Max Crosby DL Las Vegas Raiders Week 16 IDP Start/Sit Playoff Semifinals Rankings
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Week 16 IDP Start/Sit Fantasy Football Playoffs | Weekly Rankings and Lineup Advice

Jon Glosser Jon Glosser · · 10 min read
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This entry is part 98 of 106 in the series Weekly Fantasy Football Strategy and Advice | Dynasty Nerds

Welcome back, IDP Nerds! We’re into the semifinals of the dynasty fantasy playoffs, and this is the week where every decision can boost your confidence and lead to victory. The Week 16 IDP Start/Sit is here for you as you’re one win away from a title, making this the most critical week—there’s no room for guessing, no margin for error, and no luxury of waiting for “next week.” Having the correct information in front of you is essential for making confident lineup decisions when your season is on the line.

We will stick with our new weekly rankings playoff format, highlighted by the Top 72 Overall IDP Rankings featuring the top 24 players at each position (DL, LB, and DB), along with matchup-driven insights and our always-popular IDP Hidden Gems. Let’s work together to lock in and take the next step toward a league championship.

Weekly Accuracy Recap | Week 16 IDP Start Sit

(Click to view) 2025 Weekly Accuracy Recap

WeekHit RateStart Hit Rate Sit Hit Rate Stream Hit Rate Top Performer
Week 162.5%66.6%33.3%100%Jarvis Brownlee – CB1
Week 237.5%66.6%33.3%0%Tykee Smith – DB11
Week 338.4%33.3%66.6%25%Cooper DeJean – DB17
Week 461.5%83.3%66.6%25%Cole Bishop – DB17
Week 581.8%80%66.6%75%Marcus Jones – DB8
Week 636.3%60%50%25%Yaya Diaby – DL8
Week 776.9%83.3%66.6%75%SirVocea Dennis – LB3
Week 841.6%50%33.3%25%Alex Wright – DL9
Week 961.5%66.6%66.6%50%Keanu Benton – DT12
Week 1066.6%80%33.3%75%Nakobe Dean – LB5
Week 1138.4%33.3%50%33.3%Micah Parsons – DL7
Week 1269.2%66.6%66.6%75%Devin Lloyd – LB10
Week 1358.3%50%66.6%66.6%Jaylen Watson – CB3
Week 1446.15%83.3%33.3%0%Jalyx Hunt – DL1
Regular Season Avg55%64.8%50.7%43.8%—

Tracking accuracy throughout the regular season was a valuable exercise—not just for accountability, but for refining the process. The data confirmed what experienced IDP managers already know: volume, role, and matchup consistency win over time, even when weekly results fluctuate.

While this accuracy recap will remain live and referenced throughout the postseason, playoff decision-making is fundamentally different. Most teams left standing aren’t choosing between fringe starters—they’re deciding between good and great IDPs. The goal in the playoffs isn’t just to be “right” more often—it’s to maximize ceiling while protecting floor, and rankings-based decisions backed by data are the most reliable way to do that.

As we move through the playoffs, this recap serves as both a reference point and a reminder of why the process matters. Now it’s time to shift gears, lean into the rankings, and make the toughest decisions of the year with confidence because utilizing these insights maximizes your chances of playoff victory.

🏆 Top 72 Overall IDP Rankings | Week 16

Overall Rankings Table

RankPlayerTeamPosition
1Jordyn BrooksDolphinsLB1
2Devin WhiteRaidersLB2
3Myles GarrettBrownsDL1
4Blake CashmanVikingsLB3
5Jack CampbellLionsLB4
6Carson SchwesingerBrownsLB5
7Quay WalkerPackersLB6
8Brian BurnsGiantsDL2
9Jeffrey SimmonsTitansDL3
10Will AndersonTexansDL4
11Zack BaunEaglesLB7
12Danielle HunterTexansDL5
13Roquan SmithRavensLB8
14Maxx CrosbyRaidersDL6
15Zaire FranklinColtsLB9
16Aidan HutchinsonLionsDL7
17Nakobe DeanEaglesLB10
18Bobby WagnerCommandersLB11
19Alex HighsmithSteelersDL8
20Andrew Van GinkelVikingsDL9
21Nik BonittoBroncosDL10
22Tuli TuipulotuChargersDL11
23Nick CrossColtsDB1
24Foye OluokunJaguarsLB12
25Edgerrin CooperPackersLB13
26Budda BakerCardinalsDB2
27Talanoa HufangaBroncosDB3
28Tyrel DodsonDolphinsLB14
29George KarlaftisChiefsDL12
30Josh Hines-AllenJaguarsDL13
31Jaelan PhillipsEaglesDL14
32Cole BishopBillsDB4
33Tykee SmithBuccaneersDB5
34TJ EdwardsBearsLB15
35Jeremy ChinnRaidersDB6
36Kaden EllisFalconsLB16
37Derrick BrownPanthersDL15
38Eric WilsonVikingsLB17
39Alex SingletonBroncosLB18
40Nick BoltonChiefsLB19
41Derwin JamesChargersDB7
42Tre’von MoehrigPanthersDB8
43Kyle HamiltonRavensDB9
44Laiatu LatuColtsDL16
45Montez SweatBearsDL17
46Dallas TurnerVikingsDL18
47Harold LandryPatriotsDL19
48Jamien SherwoodJetsLB20
49Barrett CarterBengalsLB21
50Antoine Winfield Jr.BuccaneersDB10
51Greg RousseauBillsDL20
52Germaine PrattColtsLB22
53Patrick QueenSteelersLB23
54Daiyan HenleyChargersLB24
55Malachi MooreJetsDB11
56Kevin ByardBearsDB12
57Chamarri ConnerChiefsDB13
58Khalil MackChargersDL21
59Rashan GaryPackersDL22
60Abdul CarterGiantsDL23
61Geno StoneBengalsDB14
62Amani HookerTitansDB15
63Antonio JohnsonJaguarsDB16
64Josh SweatCardinalsDL24
65Jalen PitreTexansDB17
66Jordan BattleBengalsDB18
67Josh MetellusVikingsDB19
68Jeremy ReavesCommandersDB20
69Tyler NubinGiantsDB21
70Malik Mustapha49ersDB22
71Xavier McKinneyPackersDB23
72Jessie Bates IIIFalconsDB24

As we enter Week 16, which is the Semi-Finals in a majority of dynasty leagues, the Top 72 Overall IDP Rankings serve as the backbone of our weekly decision-making. This format evenly splits the list among the top 24 defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs, giving IDP managers a clear, position-balanced view of where each player stands heading into the most critical weeks of the season.

This is especially valuable in leagues with specific roster requirements or positional minimums, where choosing between similarly ranked players across positions can be the difference between advancing or going home. By stacking the best options at each position side by side, the Top 72 chart is designed to eliminate guesswork, highlight players with the most favorable matchups, and help you confidently build the strongest possible lineup when every point matters.

Brad Custer’s Dynasty Nerds CheatChart is a must-use resource in Week 16, offering clear, data-driven insight into matchups and positional opportunity. When playoff margins are razor thin, the CheatChart helps IDP managers cut through the noise and make confident lineup decisions that maximize upside while protecting floor.

🧱 Defensive Line Rankings | Week 16 (Top 24)

RankPlayerTeamOpponent
1Myles GarrettBrownsBills
2Brian BurnsGiantsVikings
3Jeffrey SimmonsTitansChiefs
4Will AndersonTexansRaiders
5Danielle HunterTexansRaiders
6Maxx CrosbyRaidersTexans
7Aidan HutchinsonLionsSteelers
8Alex HighsmithSteelersLions
9Andrew Van GinkelVikingsGiants
10Nik BonittoBroncosJaguars
11Tuli TuipulotuChargersCowboys
12George KarlaftisChiefsTitans
13Josh Hines-AllenJaguarsBroncos
14Jaelan PhillipsEaglesCommanders
15Derrick BrownPanthersBuccaneers
16Laiatu LatuColts49ers
17Montez SweatBearsPackers
18Dallas TurnerVikingsGiants
19Harold LandryPatriotsRavens
20Greg RousseauBillsBrowns
21Khalil MackChargersCowboys
22Rashan GaryPackersBears
23Abdul CarterGiantsVikings
24Josh SweatCardinalsFalcons

At this point, it almost feels redundant to say it—but Myles Garrett continues to operate on a different level. He’s been nothing short of dominant all season and now sits just one full sack away from tying the NFL’s single-season record. Until further notice, he belongs at the top of every lineup and every conversation.

This week also sets up well for Jeffery Simmons, who stands as the lone defensive tackle inside the top 15 overall. He draws a Kansas City Chiefs offense that has allowed the third-most tackles per game (17.8) to the position, giving him a clear path to volume-driven production. Meanwhile, the Texans’ pass-rush tandem of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter continues to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. The duo has combined for 22.5 sacks this season and now faces their most favorable matchup yet against a Raiders offensive line that surrenders a league-high 3.9 sacks per game.

IDP managers also shouldn’t hesitate to trust the youth movement up front. Dallas Turner and Abdul Carter both land in strong matchup spots and have already flashed actual league-winning upside, each posting a 40-point fantasy outing within their last three games.

Where I’m exercising more caution in Week 16 is with Bradley Chubb and Chase Young. Both have had solid seasons overall, but this week’s matchups are among the three worst in terms of tackle opportunities. There’s always sack upside baked into their profiles, but in a playoff setting, that level of volatility isn’t something I’m eager to gamble my season on unless there’s no alternative.

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🛡 Linebacker Rankings | Week 15 (Top 24)

RankPlayerTeamOpponent
1Jordyn BrooksDolphinsBengals
2Devin WhiteRaidersTexans
3Blake CashmanVikingsGiants
4Jack CampbellLionsSteelers
5Carson SchwesingerBrownsBills
6Quay WalkerPackersBears
7Zack BaunEaglesCommanders
8Roquan SmithRavensPatriots
9Zaire FranklinColts49ers
10Nakobe DeanEaglesCommanders
11Bobby WagnerCommandersEagles
12Foye OluokunJaguarsBroncos
13Edgerrin CooperPackersBears
14Tyrel DodsonDolphinsBengals
15TJ EdwardsBearsPackers
16Kaden EllisFalconsCardinals
17Eric WilsonVikingsGiants
18Alex SingletonBroncosJaguars
19Nick BoltonChiefsTitans
20Jamien SherwoodJetsSaints
21Barrett CarterBengalsDolphins
22Germaine PrattColts49ers
23Patrick QueenSteelersLions
24Daiyan HenleyChargersCowboys

At this point in the season, it’s fair to call Jordyn Brooks and Devin White absolute cheat codes. They sit first and second in the NFL in total tackles and are both averaging north of 21 fantasy points per game. There’s a very real chance that the final four teams in your league are anchored by one or both of these linebackers. When volume meets consistency at this level, it creates a weekly advantage that’s almost impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Looking at Week 16, two veteran linebackers are setting up with legitimate league-winning upside. Eric Wilson and Germaine Pratt have been two of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season, and not many saw this coming back in August. Since Week 7, each has recorded just one game below 10 fantasy points, and both now sit inside the top 20 in fantasy points per game. Add in top-five matchups in tackle opportunities, and suddenly, waiver-wire pickups from earlier in the year could be the reason you’re playing for a dynasty championship next week. It’s not always how we draw it up—but following the data is how titles are won.

Where I’m a bit more cautious this week is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker duo of Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis. They draw a Carolina Panthers offense that has been brutal for linebacker production, allowing a league-low 8.3 tackles per game to the position over the last three weeks. Depth at linebacker can be thin this late in the season, so I won’t fault managers for rolling them out, but fantasy expectations should be dialed back. This isn’t the spot we’ve grown accustomed to for either player, and the matchup caps their usual ceiling.

🧢 Defensive Back Rankings | Top 24

RankPlayerTeamOpponent
1Nick CrossColts49ers
2Budda BakerCardinalsFalcons
3Talanoa HufangaBroncosJaguars
4Cole BishopBillsBrowns
5Tykee SmithBuccaneersPanthers
6Jeremy ChinnRaidersTexans
7Derwin JamesChargersCowboys
8Tre’von MoehrigPanthersBuccaneers
9Kyle HamiltonRavensPatriots
10Antoine Winfield Jr.BuccaneersPanthers
11Malachi MooreJetsSaints
12Kevin ByardBearsPackers
13Chamarri ConnerChiefsTitans
14Geno StoneBengalsDolphins
15Amani HookerTitansChiefs
16Antonio JohnsonJaguarsBroncos
17Jalen PitreTexansRaiders
18Jordan BattleBengalsDolphins
19Josh MetellusVikingsGiants
20Jeremy ReavesCommandersCowboys
21Tyler NubinGiantsVikings
22Malik Mustapha49ersColts
23Xavier McKinneyPackersBears
24Jessie Bates IIIFalconsCardinals

Defensive back remains the position we all love—and love to stream. The good news for Week 16 is that Tykee Smith is back in the mix, and he’s been nothing short of elite this season. He’s one of just seven defensive backs to clear 220 fantasy points, and his 17.25 FPPG trails only two players at the position. Getting a high-end producer like that back into lineups at this stage of the playoffs is a massive boost.

Two of the safest, most consistent options at DB this week are Nick Cross and Budda Baker, both of whom draw favorable matchups against offenses allowing more than 14 tackles per game to safeties. These are the types of spots we want to lean into—steady roles, reliable snap counts, and matchup-driven tackle volume that keeps the floor intact when everything is on the line.

I’m a bit more aggressive than the consensus is with Malachi Moore and Antonio Johnson. Moore has been on an absolute heater, posting 20-point fantasy outings in two of his last three games and ranking fifth among all defensive backs in fantasy points since Week 13. Johnson isn’t far behind, with two 20-point performances of his own over the last month and the fifth-most fantasy points at the position over the previous two games. These are waiver-wire adds who can legitimately swing a semifinal matchup and push you one step closer to a league title.

On the flip side, this is a week when I’m willing to fade a couple of young players who have performed well this season. Xavier Watts and Jonas Sanker have both delivered when needed, but Week 16 presents uphill battles with unfavorable tackle matchups that push their production toward a reliance on impact plays. Sitting players who helped get you to the final four is never comfortable—but this time of year, we have to trust the data, even when it forces tough decisions.

IDP Hidden Gems | Week 16 Fantasy Football Playoffs

  • Rookie LB Carson Schwesinger has put together an elite season with 133 tackles, 10 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. He’s the LB6 overall.
  • Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Brian Burns are the only IDPs to eclipse 300 FP this season. They have combined for 21 games with 25 fantasy points or more this season.
  • Bobby Wagner needs 25 tackles over his final three games to become the third player in NFL history to record 2,000 tackles.
  • James Pearce leads all rookies with 8 sacks this season. The Falcons are second in the NFL with 48 sacks.
  • Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter are just 7 tackles shy of being the second rookie LB duo in NFL history to each have 100 tackles in a season.
  • Budda Baker and Jordan Battle are the only DBs leading their team in tackles through 15 weeks.

🔥 Take Control of Your Dynasty Today

Want to see where your lineup stacks up? Start building like the pros with our most powerful tools and resources:

👉 It’s time to take control of your dynasty and see where your lineups truly rank.

🧠 FAQ | Week 16 IDP Start/Sit Fantasy Football Playoffs

Q1: Why is Week 16 the most important week for IDP managers?

A: Week 16 is the semifinal round in most dynasty leagues, which means every lineup decision carries championship-level consequences. You’re no longer playing for depth or future value—you’re playing to advance. One misstep can end your season, while one sharp start can send you to the title game.

Q2: How should IDP managers approach lineup decisions in the fantasy playoffs?

A: The playoffs demand a balance between floor and ceiling. Prioritize players with stable snap counts, proven roles, and favorable tackle efficiency matchups. This isn’t the week to gamble blindly—trust volume, matchup data, and recent trends to guide your decisions.

Q3: Why are rankings more important than start/sit labels in the playoffs?

A: At this stage, most teams are choosing between good players, not fringe options. Rankings allow managers to compare similarly valued IDPs across positions and make optimal decisions—especially in leagues with positional requirements or flex spots.

Q4: How does Brad Custer’s CheatChart help with playoff decisions?

A: Brad Custer’s CheatChart breaks down matchup data, tackle efficiency, and positional opportunity in a clean, actionable format. In high-stakes playoff matchups, it helps eliminate guesswork and ensures your decisions are backed by data—not gut feel.

Q5: Should managers still stream IDPs in Week 16?

A: Yes—but selectively. Defensive back remains the most streamable position, while linebacker and defensive line require more caution. Streaming works best when tied to clear snap volume and favorable matchups rather than chasing splash-play upside alone.

Q6: How much weight should matchup data carry compared to player talent?

A: In the playoffs, matchup data matters more than name value. Even elite players can disappoint in poor tackle environments, while mid-tier IDPs can deliver league-winning performances in high-volume matchups. Trust the data when the margins are tight.

Q7: What’s the biggest mistake IDP managers make in the semifinals?

A: Holding onto underperforming big names in bad matchups. Sentiment doesn’t win playoff games—production does. If the data points toward a better option, don’t be afraid to make the tough call.

Q8: What’s the best overall strategy to reach the championship round?

A: Stay disciplined. Lean into rankings, prioritize volume and role consistency, and use matchup data to maximize upside without sacrificing floor. Championships are won by managers who trust the process—even when it forces uncomfortable decisions.

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Jon Glosser

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Jon Glosser

Jon Glosser (@Glosser13) is the IDP Director at Dynasty Nerds, where he leads all things defense. He’s the creator of The Glossery — a 500-player combined dynasty ranking sheet — and writes weekly IDP Waiver Wire, and Start/Sit content. Jon’s analytical yet approachable style helps fantasy managers gain a competitive edge in every dynasty format.

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