This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
Here's a look at IDPs who have favorable Week 3 matchups. IDP formats can be quite different, so we'll list players of varying levels. Some will be players found on the waiver wire while in other leagues players will be automatic starters.
DEFENSIVE LINE
DeMarcus Lawrence, Cowboys at Cardinals - Lawrence has started the season red hot, recording a pair of sacks in each of the first two games, and it's possible that he could be available in some leagues. This is a good week to bet on him continuing his assault on quarterbacks, as he'll face a decimated Cardinals offensive line with the statue known as Carson Palmer standing in the pocket.
Calais Campbell, Jaguars vs. Ravens - After recording four sacks in the season opener against the Texans, Campbell came back down earth with just four tackles against the Titans. He could easily get back on track this week as the Jaguars face a limited Baltimore passing attack. Joe Flacco just lost his best offensive lineman, Marshall Yanda, to an injury, and this is now one of the weakest offensive lines in the league.
Carlos Dunlap, Bengals at Packers - Dunlap has recorded four tackles in each of the first two games, but he's yet to find success getting to the quarterback as he searches to get into the sack column. He'll have a great opportunity to end his futility this week when he faces a pass-heavy Packers offense that's already reeling with injuries along
Here's a look at IDPs who have favorable Week 3 matchups. IDP formats can be quite different, so we'll list players of varying levels. Some will be players found on the waiver wire while in other leagues players will be automatic starters.
DEFENSIVE LINE
DeMarcus Lawrence, Cowboys at Cardinals - Lawrence has started the season red hot, recording a pair of sacks in each of the first two games, and it's possible that he could be available in some leagues. This is a good week to bet on him continuing his assault on quarterbacks, as he'll face a decimated Cardinals offensive line with the statue known as Carson Palmer standing in the pocket.
Calais Campbell, Jaguars vs. Ravens - After recording four sacks in the season opener against the Texans, Campbell came back down earth with just four tackles against the Titans. He could easily get back on track this week as the Jaguars face a limited Baltimore passing attack. Joe Flacco just lost his best offensive lineman, Marshall Yanda, to an injury, and this is now one of the weakest offensive lines in the league.
Carlos Dunlap, Bengals at Packers - Dunlap has recorded four tackles in each of the first two games, but he's yet to find success getting to the quarterback as he searches to get into the sack column. He'll have a great opportunity to end his futility this week when he faces a pass-heavy Packers offense that's already reeling with injuries along the offensive line.
Trey Flowers, Patriots vs. Texans - Against the Saints last week, Flowers had a quiet week with two tackles after a big Week 1 when he sacked Alex Smith twice while tacking on an additional five stops. This week, he takes aim at a rookie quarterback behind one of the absolute worst offensive lines in the league, and although the Texans hope to run the football, at some point they'll be forced to throw, and that's when Flowers will be at his best.
LINEBACKER
Brandon Marshall, Broncos at Bills - Marshall was quite productive in the first two games of the season, piling up eight tackles against the Chargers and seven against the Cowboys. This week, the Broncos are up against the Bills, who project to be one of the most run-heavy teams in the league. This is the type of week that the linebacker could crack double-digits tackles with the potential to make a big play as well.
Christian Kirksey, Browns at Colts - Although he got off to a somewhat slow start in Week 1 with five tackles against the Steelers, Kirksey got rolling last week against the Ravens when he posted nine tackles with a sack. He'll have an excellent opportunity to fill up the stat sheet this week against the Colts, who'll try to run the ball as much as possible. At some point, though, they will be forced to air it out, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see a big number of tackles with the potential for another sack from Kirksey.
P.J. Williams, Saints at Panthers - Williams has been a pleasant surprise, posting 18 tackles in two games against teams that passed frequently. This week, he could see even more tackle opportunities against a Panthers team that likely will run plenty at home.
Derrick Morgan, Titans vs. Seahawks - Morgan notched a sack in each of the first two games, and now he gets a home matchup against the Seahawks and their Swiss cheese offensive line. It was painful to watch Russell Wilson running for his life the first two weeks of the season, but it won't be so painful for anyone who starts Morgan this week.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Barry Church, Jaguars vs. Ravens - Church piled up six tackles in each of the first two games, which certainly has been a solid start. However, he could be ready to have an even bigger week against the Ravens, who typically throw a bunch of short passes, along with many to their tight ends and running backs. This could be an excellent week to see elite-level production from the Jaguars' safety.
James Bradberry, Panthers vs. Saints - Despite playing the 49ers and Bills and their conservative offenses, Bradberry still posted six tackles in each game. This week, he faces the Saints, who likely will throw plenty of passes, which should give him a chance to have increased production.
Sean Davis, Steelers at Bears - Davis has been up-and-down. He recorded three tackles against the Browns, but followed that with eight stops against the Vikings last week. He has an excellent matchup this week against the Bears, who are likely to throw a high number of short passes, which should allow Davis to have a strong performance.
Jalen Mills, Eagles vs. Giants - Mills had a pair of drastically different performances in his first two games. In Week 1, he piled up nine tackles with an interception against the Redskins, but he was quiet last week with just two tackles against the Chiefs. Seeing that he faces a Giants' offense that has virtually no rushing attack, the expectation is that New York won't challenge the Eagles' front seven, meaning that the defensive backs, especially Mills, will have an extremely busy afternoon.
