This week, we are again looking at Fantasy Pros Expert Consensus Rankings and finding some value beyond the top names. Last week, we had a couple of great successes in Jessie Bates, Dax Hill, Troy Andersen, and a few misses, like Azeez Ojulari, who did absolutely nothing on Sunday like most of the rest of the Giants. With that said, here are some Under The Radar IDPs for Week 2 (2023) to be on the lookout for using FantasyPros ECR Rankings.
Defensive Line
Will Anderson Jr. DL27
Zaven Collins DL31
George Karlaftis DL38
Yannick Ngakoue DL40
Azeez Ojulari DL57
I know, Azeez Ojulari again? I’m willing to put that ugly game behind me and look toward the ugly game in front of me. The Cardinals are coming up next, and Josh Dobbs went down 3 times last week, so I like his chances of getting home.
Last week, we talked about Will Anderson Jr. possibly getting Lamar’s jersey dirty, and sure enough, he did, giving us a few tackles for the scoring floor as well. While it’s tough to predict a sack every week, the Jaguars defense had a field day with Anthony Richardson last week, and Anderson must be licking his lips. Six tackles for losses, six QB hits, four sacks, and this kid knows it. I like him again this week at DL27.
At 31st this week is old friend Zaven Collins. Back on the defensive line and playing 60ish percent of the snaps, Collins could find himself busy this week. C.J. Stroud went on the ground even more than Anthony Richardson. Although I’d generally shy away from any Cardinals players, this is one matchup where Collins can find some points for you in a pinch.
George Karlaftis is a matchup I love at DL38 this week. Unlike what we saw in Week 1, I do still expect the Jags and Chiefs to rack up the points. Passing opportunities mean pass-rushing opportunities. Karlaftis was on the field for 83 percent of Kansas City’s snaps, so he’ll see the field next week in what should be a high-sack chance game.
Lastly, we’ll discuss old IDP legend Yannick Ngakuoe. Seemingly left for dead and on and off more teams than Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ngakuoe has found playing time this year for Chicago, recording their only sack last week. Playing almost 70 percent of snaps is pretty good for a DL, and considering his price tag is basically free, he’s worth looking at this week.
Linebackers
Cody Barton LB39
Demario Davis LB44
Kwon Alexander LB47
Leighton Vander Esch LB55
Ivan Pace LB67
As much as it hurts me to write this, Cody Barton is the guy in Washington playing in 100 percent of the snaps in this game. Although he didn’t turn it into points last week, playtime means scoring in IDP, and he’s getting it somehow again. Grab him for free and see if he can’t turn snaps into points for you this season.
We find Demario Davis in the forties this week, and although that’s close to his age, it isn’t close to where he belongs in our rankings. He gave us ten tackles last week vs. Tennessee, and I think he does the same in the matchup with Carolina. He’s just good old Mr. Reliable. Fire him up like an LB2, and enjoy the points.
Back from the dead is Kwon Alexander playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, coming in second on his team in snaps to Cole Holcomb, but not by very much. Alexander outscored him, and he could be had on the cheap compared to the higher drafter Holcomb. I wouldn’t blame anyone for thinking Alexander might take over in Pittsburgh and become an every-down guy. We’ll see how the usage goes this week, but right now, he’s a lottery ticket.
Leighton Vander Esch is another guy we talked about last week. I thought he had the potential to play an every-down role for the Cowboys, and at LB55, that’s screaming value. While a 40-0 laugher makes things a little harder to judge, it does look like he’s manning the middle in Dallas. He’s free, so take the “quiet” game he had in Week 1 and grab him before anyone else notices he’s playing all 3 downs.
The biggest surprise of the week was the Vikings’ Ivan Pace, who led his position in points by playing 68 percent of the snaps, good for second on the team. Jordan Hicks led the group at 97 percent but did nothing with them. Brian Asamoah rode the bench as instead, it was Pace who would take the snaps, to the surprise of most of us, I’d think. He was moderately productive; owners who can grab him now at LB67 could come away rewarded as he gets more playing time. I like this one this year as a rest-of-season stash
Defensive Backs
Dax Hill DB33
Darrick Forrest DB36
Brian Branch DB46
Kareem Jackson DB51
Amani Hooker DB56
Last week, Dax Hill was buried on Fantasy Pros, and we told you about it right here. I hope you were able to pick him up because I doubt he’s still free in most leagues, coming off a great showing in Week 1. If he’s still there, stop wasting time. Go.
In what was a bit of a surprise move, Darrick Forrest came out and played every down alongside Kamren Curl. Although the production was modest, the snaps are what you should be looking for. At DB36 this week, you can get starter snaps from him for cheap.
Expectations for Brian Branch are high, and in Week 1, he picked off Patrick Mahomes for six points, jumping him up to DB46 on the week. The window to grab him in most leagues is probably closed, but there may be some redraft leagues out there where he’s available. Double-check and grab him.
Leading all Broncos IDP last week was Kareem Jackson. Back in the starting role at 93 percent playing time, Jackson is again a startable option at 35 years old. He’s probably free in a lot of leagues right now. I like him as a great depth option this season.
Like Kareem Jackson, fellow safety Amani Hooker led his team in IDP scoring in Week 1 despite leaving early. This kid is always around the ball when things happen, and his floor is consistent. Ranking in at DB56 for the week is solely the result of his concussion status, not his play. If he can clear protocol, he can start for most teams.