The wait is over, week on is finally upon us! The time between those final preseason games and the Thursday night opener is the calm before the storm. There are some important happenings to consider ahead of week one, but nothing like what we will have once the first round of games is in the books. This is where we are until we get that info to digest.
Guru's IDP Notes: Arizona Cardinals
We are safe in expecting Mack Wilson Sr. and Akeem Davis-Gaither as the starting off-ball linebackers against the Saints. However, there are plenty of questions about the fantasy value of those players. Wilson's history suggests that he might not be suited to take full advantage of his opportunity, and there is some speculation that Davis-Gaither could end up in a less-than-every-down role. Both of these players belong on rosters in most leagues, but it might be a good idea to keep them on the bench until we have a clear view.
The other players I want to watch here are Josh Sweat and Darius Robinson. For Sweat, it is the snap count that needs to be confirmed. For Robinson, it is his role. Some expect him to line up on the edge most of the time, while others believe he will see more work inside.
Guru's IDP Notes: Atlanta Falcons
Rookie edge Jalon Walker could suit up against the Buccaneers. He is nursing a sore ankle that could limit his role. Walker would be a risky start for us, but don't overreact and let him go if he is active but fails to produce in this one.
The Falcons are going with a youth movement in the secondary. Rookie Xavier Watts has beaten out Jordan Fuller for the strong safety job, while fellow rookie Billy Bowman Jr. is expected to get the call as the slot defender. Both positions have been fantasy-friendly in recent years. Watts would be worth picking up ahead of the games if you have that option.
Guru's IDP Notes: Buffalo Bills
The Bills have reunited with safety Jordan Poyer. Poyer was once an IDP force, but that is ancient history in fantasy football years. He struggled while with the Dolphins and was signed to the Bills' practice squad for now. Cole Bishop held off Damar Hamlin for the starting job next to Taylor Rapp.
Guru's IDP Notes: Carolina Panthers
It has not yet been confirmed, but it is widely speculated that rookie Lathan Ransom has won the three-way competition for the strong safety job. Anyone who caught his outstanding performance in the team's final preseason tilt will not be surprised. Ransom was everywhere against the Steelers. His physical presence has never been in question. There were some concerns about his coverage abilities. He put those concerns to rest. Ransom showcased his physical prowess with quick reactions and some big hits in run support. He was just as impressive in coverage, making no apparent mistakes while contributing an impressive interception. I've picked him up in nearly all of my leagues ahead of the first game. I'd advise everyone else to do the same.
Guru's IDP Notes: Chicago Bears
The Bears have assembled a solid defense. If they can generate a pass rush, this could be one of the best in the league. We have a very good idea of what to expect from the linebackers and defensive backs, including some good fantasy value. The players we need to watch this week are edge defenders Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo. Both come with modest expectations and were undrafted in many leagues. If they start fast, believe what you see and don't hesitate to grab one of them.
Guru's IDP Notes: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals finally got a deal done with Trey Hendrickson. There are still plenty of questions to be answered here. There are two first-round picks at the edge position. What role will Myles Murphy and rookie Shemar Stewart have? Can Joseph Ossai fill the shoes of retired Sam Hubbard both on the field and in the box scores? Maybe most importantly to IDP managers, will Demetrius Knight Jr. live up to expectations?
Knight struggled during preseason action and was banged up, missing practice time ahead of the third preseason game. The minor injury is not an issue, but the fact that fellow rookie Barrett Carter has outplayed him could be. Nothing coming from the team suggests a change for the opener, but it is a situation to keep an eye on.
Guru's IDP Notes: Cleveland Browns
Alex Wright held off Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Isaiah McGuire for the starting edge job opposite Myles Garrett. What we need to know is, can he take advantage of the opportunity and be productive enough to make an impact, or will he end up in a three-man rotation at the position?
Rayshawn Jenkins saw time with the first team during the preseason, but it appears that Ronnie Hickman has won the starting job at free safety.
Guru's IDP Notes: Dallas Cowboys
The trade of Micah Parsons to Green Bay was nothing short of a shocker that leaves the Cowboys with a giant hole to fill. There is no one on the current roster who can fill it from a production perspective, but the move certainly provides an opportunity. Dallas has four players who are likely to see significant action at the edge positions. Marshawn Kneeland worked with the first team for much of the offseason. Sam Williams is coming back from a major injury that he suffered in 2023. Both are former second-round picks with good potential. Dante Fowler Jr is a talented journeyman who spent 2022 and 2023 with the Cowboys before posting 10.5 sacks for the Commanders last year, and Donovan Ezeiruaku is a second-round rookie. Williams and Fowler are the projected starters, though it could be a virtually even rotation between the four players. The situation could produce a quality option for us, potentially even two of them. Week one should shed some light on who that might be.
Trevon Diggs was activated and is practicing without restrictions. He has a shot at playing in week one, though he would not have his normal full-time role. There is also a possibility he could be shut down until week four just to be safe.
Guru's IDP Notes: Denver Broncos
Denver gave us a couple of productive corners last year. One of them was slot corner Ja'Quan McMillian. Then they used a first-round pick on Jahdae Barron, who plays the same position. It was widely anticipated that the rookie would take the starting job. It is unclear if that has happened yet. This is one we will be watching closely in week one.
Guru's IDP Notes: Green Bay Packers
The Packers have thrown a ton of capital at the edge positions over the years, but they were not able to strike gold. The last time a Green Bay player reached double-digit sacks was in 2020 when Za'Darius Smith had ten. With the acquisition of Micah Parsons, that streak should come to an end. The question is, what effect, if any, with the move to Green Bay have on Parsons' IDP value? Let's just say, it's not likely to make him any better. He is dealing with a back issue that has his week one status up in the air. This is not a good way to start a relationship with a new team. Unless there is good news between now and then, it might not be a great idea to start him this week.
As for the rest of the ripple from this move, it sends Lucas Van Ness down the depth chart a slot, making him the third man. A role he has become accustomed to.
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