IDP Matchups & Sleepers: Week 9

Oct 30, 2019

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Each week, I'm going to go through our IDP rankings and look at some of the top matchups and sleeper picks for the week at each position. My IDP brother-in-arms, Ross Miles, will have your IDP waiver wire covered . If you have specific questions pertaining to your lineup, you can always refer to the ranks or hit me up on Twitter @Mike_Woellert.

Now, let's see what Week 9 has in store for us.

Linebacker

Jayon Brown, ILB, Tennesee Titans vs. Carolina Panthers

The Titans got their defensive play-caller last week. In Week 9, he draws a favorable matchup against the Carolina Panthers. He has a chance to improve upon his 10.4% tackle rate against a Panther offense allowing nearly 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks per game against the LB position - including 17 tackles per game to the ILB position. I like Brown as an LB2 this week.

Danny Trevathan, ILB, Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Trevathan has been consistent all season - recording 47 solo tackles and a 13.1% tackle rate. Over the last three games, he's recorded 28 tackles. He's been taking on most of the tackle opportunities and faces an Eagle offense allowing 12 tackles per game to the ILB position and the ninth-most points to opposing LBs.

Tahir Whitehead, ILB, Oakland Raiders vs. Detroit Lions

I don't think Brandon Marshall is going to make much of a difference to Whitehead's usage. He's the play-caller, and won't leave the field. He's the leading tackler and is producing an 11.5% tackle rate. He's stacked together some solid games - recording eight or more tackles in three of his last four outings. The Lions offense has allowed nearly 13 tackles per game to opposing ILBs.

Zach Cunningham, ILB, Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Cunningham is my weekly target against the Jaguars. Leonard Fournette hasn't had fewer than 19 carries since Week 3, so if he's going to get 20+ carries, Cunningham is going to cash in on those tackle opportunities. Cunningham is leading the Texans in tackles and is generating a 12.6% tackle rate this season. Opposing ILBs are averaging 14 tackles per game, while the Jaguars offense is allowing the seventh-most points to the LB position.

Sleeper

Nate Gerry, ILB, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears

With Nigel Bradham continuing to be sidelined, Gerry is in line for all of the snaps. Over the last three games, he has recorded 23 tackles, resulting in a 12% tackle rate. The Chicago offense is allowing 18 tackles per game to the LB position and I like Gerry as an LB3 this week.