2025 Full-Time and Green Dot Linebackers: Week 14
What did Week 14 teach us about the state of the green dot LBs for 2025?
For most of you, Week 14 signifies the end of the regular season, and hopefully, the start of the playoffs. Linebacker usage will be critical over the next few weeks, and the Bears picked a horrible time to mess with theirs. Also from Week 14, it looked like Patrick Queen re-injured his leg and Tyrel Dodson suffered an injury, but both returned. Keep an eye on their practice statuses throughout the week.
Bye weeks are over, our full rosters are available, and it’s time to rock and roll.
What is the green dot?
Think of him as the quarterback of the defense. He has the comms helmet with the green helmet sticker, relays play calls from the defense coordinator to the rest of the defense, and is responsible for getting everyone aligned before the snap. Most of the time, it’s a linebacker wearing the dot, but we’ve seen safeties take on that role, too.
Here’s how the snaps and usage played out in Week 14.
*-Injured
Arizona Cardinals
I didn’t see anything regarding an injury for Akeem Davis-Gaither, so it looks like he’s been benched, as he saw no defensive snaps. Cody Simon was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Owen Pappoe looked to have Gaither’s role in their nickel/2-LB defense, as he was on for 50% of the snaps. Gaither is safe to drop in most formats.
Week 14 Green Dot: Cody Simon
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were in their nickel/2-LB defense for most of the game and 14 snaps in their base. Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo were on the field for 100% of the snaps, with Elliss wearing the dot. Their production is tough to trust and count on right now, as they are producing more like LB3/4. They aren’t must starts right now with the playoffs coming.
Week 14 Green Dot: Kaden Elliss
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were in their nickel/2-LB defense, but showed some dime/single-LB looks, as Teddye Buchanan saw 79% of the snaps. His usage didn’t translate to much production, recording just two tackles and a TFL. Roquan Smith was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Smith hit the 100-tackle mark for the 8th straight season.
Week 14 Green Dot: Roquan Smith
Buffalo Bills
Terrel Bernard was inactive this week, so Shaq Thompson got the start once again and was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Matt Milano was used most in nickel, but the Bills did go dime/single-LB a bit more often this week against the Bengals’ personnel, as Milano saw 67% of the snaps. Milano should see close to a full-time role against New England in Week 15, but I still only trust the green dot of Buffalo’s defense.
Week 14 Green Dot: Shaq Thompson
Carolina Panthers
Bye week.
Week 14 Green Dot: Bye Week
Chicago Bears
Well, I misread the Bears’ LB situation with TJ Edwards and Noah Sewell returning. It wasn’t Sewell or Edwards who wore the dot, but D’Marco Jackson. He was the lone full-time LB this week, as he saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. Sewell only had one snap, and Edwards saw just 33 snaps. The Bears went single-LB for just 7 snaps, and Amen Ogbongbemiga and Edwards rotated at the LB2 spot. As of now, it’s not an ideal situation to figure out. For Week 15, if you have better options, I’d roll with those safer options. Edwards could have a similar role next week, or his usage could increase. At this point, I don’t think I’d risk my matchups on his usage.
Week 14 Green Dot: D’Marco Jackson
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were in their nickel/2-LB defense for most of the game; however, they did go dime/single-LB for what looked like 18 snaps. Demetrius Knight Jr. was the nickel LB, but saw 72% of the snaps this week. Oren Burks saw 27 snaps as the LB3 in their base defense. Barrett Carter was the lone full-time LB this week, as he saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. Carter’s tackling has been better as of late, missing just one over his last three games. He continues to struggle with his run fits and coverage awareness.
Week 14 Green Dot: Barrett Carter
Cleveland Browns
Carson Schwesinger is a ball magnet and recorded his 4th straight with 10+ tackles. Schwesinger was evaluated for a concussion, but was cleared quickly and didn’t miss a snap. The Browns were mostly in their nickel/2-LB defense. Devin Bush had his normal role and has been a solid piece in the defense, as he came up with a nice INT. Schwesinger was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot, while Bush saw 87% of the snaps. For Browns fans like myself, Sundays are for Schwesinger.
Week 14 Green Dot: Carson Schwesinger
Dallas Cowboys
We are getting closer to full-time Agent 0. We now have back-to-back weeks of 70%+ snap usage for DeMarvion Overshown, as he saw 76% of the snaps in Week 14 against the Lions. Perfect timing for those who stashed Overshown for the playoffs, as it looks like he’s on track for a full-time role throughout. Pre-snap, the Cowboys were mostly in their nickel/2-LB defense, but unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Dallas is moving off the dot rotation between Kenneth Murray and Logan Wilson. Murry had a horrible game, had his ankles liquified by Jahmyr Gibbs, and just looks out of position on most snaps. It begs the question, “Why did they even trade for Wilson?”
At this point, even though Dallas is a nickel-heavy defense with two off-ball LBs, Overshown is the only one I trust in my IDP lineup.
Week 14 Green Dot: Kenneth Murray/Logan Wilson
Denver Broncos
The Broncos looked to be in their dime/single-LB defense for the majority of the game. Alex Singleton was the lone full-time LB this week, as he saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. Dre Greenlaw was the LB2 in their nickel, but he saw 60% of the snaps this week. It looks like Denver isn’t featuring two off-ball LBs this season, even with Greenlaw. Greenlaw does have enough production upside at 60%-65% of the snaps that he’s worth using as an LB4/5 in deeper leagues. It looks like Denver is running their dime/single-LB defense around 40% of the time.
Week 14 Green Dot: Alex Singleton
Detroit Lions
There were no major changes with Detroit’s defense this week, as they were in their base/3-LB defense for 32 snaps and in nickel for 42. They ran a modified nickel with 3 down linemen and Trevor Nowaske as the off-ball LB, along with Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone. Campbell was on for 100% of the snaps, while Anzalone saw all but 2 snaps. Derrick Barnes saw 71% of the snaps as his full-time role is diminishing. He played more off-ball LB than EDGE for just the 3rd time this season. Campbell remains a dominant off-ball LB and is rewarding his IDP faithful with big plays. Even though Anzalone has a three-down role, his production has tailed off.
Week 14 Green Dot: Jack Campbell
Green Bay Packers
With Quay Walker back, Isaiah McDuffie was relegated back to his role as the LB3 in their base/3-LB defense. Walker and Edgerrin Cooper were both on the field for 100% of the snaps, with Walker getting the dot back. Green Bay was in nickel for the majority of the game, as they were in base for just 36 snaps. McDuffie is a decent LB handcuff for Walker and is worth holding on to if you have enough roster space.
Week 14 Green Dot: Quay Walker
Houston Texans
The Texans were in their nickel/2-LB defense for most of the game, while deploying their base/3-LB defense for just 19 snaps. Henry To’oTo’o was the nickel LB and was on the field for 100% of the snaps alongside Azeez Al-Shaair. To’oTo’o now has consecutive games with a full-time role; however, I wouldn’t rush to grab him from the wire. In his last six games, he has two games of 7 tackles. Al-Shaair wore the dot, as usual, but his production was underwhelming, as well. Even with Houston being nickel-heavy, Al-Shaair isn’t a must-start heading into the playoffs.
Week 14 Green Dot: Azeez Al-Shaair
Indianapolis Colts
Zaire Franklin was on the field for 100% of the snaps this week, but failed to reach double-digit tackles this week. He did wear the dot, as usual. The Jaguars have been stingy against opposing defenses over the last several weeks and limited Franklin and Germaine Pratt to just 13 tackles. The Colts were in their nickel/2-LB defense for the majority of the game. Jaylon Carlies was activated off IR, but only saw 2 snaps this week.
Week 14 Green Dot: Zaire Franklin
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars were in their nickel for most of the game, but Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd had their snaps scaled back in the 4th quarter due to the score. Oluokun was on the field for 57 snaps while Lloyd saw 52. Lloyd continues to generate big plays in Anthony Campanile’s defense, as he added to his career INT total, recording his 5th. When he was on the field, Oluokun wore the dot.
Week 14 Green Dot: Foyesade Oluokun
Kansas City Chiefs
There were no real changes with the Chiefs’ defense and their off-ball LBs. Nick Bolton was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Bolton continues his stretch of production, as he now has three games of 11+ tackles in the last five and just one game of fewer than 8 in that stretch. Drue Tranquill was on the field for 89% of the snaps as the LB2 opposite Bolton. Leo Chenal saw mostly snaps in their base/3-LB defense and was on the field for 40% of the snaps.
Week 14 Green Dot: Nick Bolton
Las Vegas Raiders
There were no major changes with the Raiders’ defense this week. They continue to be dime/single-LB heavy as Devin White was the lone full-time LB this week. White was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Elandon Roberts saw the majority of the snaps in their nickel, as he was on the field for 64% of the snaps. I can’t believe I’m typing this, but White produced his 3rd game of 16+ tackles this season.
Week 14 Green Dot: Devin White
Los Angeles Chargers
No major changes with the Chargers’ defense this week. Daiyan Henley was the lone full-time LB and was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot. This is now the 11th straight game without double-digits for Henley. A favorable schedule is lined up for Henley, but can we trust him during the playoffs? Next week he faces a Chiefs team allowing nearly 17 tackles/gm to the LB position, but he’s just not producing.
Denzel Perryman saw 63% of the snaps in their nickel/2-LB defense, but it looked like the Chargers were in dime/single-LB for the majority of the game, so Perryman’s IDP value is capped with his low usage.
Week 14 Green Dot: Daiyan Henley
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams didn’t need their starters for much of the 4th quarter. They allowed Nate Landman to sit for most of the 4th quarter as he was on the field for just 39 snaps. When he was on the field, he wore the dot. Omar Speights saw just 28 total snaps in this game, as the Rams were in control for most of the game.
Week 14 Green Dot: Nate Landman
Miami Dolphins
Tyrel Dodson suffered a hamstring injury in the 3rd, and it was KJ Britt who took over the dot while Dodson was on the bench. Dodson returned in the 4th and played 39 total snaps. Jordyn Brooks was on the field for 43 snaps in the laugher. There were no major changes with Miami’s defense, as they remained nickel/2-LB heavy. Keep an eye on Dodson throughout the week. If his injury flares up, Britt will be the waiver target.
Week 14 Green Dot: Tyrel Dodson
Minnesota Vikings
Another week, another sack for Eric Wilson. Wilson was sent in on 14 pass rush snaps and recorded another sack. Wilson was used as an edge on 19 of his snaps. The Vikings were in their nickel/2-LB defense for most of the game, as they had a handful of snaps in their base. Blake Cashman was on for 100% of the snaps, along with Wilson, with Cashman wearing the dot. Cashman is on quite the IDP run with 10+ tackles in six of his last seven games. Cashman just seems to know where the ball is going and is in position to make tackles.
Week 14 Green Dot: Blake Cashman
New England Patriots
Bye week.
Week 14 Green Dot: Bye Week
New Orleans Saints
It looked like the Saints were more dime/single-LB this week. Demario Davis was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Pete Werner was on the field for just 55% of the snaps. Davis is the only Saints off-ball LB to trust during the playoffs.
Week 14 Green Dot: Demario Davis
New York Giants
Bye week.
Week 14 Green Dot: Bye Week
New York Jets
There were no major changes with the Jets defense this week. They remained a nickel/2-LB defense featuring Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams. Both were on the field for 100% of the snaps, and Sherwood wore the dot. I’m sure his managers were relieved to see a big game out of him (15 tackles/2 PDs).
Week 14 Green Dot: Jamien Sherwood
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles were mostly in nickel this week against the Chargers. Zack Baun was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot and Nakobe Dean had a full-time role with 88% of the snaps. Vic Fangio continues to use Dean as a pass rush ILB and now has sacks in four of his last five games. Baun and Dean both have IDP value heading into the playoffs with their usage in Fangio’s defense.
Week 14 Green Dot: Zack Baun
Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Queen looked to re-injure his glute late in the 4th, but did end up returning and made a key stop. Payton Wilson’s usage went way down, as Malik Harrison looked to have the majority of the snaps in the LB2 rotation until an injury knocked him out of the game late in the 2nd. Wilson still only saw 32 snaps, which is not great. Monitor Queen throughout the week and his practice status. Wilson is the next man up with the green dot.
Week 14 Green Dot: Patrick Queen. Payton Wilson took over after Queen's injury.
San Francisco 49ers
Bye week.
Week 14 Green Dot: Bye Week
Seattle Seahawks
Ernest Jones was on the field for 100% of the snaps until the 4th quarter, when he sat out the final drives with the game out of hand. It makes sense considering the injuries he’s been dealing with—no need to put your defensive captain at risk. The Seahawks were in their nickel defense for most of the game. Drake Thomas had a full-time role until the 4th quarter as well. Jones produced his second straight 10+ tackle game, finishing with 11 stops. I wouldn’t worry about Jones heading into Week 15.
Week 14 Green Dot: Ernest Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keep an eye on SirVocea Dennis, as he suffered a non-contact injury that limited him to 41 snaps. He was having a rough game up until that point. He didn’t have awareness in coverage and always seems to be out of position. He was definitely targeted by the Saints. Deion Jones is the next man up, as he took over Dennis and was on the field for 100% of the snaps when Dennis left. Lavonte David saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. Jones could have IDP value in deeper leagues, as the Buccaneers remained a nickel-heavy/2-LB defense, even with Dennis out.
Week 14 Green Dot: Lavonte David
Tennessee Titans
There were no major changes with the Titans’ defense and their off-ball LBs. Cody Barton and Cedric Gray were both on the field for 100% of the snaps, with Barton wearing the dot. Gray continues to impress with his instincts and knowledge of where the ball is going and running downhill. The Titans were in their nickel defense for the entire game against Cleveland’s personnel.
Week 14 Green Dot: Cody Barton
Washington Commanders
There was nothing major with Washington’s defense this week. They were in nickel/2-LB looks for the entire game, with Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu seeing 100% of the snaps. Wagner had the dot as usual and had his second game with 14+ tackles.
Week 14 Green Dot: Bobby Wagner
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