Welcome to Week 1 of the 2023 season IDP Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em series. The start of the season is here and we are ready for some action (finally!). Let’s get take a look at some great IDP match ups.
Play or Pine is back for it’s incredible 7th year! The amount of leagues that were playing IDP in the mid 1990s was less than 1%. Fast forward to 2023 and IDP leagues make up a little under 25% of all fantasy football leagues. That may not seem like much but, the steady growth is more than noticeable in my 14 years of playing IDP. So whether you are an IDP head who played in the 90s or are in your first IDP league, know that PLAY or PINE has the advice for your IDP rosters.
For those new to the article, know that Play or Pine will cover IDPs that might seem like an obvious start. The reason being IDP leagues vary so much; one time use for the season, 2 IDP starters in 10 team leagues, 11 starters in 14 team leagues, and roster requirements of various sorts through out the world. So if one seems obvious it could be because the projections indicate this could be their best week of the season. So without further ado, here are the Play and Pines of week 1
As always, if you are struggling with a decision you can checkout our rankings for each Week. Or, if you want a more personal touch, reach out on social media. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server.
Start ‘Em
Preston Smith @CHI
Smith has never lost against the Chicago Bears and is fortunate enough to play them in Week 1. The Bears offensive line may have improved but it will have difficulty against the re-signed Packer. He will see the most snaps from the edge. Teammate Rashan Gary is coming back from surgery and the Packers have stated they will keep him on a snap count. Trust the vet P. Smith to get you tackles and add to his career 58 sacks..
Daron Payne v ARI
It’s not often that a defensive tackle gets the nod as a Play, but Payne will have a fantastic week 1. The 2022 Pro Bowl member does damage from the interior of the line, despite being double-teamed on most snaps. He had 64 tackles and 11.5 sacks last year, and he should improve on those numbers in 2023. He will have an excellent opportunity against a weak Arizona Cardinals offense and who knows at quarterback. Trust Payne to get apply pressure and pick up a couple of QB hits and hopefully a sack.
Sit ‘Em
Chase Young v ARI
is still being drafted, on name recognition alone. He has only played 11 games in the past two seasons, and earned only 1.5 sacks and 31 combined tackles. Those are pitiful numbers. He is expected to be back week 3, so get him out of your lineup. In fact see if you can trade him for anything, even a 5th round pick in 2026.
Start ‘Em
Frankie Luvu @ATL
Every IDP truther’s favorite position. The most exciting athletes on the field that can cover in the pass game, and bring the crunch in the run game. Luvu was in the top five of Mano y Mano, a 2023 projections list. The Carolina Panthers are going to play a lot of defense, and Atlanta could control the clock with run after run. This benefits Luvu as he is a tackling machine and should be the point leader of a defense loaded with studs. Start Luvu and have possibly the highest scoring LB of the week.
Matt Milano @NYJ
Milano is someone the IDP community is on the fence about. Don’t be. He lost longtime LB teammate Tremaine Edmunds in free agency, and has an aging secondary around him. The New York Jets are a run first team, and with Breece Hall being declared healthy they could hand off to Dalvin Cook-B. Hall over 35 times. Play M. Milano and have confidence in a high tackle game.
Sit ‘Em
Chad Muma @IND
Muma has been an IDP crowd favorite, without any validation. He is ranked in several ECR Fantasy Pros top 70 and has the hype. Don’t be fooled, he would be the 7th best IDP on the Jacksonville Jaguar’s defensive at best. He will be overshadowed by better players around him, and the Jags may not see many defensive snaps against a raw rookie quarterback.
Start ‘Em
Budda Baker @WAS
Baker has been one of the most consistent defensive backs of the past half-decade. He now is in a secondary that lost three starters! He will be asked to shoulder a huge boulder for the defenses’ success. He may not be able to help the Arizona Cardinals avoid being the worst team in the league, but he should have a great week as Arizona’s offense is bound to have some of the worst numbers of week 1. If in a one time use IDP league, get Baker in there as he could have the highest snap count of all IDPs.
Kyle Dugger v PHI
Dugger could be available in your league of record. If he is go get him and get ready to have an elite defensive back for the season. Week 1 should be a high scoring week for the Patriot DB as the PHiladelphia Eagles come to town. K. Dugger has the benefit of being on a Bill Billichick defense with playmakers around him, yet Dugger will be asked to be a leader. With the high offensive snap count of the Eagles, and there numerous pass catching weapons, K. Dugger will be sideline to sideline making tackles. A high floor and one of the highest ceilings for DBs, get Dugger and start him week 1.
The return yards allow for a safe floor, and his potential increased work with the offense could lead to huge value. It’s a risk but could be well worth it, play him if your IDPs are on bye.
Sit ‘Em
Sauce Gardner v BUF
Gardner is one of the hottest players in the league. Fresh off of a rookie of the year award, being the star of NFL Hardknocks, and having a large social media account. He is one of the most drafted IDPs of 2023, but his fantasy production will not be as high as last year. Sit him or trade him for a corner that will be targeted more.
Thank you for reading our IDP Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em for Week 1 of the 2023 season.
Remember, you can check out rankings for each Week. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server.
Image Credit: Derick E. Hingle – USA TODAY Sports
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