A Los Angeles Rams Linebacker You Should Target

In the wild, unpredictable kitchen of IDP fantasy football, there's no Michelin-starred recipe for success, just a dash of instinct, a pinch of research, and a whole lot of guts. Each manager stirs their own pot, whether simmering in dynasty leagues or flash-frying in redraft. Me? I'm all about swinging for the fences, because in this game, timid tweaks don't win titles, bold bets do.

Enter Nate Landman, the Los Angeles Rams' under-the-radar linebacker ready to spice up your roster.

The Rams, a team better known for their offensive fireworks and flashy defensive youth, have a linebacker corps that's more like an indie band missing its lead singer: plenty of rhythm, but no one stealing the spotlight. With a crowded four-man jam session for just two starting inside linebacker spots, it's a chaotic audition. But mark my words: Nate Landman's about to grab the mic, command the stage, and deliver a chart-topping performance that'll have IDP managers headbanging all season long. (RIP Ozzy).

Who is the Land Man?

No, this isn't about Billy Bob Thornton's rugged character from the TV series Landman. This is Nate Landman, the undrafted linebacker who earned a roster spot with the Atlanta Falcons and now joins the Los Angeles Rams, poised to make an impact. Over two NFL seasons, Landman has shown flashes of brilliance: his rookie year delivered an impressive 110 total tackles and a diverse stat line, while his follow-up season saw a dip to 81 tackles with less variety.

That regression isn't a warning sign; it's an opportunity, a classic buy-low moment for IDP managers. Now in Los Angeles, Landman steps into a Rams defense that defied expectations last season but remains hindered by an underwhelming inside linebacker group. On a roster otherwise brimming with talent, this positional weakness creates a clear path for Landman to secure a starting role. His acquisition by the Rams represents not just a new chapter for him, but a prime chance for IDP players to capitalize on a potential waiver-wire-to-starter transformation.

Buying The Dip

In the volatile stock market of IDP fantasy football, value hunting is an art form, and Nate Landman is this season's undervalued asset ripe for investment. Skeptics might point to his departure from Atlanta and quip, “If he's so good, why did the Falcons let him walk?” It's a fair question, but one that overlooks the nuances of his situation and the golden opportunity awaiting in Los Angeles.

Landman's 2024 season, where he posted 81 total tackles in just 13 games while missing four due to injury, may seem like a step back from his 110-tackle rookie campaign. But let's crunch the numbers: his per-game tackle average last year projects to roughly 106 tackles over a full 17-game season, placing him around the LB40 mark—ahead of established names like Ivan Pace Jr. and Pete Werner.

That's not just respectable; it's a steal for a player who was Atlanta's secondary linebacker behind Kaden Elliss, a top-five IDP linebacker in 2024.

Now, consider the context of his move to the Rams. Los Angeles boasts a formidable roster, but their inside linebacker corps remains a glaring weak spot, a scarcity that Landman is uniquely positioned to exploit. He's not vying for a rotational role; he's in a four-man competition for one of two starting inside linebacker spots.

If he secures a starting gig, and his track record suggests he can, Landman could see a high snap count on a defense that demands consistency from its linebackers. His floor? A realistic 120-130 tackles, a threshold that would vault him into the LB15-20 range, if not higher, given his proven per-game production.

This isn't about chasing a mythical breakout; it's about recognizing a player with a clear path to volume at a position where the Rams desperately need a stabilizer. In IDP leagues, where tackles are currency, Landman's current market price, likely a waiver-wire pickup or late-round flier, makes him a high-upside bet with minimal risk. Don't let the Atlanta dip fool you; this is a buy-low window for a player poised to pay dividends.

McVay's Defense?