The Show Goes On

Everyone alright? That was a rough one. Week 8 took no prisoners as top seeds fell to bottom feeders, no name heroes went off, and a few of our fantasy studs flat-out vanished.

But just like that, we move forward. Myles Garrett reminded everyone why he’s elite with a franchise-record five sacks, and Bobby Wagner proved once again that consistency still matters.

After the smoke cleared, one question kept floating around fantasy circles: “Are you rebuilding or competing?”

That’s where we find our edge. The IDP side of the ball is where stability lives and is the backbone that can keep your team standing through chaos. Each week, I break down the top 12 DLs, LBs, and DBs on the season so far, analyzing their last three games, snap shares, and matchup strength to determine who might finish outside of that range 🛑 . I also highlight a few names outside the top 12 who could break through this week and finish within ⚡ .

Week 8 tested us — but the job is not finished.
The show goes on.

*This is in reference to FantasyPros Week to Week Rankings & using a platform that allows dual designation*



⚡ Green Light – DL: Jonathan Greenard vs. Lions

(Season Rank: DL19 through Week 8)

Jonathan Greenard has quietly been a steady presence on this Vikings defense for a few years now, but consistency has often been his toughest opponent. That said, with Andrew Van Ginkel sidelined and Dallas Turner still finding his footing, Greenard has stepped up in a big way.

Over his last four outings even factoring in the bye, he’s been performing like a top-15 DL, flashing the kind of burst and discipline Minnesota’s been waiting for. The matchup this week doesn’t hurt either, with the Lions allowing one of the higher tackle rates to opposing defensive linemen this season.

His snap share did dip a bit last week (from 94% to 67%), but that was more about game script than performance as the Chargers had things wrapped up. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on in case the rotation tightens again.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 0% → 94% → 67%

Bottom line: Greenard’s trending in the right direction, the matchup is juicy, and with the Vikings leaning on their front seven, he’s earned a confident green light for Week 9.



⚡ Green Light – LB: Tatum Bethune vs. Giants

(Season Rank: LB80 through Week 8)

Yeah, we’re in the thick of it when names like Tatum Bethune start popping up — but the tape doesn’t lie. Since stepping in for All-Pro Fred, Bethune has quietly produced at an LB11 pace over that stretch and looks like he belongs.

With Dee Winters banged up, the 49ers will lean on Bethune even more, and that’s good news heading into this matchup. The Giants are giving up the third-most tackles to opposing linebackers this season, offering a perfect setup for continued production.

Sure, some of that came from the Giants’ run-heavy “pound it out” approach lead by Cam Skattebo, but the opportunities are still there and Bethune’s instincts have been on full display.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 85% → 86% → 100%

Bottom line: Bethune’s earned his spot, and with volume, matchup, and momentum all in his favor, he’s a full-go for Week 9.



⚡ Green Light – DB: Jeremy Chinn vs. Jaguars

(Season Rank: DB27 through Week 8)

There was plenty of offseason buzz around Jeremy Chinn and what this year could bring. While it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, he’s quietly sitting just outside DB2 territory — and trending up fast. From Weeks 4–7, Chinn was a top-12 defensive back, showing flashes of that impact play we’ve been waiting for.

Now, fresh off a bye, he gets a dream matchup against a Jaguars team giving up the third-most tackles to opposing DBs. That’s the kind of setup you want when a player’s finding his groove again.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 100% → 100% → 100%

Bottom line: The bye week reset came at the perfect time as Chinn’s locked in, well-rested, and ready to remind us why the hype was real.






🛑 Pump the Brakes – DL: Nik Bonitto vs. Texans
(Season Rank: DL8 through Week 8)

Now listen — start your studs, I get it and Bonitto has looked every bit the part this season. But if you’re here, you’re probably looking for a reason to pause, and the numbers give you one.

Through eight weeks, Bonitto sits as the DL8 overall, but it’s been a tale of two halves. Over his last three games, he’s ranked DL79, and his snap share has quietly dipped each week during that stretch. Whether it’s rotation adjustments or game script, the trend is pointing the wrong direction.

The Texans are about middle of the pack when it comes to giving up production to opposing defensive linemen and that number has actually been tightening the last few weeks. If you’ve got depth, this might be a good week to pivot.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 74% → 62% → 54%

Bottom Line: Bonitto’s been a beast this season, but even the best engines need to cool down. Let this one idle before you hit the gas again.



🛑 Pump the Brakes – LB: Robert Spillane vs. Falcons
(Season Rank: LB7 through Week 8)

Consistency has been Spillane’s calling card all season, and he’s not a player you bench lightly. That said, the tail end of the season is shaping up to be unpredictable, and matchups matter. Over the last three weeks, Spillane has held firm as a top-12 linebacker, posting LB9 numbers. But the scoring has been all over the map: 11.3 → 2.3 → 25. That spike came against a struggling Browns offense that’s giving up the second-most points to opposing LBs, complete with an interception.

Now, he heads into a matchup with the Falcons, who don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for linebackers. They rank in the bottom half of the league for tackles allowed to the position, which makes you wonder: will Spillane deliver a Week 7-type floor, or repeat that Week 8 ceiling?

Snap Share (Last 3 Weeks): 100% → 100% → 100%

Bottom Line: Spillane is a reliable, every-down linebacker, but this week his production could swing between a modest floor and a big ceiling. Keep the matchup in mind and plan accordingly.



🛑 Pump the Brakes – DB: Nick Cross vs. Steelers
(Season Rank: DB3 through Week 8)

Nick Cross has been a bright spot in an otherwise uneven season. He’s a IDP player you can generally count on, but the last few weeks tell a different story. Over the past three games, he’s posted DB24 numbers which are solid, but not spectacular, and the Colts’ defense is firing on all cylinders as a unit. The problem? Tackles aren’t landing solely in Cross’s lap anymore. Blackmon, Moore, and Bynum are all getting in on the action, which eats into his IDP value.

The matchup this week doesn’t inspire confidence either. The Steelers sit in the bottom half of the league for tackles allowed to opposing DBs, which makes a big game from Cross less likely.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 100% → 97% → 68%

Bottom line: Cross is talented and always a threat but this week, the numbers and the matchups are giving us reason to take a 2nd look.




Week 9 is here. Matchups, numbers, and snap shares separate the studs from the dudes. Stay ahead of the chaos and remember, the show goes on.



Connect with Me

Want to talk more IDP, bounce around trade ideas, or just chat fantasy football? You can find me here:

Come hang out, share your takes, and let’s keep building those championship rosters together!

References
– Tackles Allowed by Team/Position: PFF – Macri
– Rankings: FantasyPros Week-to-Week Leaders
– Snap Counts: FootballGuys Snap Counts