IDP Analysis: Week 5 Matchups

Here's a look at IDPs who have favorable Week 5 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

Julius Peppers, Panthers at Lions - Offensive lines have struggled to deal with Peppers to this season. The Panthers have many playmakers on defense, so opponents can't exclusively double-team Peppers usually. The last three wees, he has four sacks and 10 tackles. Facing a weak Lions offensive line that's already given up 12 sacks, look for Peppers to keep rolling Sunday.

Justin Houston, Chiefs at Texans - Houston has been an absolute monster this season, and now he takes aim at arguably the worst offensive line in the league. The Texans have allowed a league-high 17 sacks, and likely won't find an answer for one of the NFL's elite pass rushers. Houston could have multiple sacks Sunday.

DeForest Buckner, 49ers at Colts - Averaging five tackles per game, Buckner has a safe weekly floor. After he recorded his first sack last week, albeit against the sieve called the Cardinals, he faces another weak unit in the Colts. Indy has already given up 14 sacks, so this is a great chance for him to add another to his total.

Jerry Hughes, Bills at Bengals - After being miscast in Rex Ryan's defense the last couple years, Hughes has taken a liking to his new system. He's racked up 12 tackles with three sacks and a forced fumble the last three weeks, letting the league know he's back in business. Unfortunately for the turnstile known as the Bengals offensive line, it will get to see him wreak havoc first hand, and that should mean another big week for the Bills' veteran.

LINEBACKER

Demario Davis, Jets at Browns - Could this be the week the Browns play a close game? If it is, and it certainly should be, they'll likely have to rely on their rushing attack. This looks like a good spot for another big game for Davis, who has totaled at least 12 twice this year. Don't be surprised if he also gets a chance to sack DeShone Kizer, who's already been sacked 13 times this season.

Nick Vigil, Bengals vs. Bills - When Vontaze Burfict returned from suspension last week, Vigil didn't miss a beat as he continued to build on his strong start to the season. Not only did he post 12 stops, but he added a sack as well. He has a great chance for another big week against a Bills offense that likely will be conservative from start to finish. Aside from a strong chance for double-digit tackles, the Bills' OL has coughed up 12 sacks, so Vigil could add another one this week.

Anthony Barr, Vikings at Bears - Clearly, the Bears will roll out a conservative game plan in Mitch Trubisky's NFL debut this week. So to expect plenty of rushing attempts is a nice starting point for Barr to build upon his solid 6.5 tackles per game. However, the rookie QB will be forced to throw, and when he does, he should see some confusing looks from Mike Zimmer's defense. Once that confusion sets in, Barr could notch his first sack of the year as well as getting his typical production.

Dont'a Hightower, Patriots at Buccaneers - Although the Bucs would have no problem throwing at will against the Patriots' Swiss-cheese secondary, they don't likely want to take their chances against Tom Brady in a shootout. With Doug Martin back from suspension, they finally have the potential to run a balanced offense. That's what coach Dirk Koetter has wanted since last year. When the Bucs look to run, Hightower should build on his two-tackle and one-sack effort from last week when he returned from a knee injury.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Kam Chancellor, Seahawks at Rams - The Rams are a really nice story this year, especially after steamrolling some of the creampuff defenses in the league. Todd Gurley will continue to be heavily used as a runner and receiver, and that's the type of gameplan in which Chancellor can thrive. He should see plenty of tackle opportunities, and as always, he's a threat to force a takeaway as well.

Mike Hilton, Steelers vs. Jaguars - Sure, he's been a bit inconsistent, but that's life in the world of IDP fantasy football, right? Hilton's already had two big weeks – a nine-tackle game in Week 2 and an INT and a sack last week – showing clear upside. Who better to bring out upside in a defensive player than a meeting with Blake Bortles? Aside from benefiting from a conservative passing attack that helps DBs pile up tackles, Hilton easily could make a big play to have a great fantasy day.

Jordan Poyer, Bills at Bengals - Andy Dalton appears to have gotten over his early season struggles, but the reality is that he hasn't seen much pressure lately. He's sure to get pressure from a surprising Bills' defense. Once that happens, Poyer has already shown that he's capable of making big plays. Along with two sacks and an INT over the first four games, he could easily add to either or both of those categories this week.

Anthony Brown, Cowboys vs. Packers - It's unlikely Ty Montgomery will be at full strength if he plays Sunday after suffering a rib injury last week. That scenario should force coach Mike McCarthy to lean more than ever upon Aaron Rodgers to move the ball through the air. Brown has shown the ability to contribute by posting six tackles in two of his last three games, and he has upside for more based on gamescript this week.