IDP: Fantasy football strategies

A breakdown of strategies to help you win your Fantasy Football league using IDP plays.

 

IDP is fairly new to the fantasy football world and as a result, there aren’t many deciding strategies you’ll see people use when picking teams in their leagues. Some go for big names not realizing the potential downfall, while others are throwing darts with every player they pick. I’m here to break down a few of the strategies I’ve seen, and how successful they can be for you throughout various leagues.

High Risk, High Reward

 

One of the most common themes I see when users draft IDP players is that they go after big names, looking for splashy plays to reap all of the benefits. This is going after ball-hawk defensive backs, pass-rushing DEs/LBs, and typically the bigger names around the league.

Depending on the type of player selected, this can end up being a fantastic play. Younger stars with an infinite ceiling like T.J. Watt, Chase Young, Devin White, Minkah Fitzpatrick can provide excellent return, especially if you’re in a dynasty league. Yes, there may be games when they may not not ‘show up’ in the stat sheet, but they will be viable options for years to come. If you’re looking for chips to build a contender, grabbing these players aren’t a terrible idea at all.

On the flip side of this, there are also players who will take big name older stars who may have that same ceiling, but only for a season or two. This would include guys like J.J. Watt, Tyrann Mathieu, K.J. Wright.

These players are better suited for redraft leagues or ‘win now’ teams, as the likelihood of these players being long-term contributors is slim. They also have a higher risk of sustaining injuries or missing playing time due to age-related risks. You’ll find these on teams already established, looking for some extra juice for just a year or two.

 

Lunch Pail Players

 

You hear about ‘lunch pail’ players throughout NFL broadcasts. These are the guys who aren’t necessarily known in league circles. They fly under the radar, do their job, and do it well; without any of the recognition to go with it.

When it comes to IDP fantasy, these are some of the most consistent players you’ll have on your team. Most often, they will be LB or DL players, although it can apply to any position. Players like Blake Martinez, Logan Ryan, Lavonte David, Stephon Tuitt, Maxx Crosby.

When the draft starts in your league, you’ll be able to find these players for bargins because of who they play for, the other stars on the team, and oddly enough, their names themselves. If you’re fortunate to see these players slide in your league, they are worth the grab and potentially can change your entire season without costing you draft pick value.

 

The Unknowns

 

Since most leagues usually offer between 5-8 IDP spots for a team’s starting roster, there’s always an abundance of athletes available on the waiver wire who are able to help your team in a pinch.

This strategy will be used by two types of players. The inexperienced, and the rookies. Those who know what they’re doing in IDP leagues will get by using this tactic, while rookie players will go this route because they simply do not know how to play.

I only recommend using this strategy if you are a veteran of IDP leagues, or unless your team is absolutely bereft of talent.

There is one caveat to the position in which this strategy is used often however, and that is for defensive backs. With the NFL having a more pass-heavy approach as the years go by, there are a lot more DB’s on the field than in previous years. Thus, this means that there are much more players to choose from when looking at players to input into your IDP lineup.

Each year players will fall through the cracks and have an opportunity to become a waiver wire stud. This is true regardless of the position, but it happens much more often in IDP’s because of the lack of information available for fantasy players.

If you’re a player in an IDP league, you’re probably wondering what type of route you should go to when deciding who you want on your team. The three strategies mentioned above are some of the most-used in fantasy league circles, and tend to come with the most success depending on the user.

Using one, or combining all three can be beneficial to your team and you may find yourself coming away with your own championship if the cards fold your way! With little knowledge on IDP leagues, it’s up to you to do your due diligence to run out a roster of players you’re confident in.