Welcome to IDP Plays & Fades for Week 4!
And now we are off, running down to the Ript-IDP! Let’s uncap our pens and discuss the fades and plays for Week 4! Week 3 gives more data points for us to use for our ascent up fantasy mountain, and we will try to lead you to the top of Mount Olympus!
Week 2 went poorly, but we rebounded in week 3! The process remains strong, and as we gather more data, we will achieve even greater success. Now with three weeks of film and data, we should start to hit our stride… as long as injuries do not entirely derail!
In this series, I will help highlight some players who could surpass expectations or fall short of them. We will hit three plays and three fades at each position (DL, LB, DB) from varying positions in weekly rankings. While they will not be forced, I will also try to add in a DT and a CB from their respective position groups. The goal for each group will be to have at least one high-level name and a lower-ranked player, ones who could rise tiers based on matchups or falter a bit due to “empty” statistics. Now it is time to saddle your mount (horse, pegasus, dragon, etc) and ride into the fires (seas?) of IDP week 4!
Some notes! Common statistics and metrics used will come from the Pro Football Focus (PFF) database. Metrics include PRP (Pass Rush Productivity, essentially how effective an individual rusher is), PRWR (Pass Rush Win Rate), AVDT (Average Depth of Tackle – how far down the field run tackles are made), amongst some other snap counts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Defensive Lineman
Play: Gervon Dexter, DT, Chicago Bears @ Las Vegas Raiders
- Dexter started the path to breaking out last season before stalling out a bit. He seems to have picked the breakout pace back up early this season, with elite pass-rush numbers. He has been a top-10 DT by PRP and overall grade, while still being in the top-30 PRWR. The numbers have not come together yet for Dexter; however, the metrics give hope that he can blow up in the near future.
- The Raiders may be that matchup to facilitate a breakout, as their offensive interior has been an abject disaster. Vegas has two of the top-3 interior OL pressure-allowers this season, while having constant turnover at the positions. With this, they have been a top-10 DT matchup while allowing constant pressure on Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty. This matchup is as good of a confidence builder as one can get, so the hope is that Dexter can take advantage of it and play his way into your lineup this week and into the future.
Play: Nick Herbig, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings
- Alex Highsmith had an electric week 1 before going down to injury and ceding playtime to Herbig. Unlike some past (and future: spoilers!) fades, Herbig has been pushed to 2nd on the totem pole, not 1st. In limited time so far, Herbig is EDGE6 while having solid pass-rush metrics. He ranks around 20th amongst EDGE players in PFF’s rankings, which is more than enough to produce with T.J. Watt on the other side.
- The Vikings are a complicated matchup, with a new QB in and an All-Pro caliber LT back in the lineup. The tackles are great; however, the new QB is disaster-artist-extraordinaire, Carson Wentz. The Vikings have been a top-3 matchup so far, which no longer will be quite accurate with Christian Darrisaw in the lineup. However, Wentz will take sacks if he is given the opportunity. Pittsburgh should keep this game closer than Cincinnati could, which will force more passes and potential sacks on Wentz. Herbig is a great depth piece who could blow up into EDGE2 territory.
Play: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers @ New York Giants
- Tuipulotu was a fade last week against the Broncos and check-down artist Bo Nix. Now he is a play going against a piecemeal line in New York and a bozo (not derogatory) under center for the first time. Rookie Jaxson Dart – whose best attribute is toughness in the pocket– is starting for the first time against the Chargers. Dart will look to hang in the pocket and make throws, which will allow for high sack potential.
- Tuipulotu has been great against the run this season, grading as a top-12 EDGE against it while having a top-5 AVDT. Even if the Giants decide to lean on the run, Tuipulotu has shown enough prowess there to be still productive for fantasy. He has not had a great start to the season, but this matchup with a new quarterback and porous offensive line gives Tuipulotu an incredibly high ceiling. If you need to take a swing for the fences, play the Chargers’ top rusher!
Fade: DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Rams
- Has Father Time caught up to the All-Pro? Probably not. However, the lack of pass-rush has been incredibly concerning at this point. Buckner ranks outside of the top-65 DTs in PRP and PRWR, while just sneaking into the top-50 for overall grade. He has still been close to DT1 status for IDP, but that is with having a cupcake schedule so far.
- The Rams have been dominant against DTs thus far, with the majority of points coming from Jordan Davis’ blocked FG returned for a TD. The pass blocking group has not been great along the interior, but has been dominant in the run game. This clashes with Buckner’s skillset thus far, making him an incredibly risky play this week.
Fade: Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos (MNF)
- Calling last year’s sack leader a fade is risky business. However, if there were a time to do it, it would be here. Garrett Boles and the Broncos have been great in pass protection, allowing zero sacks from EDGE players. They have also kept EDGE players from affecting the run, helping them let up the lowest fantasy total to EDGE players by a wide margin (less than half of 2nd place in this scoring).
- Hendrickson has an uphill battle in this game. He has played less than 75% of snaps so far, hurting the weekly floor. Hendrickson has still been a great rusher, with a top-8 overall grade and PRWR, while being top-20 in PRP. However, he still is not a factor in the run game, making him solely a big-game (sack) hunter. You cannot bench him, however, he is a fade from a top-5 EDGE perspective.
Fade: Bryce Huff, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers vs Jacksonville Jaguars
- For a second straight week, we fade a pass rusher who has been raised a rung on their team’s ladder. With Nick Bosa out for the season, Bryce Huff moves from the 49ers EDGE3 to their EDGE2 (but top rusher). Huff has been a great situational rusher, but was awful before a benching in an expanded role with the Eagles last year. Huff’s efficacy comes from being unleashed on passing downs where he does not need to worry (much) about the run. Huff has had an elite pass rush grade in PFF over his time as a DPR, including this year. However, when more was added to his plate in 2024, he fully crumbled.
- While the rise in role is a concern, it is not the only one for Huff this week. The Jaguars have been a bottom-5 matchup for EDGE players this season. Only 2 EDGEs have sacked Trevor Lawrence this season, both of whom are in the elite tier of rushers (Hendrickson & Anderson). Overall, the Jaguars’ line has held up quite well, giving Lawrence time to make quicker passes and avoid pressure. Huff may put it together now that he is back with Robert Saleh, but he is a fade until we see it.
Linebackers
Play: Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs vs Baltimore Ravens
- Bolton is coming off his best performance in 2025, where he finished the Giants’ matchup with 14 tackles. He has played every defensive snap for the Chiefs this season, giving him the opportunity to load up on fantasy stats every week.
- The Ravens are a great fantasy matchup for LBs, giving Bolton a chance to repeat week 3’s performance. They have been a top-5 matchup for LBs so far, running behind Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The Ravens’ offensive style leads to ample tackle opportunities for LBs while also opening up more space for sacks than most offenses would. Bolton has had a non-ideal slate of matchups so far, so Bolton’s first great matchup makes him an easy play this week.
Play: Alex Singleton, Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals (MNF)
- The Bengals had an all-time disastrous showing last week against the Vikings, with multiple defensive TDs allowed and general incompetence. Losing an elite-level QB and facing an elite defense will hurt an offense, but not typically to that level. Either way, the Bengals have bled points to LBs this year due to a combination of atrocious run game and QB injury.
- Alex Singleton was at risk of losing his role with the signing of Dre Greenlaw; however, Greenlaw is on IR, and Singleton is running the defense. He has averaged nine tackles per game so far, with the total increasing each week. The Bengals will have to lean more on the run with a backup QB in, giving Singleton even more opportunities to tally tackles. He is a great floor play for week 4!
Play: Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns @ Detroit Lions
- The rookie had the best game of his young career last week against the Packers, with 10 tackles and a sack. He has been the clear LB1 on the team, playing over 98% of snaps and totalling 23 tackles. According to PFF, Schwesinger has been a top-18 overall linebacker and specifically against the run, giving hope that he can continue near-LB1 production.
- A matchup with Detroit is a great step to continue Schwesinger’s breakout. The Lions’ two-headed backfield monster has allowed for great LB production, yielding top-8 numbers. The Browns’ pass rush is dominant enough to keep Detroit leaning towards the run (or quick passes), making the rookie a confident play above his typical LB2/3 range.
Fade: Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans
- Al-Shaair has struggled to live up to billing as a potential LB1 this season, with 25 total tackles in 3 games. He faces another tough matchup this week with a pass-heavy Titans team. The Titans have been a bottom-3 matchup thus far, as they have had to pass to catch up each week.
- Last week, the Colts’ Zaire Franklin was a fade due to the Titans’ matchup, which did end up a success with only seven total tackles. We continue with that logic for another divisional matchup, where the Titans should be trailing. Al-Shaair is not a bench, as he is the top LB on a dominant defense, but he is a fade if you drafted AAS to be a top-18 LB.
Fade: Devin White, Las Vegas Raiders vs Chicago Bears
- The Raiders have, unfortunately, been featured often on the fades list this season. White has taken over as the top LB on the team, but has not been highly efficient for fantasy purposes thus far. Twenty-five total tackles is fine; however, the weekly number has dropped each week so far (even as snaps increased).
- White truly is a fade based on the matchup, though. Chicago turned it on against Dallas and hopes to keep it going against another struggling defense. The Bears have been a bottom-10 matchup for LBs so far, largely due to a poor running game (back). The Bears have not entirely abandoned the running game; however, they have shied away from a traditional attack, unlike the Bengals. With the overall volatility in the defense and in White, the player, he is a fade this week.
Fade: Noah Sewell, Chicago Bears @ Las Vegas Raiders
- Our last LB fade this week is an injury-related fade: Sewell has performed admirably in T.J. Edwards’ absence, but the long-time IDP darling seems poised to return this week. Sewell has totalled 25 tackles in 3 games, including a career-high 11 last week. However, Edwards has been a mainstay on this defense for a few years and should reclaim his role when he is healthy.
- If Edwards does not play in week 4, Sewell is not only not a fade, but would actually become a viable option due to the matchup. Las Vegas has been a good matchup, with a poor rushing attack and a passing attack that is forced to be more aggressive than in a perfect world. This fade call is solely due to the reports the Edwards will practice and play this week, but if that changes… do not fade Sewell!
Defensive Backs
Play: Mike Sainristill, CB, Washington Commanders @ Atlanta Falcons
- Despite being mainly a slot-CB for the Commanders, Sainristill has seen the 2nd-highest percentage of snaps amongst all Washington DBs. His 90% snap-share and ideal role give him an excellent baseline for tackles and ball production.
- Atlanta thus far has been an excellent matchup for CBs, especially those in the slot. The Falcons have allowed 5+ tackles to all three slot-CBs they have played thus far, with ball production sprinkled in. After an atrocious passing show in Carolina, the Falcons may lean more into the run and allow for even more opportunities for Sainristill. Sainristill has the baseline (11 tackles over the past two weeks) and opportunity to be a play in your CB lineups.
Play: Amani Hooker, S, Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans
- Hooker has been an S1 thus far, with 18 tackles, a sack, and 3 PBUs. So far, only 3 safeties have seen more snaps from the box than Hooker, and one of them has been cut. The role is elite for Hooker, especially on a team that is expected to face a high run volume. The floor and ceiling are high for Hooker weekly.
- Hooker, on his own, is a play, but this matchup pushes him into potential top-5 Safety territory. Houston has been a top-8 matchup so far, allowing multiple S1 weeks. Houston has tried to run often, even if they are awful at it, which will give Hooker more chances. A good Titans’ DL and poor Texans’ OL also should force many quick, short passes right to Hooker’s area in the box. Play Hooker with extreme confidence this week!
Play: Jalen Pitre, DB, Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans
- IDP football is essentially a game of opportunity. Pitre has seen 75% of snaps thus far, which should now skyrocket after C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s release. CJGJ was the primary box safety for the team while moonlighting in the slot. The majority of those snaps should shift to Pitre, who is a demon in the run game.
- The Titans have been an excellent matchup for safeties, allowing big tackle totals in all three matchups so far. Pitre should dominate the slot and box, wrapping up short passes and wide runs from Tony Pollard. Pitre has been a fade lately with a limited role, but now should skyrocket to near S-1 rankings.
Fade: Jacob Parrish, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Philadelphia Eagles
- We break the mold a bit and go with a true slot CB as this week’s fade. Parrish has been great for the Buccs, with a high-end CB2 finish last week. However, that finish was on the back of a sack, which is incredibly hard for CBs to repeat. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles make that even more of a challenge, with incredible strength and sack avoidance.
- Philadelphia has been an awful CB matchup thus far, allowing low point totals to all slots they have faced so far. Parrish, while a good player, is still only part-time, with just 70% of defensive snaps played thus far. Parrish is a fade to repeat a borderline CB1 week for this matchup, though you should keep an eye on the feisty rookie!
Fade: Josh Metellus, S, Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers
- Unique usage was a calling card for Metellus over the past few years, leading to high-level fantasy numbers. So far this season, Metellus has been more of a traditional safety, with 58% of snaps as a true deep safety. The role alone makes consistent IDP performance incredibly difficult to predict.
- Metellus had his best game of 2025 last week, but this was on the back of an interception from a backup QB. Overall, Metellus’ 14 tackles are uninspiring, especially as he heads into a tough matchup with Pittsburgh. No safety has had more than five tackles so far, as they have allowed a bottom-3 total to the position on the year. The role lowers Metellus’ floor, while the matchup hurts his ceiling, making Metellus a fade from hopes of returning to S1 territory.
Fade: Donovan Wilson, S, Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers (SNF)
- One of the main points in Wilson’s favor coming into 2025 was usage: where he had typically been a ~75% Box/slot player over the past half-decade in Dallas. This year, however, Wilson has barely been at 55% box/slot usage. This has caused a drop in production for Wilson, who has had only 14 total tackles through 3 games.
- The usage and a bad matchup with Green Bay drop Wilson’s outlook for week 4. The Packers are a bottom-10 matchup for Safeties so far, making the long-time Cowboy a fade this week. The Packers allowed the S2 overall performance last week, but this Cowboy defense is not close to Cleveland’s (especially with Micah Parsons now on the Packers). Aside from that weird matchup, no safety has done much against this Packers’ offense.
