Here’s a look at the linebackers as you prepare for your IDP fantasy football drafts.
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IDP Fantasy Football Draft Strategy
LB Primer
This is where you will get most of your points in standard tackle-heavy leagues. Unlike defensive linemen, linebackers don’t have to be good to put up good numbers in IDP; they just need to be on the field. A tackle 9 yards downfield gets us the same 1.5 points it does at the line of scrimmage. However, the good LBs are the ones that stay on the field the most and are usually around the ball.
Pass-rushing LBs
Some pass-rushing specialist types of LBs earn their points mainly through sacks. T.J. Watt is the epitome of this style of LB, with guys like Barrett, Landry, and Reddick in the same boat. I’m not the biggest fan of these guys in tackle-heavy leagues because they tend to be boom or bust, but they can be helpful with the right matchups.
Upside Plays
Upside plays can hurt in deeper leagues from the LB position because if they don’t pan out, they usually aren’t on the field enough to be in your starting lineup. However, when they payout, it’s like hitting a progressive jackpot. There are fewer examples this season than most, but guys like JOK, Barton, Bolton, and Werner are guys that can way outplay their ranking and ADP.
2022 IDP Linebacker Rankings
ADP – Average Draft Position
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If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
