Welcome back, IDP Nerds! We’ve reached the finish line—Championship week is here, and this marks the final stop for our in-season IDP content. Suppose you’re reading this with a title on the line. First off, congratulations. Making it to your league’s championship is no small feat, especially in the unpredictable grind that is IDP fantasy football.
This is the Week 17 IDP Start/Sit where everything comes into focus, and while some IDP managers may be satisfied just making it this far, there’s only one outcome that truly makes the season feel complete: being crowned league champion. You can trust this analysis to help you make confident decisions for your Championship push.
🔗 Keep Building Your Dynasty
We’ll close out the season using the same playoff-focused format that’s carried us here: Top 72 Overall IDP Rankings, built from the top 24 players at each position (DL, LB, and DB), paired with matchup-driven insights and our final installment of IDP Hidden Gems. Whether you’re chasing your first title or adding another championship to the résumé, let’s lock in one last time and finish the season the right way with trusted guidance.
Weekly Accuracy Recap | Week 17 IDP Start Sit
(Click to view) 2025 Weekly Accuracy Recap
Weekly IDP accuracy metrics for Dynasty Nerds Start/Sit recommendations, Weeks 1–14 of the 2025 season, demonstrate the reliability of our data-driven approach. Explaining how to interpret metrics such as the overall hit rate and the split between start and sit accuracy can help managers assess the rankings’ reliability and make more confident decisions during championship week.
| Week | Hit Rate | Start Hit Rate | Sit Hit Rate | Stream Hit Rate | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 62.5% | 66.6% | 33.3% | 100% | Jarvis Brownlee – CB1 |
| Week 2 | 37.5% | 66.6% | 33.3% | 0% | Tykee Smith – DB11 |
| Week 3 | 38.4% | 33.3% | 66.6% | 25% | Cooper DeJean – DB17 |
| Week 4 | 61.5% | 83.3% | 66.6% | 25% | Cole Bishop – DB17 |
| Week 5 | 81.8% | 80% | 66.6% | 75% | Marcus Jones – DB8 |
| Week 6 | 36.3% | 60% | 50% | 25% | Yaya Diaby – DL8 |
| Week 7 | 76.9% | 83.3% | 66.6% | 75% | SirVocea Dennis – LB3 |
| Week 8 | 41.6% | 50% | 33.3% | 25% | Alex Wright – DL9 |
| Week 9 | 61.5% | 66.6% | 66.6% | 50% | Keanu Benton – DT12 |
| Week 10 | 66.6% | 80% | 33.3% | 75% | Nakobe Dean – LB5 |
| Week 11 | 38.4% | 33.3% | 50% | 33.3% | Micah Parsons – DL7 |
| Week 12 | 69.2% | 66.6% | 66.6% | 75% | Devin Lloyd – LB10 |
| Week 13 | 58.3% | 50% | 66.6% | 66.6% | Jaylen Watson – CB3 |
| Week 14 | 46.15% | 83.3% | 33.3% | 0% | Jalyx Hunt – DL1 |
| Regular Season Avg | 55% | 64.8% | 50.7% | 43.8% | — |
Tracking weekly accuracy throughout the regular season has been one of the most rewarding parts of this year’s IDP content. Holding myself accountable—wins, misses, and everything in between—helped reinforce what we all know as experienced IDP managers: process matters more than perfection. A 55% overall hit rate across 14 weeks, paired with strong start (64.8%) and sit (50.7%) accuracy, shows that leaning on role, volume, and matchup data consistently puts us in a position to win, even when variance shows up week to week. More than anything, it’s been a blast riding this season with the IDP Nerds, grinding through the highs and lows, and building something transparent and data-driven together. Best of luck to everyone playing in Championship Week—finish the job and bring that title home.
🏆 Top 72 Overall IDP Rankings | Week 17
(click to view) Overall Rankings Table
| Rank | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin White | Raiders | LB1 |
| 2 | Jordyn Brooks | Dolphins | LB2 |
| 3 | Myles Garrett | Browns | DL1 |
| 4 | Blake Cashman | Vikings | LB3 |
| 5 | Jack Campbell | Lions | LB4 |
| 6 | Maxx Crosby | Raiders | DL2 |
| 7 | Brian Burns | Giants | DL3 |
| 8 | Roquan Smith | Ravens | LB5 |
| 9 | Carson Schwesinger | Browns | LB6 |
| 10 | Will Anderson | Texans | DL4 |
| 11 | Andrew Van Ginkel | Vikings | DL5 |
| 12 | Bobby Wagner | Commanders | LB7 |
| 13 | Zach Baun | Eagles | LB8 |
| 14 | Jeffrey Simmons | Titans | DL6 |
| 15 | Danielle Hunter | Texans | DL7 |
| 16 | Alex Highsmith | Steelers | DL8 |
| 17 | Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | DL9 |
| 18 | TJ Edwards | Bears | LB9 |
| 19 | Nick Bolton | Chiefs | LB10 |
| 20 | Nate Landman | Rams | LB11 |
| 21 | Nik Bonitto | Broncos | DL10 |
| 22 | Tykee Smith | Buccaneers | DB1 |
| 23 | Byron Young | Rams | DL11 |
| 24 | Quay Walker | Packers | LB12 |
| 25 | Jamien Sherwood | Jets | LB13 |
| 26 | Tuli Tuipulotu | Chargers | DL12 |
| 27 | Foye Oluokun | Jaguars | LB14 |
| 28 | Tyrel Dodson | Dolphins | LB15 |
| 29 | Nick Cross | Colts | DB2 |
| 30 | Harold Landry | Patriots | DL13 |
| 31 | Nick Emmanwori | Seahawks | DB3 |
| 32 | Barrett Carter | Bengals | LB16 |
| 33 | Jared Verse | Rams | DL14 |
| 34 | Alex Singleton | Broncos | LB17 |
| 35 | Kam Curl | Rams | DB4 |
| 36 | Montez Sweat | Bears | DL15 |
| 37 | Daiyan Henley | Chargers | LB18 |
| 38 | Derwin James | Chargers | DB5 |
| 39 | Isaiah Pola-Mao | Raiders | DB6 |
| 40 | Josh Hines Allen | Jaguars | DL16 |
| 41 | Ernest Jones | Seahawks | LB19 |
| 42 | Greg Rousseau | Bills | DL17 |
| 43 | Jaelan Phillips | Eagles | DL18 |
| 44 | Budda Bakers | Cardinals | DB7 |
| 45 | Cedric Gray | Titans | LB20 |
| 46 | Jonathan Cooper | Broncos | DL19 |
| 47 | Kyle Hamilton | Ravens | DB8 |
| 48 | Eric Wilson | Vikings | LB21 |
| 49 | Kaden Ellis | Falcons | LB22 |
| 50 | Joey Bosa | Bills | DL20 |
| 51 | Kevin Byard | Bears | DB9 |
| 52 | Talanoa Hufanga | Broncos | DB10 |
| 53 | Chase Young | Saints | DL21 |
| 54 | Jalen Pitre | Texans | DB11 |
| 55 | Tre’von Moehrig | Panthers | DB12 |
| 56 | Jessie Bates III | Falcons | DB13 |
| 57 | Tremaine Edmunds | Bears | LB23 |
| 58 | Demarcus Lawrence | Seahawks | DL22 |
| 59 | Kamari Lassiter | Texans | DB14 |
| 60 | Laitu Latu | Colts | DL23 |
| 61 | Patrick Queen | Steelers | LB24 |
| 62 | Adbul Carter | Giants | DL24 |
| 63 | Jordan Battle | Bengals | DB15 |
| 64 | Chamarri Conner | Chiefs | DB16 |
| 65 | Cole Bishop | Bills | DB17 |
| 66 | Antoine Winfield | Buccaneers | DB18 |
| 67 | Paulson Adebo | Giants | DB19 |
| 68 | Malik Mustapha | 49ers | DB20 |
| 69 | Amani Hooker | Titans | DB21 |
| 70 | Geno Stone | Bengals | DB22 |
| 71 | Malachi Moore | Jets | DB23 |
| 72 | Xavier McKinney | Packers | DB24 |
The Week 17 Top 72 Overall IDP Rankings are built to bring everything together as we close out the season, combining matchup data, role stability, and positional value into one clear decision-making framework. Tools like Jon Macri’s tackles allowed by position and Brad Custer’s Cheat Chart have been invaluable all season long, helping cut through noise and anchor weekly calls in repeatable, data-driven edges. As the margins get thinner late in the year, those resources have consistently pointed us toward the right moves to make, including high-volume linebackers, pass rushers in pressure-friendly matchups, and defensive backs positioned to benefit from opponent tendencies.
This Top 72 format is intentionally structured with 24 players at each position (DL, LB, DB) to support IDP managers navigating strict roster requirements and difficult start/sit decisions. The goal is to eliminate guesswork, respect positional scarcity, and help you deploy the strongest possible lineup without sacrificing roster construction.
🧱 Defensive Line Rankings | Week 17 (Top 24)
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myles Garrett | Browns | Steelers |
| 2 | Maxx Crosby | Raiders | Giants |
| 3 | Brian Burns | Giants | Raiders |
| 4 | Will Anderson | Texans | Chargers |
| 5 | Andrew Van Ginkel | Vikings | Lions |
| 6 | Jeffrey Simmons | Titans | Saints |
| 7 | Danielle Hunter | Texans | Chargers |
| 8 | Alex Highsmith | Steelers | Vikings |
| 9 | Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | Vikings |
| 10 | Nik Bonitto | Broncos | Chiefs |
| 11 | Byron Young | Rams | Falcons |
| 12 | Tuli Tuipulotu | Chargers | Texans |
| 13 | Harold Landry | Patriots | Jets |
| 14 | Jared Verse | Rams | Falcons |
| 15 | Montez Sweat | Bears | 49ers |
| 16 | Josh Hines Allen | Jaguars | Colts |
| 17 | Greg Rousseau | Bills | Eagles |
| 18 | Jaelan Phillips | Eagles | Bills |
| 19 | Jonathan Cooper | Broncos | Chargers |
| 20 | Joey Bosa | Bills | Eagles |
| 21 | Chase Young | Saints | Titans |
| 22 | Demarcus Lawrence | Seahawks | Panthers |
| 23 | Abdul Carter | Giants | Raiders |
| 24 | Laitu Latu | Colts | Jaguars |
The top of the defensive line board remains unchanged for a reason. Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Brian Burns have separated themselves all season, anchoring IDP lineups week after week. The trio sits atop the fantasy scoring leaderboard at the position and has combined for 47 sacks on the year—production that has directly fueled championship runs for IDP managers who invested in elite pass rushers.
Two of the most intriguing late-season risers are Andrew Van Ginkel (DL5) and Jeffrey Simmons (DL6), both peaking at precisely the right time. Each faces a top-10 matchup against offenses that surrender consistent pressure. Simmons, in particular, has been on a tear since the fantasy playoffs began, leading all defensive linemen while averaging an absurd 30.2 fantasy points per game. Van Ginkel isn’t far behind in terms of reliability, clearing 15 fantasy points in 3-straight contests and now lining up against a Detroit offense allowing the third-most tackles per game (17.7) to defensive linemen. Both profiles check every box you want in a Championship-week start.
On the caution side, I’m dialing back expectations for Khalil Mack in Week 17. He draws a Houston Texans offense that has quietly been one of the league’s best at limiting pass rush production, allowing just 1.3 sacks per game over the last three weeks—3rd best in the NFL over that span. Mack’s four-game streak of double-digit fantasy performances came to an end in Week 16, and with a tougher matchup on deck, the floor feels shakier than usual with a title on the line. George Karlaftis also lands in fade territory. Since Week 11, he’s posted fewer than five fantasy points in three of his last five games and now faces a Denver Broncos offense that allows the fewest sacks per game in the league. In Championship week, that’s not a profile I’m willing to bet on.
💪 Linebacker Rankings | Week 17 (Top 24)
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin White | Raiders | Giants |
| 2 | Jordyn Brooks | Dolphins | Buccaneers |
| 3 | Blake Cashman | Vikings | Lions |
| 4 | Jack Campbell | Lions | Vikings |
| 5 | Roquan Smith | Ravens | Packers |
| 6 | Carson Schwesinger | Browns | Steelers |
| 7 | Bobby Wagner | Commanders | Cowboys |
| 8 | Zach Baun | Eagles | Bills |
| 9 | TJ Edwards | Bears | 49ers |
| 10 | Nick Bolton | Chiefs | Broncos |
| 11 | Nate Landman | Rams | Falcons |
| 12 | Quay Walker | Packers | Ravens |
| 13 | Jamien Sherwood | Jets | Patriots |
| 14 | Foye Oluokun | Jaguars | Colts |
| 15 | Tyrel Dodson | Dolphins | Buccaneers |
| 16 | Barrett Carter | Bengals | Cardinals |
| 17 | Alex Singleton | Broncos | Chiefs |
| 18 | Daiyan Henley | Chargers | Texans |
| 19 | Ernest Jones | Seahawks | Panthers |
| 20 | Cedric Gray | Titans | Saints |
| 21 | Eric Wilson | Vikings | Lions |
| 22 | Kaden Ellis | Falcons | Rams |
| 23 | Tremaine Edmunds | Bears | 49ers |
| 24 | Patrick Queen | Steelers | Browns |
Devin White headlines the linebacker rankings for Championship Sunday, and the case is hard to argue. He and Lions standout Jack Campbell are the only two linebackers to eclipse 85 fantasy points since Week 14, separating themselves when it matters most. White also draws a top-five matchup for tackle volume, facing a New York Giants offense that is one of just four teams allowing more than 18 tackles per game to linebackers. With form and matchup aligned, IDP managers can confidently ride the hot hand in the title game.
There’s no reason to jump off the Carson Schwesinger train either. The rookie has been electric all season and gets another premium spot in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who allow the highest linebacker tackle efficiency in the league at 30.5%. Schwesinger’s combination of snap share, role, and matchup keeps his floor intact while preserving absolute ceiling—precisely what you want with a championship on the line.
One of the quieter late-season heroes has been Jamien Sherwood. While his LB7 finish on the year may not pop at first glance, he’s been on a heater when it matters most, ranking third among all linebackers in fantasy points since Week 14. Over the last three games, Sherwood has recorded 34 tackles and a sack, playing a pivotal role in helping many IDP managers reach their league championships. Daiyan Henley also brings matchup-driven upside this week. The Houston Texans have been the most generous offense to linebackers all season, surrendering a league-high 280 tackles to the position. Henley’s year has been uneven, but with Denzel Perryman suspended, the path is there for him to return to the high-volume tackling role we saw early in the season.
On the flip side, I’m approaching Zaire Franklin and Terrel Bernard with caution. Both have seen notable drops in production and, troublingly, have been outscored by their respective team’s LB2 over the course of the season. That’s not the profile I’m looking to trust in Week 17. Unless you’re truly desperate for a body at linebacker, the data points toward more middling performances—something that can quietly sink a lineup when every point matters.
Level Up Your IDP Game
- 📝 IDP Hub → All IDP articles in one place.
- 📊 IDP Rankings & Tiers → Updated rankings for every position.
- 📚 The Glossery → Top 500 all-in-one rankings for Superflex, TE Premium, and IDP.
- 📅 Dynasty Calendar → Never miss a key date in your dynasty league.
🛡 Defensive Back Rankings | Top 24
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tykee Smith | Buccaneers | Dolphins |
| 2 | Nick Cross | Colts | Jaguars |
| 3 | Nick Emmanwori | Seahawks | Panthers |
| 4 | Kam Curl | Rams | Falcons |
| 5 | Derwin James | Chargers | Texans |
| 6 | Isaiah Pola-Mao | Raiders | Giants |
| 7 | Budda Baker | Cardinals | Bengals |
| 8 | Kyle Hamilton | Ravens | Packers |
| 9 | Kevin Byard | Bears | 49ers |
| 10 | Talanoa Hufanga | Broncos | Chiefs |
| 11 | Jalen Pitre | Texans | Chargers |
| 12 | Tre’von Moehrig | Panthers | Seahawks |
| 13 | Jessie Bates III | Falcons | Rams |
| 14 | Kamari Lassiter | Texans | Chargers |
| 15 | Jordan Battle | Bengals | Cardinals |
| 16 | Chamarri Conner | Chiefs | Broncos |
| 17 | Cole Bishop | Bills | Eagles |
| 18 | Antoine Winfield | Buccaneers | Dolphins |
| 19 | Paulson Adebo | Giants | Raiders |
| 20 | Malik Mustapha | 49ers | Bears |
| 21 | Amani Hooker | Titans | Saints |
| 22 | Geno Stone | Bengals | Cardinals |
| 23 | Malachi Moore | Jets | Patriots |
| 24 | Xavier McKinney | Packers | Ravens |
Tykee Smith checks in as the DB1 for Week 17, and it’s hard to draw up a better finish to what’s been a breakout season. He’s taken a massive step forward in Year 2 and has been the definition of reliability at a position that’s anything but. The bigger surprise for IDP managers has been rookie Nick Emmanwori, who leads all defensive backs in fantasy scoring since the start of the playoffs. Trusting a rookie in a Championship matchup usually feels uncomfortable—but the production makes the decision easy. Emmanwori has earned must-start status, even with a title on the line.
This is also the time of year to lean into proven veterans without overthinking it. Kevin Byard and Jessie Bates continue to be precisely what IDP managers hope for when the lights are brightest: steady usage, clean roles, and matchup-driven upside. Both draw favorable Week 17 opponents in the Rams and 49ers, the only two teams allowing 16 tackles per game to opposing safeties this season. When the goal is to protect the floor while maintaining the ceiling, these are the types of players you want anchoring your DB room.
While Cooper DeJean and Riley Moss have been two of the more pleasant surprises this season—even holding value in non-CB-required formats—I’m tempering expectations with everything on the line. Both are coming off 20-point performances in Week 16, but neither has shown the ability to string together back-to-back ceiling games this year. In CB-required leagues, they remain viable options. However, if your format allows you to start a safety in the DB slot, I’m prioritizing that route in Week 17. Championship week is about minimizing volatility, and cornerback production still carries more risk than I’m willing to take unless the format forces the issue.
💎 IDP Hidden Gems | Week 17 Fantasy Football Playoffs
- Jordyn Brooks leads the NFL in tackles. He’s recorded his 5th-straight 100+ combined tackle season and is on pace for his 3rd 100+ solo tackle season of his career.
- Nick Emmanwori leads all rookie DBs with 5 games of 20 FP or more, despite missing the first 4 games of the season.
- Bobby Wagner (53.3%) and Demario Davis (46.6%) have each produced double-digit tackles in over 45% of their games this season. Age is nothing but a number for these two.
- Chase Young is just one sack shy of his career high. He’s collected 7 sacks in just 10 games this season.
- Devin White, Jeremy Chinn, and Maxx Crosby are the only set of teammates to each rank top 3 in tackles at their respective positions.
- Von Miller has more sacks (7) than any of his former Buffalo Bills teammates this season on just 38% of defensive snaps with the Commanders.
Final Word for the Season
As we wrap up a strong season of IDP content, the tables represent both a culmination and a foundation. The process worked, the tools mattered, and the feedback from IDP Nerds continues to shape where we go next. Looking ahead to 2026, the focus is on refining these workflows even further—making the path clearer, faster, and easier so our content stays in a tier of its own and continues to give IDP managers a real edge when it matters most. Appreciate you all for your support all season long, now go win those dynasty Championships and enjoy Week 17!
🔥 Take Control of Your Dynasty Today
Want to see where your lineup stacks up? Start building like the pros with our most powerful tools and resources:
👉 It’s time to take control of your dynasty and see where your lineups truly rank.
🧠 FAQ | Week 17 IDP Start/Sit Fantasy Football Championship
Should I start Devin White or Jordyn Brooks in Championship Week?
You can’t go wrong with either, but Devin White gets the slight edge in Week 17 due to matchup. Both have been elite tackle accumulators all season, but White draws one of the most favorable tackle environments on the slate. If you’re choosing strictly on floor, White is the safer option; if you need ceiling, Brooks still brings massive upside.
Is Myles Garrett still a must-start if his matchup looks tougher on paper?
Yes. At this stage of the season, elite talent with elite usage overrides matchup concerns. Garrett has been matchup-proof all year with only two games under 10 fantasy points, and benching a player of his caliber in championship week is almost never the correct move.
Andrew Van Ginkel or Jeffrey Simmons — who has the higher ceiling in Week 17?
Jeffrey Simmons carries the higher ceiling, especially given his recent playoff stretch production. Van Ginkel remains a strong play due to tackle volume, but Simmons’ ability to dominate both as a pass rusher and interior disruptor gives him the edge if you’re chasing upside.
Should I trust rookie Carson Schwesinger in my championship lineup?
Yes — Schwesinger has earned that trust. His snap share, tackle efficiency, and matchup profile all support another high-end performance. This isn’t a blind rookie bet anymore; it’s a volume-driven decision backed by weeks of consistent production.
Jamien Sherwood or Bobby Wagner — who is the better playoff start?
Sherwood has been hotter over the past month, but Wagner remains the safer floor play. If you’re projected to win and want stability, Wagner is the move. If you need a spark or are chasing points, Sherwood’s recent usage gives him legitimate league-winning upside.
Nick Emmanwori or Kyle Hamilton — who should I start?
Hamilton still offers the safer floor due to his established role, but Emmanwori has been the hottest DB in fantasy since the playoffs began. If you’re deciding between the two, let your matchup dictate the call: Hamilton for safety, Emmanwori for upside.
Should I fade cornerbacks like Cooper DeJean or Riley Moss in Week 17?
In leagues where you can start a safety instead, yes. Both corners have flashed ceiling games, but cornerback production remains volatile. Championship week is about minimizing risk, and safeties offer a much more predictable scoring profile.
How should I approach start/sit decisions when both players rank similarly?
Use matchup data as the tiebreaker. When talent and role are comparable, tackles allowed per position, opponent pace, and expected game script often decide who separates. This is where tools like tackles allowed charts and matchup-driven rankings provide an edge.
Is it ever okay to sit a player who helped get me to the championship?
It’s uncomfortable — but sometimes necessary. Championship week decisions should be made in a vacuum, based on current matchup, role, and expected opportunity. Loyalty doesn’t score fantasy points; volume and matchup do.
What’s the biggest goal for IDP managers in Week 17?
Protect your floor while giving yourself access to upside. Championships are rarely won by chasing long-shot outcomes. They’re won by stacking strong roles, favorable matchups, and players who stay involved from the first snap to the final whistle.
Should I still stream defensive backs in championship week?
Yes — but selectively. Defensive back is still the most streamable IDP position, but Week 17 requires tighter filters. Prioritize DBs with strong tackle matchups and full-time roles rather than hoping for splash plays.
What’s the most common mistake IDP managers make in championship week?
Overthinking it. Trust the data, trust the process that got you here, and don’t force unnecessary pivots. Championship week is about execution — not reinvention.
🔒 Level Up Your IDP Game
Don’t stop here! Dive deeper into the world of Individual Defensive Players with our best resources:
- 📝 IDP Hub → All of our IDP articles in one place.
- 📊 IDP Rankings Tiers → Updated IDP rankings for every position.
- 📚 The Glossery → Our Top 500 all-in-one rankings for Superflex, TE Premium, and IDP.
- 📅 Dynasty Calendar → Never miss a key date in your dynasty league.
