As Veterans Day approaches, NFL teams are preparing for another week of battle, and IDP fantasy managers are assembling their own lineups for the campaign ahead. Julius Caesar understood that winning wars required more than powerful armies. It demanded preparation, discipline and knowing which soldiers could be trusted when everything was on the line. Before crossing the Rubicon in 49 BC, Caesar faced a decision that would determine not only his future but the fate of Rome itself. He needed soldiers he could trust, and when the moment arrived, his loyal legion marched with him into history.
For one week, let’s forget about the box-snap counts and pretty analytics. Buckle up as we figure out which soldier we want in this fight. The same principle
applies to IDP fantasy football. Not every linebacker wearing the uniform can be trusted to remain on the battlefield. Some play every defensive snap, others rotate in and out and a few disappear when their fantasy managers need them most. Green-dot responsibilities, snap percentages, defensive alignments and changing personnel packages all affect your fantasy battle outcomes.
As for Caesar, he became Rome’s dictator for life years after crossing the Rubicon. The die has been cast. Let’s cross the Rubicon together and see what kind of IDP manager you want to be.
Arizona Cardinals
Mack Wilson remains the dependable linebacker in Arizona, but Cody Simon is slowly becoming a name worth monitoring. Wilson played 100% of the defensive snaps (67) and finished with six tackles, producing a 9.8% tackle rate. Jack Gibbens saw his playing time decline to 73.1% (49 snaps), finishing with four tackles.
Simon has gradually earned additional opportunities, going from 6% to 12%, 21%, 14% and now approximately 26% of the defensive snaps over his last five games. He recorded three tackles on 16 defensive snaps, resulting in an 18.8% tackle rate. That’s encouraging production, although the sample size remains small.
Wilson remains the linebacker to trust, but Simon deserves consideration on deeper-league watchlists if his role continues growing.
Atlanta Falcons
Kendal Daniels continues to be the linebacker fantasy managers should trust, even with Divine Deablo returning to the lineup. Daniels played 89.5% of the defensive snaps (51) and finished with eight tackles and a 16.3% tackle rate while handling the green dot.
Harold Perkins Jr. played 59.6% of the snaps (34) but managed only three tackles and a 9.4% tackle rate. Meanwhile, Deablo returned after missing two games and played approximately 54% of the snaps (30), failing to register a tackle.
Deablo was also spotted wearing a large cast on his arm afterward, creating additional uncertainty about his availability. Daniels remains the preferred IDP option, while Perkins continues to be difficult to trust because of his fluctuating workload.
Baltimore Ravens
Roquan Smith returned to his familiar every-down responsibilities after an unusual reduction in playing time the previous week. Smith jumped from 64% of the defensive snaps in Week 8 to 94.6% (53 snaps), finishing with eight tackles and a 15.1% tackle rate.
Trenton Simpson played 57.1% (32 snaps) and made the most of his opportunities, recording six tackles and an impressive 18.8% tackle rate. Teddye Buchanan experienced the biggest decline, falling from 53% to approximately 30% of the snaps while recording three tackles on 17 plays.
Smith remains the clear weekly starter. Simpson continues to offer deeper-league value, but Buchanan’s declining playing time makes him difficult to trust.
Buffalo Bills
Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams didn’t deliver much in the tackle department Monday night, but both contributed interceptions in Buffalo’s 23-6 victory over Minnesota. Bernard finished with six tackles and an interception, while Williams managed three tackles but also intercepted Carson Wentz.
Those interceptions rescued otherwise quiet fantasy performances. Bernard remains the preferred linebacker to roster, although managers should continue monitoring his defensive workload. Williams carries some big-play appeal but hasn’t established the same weekly reliability. The story here is that Kaleb Elarms-Orr is getting playing time now and finished with two tackles.
For managers who started either linebacker in big-play scoring formats, the interceptions were certainly welcome.
Carolina Panthers
Tyrel Dodson took full advantage of Bobby Okereke’s absence and immediately became one of the more interesting linebacker waiver-wire targets. Dodson played 98.7% of the defensive snaps (74) and finished with eight tackles, including seven solos and one assist, producing a 12.3% tackle rate.
Devin Lloyd is still the top option here. He continued handling the green dot, played every defensive snap (75) and finished with eight tackles.
Dodson’s expanded workload is worth taking seriously. If Okereke misses additional time, Dodson becomes a legitimate starting option in most IDP formats. Lloyd remains the more established weekly starter.
Chicago Bears
Devin Bush continues to outproduce T.J. Edwards despite both linebackers handling nearly every defensive snap. Bush played 98.5% of the snaps (67), recording nine tackles, including three solos and six assists, along with a tackle for loss and two passes defended. Edwards played every snap (68) but managed only three tackles and a disappointing 4.7% tackle rate.
Meanwhile, D’Marco Jackson has effectively disappeared from Chicago’s defense, playing just one defensive snap, although he recorded a tackle on that play.
Between Bush and Edwards, this linebacker duo could continue to frustrate IDP managers.
Cincinnati Bengals
Barrett Carter continues to establish himself as Cincinnati’s most dependable IDP linebacker, combining an every-down role with impressive fantasy production. Carter played 100% of the defensive snaps (62), recording 10 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. His 18.5% tackle rate was excellent.
Demetrius Knight Jr. saw his playing time decline from 86% to 69.4% (43 snaps), but he still produced eight tackles, including five solos and three assists, for a 20.5% tackle rate.
Knight’s ability to produce tackles remains encouraging, although his reduced playing time raises concerns about his weekly floor. Carter remains the preferred option, while Knight is still playable in deeper formats.
Cleveland Browns
Carson Schwesinger, who has been productive throughout the season, delivered his signature performance. He played every defensive snap (75) and finished with 15 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble, producing a 20.8% tackle rate.
The rookie has now played 100% of the defensive snaps in every game since Week 3, making him one of the most dependable linebackers in fantasy football.
Quincy Williams played 90.7% (68 snaps) and recorded seven tackles with a 10.8% tackle rate.
Start Williams in medium-to-deep leagues. Start Schwesinger everywhere you can. Let’s move on.
Dallas Cowboys
As we mentioned here a few weeks ago, Shemar James quietly continues to take command of the Cowboys’ linebacker rotation, while another injury to DeMarvion Overshown has created an opportunity for Dee Winters. James played 95.3% of the defensive snaps (61), recording five tackles and an 8.9% tackle rate while handling the green dot.
Keep an eye on this. Winters returned after missing two games and immediately played 90.6% (58 snaps), although he managed only three tackles. A starting job could be on the horizon.
The biggest loser has been Jaishawn Barham, whose playing time has collapsed from 81% in Week 6 to approximately 5%.
James remains the safest option, while Winters deserves consideration in deeper leagues if Overshown remains sidelined. Barham can be dropped in most formats.
Denver Broncos
Alex Singleton remains the steady presence in Denver, but Justin Strnad continues to see his defensive responsibilities increase. Singleton played every defensive snap (66) and recorded six tackles with a 9.7% tackle rate. Strnad jumped from 72% to 89.4% (59 snaps), finishing with five tackles and a 9.1% tackle rate.
Singleton remains the better fantasy option because of his dependable workload and consistent tackling production. Strnad’s increased opportunities are worth monitoring, especially for managers searching for linebacker depth.
Detroit Lions
Malcolm Rodriguez may have become the better waiver-wire addition in Detroit following Jack Campbell’s neck injury, despite Derrick Barnes receiving most of the attention last week. Rodriguez jumped from approximately 30% of the defensive snaps to 96.5% (55 snaps), finishing with eight tackles, a 17.0% tackle rate and a pass breakup.
Barnes handled the green dot and played every defensive snap (57) but managed only two tackles, resulting in a disappointing 4.1% tackle rate. Trevor Nowaske also saw time on the field, but Rodriguez and Barnes remain the primary linebackers worth monitoring. All three are options in deeper formats.
Green Bay Packers
Yikes. Green Bay’s mounting linebacker injuries have suddenly made Nick Niemann one of the more interesting speculative waiver-wire additions. Isaiah McDuffie played 95.2% of the defensive snaps (60), recording nine tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble before suffering an injury.
Ty’Ron Hopper was knocked out early with a chest injury after playing just two defensive snaps, opening the door for Niemann, who responded by playing 93.7% (59 snaps), recording seven tackles and a 12.1% tackle rate. He also took over green-dot responsibilities following McDuffie’s departure.
With Zaire Franklin already sidelined, fantasy managers should closely monitor Green Bay’s injury situation. If the Packers remain shorthanded, Niemann could start. However, he is a journeyman and those are big “ifs,” so I would limit expectations and consider him primarily in deeper leagues.
Houston Texans
Azeez Al-Shaair continues to provide dependable linebacker production, while Henry To’oTo’o is receiving similar playing time without matching the tackle totals. Both linebackers played 95.8% of the defensive snaps (69), but Al-Shaair finished with nine tackles and a 13.6% tackle rate compared with To’oTo’o’s five tackles and 7.6% tackle rate.
Jake Hansen recorded three tackles on 18 defensive snaps, but he has become an afterthought after a stellar first half of the season.
Al-Shaair remains the linebacker to roster in Houston, while To’oTo’o continues to offer deeper-league value because of his substantial workload.
Indianapolis Colts
C.J. Allen continues to reward fantasy managers who waited for him or picked him up off waivers, but Bryce Boettcher may be the bigger story following his impressive tackle production. Allen played 100% of the defensive snaps (79) and finished with 10 tackles and a 14.1% tackle rate while handling the green dot in Akeem Davis-Gaither’s absence.
Boettcher played 73.4% (58 snaps) and delivered 12 tackles, producing an outstanding 23.5% tackle rate. His playing time also increased as the game progressed, suggesting Indianapolis is becoming more comfortable with his role. Meanwhile, Jaylon Carlies saw his playing time decline significantly, appearing on just 12 defensive snaps.
Boettcher deserves immediate waiver-wire consideration, particularly if his workload continues increasing. Allen remains a strong starting option, although Davis-Gaither’s eventual return could create another decision for fantasy managers.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Foyesade Oluokun and Ventrell Miller both saw reduced playing time, but fantasy managers shouldn’t overreact because both linebackers were removed during a blowout. Oluokun played 82.1% of the defensive snaps (46), finishing with seven tackles, a sack and a 15.9% tackle rate. Miller played 62.5% (35 snaps) and matched Oluokun with seven tackles, producing a 20.6% tackle rate.
Jahlani Tavai stepped in and took some of their reps, recording three tackles on 15 snaps, while Branson Combs finished with six tackles on just 12 defensive plays. Those limited-snap performances are interesting, but neither player has established a workload worth trusting. Oluokun remains the preferred starter, while Miller continues to carry value in deeper formats.
Kansas City Chiefs
Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill combined for 25 tackles, reminding fantasy managers why both linebackers deserve weekly consideration. Bolton played 90.5% of the defensive snaps (57), finishing with 12 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble while producing a 21.4% tackle rate. Tranquill played 85.7% (54 snaps) and led the team with 13 tackles and an impressive 24.5% tackle rate.
Jack Cochrane remained a depth option, playing approximately 23% of the defensive snaps and recording one tackle. Bolton continues to handle the green dot and remains the safer weekly option, but Tranquill’s consistent opportunities and strong tackle production make him a legitimate starter as well.
Las Vegas Raiders
Nakobe Dean put together one of the most impressive tackling performances of the week, recording 18 tackles while playing every defensive snap. Dean finished with a remarkable 26.1% tackle rate across 73 defensive snaps.
Quay Walker wasn’t far behind, playing 94.5% (69 snaps) and recording 11 tackles with a 16.9% tackle rate. Tommy Eichenberg contributed seven tackles despite playing only 41.1% (30 snaps).
Dean remains a must-start linebacker, while Walker continues to provide excellent secondary production. Eichenberg’s tackle totals are encouraging, but his limited playing time makes him difficult to trust in most formats.
Los Angeles Chargers
Daiyan Henley, who has had some up-and-down weeks, looked the part at linebacker in Los Angeles, while the rest of the rotation continues to fluctuate. Henley played 87.1% of the defensive snaps (61), finishing with 10 tackles, an interception and a 17.5% tackle rate.
Del’Shawn Phillips saw his playing time fall from 62% to 47.1% (33 snaps), but his role, like so many others on this defense, remains volatile.
Henley was traded to Denver right before the trade deadline on Tuesday, so any advice regarding him probably needs to be delayed for a week. Phillips’ declining playing time was concerning, but he would seem to be moving into a more prominent role now. Marlowe Wax needs significantly more defensive opportunities before becoming a dependable starting option, which he should get following Henley’s departure.
Los Angeles Rams
Nate Landman’s declining role deserves its own case study. First, it started out of necessity, with the Rams running linebacker-free formations and sneaking an extra defensive back onto the field. Then the team realized it liked the approach and significantly reduced his defensive snaps.
In fact, Landman’s reduced playing time and loss of green-dot responsibilities continue to make his fantasy outlook increasingly unpredictable. Landman played only 62.9% of the defensive snaps (39) but still finished with seven tackles. This could be a good time to sell Landman to someone who hasn’t noticed the decline. We raised this concern a few weeks ago, and the trend has continued.
Omar Speights played 33.9% (21 snaps) and recorded four tackles, while Shaun Dolac appeared on just nine defensive snaps. Both are streaming options at best, not dependable starters.
Miami Dolphins
Jacob Rodriguez and Jordyn Brooks continue to provide excellent fantasy production, with both linebackers playing every defensive snap. Rodriguez played 59 snaps and finished with 10 tackles, a sack and a 17.9% tackle rate.
Brooks matched his 100% snap share and led the team with 12 tackles, producing an outstanding 21.4% tackle rate.
Willie Gay also saw approximately 51% of the defensive snaps, creating some deeper-league interest, although he remains behind the two starters. Barring injury, there is little reason to chase Gay.
Both Brooks and Rodriguez have firmly established themselves as dependable fantasy options, and both should remain in starting lineups.
Minnesota Vikings
Blake Cashman was Minnesota’s most productive traditional linebacker on Monday night, finishing with seven tackles in the Vikings’ 23-6 loss to Buffalo. Cashman recorded four solo tackles and three assists, while Eric Wilson added six tackles, including two solos and four assists.
Cashman’s performance provided a respectable tackle floor, and Wilson once again demonstrated that he can contribute when given opportunities. Neither produced a sack or interception, but both remain relevant in tackle-heavy IDP formats.
Cashman remains the preferred fantasy starter, while Wilson is worth keeping on the radar in mid-sized leagues.
New England Patriots
Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss continue to receive nearly every defensive opportunity, but their tackle production has become frustrating for fantasy managers. Ladies and gentlemen, the B-team has arrived! They may not wow you, but they are weekly flex options. Spillane played 92.4% of the defensive snaps (61), finishing with four assisted tackles and a disappointing 6.7% tackle rate. Elliss also played 92.4% (61 snaps), recording five tackles and an 8.3% tackle rate.
Both linebackers have played at least 92% of the defensive snaps in six of their previous seven games, so playing time isn’t the problem. The issue is converting those opportunities into fantasy production. Spillane remains the green-dot linebacker, but neither player should be considered an automatic starter in shallower formats until the tackle numbers improve.
New Orleans Saints
Kaden Elliss continues to reward fantasy managers with his combination of every-down responsibilities, strong tackling production and pass-rushing opportunities. Elliss played 100% of the defensive snaps (73), finishing with 11 tackles, a sack and seven quarterback pressures while producing a 15.5% tackle rate.
Pete Werner also delivered an excellent performance, playing 91.8% (67 snaps) and recording 11 tackles with a 16.9% tackle rate.
Meanwhile, Danny Stutsman’s opportunities have virtually disappeared since Elliss returned. After playing 89% of the defensive snaps in Week 6, Stutsman appeared on just three defensive plays.
Elliss is the only New Orleans linebacker I’d trust in fantasy lineups. Stutsman can be dropped in most formats, while Werner’s up-and-down history gives him flex appeal in all but shallow leagues.
New York Giants
Arvell Reese is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young IDP defenders in football after delivering another monster performance. Reese played every defensive snap (70), finishing with 12 tackles, three sacks and three tackles for loss while producing a 17.9% tackle rate. Micah McFadden also played every defensive snap (70), recording nine tackles and a sack with a 13.4% tackle rate.
Reese’s combination of tackles and big-play production gives him an outstanding weekly ceiling, particularly in leagues that reward sacks heavily. McFadden continues to handle the green dot and remains a dependable tackle option. Both should be rostered and started in most IDP formats, with Reese offering particularly exciting upside.
New York Jets
Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood continue to provide one of the more dependable linebacker combinations in fantasy football. Both played 97% of the defensive snaps (64) and finished with nine tackles apiece.
Davis has consistently handled nearly every defensive snap, while Sherwood has maintained a similarly dependable workload. Their roles remain established, and neither has experienced the kind of significant playing-time reductions that make fantasy managers nervous. Both linebackers should remain in starting lineups, especially in tackle-heavy formats.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. received a battlefield promotion following Zack Baun’s injury, and he wasted little time making his presence felt. Trotter played 95.5% of the defensive snaps (64), recording 10 tackles, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
Baun suffered a back injury after a collision and exited after playing just 47.8% (32 snaps). Despite the early departure, he had already recorded seven tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss. Trotter took over the green-dot responsibilities following Baun’s departure, a significant development for his short-term fantasy value.
Smael Mondon Jr. also entered the rotation, playing 38.8% (26 snaps) and recording five tackles with a 20% tackle rate. Mondon had not previously played a defensive snap this season, making his performance particularly encouraging.
With Jihaad Campbell also absent from the recent rotation, the Eagles suddenly have several questions at linebacker. If Baun misses additional time, Trotter should be a priority waiver-wire addition, while Mondon deserves consideration in deeper leagues.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Queen remains the clear leader of Pittsburgh’s linebacker rotation, with Payton Wilson continuing to provide dependable secondary production. The Steelers were on their bye in Week 9, so the latest available numbers come from Week 8.
Queen played 98% of the defensive snaps and finished with 12 tackles and a 19.4% tackle rate. Wilson played 91% and contributed eight tackles with a 14.0% tackle rate. Queen has consistently played nearly every defensive snap, while Wilson has maintained at least an 88% workload over four consecutive games. Both remain strong fantasy options, with Queen carrying the safer weekly floor.
San Francisco 49ers
Dre Greenlaw delivered the stronger tackling performance, but Fred Warner remains the dependable every-down leader of San Francisco’s defense. Warner played 100% of the defensive snaps (50), recording five tackles with a 10.6% tackle rate. Greenlaw played 98% (49 snaps) and finished with eight tackles and three tackles for loss, producing a 17.4% tackle rate.
Jaden Dugger’s declining playing time remains concerning. His workload has fallen from 97% to 48% and now to approximately 23% over his last three games. Despite recording six tackles and an interception on just 11 defensive snaps, that kind of production isn’t sustainable without additional opportunities. Warner and Greenlaw remain the preferred fantasy starters, while Dugger’s shrinking role makes him difficult to trust.
Seattle Seahawks
Ernest Jones IV continues to handle every-down responsibilities, while Drake Thomas remains a secondary option with a less dependable workload. Jones played every defensive snap (53), recording seven tackles and a pass breakup with a 13.7% tackle rate. Thomas played 79.2% (42 snaps) and finished with four tackles, resulting in a 9.8% tackle rate.
Jones remains the linebacker to trust because of his dependable snap volume and green-dot responsibilities. Thomas still offers deeper-league value, but his playing time and tackle production make him a less reliable weekly option.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josiah Trotter delivered the stronger tackling performance, while Alex Anzalone needed an interception to rescue an otherwise disappointing fantasy outing. Trotter played 96.7% of the defensive snaps (59), recording eight tackles, including five solos and three assists, for a 13.8% tackle rate. Anzalone played every defensive snap (61) but finished with only two tackles and a disappointing 3.3% tackle rate. Fortunately, he added an interception and a pass breakup.
Both linebackers also produced three quarterback pressures apiece, creating additional value in leagues that reward pressures. Trotter remains the more attractive tackle-based option, while Anzalone’s full-time responsibilities and occasional big plays keep him relevant.
Tennessee Titans
Anthony Hill continues to establish himself as Tennessee’s most dependable fantasy linebacker, while the rest of the rotation remains difficult to trust. The Titans were on their bye in Week 9, so their latest available numbers come from Week 8.
Hill played 96% of the defensive snaps and recorded 14 tackles with an outstanding 20.6% tackle rate. He’s played at least 96% of the defensive snaps in every game since Week 3, providing the kind of consistency fantasy managers should value.
Cody Barton played 54% and finished with three tackles, while Cedric Gray played 46% and also recorded three tackles. Hill remains the only Tennessee linebacker I’d feel comfortable starting regularly.
Washington Commanders
Frankie Luvu and Sonny Styles combined for an incredible 28 tackles, making them one of the most productive linebacker pairings of the week. Luvu played every defensive snap (75) and finished with 15 tackles, a sack and a 20.5% tackle rate. Styles played 97.3% (73 snaps) and recorded 13 tackles, producing an impressive 18.3% tackle rate.
Both have established dependable defensive responsibilities, with Luvu consistently handling at least 95% of the snaps when healthy and Styles rarely leaving the field.
For fantasy managers, this is exactly the kind of linebacker combination worth targeting: consistent playing time, excellent tackle production and the ability to deliver high weekly ceilings. Both remain every-week starters.
Week 10 IDP Linebacker Waiver-Wire Recommendations
Injuries have opened the door for several linebackers who weren’t receiving consistent opportunities just a few weeks ago. However, not every player who delivered an impressive tackle total deserves an immediate waiver claim. The most important thing is identifying which players have a realistic path toward maintaining their increased playing time.
Priority Waiver-Wire Adds
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Philadelphia Eagles: Trotter played 95.5% of the defensive snaps, recorded 10 tackles and three tackles for loss and assumed green-dot responsibilities after Baun exited. If Baun misses additional time, Trotter becomes one of the strongest available linebacker additions.
Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions: Rodriguez increased his defensive workload to 96.5% and immediately recorded eight tackles. Although Barnes continues to handle the green dot, Rodriguez looks like the stronger immediate tackling option.
Bryce Boettcher, Indianapolis Colts: Boettcher finished with 12 tackles while playing 73.4% of the defensive snaps. His increasing responsibilities make him an appealing addition, especially for managers who missed out on other emerging linebackers.
Injury-Dependent Waiver Targets
Tyrel Dodson, Carolina Panthers: Dodson played 98.7% of the defensive snaps and recorded eight tackles in Okereke’s absence. If Okereke misses additional time, Dodson becomes a strong short-term starting option.
Nick Niemann, Green Bay Packers: Niemann played 93.7% of the snaps and finished with seven tackles while also assuming green-dot responsibilities after McDuffie exited. His value will depend heavily on Green Bay’s injury situation.
Dee Winters, Dallas Cowboys: Winters played 90.6% of the defensive snaps but recorded only three tackles. The playing time is encouraging, and his value could increase if Overshown remains sidelined.
Deeper-League Watchlist
Smael Mondon Jr., Philadelphia Eagles: Five tackles on 26 defensive snaps and an expanded role following Baun’s injury make Mondon worth monitoring in deeper leagues.
Cody Simon, Arizona Cardinals: Simon continues to earn additional opportunities and produced three tackles on 16 defensive snaps. He’s not ready for most starting lineups, but the gradual increase in playing time is encouraging.
Devin White, Detroit Lions: White is worth monitoring as a speculative option if his anticipated return creates an opportunity in Detroit’s linebacker rotation.
Shaun Dolac, Los Angeles Rams: Dolac played only nine defensive snaps, but Landman’s reduced workload creates some long-term intrigue. He’s primarily a dynasty stash until his role expands.
Week 10 Linebacker Stock Watch
Stock Rising
Arvell Reese, New York Giants: Twelve tackles, three sacks and an every-down workload. Reese continues to demonstrate elite fantasy upside.
Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns: Fifteen tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. One of the strongest weekly IDP performances of the season.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Philadelphia Eagles: A green-dot promotion and 95.5% snap share make him one of the biggest waiver-wire stories.
Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions: His increased playing time and eight-tackle performance immediately improve his fantasy outlook.
Bryce Boettcher, Indianapolis Colts: Twelve tackles and an expanding defensive role make him an attractive waiver-wire addition.
Nakobe Dean, Las Vegas Raiders: Eighteen tackles on an every-down workload. Fantasy managers couldn’t ask for much more.
Frankie Luvu and Sonny Styles, Washington Commanders: Twenty-eight combined tackles and near-every-down responsibilities make both dependable fantasy starters.
Stock Falling
Nate Landman, Los Angeles Rams: Losing the green dot and seeing his playing time fall to 62.9% creates serious concerns about his weekly reliability.
Jaishawn Barham, Dallas Cowboys: His workload has fallen from 81% to approximately 5%, making him droppable.
D’Marco Jackson, Chicago Bears: One defensive snap isn’t enough to remain fantasy relevant.
Danny Stutsman, New Orleans Saints: His playing time has essentially disappeared since Elliss returned.
Teddye Buchanan, Baltimore Ravens: A decline to approximately 30% of defensive snaps makes him difficult to trust.
Jaden Dugger, San Francisco 49ers: Despite one impressive outing, his dramatically reduced workload is a major concern.
Del’Shawn Phillips, Los Angeles Chargers: His snap share continues to decline, falling to 47.1%. We’ll see how much that changes with Henley’s departure.
Harold Perkins Jr., Atlanta Falcons: Inconsistent playing time and limited tackle production continue to hold back his fantasy value.
Final Thoughts: Follow the Snaps, Not Just the Box Score
If there’s one lesson from Week 9, it’s that defensive snap percentages remain one of the best indicators of future linebacker production. Some fantasy managers will chase last week’s tackle leaders without considering how many snaps those players actually played. Others will overlook linebackers who delivered modest production despite receiving nearly every defensive opportunity.
The best approach is to plan your attacks strategically. Happy Veterans Day to everyone who has served!
This article originally appeared on The Huddle: Week 9 Linebacker Usage Report
