2025 IDP Playoff Rankings
Who do we trust with titles on the line? Adam ranks his favorite linebackers, edge rushers, and safeties for Weeks 15-17.
With the playoffs right around the corner for most leagues, it’s time to look ahead and see which IDPs we trust the most headed into Weeks 15-17. We recently covered this list on The IDP Show with special guest Justin Varnes, and I also wanted to send it out to our website subscribers for easy reference as you’re setting lineups.
A lot of factors went into making these rankings. For linebackers, I want 100% snap guys first and foremost. From there, I’m trusting guys we’ve seen play well before, especially if they have favorable matchups for opposing linebackers.
Speaking of which, the tackles per game data you see is from friend of the show, Jon Macri, and runs through Week 12 (what we had available when this list was initially made). Sacks given up per game data is from Stat Muse, current through Week 13 (minus MNF). One other stat note: PPG data is calculated using Big 3 Scoring.
For edge rushers, I’m also looking at snap counts, but I’m mainly concerned with matchups. Which players get matchups against teams that are surrendering sacks left, right, and center? After all, a multi-sack game can swing a game in our favor.
Then, for safeties, it’s snap count plus alignment. We want those DBs playing in the sweet spot (DL, box, slot) who have a solid tackle floor, with bonus points if they have a knack for making splash plays (sacks, PDs, INTs). Like linebacker and edge rusher, I’m also banking on guys like Budda Baker who I’ve seen do it time and again.
With that said, let’s get into the rankings. Good luck this week and in your playoffs!
Linebacker
1. Jordyn Brooks, MIA
16.3 PPG, 19 Last 3
Steelers, Bengals, Buccaneers: 16.6 TPG
2. Jack Campbell, DET
15.5 PPG, 13.58 Last 3
Rams, Steelers, Vikings: 15.6 TPG
3. Eric Wilson, MIN
15.3 PPG, 18.1 Last 3
Cowboys, Giants, Lions: 17.7 TPG
4. Kaden Elliss, ATL
14.9 PPG, 12.5 Last 3
Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams: 15.9 TPG
5. Bobby Wagner, WAS
14.9 PPG, 14 Last 3
Giants, Eagles, Cowboys: 15.9 TPG
6. Zack Baun, PHI
14.6 PPG, 10.7 Last 3
Raiders, Commanders, Bills: 16.8 TPG
7. Carson Schwesinger, CLE
14.4 PPG, 19 Last 3
Bears, Bills, Steelers: 16.6 TPG
8. Foyesade Oluokun, JAX
14.1 PPG, 11.1 Last 3
Jets, Broncos, Colts: 15.6 TPG
9. Roquan Smith, BAL
14.2 PPG (10 games), 9.7 Last 3
Bengals, Patriots, Packers: 16.9 TPG
10. Blake Cashman, MIN
12.2 PPG (8 games), 14.5 Last 3
Cowboys, Giants, Lions: 17.7 TPG
11. Nate Landman, LAR
14.3 PPG, 10.25 Last 3
Lions, Seahawks, Falcons: 16.7 TPG
12. Tyrel Dodson, MIA
15.2 PPG, 13.9 Last 3
Steelers, Bengals, Buccaneers: 16.6 TPG
13. Cedric Gray, TEN
13.85 PPG, 13.6 Last 3
49ers, Chiefs, Saints: 16.5 TPG
14. Ernest Jones, SEA
17.6 PPG (10 games), 19.8 Last 3 (47.6 in Week 13)
Colts, Rams, Panthers: 14.7 TPG
15. Zaire Franklin, IND
11.9 PPG, 20 Last 3
Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars: 16.2 TPG
16. Robert Spillane, NE
12.1 PPG, 7 Last 3
Bills, Ravens, Jets: 16.5 TPG
17. Devin White, LV
14.4 PPG, 10.25 Last 3
Eagles, Texans, Giants: 16.4 TPG (HOU, NYG top 5 matchups)
18. Lavonte David, TB
12.6 PPG, 8.7 Last 3
Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins: 15.7 TPG
19. Jamien Sherwood, NYJ
13 PPG, 8.9 Last 3
Jaguars, Saints, Patriots: 15.4 TPG
20. Quincy Williams, NYJ
14.6 PPG (8 games), 11.2 Last 3
Jaguars, Saints, Patriots: 15.4 TPG
21. Nick Bolton, KC
12.2 PPG, 13.1 Last 3
Chargers, Titans, Broncos: 15.3 TPG
22. Demario Davis, NO
12.1 PPG, 10.1 Last 3
Panthers, Jets, Titans: 15.4 TPG
23. Alex Singleton, DEN
11.6 PPG, 12.3 Last 3
Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs: 16.8 TPG
24. Payton Wilson, PIT
12.6 PPG, 7.8 Last 3
Dolphins, Lions, Browns: 16.6 TPG
25. Azeez Al-Shaair, HOU
10 PPG, 8.5 Last 3
Cardinals, Raiders, Chargers: 16.7 TPG
26. Edgerrin Cooper, GB
10.1 PPG, 7.3 Last 3
Broncos, Bears, Ravens: 16.1 TPG
27. Bobby Okereke, NYG
10.4 PPG, 9.7 Last 3
Commanders, Vikings, Raiders: 16.8 PPG
28. Frankie Luvu, WAS
10.6 PPG, 11.9 Last 3 (24.1 in Week 13)
Giants, Eagles, Cowboys: 15.9 TPG
29. Alex Anzalone, DET
10.4 PPG, 9.1 Last 3
Rams, Steelers, Vikings: 15.6 TPG
30. Daiyan Henley, LAC
11.8 PPG, 8 Last 3
Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans: 17.2 TPG
31. Cody Barton, TEN
11.4 PPG, 12.8 Last 3 (28.6 in Week 11)
49ers, Chiefs, Saints: 16.5 TPG
32. Devin Lloyd, JAX
14.9 PPG (10 games), 14.4 Last 3 (29.7 in Week 12)
Jets, Broncos, Colts: 15.6 TPG
33. Germaine Pratt, IND
12.8 PPG (11 games), 21.4 Last 3
Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars: 16.2 TPG
34. Terrel Bernard/Shaq Thompson, BUF
Bernard: 11.3 PPG, 14.2 Last 3 (25.5 in Week 11)
Thompson: 8.9 PPG (8 games), 5.6 Last 3
Patriots, Browns, Eagles: 15.2 TPG
35. Cody Simon/Mack Wilson, ARI
Simon: 4.5 PPG (11 games), 9.8 Last 3
Wilson: 13.5 PPG (8 games), 12.7 Last 3 (Weeks 6, 7, 9)
Texans, Falcons, Bengals: 16.6 TPG
36. Tremaine Edmunds, CHI (IR)
17.2 PPG (10 games), 18.25 Last 3 (Weeks 9-11)
Browns, Packers, 49ers: 17.9 TPG (GB, SF)
Earliest possible return is Week 16 vs. GB
37. SirVocea Dennis, TB
12.8 PPG, 11.3 Last 3
Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins: 15.7 TPG
38. Barrett Carter, CIN
7.4 PPG, 8.25 Last 3
Ravens, Dolphins, Cardinals: 16.3 PPG
39. Devin Bush, CLE
13.5 PPG, 16.5 Last 3
Bears, Bills, Steelers: 16.6 TPG
40. Drake Thomas, SEA
12.6 PPG, 11.1 Last 3
Colts, Rams, Panthers: 14.7 TPG
41. Quay Walker, GB
13.8 PPG (10 games), 9 Last 3 (Weeks 9-11)
Broncos, Bears, Ravens: 16.1 TPG
42. Patrick Queen, PIT
11.5 PPG, 8.25 Last 3
Dolphins, Lions, Browns: 16.6 TPG
43. Demetrius Knight Jr., CIN
11.1 PPG, 11.9 Last 3
Ravens, Dolphins, Cardinals: 16.3 PPG
44. Dee Winters, SF
9.8 PPG, 6.75 Last 3
Titans, Colts, Bears: 14.7 TPG
Edge Rusher
1. Myles Garrett, CLE
26.5 PPG, 43.6 Last 3
Bears, Bills, Steelers: 1.9 SPG
2. Brian Burns, NYG
20.7 PPG, 14.3 Last 3
Commanders, Vikings, Raiders: 3.3 SPG
3. Will Anderson, HOU
18.4 PPG, 23.8 Last 3
Cardinals, Raiders, Chargers: 3.5 SPG
4. TJ Watt, PIT
16.5 PPG, 12.3 Last 3
Dolphins, Lions, Browns: 2.4 SPG
5. Aidan Hutchinson, DET
15.5 PPG, 14.6 Last 3
Rams, Steelers, Vikings: 2.3 SPG
6. Maxx Crosby, LV
20.8 PPG, 29.1 Last 3
Eagles, Texans, Giants: 2.5 SPG
7. Micah Parsons, GB
16.3 PPG, 29.4 Last 3
Broncos, Bears, Ravens: 1.9 SPG
8. Josh Hines-Allen, JAX
12.1 PPG, 21.3 Last 3
Jets, Broncos, Colts: 2.1 SPG
9. Danielle Hunter, HOU
15.8 PPG, 18.4 Last 3
Cardinals, Raiders, Chargers: 3.5 SPG
10. Jared Verse, LAR
14 PPG, 13.3 Last 3
Lions, Seahawks, Falcons: 1.7 SPG
11. Andrew Van Ginkel, MIN
15.2 PPG, 16.6 Last 3
Cowboys, Giants, Lions: 2.1 SPG
12. Josh Sweat, ARI
15.5 PPG, 14.4 Last 3
Texans, Falcons, Bengals: 2 SPG
13. Tuli Tuipulotu, LAC
16.2 PPG, 18.8 Last 3
Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans: 2 SPG
14. Byron Young, LAR
16 PPG, 9.8 Last 3
Lions, Seahawks, Falcons: 1.7 SPG
15. Nik Bonitto, DEN
14.7 PPG, 15.6 Last 3
Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs: 2.1 SPG
16. Montez Sweat, CHI
14.4 PPG, 14.4 Last 3 (0.75 in Week 13)
Browns, Packers, 49ers: 1.9 SPG
17. Laiatu Latu, IND
13.2 PPG (11 games), 8.1 Last 3
Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars: 1.8 SPG
18. Will McDonald, NYJ
11.4 PPG, 6.1 Last 3
Jaguars, Saints, Patriots: 2.8 SPG
19. DeMarcus Lawrence, SEA
13.1 PPG (11 games), 10.5 Last 3
Colts, Rams, Panthers: 1.8 SPG
20. Harold Landry, NE
12 PPG, 13.7 Last 3
Bills, Ravens, Jets: 2.8 SPG
21. George Karlaftis, KC
11.5 PPG, 6 Last 3
Chargers, Titans, Broncos: 2.8
22. Alex Highsmith, PIT
13.5 PPG, 22.1 Last 3 (Weeks 9, 10, 13)
Dolphins, Lions, Browns: 2.4 SPG
23. Jaelan Phillips, PHI
8.7 PPG, 9.1 Last 3
Raiders, Commanders, Bills: 2.8 SPG
24. Chase Young, NO
13.9 PPG, 10.9 Last 3
Panthers, Jets, Titans: 3.2 SPG
25. Jonathon Cooper, DEN
12.1 PPG, 7.6 Last 3
Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs: 2.1 SPG
26. Khalil Mack, LAC
11.2 PPG, 13.8 Last 3
Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans: 2 SPG
27. YaYa Diaby, TB
10.5 PPG, 10.6 Last 3
Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins: 2.1 SPG
28. Chop Robinson, MIA
4.3 PPG, 8.4 Last 3 (Weeks 9, 11, 13)
Steelers, Bengals, Buccaneers: 2 SPG
29. Greg Rousseau, BUF
8.8 PPG, 4.4 Last 3
Patriots, Browns, Eagles: 2.1 SPG
30. Rashan Gary, GB
11.9 PPG, 6.3 Last 3
Broncos, Bears, Ravens: 1.9 SPG
31. Jonathan Greenard, MIN
10.9 PPG, 4.8 Last 3
Cowboys, Giants, Lions: 2.1 SPG
32. Nick Herbig, PIT
(Injuries to either Watt/Highsmith would make him a top 12 play)
15.8 PPG (11 games), 13.5 Last 3
Dolphins, Lions, Browns: 2.4 SPG
33. Dallas Turner, MIN
(Injuries to Greenard/Van Ginkel would make him a top 12 play)
11.8 PPG, 28 Last 3
Cowboys, Giants, Lions: 2.1 SPG
34. Joey Bosa, BUF
10.8 PPG, 7.4 Last 3
Patriots, Browns, Eagles: 2.1 SPG
35. James Pearce Jr., ATL
7.9 PPG, 16 Last 3
Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams: 2.4 SPG
36. Bradley Chubb, MIA
10.1 PPG, 12. Last 3
Steelers, Bengals, Buccaneers: 2 SPG
37. Bryce Huff, SF
9.5 PPG (11 games), 4.7 Last 3
Titans, Colts, Bears: 2.5 SPG
38. Joseph Ossai, CIN
10 PPG, 16.7 Last 3 (34.3 in Week 13)
Ravens, Dolphins, Cardinals: 2.9 SPG
39. Cam Jordan, NO
10.2 PPG, 19 Last 3
Panthers, Jets, Titans: 3.2 SPG
40. Jadeveon Clowney, DAL
9.8 PPG (9 games), 10.75 Last 3 (28.5 in Week 13)
Vikings, Chargers, Commanders: 3.1 SPG
Safety
1. Brian Branch, DET (IR: Torn Achilles)
13.45 PPG (11 games), 12.75 Last 3Rams, Steelers, Vikings: 11.9 TPG
2. Talanoa Hufanga, DEN
14.2 PPG, 18.3 Last 3
Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs: 13.8 TPG
3. Derwin James, LAC
11.2 PPG, 6 Last 3
Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans: 13.5 TPG
4. Tykee Smith, TB
15.75 PPG, 11.4 Last 3
Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins: 13.8 TPG
5. Kyle Hamilton, BAL
13.3 PPG (11 games), 21.3 Last 3 (39.05 in Week 11)
Bengals, Patriots, Packers: 10.9 TPG
6. Kevin Byard, CHI
12.9 PPG, 14.35 Last 3
Browns, Packers, 49ers: 14.3 TPG
7. Tre’von Moehrig, CAR
12.42 PPG, 12.5 Last 3 (Weeks 10-12)
Saints, Buccaneers, Seahawks: 12.9 TPG
8. Nick Cross, IND
11.7 PPG, 10.9 Last 3
Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars: 15.4 TPG (SF, JAX 1 and 2)
9. Kam Curl, LAR
11.7 PPG, 8.9 Last 3
Lions, Seahawks, Falcons: 13.5 TPG
10. Budda Baker, ARI
10 PPG, 15.4 Last 3
Texans, Falcons, Bengals: 12.5 TPG
11. Jeremy Chinn, LV
10 PPG, 10.75 Last 3
Eagles, Texans, Giants: 13.1 TPG
12. Nick Emmanowori, SEA
11.1 PPG, 8.3 Last 3
Colts, Rams, Panthers: 15 TPG
13. Antoine Winfield Jr., TB
11.3 PPG, 12.6 Last 3
Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins: 13.8 TPG
14. Geno Stone, CIN
11.75 PPG, 15.2 Last 3 (31.95 in Week 12)
Ravens, Dolphins, Cardinals: 12.4 TPG
15. Kevin Winston Jr., TEN
5.8 PPG, 13.3 Last 3
49ers, Chiefs, Saints: 13.9 TPG
16. Malik Mustapha, SF
9.4 PPG, 13.3 Last 3
Titans, Colts, Bears: 13.1 TPG
17. Justin Reid, NO
8.5 PPG, 10.9 Last 3 (27.65 in Week 12)
Panthers, Jets, Titans: 12.6 TPG
18. Kyle Dugger, PIT
6.4 PPG, 16.5 Last 3 (31.05 in Week 11)
Dolphins, Lions, Browns: 13.8 TPG
19. Josh Metellus, MIN
10 PPG, 10.7 Last 3
Cowboys, Giants, Lions: 12.6 TPG
20. Will Harris, WAS
7.6 PPG (4 games), 7.25 Last 3 (Weeks 2, 3, 13)
Giants, Eagles, Cowboys: 12.7 TPG
21. Cole Bishop, BUF
11.7 PPG, 9.3 Last 3
Patriots, Browns, Eagles: 13.1 TPG
22. Jordan Battle, CIN
10.7 PPG, 8.9 Last 3
Ravens, Dolphins, Cardinals: 12.4 TPG
23. Xavier Watts, ATL
9.6 PPG, 9.7 Last 3
Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams: 13.5 TPG
24. Minkah Fitzpatrick, MIA
11.4 PPG, 17.6 Last 3
Steelers, Bengals, Buccaneers: 11.7 TPG
25. Andrew Wingard, JAX
10.3 PPG, 12.8 Last 3
Jets, Broncos, Colts: 13.4 TPG
26. Jalen Ramsey, PIT
10.1 PPG, 8.7 Last 3
Dolphins, Lions, Browns: 13.8 TPG
27. Evan Williams, GB
10.1 PPG, 14.9 Last 3
Broncos, Bears, Ravens: 12.5 TPG
28. Cam Bynum, IND
9.9 PPG, 14.2 Last 3
Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars: 15.4 TPG (SF, JAX 1 and 2)
29. Tyler Nubin, NYG
7.8 PPG, 7.8 Last 3 (Weeks 9, 10, 13)
Commanders, Vikings, Raiders: 11 TPG
30. Jessie Bates, ATL
9.6 PPG, 9.3 Last 3
Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams: 13.5 TPG
31. Xavier McKinney, GB
10 PPG, 7.6 Last 3
Broncos, Bears, Ravens: 12.5 TPG
32. Brandon Jones, DEN
9.9 PPG, 7.9 Last 3
Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs: 13.8 TPG
33. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, HOU
11 PPG, 5.2 Last 3
Browns, Packers, 49ers: 14.3 TPG
34. Jalen Thompson, ARI
9.7 PPG, 15.2 Last 3
Texans, Falcons, Bengals: 12.5 TPG
35. Grant Delpit, CLE
9.3 PPG, 5.4 Last 3
Bears, Bills, Steelers: 11.9 TPG
36. Calen Bullock, HOU
9.1 PPG, 16.8 Last 3 (33.15 in Week 12)
Browns, Packers, 49ers: 14.3 TPG
37. Kamren Kinchens, LAR
9.8 PPG, 17 Last 3 (31.8 in Week 11)
Lions, Seahawks, Falcons: 13.5 TPG
38. Coby Bryant, SEA
9.9 PPG, 8.2 Last 3
Colts, Rams, Panthers: 15 TPG
39. Jordan Poyer, BUF
7.25 PPG, 11.2 Last 3
Patriots, Browns, Eagles: 13.1 TPG
40. Harrison Smith, MIN
6.8 PPG, 4 Last 3
Cowboys, Giants, Lions: 12.6 TPG
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My dbs are tykee Smith and baker. Am I crazy for trying to get cross to play over baker based on match ups?