FFIDP FTW

First off, thank you to everyone reading this and even considering my takes in the biggest week of your season. To those who made an early exit, we’ll see you down the road. For those still standing, we’ve got work to do, potential champions. We’re not straying from the strategy that got us here. I’ll be honest, there were moments this week where I was tempted to chase names that didn’t fit the mold, and I had to remind myself to stay the course. Yearly ranks. Last three weeks. Opponent tendencies. Snap percentages for DL’s, LB’s, and DB’s. That formula still applies all the way to the final whistle. After diving into the data this week I can tell you this much, do not take your lineup for granted. There are real landmines out there, and avoiding them could be the difference between a title and a what-if. After last week with having Josh Allen, Josh Jacobs, Rico Dowdle, & Christian Watson in my lineup. It was IDP names like Devin White, James Williams 🐐 , T.J. Edwards, Christian Rozeboom, Tatum Bethune & one more we will get into in a minute, that even made it possible for me to advance FFIDP FTW. Also, my Niners players helped just a little ⛏️.

This marks the 11th installment of IDPendent Matchups. We got a late start this season, with our first article dropping in Week 7. That first week pulled in two total views—yes, two. Fast forward to now, and the last two weeks alone have topped 1,000 views combined. To everyone who’s stuck with this series, thank you. This season opened doors I didn’t expect, and the fantasy community has welcomed IDP content with open arms. FFIDP has never been bigger, and we need to keep pushing the issue to grow this game. Looking ahead to next season, we’ll be launching a startup dynasty SF league featuring 16 of the biggest names in IDP, all going head to head in the IDP Internet Invitational , with full coverage along the way. On top of that, around Super Bowl time, I’ll be releasing the second installment of the IDP Dynasty Roadmap .

Thank you all. Let’s get to work.

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

⚡ Green Light – DL: Chase Young vs.
(Season Rank: DL37 through Week 16)

Once upon a time, he was the name everyone talked about and it’s good to see Chase Young finally cashing in on some of that potential. Even in dynasty formats, this is a player you’re more than comfortable stashing. There’s still plenty left in the tank. As expected with Young, the season has come with its ups and downs, but lately the arrow is pointing straight up. Over the last three weeks, he’s sitting at DL16, putting him firmly in fringe DL1 territory when it matters most.

The matchup isn’t perfect. The Titans sit roughly middle of the pack when it comes to giving up tackles to opposing defensive linemen, so this isn’t a spot where you’re expecting a free lunch. I’ll also be the first to admit the snap share hasn’t been rock-solid. That said, when Chase Young has been on the field, the production has followed and that’s what we want in championship week.

Snap Share (Last 3 Weeks): 59% → 68% → 60%

Bottom Line: This isn’t about chasing name value—it’s about riding momentum. Young is flashing again, the recent production backs it up, and he brings the kind of ceiling you want in a week where playing it safe can get you beat. Lock him in as a confident DL2 with DL1 upside and let the talent do the rest.

⚡ Green Light – LB: Matt Milano vs.
(Season Rank: LB62 through Week 16)

I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve spent my fair share of time fading Matt Milano. No real knock on him; I was just all-in on Dorian Williams coming out of college and if you play dynasty, you know how real rookie fever can be. But that’s not why we’re here. It’s time to go back to the numbers, because they demand our attention.

Over the last three weeks, Milano checks in as LB7, and that’s no small sample fluke. The role has clearly returned, and the matchup only strengthens the case. The Eagles sit top-10 in the league in tackles allowed to opposing linebackers, setting up a volume-friendly environment. Just as important, the snap share tells the real story as Milano is back to operating as a full-time piece in this defense.

Snap Share (Last 3 Weeks): 67% → 87% → 92%

Bottom Line: Milano is no longer a name you’re debating, he’s a player you’re starting. The role is secure, the recent production is elite, and the matchup checks every box. Fire him up and don’t overthink it.

⚡ Green Light – DB: Malachi Moore vs.
(Season Rank: DB70 through Week 16)

Moore, a fourth-round pick out of Alabama, is starting to look like a real find for the Jets. For my dynasty managers—if he’s still sitting out there, he should already be on your roster. The Jets have fully committed to him, and over the last three weeks he’s delivered DB7 production at exactly the right time of the season.

The matchup isn’t perfect. New England sits in the bottom half of the league when it comes to giving up tackles to safeties, so this isn’t a spot you’re chasing strictly on opponent metrics. That said, Moore hasn’t left the field, and opportunity is king at the DB position. When you’re playing every snap, production tends to follow.

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

Bottom Line: This is a bet on role and momentum. Moore is locked into an every down role, the recent production is real, and the floor is as safe as it gets for a defensive back. Start him confidently as a DB2 with upside and take the snaps to the bank.

🛑 Pump the Brakes – DL: Maxx Crosby vs.
(Season Rank: DL2 through Week 16)

I’ve said it before, and it’s worth repeating – this gets harder every week. As the season goes on, finding a legitimate reason to fade a top-12 player becomes nearly impossible. This week, that challenge lands squarely on Maxx Crosby. Let’s be clear, this isn’t a talent question, and it’s not a workload issue either.

What initially caught my eye here was the matchup. The Giants rank dead last in the league when it comes to giving up tackles to opposing defensive linemen. Yes, Crosby can absolutely get home via sacks that’s always in his range of outcomes, but I’m sticking with the process that got us here. When we zoom out, the recent production doesn’t exactly ease the concern either. Over the last three weeks, Crosby has come in as DL5, which is still strong, but not the kind of dominance you’re expecting to carry you without volume.

This call isn’t about fading the player. It’s about respecting the opponent profile and understanding where the floor can fall out in championship week.

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

Bottom Line: You’re not benching Maxx Crosby unless your roster is loaded but this is a spot to temper expectations. The matchup caps the tackle floor, making him more sack-dependent than usual. Start him if you must, but understand the risk and don’t assume elite production is automatic.

🛑 Pump the Brakes – LB: Zack Baun vs.
(Season Rank: LB10 through Week 16)

I don’t love having to put Zack Baun in my final Pump the Brakes of the season. I’m right there with you guys, I’m leaning on him in one of my biggest leagues this week while chasing a title. But the theme doesn’t change, and the matchup leaves a lot to be desired.

The recent trend is tough to ignore. Over the last three weeks, Baun has slipped all the way down to LB35, a clear free fall from where he’s lived most of the season. The matchup only adds fuel to the concern, as Buffalo ranks 31st in the league when it comes to giving up tackles to opposing linebackers. Even more concerning, the snap share, usually the safety net, has shown signs of softening. None of this is the profile you want to see from a cornerstone player heading into championship week.

Snap Share (Last 3 Weeks): 100% → 93% → 91%

Bottom Line: This isn’t a “bench-at-all-costs call”, but it is a warning label. Baun’s recent usage and opponent profile combine to lower the floor significantly. If you have comparable options, this is the week to consider them. If not, start him but do it with managed expectations, not blind trust.

🛑 Pump the Brakes – DB: Kyle Hamilton vs.
(Season Rank: DB12 through Week 16)

Kyle Hamilton is an elite player, and nothing written here changes that. But championship weeks aren’t about résumés, they’re about ranges of outcomes. Right now, Hamilton’s range is wider than most want to admit (seems like that is true with the entire team).

The recent production is the biggest red flag. Over the last three weeks, Hamilton has fallen to DB55, and that’s in spite of a full time role. The snap share hasn’t budged, but the usage and game environments simply haven’t been friendly. This week doesn’t offer much relief. Green Bay sits in the bottom half of the league in tackles allowed to safeties, which further caps the volume needed to stabilize his floor.

When elite players lose their tackle base, they become dependent on splash plays and that’s not where you want to live in Week 16.

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

Bottom Line: Hamilton is still startable, but he’s no longer matchup-proof. The snaps are there, the safety net isn’t. If you have a DB with a cleaner path to tackles, this is the week to prioritize floor over fame.


Merry Christmas to IDP NATION! 🎄

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

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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 %: https://www.footballguys.com/
– QB Sacks: https://www.statmuse.com/