Eyes of the Guru IDP Info: Week 1

I was not planning an update before the Week 1 piece. With many drafting this weekend and some important situations breaking over the last week, I wanted to get another one out before the weekend. The compromise is the Week 1 offering coming out on Saturday. So here we go.  

There were a handful of teams that put all or most of their defensive starters on the field for the third preseason game. Some that did and some that didn't managed to muddy the waters regarding the positional battles we are watching. Week 1 always brings us some unexpected lineup and production twists. The week two waiver wire could be a bonanza this year, especially at the linebacker position where we might see a slew of unexpected producers. Don't be caught with your pants down when it comes to starting lineups, and think about heading off some of the potential shockers in those final waivers before the games start.

Guru's IDP Notes: Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are making us guess who will start at linebacker next to Mack Wilson Sr. Most depth charts, including the one on the team's own site, list Cody Simon as the starter. Others have both Simon and Jack Gibbens at the top of the chart. What we do know is that Gibbens ran with the starters in the second preseason game, but both Gibbens and Simon sat out with the starters in the final contest. My guess is that Gibbens will be the guy, but this is a situation we want to avoid until we get a confirmation one way or the other.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Atlanta Falcons

There is much going on in Atlanta. Rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels has been impressive and has been the talk of training camp and the preseason on most days. We've also heard the coaching staff sing the praises of his roommate and fellow rookie, Harold Perkins Jr. Two weeks ago, it felt like a done deal that Daniels would be the starter. The coaching staff, however, just can't let it be that easy for us. They rolled out most of the starting lineup against the Dolphins. It was Perkins and Divine Deablo at linebacker. About the only sure thing here is that Christian Harris is out, having been the projected starter heading into training camp. My money is still on Daniels, but I'm not confident enough to start him in the opener.

The team added Za'Darius Smith about two weeks ago. He was not running with the starters against the Dolphins, but it's hard to say whether that is only because he hasn't been there long enough to claim the job. Cam Thomas and Samson Ebukam were the starting edge defenders against Miami. None of these guys are great players, but keep in mind that this defense recorded 57 sacks last year.

Atlanta acquired tackle Gervon Dexter Sr in a trade with the Bears. He is an active, mobile interior guy with enough power and wiggle to contribute as a pass rusher. Dexter had some flashes of fantasy production while with Chicago and is worth keeping an eye on.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Baltimore Ravens

Despite the optimistic speculation we heard all summer about Nnamdi Madubuike's recovery, he has still not participated in contact drills and will not be available to start the season. The good news is that he was not sent to IR or the PUP, suggesting that he will see action in the first month of the season.   

Guru's IDP Notes: Buffalo Bills

When doing the Bills team report back in July, I speculated that rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr might bump Dorian Williams from the lineup. The Bills have not yet confirmed the rookie as the starter, but all signs point to it.

With Terrel Bernard resting, Elarms-Orr worked with the first team, wore the green dot, and assumed the lead role. Meanwhile, Williams has spent most of the summer working with the second team. Considering all the injuries Bernard has dealt with over the last couple of years, Elarms-Orr could end up in the lead role before long.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Carolina Panthers

Not long ago there was a competition between Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus for the starting linebacker spot next to Devin Lloyd. It appears the team was not satisfied with either of those options. They signed Bobby Okereke off the street and let Wallace go with the final cuts. Okereke was somewhat of a disappointment to the Giants, but he could be a better fit in Carolina's scheme. At the least, he's an upgrade. His status for Week 1 will depend on how quickly he picks up the scheme. I expect he will be in the lineup by week two at the latest.

Guru's IDP Notes: Chicago Bears

Why would the Bears trade arguably their best interior lineman right before the start of the season? No one had said it yet, but the decision likely has much to do with the impressive play of rookie Jordan van den Berg, who has been turning heads all summer.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Dallas Cowboys

Jaishawn Barham put his name in the hat with an impressive performance in the second preseason game. He made the start in the third one but was not much of a factor before giving way to those behind him on the depth chart. There is no word from the coaching staff on who will start next to DeMarvion Overshown. I fear that Barham and Dee Winters will share time.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Denver Broncos

Jonathon Cooper's legal problems landed him on the commissioner's exempt list to start the season. There is no way to know if he will return this year or how long it might be. While Cooper is out, Jonah Elliss will move into the starting role, with Dondrea Tillman and Que Robinson picking up relief snaps.

Elliss was the team's third-round pick in 2024. He has 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a takeaway in 30 games as a backup. He's not Cooper, but Elliss is a capable player in a great situation. He could be surprisingly productive. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph says that Robinson has the tools to become a ten-sack guy.

Guru's IDP Notes: Detroit Lions

There was once a hint of optimism that Brian Branch would be back in time to start the season. That balloon was popped when both he and fellow safety Kerby Joseph were placed on the PUP list as the team pared down to 53 players. Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox will open the season as the starting safeties. Maddox has never been more than a marginal fantasy option. Clark, on the other hand, has been rather productive at times during his career.

Guru's IDP Notes: Indianapolis Colts

Glancing at the Colts' starting lineup for the third preseason game, one might assume that they sat several starters. I'm not so sure that was the case. The front four were definitely starters, including DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, who would certainly not be on the field if the team was playing backups. The only starting corner who sat was Chavarius Ward, who is nursing an injury.

The names that were glaringly missing were rookies CJ Allen at linebacker and A.J. Haulcy at safety. Both of whom saw time with the backups. Jaylon Carlies and Akeem Davis-Gaither were the linebackers, with Hunter Wohler drawing the start ahead of Haulcy at strong safety. This has the smell of an ugly mess for us.

Guru's IDP Notes: Jacksonville Jaguars