Welcome to another exciting week of NFL action from the 2023 season, and my attempts to help you make crucial decisions for your IDP lineup for Week 5. While everyone’s focused on star quarterbacks and high-scoring offenses, I am scouring the landscape to find the next man up to insert into our IDP line-ups. This week, we’ll focus on: DB Reed Blankenship of the Eagles, LB Ja’whaun Bentley of the Patriots, and DL Jeffrey Simmons of the Titans.
Jeffrey Simmons (DL, TEN) @IND
Week 4 Stats: 4 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 PD.
Week 5 Projection: 5 tackles, 3 assists, 1.5 sack.
Simmons has been a disruptive force on the defensive line for the Tennessee Titans so far this season. His Week 4 performance demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays, Week 5 should produce a similar outcome versus the divisional rival Indianapolis Colts. Simmons’ strength lies in his pass-rushing skills, and he’s projected to add another sack and a half to his season total. While he doesn’t force many fumbles, his presence in the opponent’s backfield will disrupt plays and potentially lead to turnovers by his teammates. The Colts’ offensive line has shown vulnerability, and Simmons is expected to exploit this weakness. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback makes him a valuable IDP asset, especially in Week 5.
Ja’Whaun Bentley (LB, NE) v NO
Week 4 Stats: 10 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack & 1 PD.
Week 5 Projection: 8 tackles, 3 assists, 0.5 sacks & 1 PD.
Bentley has been a tackling machine for the New England Patriots, and Week 4 was no exception. In Week 5, Bentley faces the New Orleans Saints, a team known for a balanced offensive approach. Bentley’s value lies in his ability to stuff the run and make tackles, and he’s projected to record another high tackle count in this matchup. His involvement in pass-rushing situations may result in a half or full sack, as he’s shown the ability to get to the quarterback. While interceptions might not be a big part of Bentley’s game, he’s consistent in pass deflections, making him a reliable IDP option. With the Patriots likely to rely on their defense in Week 5, Bentley is poised for another strong performance.
Reed Blankenship (DB, PHI) @LAR
Week 4 Stats: 5 tackles, 2 assists, 1 INT & 3 PDs.
Week 5 Projection: 7 tackles, 3 assists, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT & 2 PD.
Blankenship has quietly become a force in the Eagles’ secondary, and his performance in Week 4 showcased his potential in IDP leagues. Against the Rams, Blankenship is expected to continue his productive streak. In Week 5, the Eagles are up against a Rams offense that likes to throw the ball. This bodes well for Blankenship, as he’ll have ample opportunities to accumulate tackles, pass defense, and assist numbers. Additionally, his ball-hawking skills also make him a candidate for an interception. Blankenship’s snap count has been steadily increasing which shows a growing trust from the coaching staff. His ability to read the game and make impactful plays makes him a must-start in Week 5 for IDP managers looking for a versatile defensive back..
If you would like to see more of our rankings and projections you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
