Batten Down the Hatches

“Arise now, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered — a sword day, a red day, ere the sun rises!”

It’s been all prep up to this point, but it’s getting real, and fast. Week 10 has that feeling like you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with King Théoden, enemies at the gate, knowing the battle ahead will decide everything.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already separated yourself from the pack. This is where you press your advantage and claim your playoff spot. Last week was the calm before the storm… but the clouds are rolling in. It’s time to reinforce your roster, double-check your trenches, and make sure no weak spots get exposed.

Every season, this is the turning point when IDP depth and matchup awareness make all the difference. These are the weeks where new names emerge to swing leagues (shoutout Khaleke Hudson), and the savvy managers who find them are the ones who march on.

We said it before and it still holds true: IDP is your foundation — where stability lives and champions are built. If you’re just setting lineups off name value and half-baked projections, well… good luck out there.

But for the rest of us, the ones digging deeper, adjusting, and fighting for every inch. It’s time to lock in. The war for playoff positioning is here.

Let’s go. ⚔️

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



⚡ Green Light – DL: Laiatu Latu vs. Falcons
(Season Rank: DL17 through Week 9)

This isn’t a matchup most of us circled back in August, but here we are and it’s shaping up to deliver plenty of fantasy firepower.

Former first-rounder Laiatu Latu has been heating up fast, putting the league (and IDP managers) on notice. Over the last three weeks, he’s ranked DL8, capped off by a breakout performance that showed exactly why he was drafted to be a difference maker.

The Falcons have quietly been one of the most generous teams in the league when it comes to giving up production to opposing defensive linemen, and Latu is in perfect position to capitalize. His snap share spiked back up last week, and if that usage holds, the numbers will follow.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 70% → 55% → 89%

Bottom Line: Heading into the back half of the season, Latu is just the kind of guy you want on your side. Week 10, look for him to pave the way for the troops.



⚡ Green Light – LB: Christian Rozeboom vs. Saints
(Season Rank: LB18 through Week 9)

These two teams will square off twice in the second half of the season, so this matchup could set the tone. Rozeboom and the Panthers have been one of the pleasant surprises of 2025, finding their rhythm on both sides of the ball and #56 has been right in the middle of it, wearing the green dot each week.

The Saints are about middle of the pack when it comes to giving up production to opposing linebackers, but that recent QB change in New Orleans gives this matchup even more juice. Rozeboom’s snap share hasn’t been elite, but when he’s on the field, he’s been dominant ranking as LB2 over the last three weeks.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 74% → 95% → 74%

Bottom Line: The volume isn’t perfect, but Rozeboom plays like a warrior every snap. At this stage of the season, that’s exactly the kind of player you want in your lineup when the battle gets brutal. ⚔️



⚡ Green Light – DB: Cole Bishop vs. Dolphins
(Season Rank: DB25 through Week 9)

A lot of us have been waiting for the Cole Bishop breakout, and it looks like our patience is finally paying off. Over the last two weeks, Bishop has quietly put together a DB8 stretch and the best part is, it’s been fueled by steady tackle production, not fluky plays. That’s something you can trust when the season turns gritty.

Buffalo’s linebacker group has been shaky and inconsistent, leaving extra cleanup work for the secondary in which Bishop has gladly taken on. Miami sits around league average in allowing tackles to opposing DBs, but with their passing game heating up again, the opportunities will be there.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 79% → 89% → 100%

Bottom Line: The arrow is pointing straight up. Bishop is emerging as a reliable every-down defender right when fantasy managers need him most . ⚔️





🛑 Pump the Brakes – DL: Tuli Tuipulotu vs. Steelers
(Season Rank: DL5 through Week 9)

It pains me to say this because Tuli’s rise has been one of the best stories in IDP, but this week proceed with caution. After a dominant start to the season, he’s cooled off, ranking DL20 over the last three weeks while seeing a noticeable dip in snap share as well

The biggest red flag? Khalil Mack is back, and he’s been eating since returning — DL7 during that same stretch. With Mack reclaiming his role and Oweh finding his footing in this defense, Tuli’s opportunities have naturally taken a hit. The Steelers do give up a fair amount of tackles to opposing DLs, but the question is whether Tuli will be the one cashing in on them.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 82% → 69% → 66%

Bottom Line: Love the player, hate the setup. In dynasty, keep him locked in but for Week 10, consider shifting your troops elsewhere. 🛡️



🛑 Pump the Brakes – LB: Devin White vs. Broncos
(Season Rank: LB3 through Week 9)

Devin White — what a comeback. If you’ve been around the IDP block, you’ve lived through the highs and lows with him. Seeing him return to form has been awesome, and if you held or bought low before the season, you deserve credit.

Now for the weekly reality check. The Broncos rank 24th in tackles allowed to opposing LBs, and that’s where White does most of his damage. Elandon Roberts has also carved out a larger role, which could chip away at his weekly ceiling. While White’s season has been impressive, we’ve seen a few quiet games already and this matchup sets up for another.

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

Bottom Line: White’s resurgence has been great, but this feels like a trap week. Keep the faith long-term just don’t be shocked if production dips a bit in Week 10. 🛡️



🛑 Pump the Brakes – DB: Derwin James vs. Steelers
(Season Rank: DB7 through Week 9)

It never feels good fading one of the greats, but lets get started. As the season drags on, this section becomes less about big names and more about cold, hard matchups. And the numbers aren’t kind to Derwin right now.

Over the last three weeks, James ranks DB93. Sure, Week 8 was rough with limited snaps, but even zooming out Week 7 he finished as DB75, and Week 9 as DB44. Not exactly the dominance we expect from one of the best in the game.

The matchup doesn’t help either: the Steelers rank near the bottom in tackles allowed to opposing DBs. Think of that old man in The Two Towers firing his arrow too early — it’s not time for this battle yet.

Last 3 Weeks Snap Share: 100% → 12% → 100%

Bottom Line: Derwin’s still elite, but the data says this week could be another low-impact showing. Holster the sword, there will be better battles ahead. 🛡️




Hold the Line

Week 10 marks the turning point, there are no more rehearsals and help is not coming. The war for playoff positioning is officially underway. Every tackle, every snap, every lineup decision from here on out matters more than ever.

This is where the IDP grinders separate from the rest, the ones who read between the lines, track snap counts, and find those unsung warriors before the rest of the league even knows their names.

So batten down the hatches. Reinforce your rosters. The fantasy storm is here, and there’s no shelter, only strategy. As King Théoden said before charging into battle:

“So it begins.”

Stay sharp. Set your lineups. And we ride again next week. 🛡️⚡

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
– Green Dot Usage: https://substack.com/@mikewoellert