Top 24 Defensive Players (IDP) For Week 4

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Week 4 is upon us, and there are some big names out on the defensive side. The Colts are set to miss Malik Hooker for the next few weeks, and Darius Leonard is doubtful for Week 4. Jalen Ramsey has a few excuses tied to his name, and is unlikely to play against Denver this week. We saw Keanu Neal go down last week with another season ending injury, which is a huge blow to IDP teams and the Atlanta Falcons. Akiem Hicks is set to be a GTD for the Bears this week, which would be a tough loss for the front line. The Browns are likely going to be missing most of their secondary again, but Denzel Ward is the big name out. They also just loss Christian Kirksey for the season. Darius Slay is likely to play for the Lions, but Casey Hayward is questionable for Los Angeles.

Defensive Lineman

1. Joey Bosa – Los Angeles Chargers

The Dolphins have been a struggling team on both sides of the ball. Defensive lineman as a whole have averaged 23 fantasy points per game against this offensive line, which is fifth most in the league. This is a great spot for Joey Bosa to rack up fantasy points, especially in a good spot for sacks.

2. J.J. Watt – Houston Texans

Carolina is missing one of their main offensive lineman this week, and while J.J. Watt has not done much to start the year, this is a great spot for him to get going. Look for him to get going after a slow start.

3. Danielle Hunter – Minnesota Vikings

Danielle Hunter has been one of the best defensive lineman so far. He has 11 tackles and three sacks on the season. Averaging 8.3 fantasy points per game, he has been consistent to start.

4. Cameron Jordan – New Orleans Saints

Cameron Jordan is averaging 6.8 fantasy points per game this season, and while defensive lineman haven’t produced much against Dallas this season, Jordan is a different animal. With his ability, he will be a top option most weeks.

5. Carlos Dunlap – Cincinnati Bengals

Pittsburgh has allowed the 7th most fantasy points to opposing defensive lineman this season, and Carlos Dunlap has been a lone bright spot on the Bengals defensive side.

6. Melvin Ingram – Los Angeles Chargers

Much like Bosa, Melvin Ingram is in a good spot to get going this week. He has averaged 5.3 fantasy points per game to start the season, ranking just 23rd among all DL. He gets a much needed boost against a bottom three offensive line in Miami.

7. Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett is going to have a tough task this week, despite being the leading IDP scorer among DL. He has six sacks already on the season, but faces a solid Baltimore line and also a smart team that will find Garrett on the field.

8. Denico Autry – Indianapolis Colts

Denico Autry has been fantastic for the Colts this season, generating seven tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Next up is Oakland, and he has crept into the top eight of defensive lineman.

Linebackers

1. Leighton Vander Esch – Dallas Cowboys

Already one of the top IDP across all positions, Leighton Vander Esch gets New Orleans this week. They have allowed the 8th most fantasy points per game to opposing linebackers this season.

2. Bobby Wagner – Seattle Seahawks

Arizona has allowed 53 tackles and 11 sacks to linebackers this season. Now comes in one of the best, Bobby Wagner. While he hasn’t been living up to his name in terms of fantasy points just yet, this is a spot to get back on track.

3. Luke Keuchly – Carolina Panthers

No surprise to see Luke Keuchly with 20 tackles already, and he is averaging 10.7 fantasy points per game on the year. Love Keuchely per usual this week, as he takes on a Houston Texans offense.

4. Tremaine Edmunds – Buffalo Bills

New England has allowed the 13th most fantasy points per game to opposing linebackers this season, and have allowed 49 tackles. Tremaine Edmunds has a solid floor matchup this week.

5. DeMario Davis – New Orleans Saints

DeMario Davis is a viable linebacker option against the Cowboys this week. He is coming off his best week on the road against the Seahawks, and had nine tackles. Look for him to jumpstart this defense again.

6. Jordan Hicks – Arizona Cardinals

Jordan Hicks continues to rack up fantasy points, averaging 9.3 per game to start the season. Hicks should continue to thrive and has generated 19 tackles already on the season.

7. Roquan Smith – Chicago Bears

Ruquan Smith has been all over the field, and fantasy points will begin to find their way to him. Minnesota has allowed 41 tackles to linebackers this season, but not much else.

8. Devin Bush – Pittsburgh Steelers

Devin Bush has been averaging 10 fantasy points per game, and three fumble recoveries will certainly help those numbers. He also has 19 total tackles, and gets a weak bengals front five this week.

Defensive Backs

1. John Johnson – Los Angeles Rams

John Johnson is averaging 10.7 fantasy points per game so far this season, and the Bucs should be chasing this game from the beginning. They are also allowing the 12th most fantasy points to DB.

2. Jordan Poyer – Buffalo Bills

Jordan Poyer comes in leading all defensive backs with 35.5 fantasy points. He has 18 tackles, 1 interception, and one fumble recovery and forced fumble a piece. New England has allowed the third most fantasy points per game to opposing defensive backs.

3. Landon Collins – Washington Redskins

New York is middle of the road in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs this season, and Landon Collins gets to return to his old home. He is already a strong safety option.

4. Harrison Smith – Minnesota Vikings

Harrison Smith has been a top ten defensive back option so far this season, averaging over ten fantasy points per game. Chicago is allowing the 9th most fantasy points per game.

5. Ha-Sean Clinton-Dix – Chicago Bears

With two interceptions under his belt, Ha-Sean Clinton-Dix has scored the second most fantasy points among defensive backs. He also has 15 tackles and two pass deflections.

6. Bradley McDougald – Seattle Seahawks

Defensive backs have the second most fantasy points per game against Arizona. With the high volume passing attack, Bradley McDougald is a top end option this week against the Cardinals.

7. Kevin Byard – Tennessee Titans

The Falcons have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing defensive backs. It is helpful that the Falcons throw the ball a ton, but also six interceptions for Matt Ryan has helped. Logan Ryan just missed out on the cut as well, but Kevin Byard is a top option.

8. Budda Baker – Arizona Cardinals

Seattle has been allowing plenty of fantasy points to defensive backs, and Budda Baker is worth a look with 7.8 fantasy points per game so far this season.