Welcome back, IDP Nerds! It still doesn’t feel real that we are back in the swing of the fantasy season. Week 1 in the NFL is always a crapshoot, but our recommendations gave us a 62.5% accuracy hit rate. Unfortunately, two of our three misses last week were players in the sit column, which is always tough. However, the streamable CB recommendation finished as the top CB in fantasy scoring last week. I’m excited to return to it, providing you with the Week 2 IDP Start Sit recommendations. Let’s dive into this week’s picks and hidden IDP gems to help you keep piling up those wins.
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| Player | Position | Team | Week 1 Highlight | Fantasy Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordyn Brooks / Tyrel Dodson | LB | Miami Dolphins | Combined for 27 total tackles vs Week 1 opponent | This duo can be considered plug-and-play LB starters |
| Devin White | LB | Las Vegas Raiders | 11 tackles — first double-digit game since 2023 | Signs of resurgence; stash in deeper formats |
| Foyesade Oluokun | LB | Jacksonville Jaguars | 10 tackles + 1 interception | Every-week LB1 locked in |
| Jordan Battle | DB | Cincinnati Bengals | 10 tackles + 1 interception | DB2 with splash play potential |
| Julian Love | DB | Seattle Seahawks | Only non-DL in top 12 scorers | Versatile DB with consistent role |
| Micah Parsons Effect | DL/LB/DB Mix | Green Bay Packers | Boosted 2 DL (top 24), 2 LB (top 12), 1 DB (top 20) | Elevates surrounding defenders’ weekly ceiling |
Players to Start | Week 2
Mykel Williams | DL | San Francisco 49ers
We kick off Week 2 IDP recommendations with some rookie fever for you. Mykel Williams is in a lovely spot this week with a matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The 49ers’ young pass rusher only had one tackle last week, but he did play 75% of the defensive snaps and ranked 50th in snaps for EDGE players according to Pro Football Focus. Despite the low tackle count, his high snap percentage indicates he was heavily involved in the game, which bodes well for his potential in Week 2.
The New Orleans Saints only surrendered a single sack last week after allowing 2.2 sacks per game last season. In Week 1, the New Orleans offense surrendered 21 tackles to defensive linemen, the fourth-most. Mykel Williams posted a 69.6 tackle grade (PFF). This week’s opportunity looks excellent, and IDP managers who drafted the rookie DL should expect to be rewarded.
Matt Milano | LB | Buffalo Bills
The veteran Buffalo Bills linebacker, Matt Milano, looked like his old self in the team’s dramatic fourth-quarter comeback in Week 1. After battling injuries over the previous two seasons, playing nine games during that stretch, Milano is rejuvenated and back to help lead this Buffalo defense. His resurgence is a reason for hope.
The Buffalo LB group will face a familiar foe in their division rival, the New York Jets. Milano is no stranger to putting up respectable fantasy numbers against them, with 7.3 tackles per game over his last three matchups. While Terrel Bernard is still Buffalo’s top LB option, Milano could be the better fantasy option for IDP managers as he has a lot to prove in 2025.
Tykee Smith | DB | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One of my favorite young defensive backs in the NFL is Tykee Smith, who was included in this column multiple times last season, including in Week 10. The former Georgia Bulldog appeared in 13 games and collected 54 tackles with 2 interceptions. Smith started this season as the starting strong safety alongside Antoine Winfield and played 100% of the snaps in Week 1. His potential is something to be excited about.
I love this spot for Tykee Smith this week against the Houston Texans, who allowed 17 tackles to safeties on opening weekend. Smith collected 11 tackles while finishing as the DB10 overall. IDP managers should enjoy watching the young DB perform in primetime against a talented Houston Texans WR group.
Travis Jones | DT | Baltimore Ravens
The defensive tackle position can always be one of the more frustrating ones to stream for IDP managers. Luckily, your IDP Director plays in so many premium-scoring leagues that I have options for you this week. Travis Jones had a huge Week 1, finishing with the 6th best overall grade (81.1) and the 4th best run defense grade (84.4) according to Pro Football Focus. Jones has a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who allowed 2 sacks in Week 1, as well as allowed the 4th most tackles to the DL position. Jones should be available in even the deepest leagues and could significantly impact your lineup this week.
Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | New Orleans Saints
I’m asking all my IDP Nerds to drink the Kool-Aid this week. The former Alabama DB finished in the top 10 for cornerbacks in fantasy scoring last week. Kool-Aid McKinstry finished with a 100% defensive snap share for the Saints’ defense and racked up seven tackles. He should be in line for another big start with the San Francisco 49ers, who allowed 17 tackles to opposing cornerbacks in Week 1. The New Orleans DBs were fantasy goldmines last season, which looks to continue in 2025.
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Players to Sit | Week 2 Fantasy Football
Will McDonald | DL | New York Jets
The New York Jets lost a heartbreaker in Week 1 to their former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Will McDonald had a great game with two sacks and finished as DL15 overall. I might sound crazy suggesting sitting a player coming off a multi-sack game, but I’m always wary of sack-dependent DLs for those who have followed my work.
Will McDonald has had 15.5 sacks over his first two years, and just 45 tackles, and 34.4% of his total tackles have been sacks. This high reliance on sacks for his points makes him a risky start, especially against a team with a strong offensive line like the Buffalo Bills. I would look for a better option in Week 2 at the DL position. Check out my Week 2 Waiver Wire column for streaming options.
Nate Landman | LB | Los Angeles Rams
I’m prepared to break some hearts in Week 2. In his regular-season debut, Nate Landman was a hero for the Los Angeles Rams, with 10 tackles and a game-ending forced fumble. Landman was included in nearly every waiver wire article you read this week. I’m not in disagreement; he’s a great addition to any dynasty team that needs LB help.
The Rams’ linebackers’ Week 2 matchup projects to be unfavorable. The Tennessee Titans allowed the fewest tackles to the linebacker position and were one of two teams not to allow at least 10 total tackles. I understand it will be difficult for IDP managers who spent FAAB on Landman to sit him this week. However, I would temper expectations.
Jevon Holland | DB | New York Giants
The New York Giants invested heavily in Jevon Holland in free agency this offseason, signing him to a three-year $45.3 million deal. IDP managers had to be impressed after Week 1 when he finished with double-digit fantasy points. I’m not sure the New York Giants share that same enthusiasm. Jevon Holland finished with a 41.4 PFF grade, 95th of 102 qualifying safeties, and 42.0 coverage grade.
I expect Holland to see more snaps as a deep safety in Week 2, trying to limit the Dallas Cowboys’ offense and their two dynamic receivers in Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens. The Dallas offense only allowed 7 tackles to the safety position in Week 1. Before starting Holland in this matchup, I would look at streaming options for a safer floor.
Hidden IDP Gems | Week 2 IDP Start Sit
- Only 11 IDPs scored 30 fantasy points or more in Week 1, compared to 15 players accomplishing that in 2024.
- Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson combined for 27 tackles in Week 1. That was the most for any teammates.
- Devin White has a rebirth in Las Vegas. He had 11 tackles, his first double-digit tackle game since Week 1 of the 2023 season.
- Foyesade Oluokun and Jordan Battle are the only two players to finish with double-digit tackles and an interception in Week 1.
- The DL position matters in IDP fantasy football. 11 of the top 12 scorers in Week 1 were DL. Julian Love was the only non-DL.
- The Micah Parsons effect: Two DL finished in the top 24, two LB finished in the top 12, and 1 DB finished in the top 20 in fantasy points.
Dynasty Nerds Preferred IDP Scoring
| Position | Tackles | Assists | Sacks | TFL | QB Hits | Pass Breakups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL | 3.5 | 1.75 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| LB | 2.25 | 1.13 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| DB | 2.5 | 1.25 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Final Thoughts | Week 2 IDP Start Sit
That wraps up our Week 2 IDP Start/Sit fantasy advice and some hidden gems to give you that edge over the competition. If you have any lineup questions or want to talk about IDP strategy, please contact me on Twitter @Glosser13—I’m always down to help. Don’t forget to check out my updated IDP dynasty rankings, and be sure to catch my weekly waiver wire article to stay ahead of your league mates each week. Good luck in Week 2—let’s keep chasing those IDP dynasty championships!
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FAQ | Week 2 IDP Start/Sit
Q1: Who are the best IDP start options for Week 2?
A: Some of the top IDP starts for Week 2 include Mykel Williams (DL, 49ers), Matt Milano (LB, Bills), Tykee Smith (DB, Buccaneers), Travis Jones (DT, Ravens), and Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Saints). Each has favorable matchups and strong snap shares that point to high fantasy upside.
Q2: Which IDP players should I sit in Week 2 fantasy football?
A: Players to consider benching in Week 2 include Will McDonald (DL, Jets), Nate Landman (LB, Rams), and Jevon Holland (DB, Giants). Their matchups, low tackle floors, or heavy reliance on splash plays make them risky starts this week.
Q3: How do I choose between IDP players with high sack upside vs tackle volume?
A: Tackle-heavy players offer safer weekly floors, while sack-dependent players are more volatile. In close matchups or deeper leagues, prioritize consistent tackle volume. Chase sack upside only if you’re projected to be an underdog and need a ceiling play.
Q4: Who are hidden IDP gems for Week 2?
A: Under-the-radar players to watch include Travis Jones (Ravens DT) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (Saints CB). Jones has elite run-defense grades and a favorable matchup, while McKinstry logged a 100% snap share and posted top-10 CB numbers in Week 1.
Q5: What positions score the most in IDP fantasy football?
A: Defensive linemen (DL) tend to dominate scoring in most IDP formats, especially those rewarding sacks, tackles for loss, and QB hits. In Week 1, 11 of the top 12 scorers were defensive linemen.
