absolutely horrific time protecting Sam Howell. They have given up 41 sacks on the season, which is tied for the most in the NFL. Barmore has an opportunity to feast on this porous offensive line. He is questionable, so pay attention to his health designation, but if he plays, he could be huge.

IDL, Justin Jones, Chicago Bears

Matchup: New Orleans Saints - Ranked 5th in Matt Bitonti's Offensive Line Rankings

Justin who? I know, Jones's name rarely pops up in IDP circles, but he really should. He has been solid for the Bears for his second consecutive season. Jones has 14 tackles and a sack in his last three games and has shown previous pass-rush upside. During a contest with the Commanders in Week 5, Jones produced seven pressures. He also keeps his lane-clogging body on the field, sporting a 68% snap share on the season.

The Saints offensive line has been good but has had trouble keeping their quarterback upright. They have allowed 21 sacks on the season (11th most). The Bears also finally added some firepower on the edge, trading for Montez Sweat. This should enable the interior to play a bit more freely. Jones should have a high tackle floor with some pass-rush potential for Week 9.