IDP Stock Market Week 3

After the high of Week 1, it's easy to hold onto those delusions for the next couple of weeks. While I am always a proponent of cooler heads prevailing, I do think it is important to understand that the quicker that the right decisions are made, the easier it is to correct some of those prior convictions. So, now that we are through Week 2, we are seeing a clearer picture of which players are pretenders and which players make you a contender. Here we go, everyone, 12 players, 12 takes. Let’s ring the bell!

Fortune 5

LB Roquan Smith, Ravens: Roquan Smith continues to solidify his status as the premier linebacker in IDP leagues. At 28 years old and in the prime of his career, Smith consistently delivers elite production, showcasing the attributes that make him the cornerstone of any championship-caliber IDP roster. In Week 1, he recorded a solid 10 tackles, setting the tone for his campaign. He elevated his performance in Week 2, amassing 15 total tackles, including three for loss, and capping it with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. While touchdown contributions from linebackers are not a weekly expectation, Smith’s ability to produce game-changing plays, whether through forced turnovers, sacks, or tackles for loss, sets him apart. His high-volume tackling and knack for impactful plays ensure he remains atop the IDP leaderboard, with no immediate challengers to his throne.

LB Daiyan Henley, Chargers: Daiyan Henley is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone linebacker in IDP leagues, with his trajectory pointing toward elite status. At 25 years old, fresh off a near-150-tackle season, Henley faces minimal competition for snaps, cementing his role as a focal point of his team’s defense. Managers who invested in Henley after his underwhelming rookie campaign are reaping significant rewards, as he showcases the traits of a complete IDP asset. Through the early weeks of the season, Henley has recorded 18 tackles, two sacks, and an interception, demonstrating his ability to deliver both high-volume tackling and game-changing plays. His versatility and production position him as a prime candidate to ascend into the top tier of IDP linebackers this season. While veteran linebackers continue to anchor fantasy rosters, Henley represents the next generation of elite talent, and his ascent to the top may come sooner than anticipated.

Edge Byron Young, Rams: Byron Young has launched the season with an impressive display, establishing himself as a standout edge rusher in IDP leagues. The third-year pass rusher has already notched three sacks, 14 tackles, and a forced fumble, showcasing a blend of explosiveness and consistency. Playing within the Los Angeles Rams’ formidable defensive line, arguably the league’s best, Young benefits from a unit with such depth that opponents are unable to focus solely on scheming against him, except in specific situational moments. His early-season production suggests he could force opposing offenses to rethink their approach if this trend continues. This week, Young faces a stern test against a stout Philadelphia Eagles offensive line, which will serve as a litmus test for whether his hot start is sustainable or a fleeting outlier. Given his skill set and role, Young appears poised to affirm his status as a rising star.

S Brian Branch, Lions: No IDP stock market article would be complete without addressing the safety position, and Brian Branch remains a focal point in that conversation. Entering the league with significant expectations, Branch has delivered solid production through his first two seasons, though his output has yet to fully match the lofty preseason hype. However, his recent performance was a reminder of his immense potential. In Week 2, Branch showcased his dynamic skill set, recording six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass defended, a stat line that aligns with the high expectations set for him upon entering the NFL. With his talent and versatility, Branch can produce such impactful performances on a semi-regular basis. Should he maintain this level of play, he could solidify himself as the premier defensive back in IDP leagues.

LB Edgerrin Cooper, Packers: Edgerrin Cooper continues to make a compelling case as one of the brightest young stars in IDP leagues. For the second consecutive week, the 23-year-old linebacker delivered a 10+ tackle performance, this time pairing his 10 tackles with half a sack to underscore his growing impact. Cooper’s consistent production and ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories highlight his potential as a dynasty cornerstone. With his youth and skill set, he possesses the ceiling to become a matchup-altering force in IDP lineups, capable of tilting the scales simply by being on the field. If Cooper sustains this upward trajectory, he is poised to become a household name in IDP circles sooner rather than later. Dynasty managers who invested in him early are likely witnessing the emergence of a long-term, elite asset at the linebacker position.

Falling 4

Edge Jonah Ellis, Denver: Jonah Ellis has yet to convince as a must-start edge rusher in IDP leagues, and his inconsistent role continues to frustrate managers who have turned to him for spot starts or waiver-wire additions. Even in those limited opportunities, Ellis has underdelivered, reinforcing the notion that he is a high-risk lineup option, prone to boom weeks that inevitably coincide with bench stints. The Denver Broncos boast a stout defense with a formidable pass rush, but this depth works against Ellis, as it intensifies competition for snaps. Currently, he ranks last among the team's edge rushers in playing time, a trend unlikely to shift in the near term given the established rotation. For dynasty owners, Ellis remains a speculative asset at best, with limited appeal until he carves out a more prominent role.

LB T.J. Edwards, Chicago: T.J. Edwards’ early-season setback has cast a shadow over his typically reliable IDP production. After entering the year with an existing injury concern, Edwards aggravated the issue in his first game, delivering a worst-case scenario for managers who invested in him this offseason based on his proven track record. With four consecutive seasons of 120+ tackles, including two surpassing 150, Edwards has been a cornerstone in IDP leagues. However, head coach Ben Johnson’s designation of his status as week-to-week introduces uncertainty. A lingering injury could lower Edwards’ typically high floor, tempering expectations for the immediate future. Still, his history of elite tackling production suggests that a full recovery could make him a valuable asset for the fantasy playoff stretch. Dynasty managers should monitor his status closely, as a healthy Edwards remains a premier option, but caution is warranted until he returns to form.

Edge Micah Parsons, Packers: The offseason blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers dominated headlines heading into the 2025 season, but early production has reignited debates about his underwhelming output relative to his elite talent. Despite the change in scenery, Parsons' statistical contributions have mirrored his Dallas tenure, flashes of brilliance amid too many quiet weeks, akin to owning a high-performance sports car in a harsh Alaskan winter: occasional exhilarating drives overshadowed by prolonged periods of idling and unfulfilled potential. At 26 years old, Parsons retains immense upside, name-brand value, and relevance in IDP leagues, ensuring he remains a dynasty staple. However, if the production fails to consistently align with his capabilities, savvy managers may wisely pivot to other options rather than enduring weekly "what if" scenarios.

DT Jeffery Simmons, Titans: Jeffery Simmons has long been a standout among interior defensive linemen in IDP leagues, where true matchup-altering performers are rare. Typically, only a handful of players at this position can consistently sway fantasy outcomes, and Simmons has historically been among them. However, his early-season performance in 2025 has been underwhelming. Simmons recorded a sack in Week 1 but managed only two total tackles (four solo, two assists across two games) in Week 2, falling short of the stable tackle floor expected from a player of his caliber. Coming off a career-best season, it may be premature to write him off, but this lackluster showing is a source of frustration for managers relying on him to deliver game-changing production. Dynasty owners should remain patient given his proven track record, but Simmons’ immediate outlook warrants cautious monitoring until he regains consistency.

Premiere Pennies

LB Joe Bachie, Colts: Heading into the 2025 season, the Indianapolis Colts faced uncertainty at the second inside linebacker position. During training camp, Camron McGrone and Joe Bachie emerged as the top candidates, with both players logging an identical 22 defensive snaps in Week 1. However, in a commanding Week 2 victory over the Denver Broncos, Bachie seized the opportunity, dominating the snap count with 47 snaps compared to McGrone’s mere eight. This performance strongly indicates that Bachie has secured the role as the preferred complement to the Colts’ primary linebacker. With 13 total tackles through the first two weeks, Bachie remains widely available in most IDP fantasy football leagues, making him an attractive, low-cost addition. This may be the final window to acquire him before his expanded role gains wider attention. Adding Bachie to your roster provides a dependable depth piece with the potential to emerge as a flex starter, depending on your league’s scoring system and team needs.

DE Dorance Armstrong, Washington: Investing in Dorance Armstrong early this season feels like a calculated risk. Typically, I steer clear of defenses that heavily rotate their pass rushers, as it dilutes IDP point potential. However, Armstrong stands out in this rotation-heavy scheme. He leads the team with 91 total snaps, 40 more than the next closest player, signaling a significant role. With future Hall of Famer Von Miller playing a rotational role on the line, Armstrong is likely to line up opposite him. Opposing teams may prioritize neutralizing Miller, creating favorable one-on-one matchups for Armstrong. He’s already recorded two sacks this season, showing early promise. While this production may not last indefinitely, there’s no clear sign it will slow down this week. Armstrong offers a high-upside, low-cost addition for IDP managers willing to take the chance now.

LB Jack Sanborn, Cowboys: I’m diving into the IDP market with another calculated play by targeting Jack Sanborn, who offers compelling short-term value despite a clear expiration date. With Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown sidelined by a significant knee injury (torn ACL, MCL, and PCL) from last season, likely keeping him out until at least early November, Sanborn has seized the opportunity. Through the first two weeks of 2025, he’s notched an impressive 14 total tackles while ranking second among Cowboys linebackers in defensive snaps. As one of just five defenders on the team with over 100 snaps, Sanborn is clearly a focal point in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme, leveraging their prior connection from their time together in Chicago. Sanborn’s efficiency as a tackler, historically averaging over 10 tackles per game when starting, makes him a valuable asset in this temporary role. However, the return of Overshown will likely push Sanborn back to a rotational or depth role, capping his long-term upside. For IDP managers seeking a spark for their lineups or a dependable bench stash, Sanborn is a near-perfect, low-cost pickup right now. His flex-worthy production could be a difference-maker in the short term, but act quickly before his window closes.