Fantasy Football: Week 16 IDP rankings and tiers

• Injury pivots for questionable IDPs: Injuries at the linebacker position have created more pathways to other viable options.

• Issues with Derwin James’ status in the final game of the week: Where to pivot and how to treat the IDP star who has missed two in a row and is playing on Monday night.

• Will Aaron Donald and/or Quinnen Williams return?: If they don’t, where should IDP managers look for help at the defensive tackle position?

Estimated Reading Time: 14 mins

Another week of the fantasy football playoffs is here, which means another week of crucial, stressful lineup decisions to help get those fantasy teams a championship.

At this point in the season, IDP managers are acutely aware of who these players are and what they’re capable of, so going forward, most of the focus will be on pivot points in case starters can’t go this week and where their replacements fit into the rankings if that is the case. There are many players listed as questionable this week, but pivot points will focus on players who appear to have a more significant risk of missing this week.

Check the PFF.com rankings page for any updates closer to game time.

JUMP TO A POSITION:

LB | ED | DI | S | CB

LINEBACKER

Jordyn Brooks (LB4) is at risk of missing this week as he deals with a neck injury. This would create an every-down role for Cody Barton (LB12), who was getting near that point in recent weeks. If Brooks misses time, then all ambiguity regarding Barton’s snap share should be erased. Barton would move up a few spots, likely just ahead of T.J. Edwards (LB9), playing in a zone-heavy defense that allows for plenty of linebacker tackle opportunities. Brooks missing time would also move Tanner Muse into a profitable IDP role and into the 4B range, just behind Monty Rice (LB41).

Joe Thomas (LB42) is expected to step into a near-every-down role with Jack Sanborn landing on injured reserve. Sanborn was ranked significantly higher when healthy, but he was tackling at an overly efficient rate while there are still some questions about how effective Thomas can be in this defense and whether he’ll share snaps with Matthew Adams. Thomas is worth an add but should be considered a riskier start in the fantasy playoffs and not a one-for-one replacement for Sanborn.

Robert Spillane (LB43) could be another waiver option, and a desperation start this week for anyone in need, but only if Myles Jack misses another game. Jack is considered questionable as of now, but with Jack out of the lineup, the linebacker rotation becomes a lot less complicated and allows for an every-down role for Spillane, compared to his typical 30%-40% share.

EDGE DEFENDER