Fantasy Football: Top-250 dynasty IDP rankings

• Micah Parsons makes his case to be the top IDP asset: After another year of elite production and pass-rush metrics, Parsons’ move to a full-time edge role solidifies his spot at the top.
• Returning No. 1s at their positions: Roquan Smith and Derwin James have further cemented themselves as the top linebacker and safety, respectively, for the second-straight year.
• A new leader along the defensive interior: After years of being the clear top defensive tackle option, Aaron Donald’s spot has been taken by another, at least for dynasty purposes.

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

With the 2022 season wrapping this past weekend after the Super Bowl, dynasty fantasy football managers will turn their attention to 2023 leagues, and that kicks off with an all-new crop of rankings to get started.

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Preferred scoring for 2023 dynasty IDP fantasy football rankings

• Age is a factor in dynasty leagues. This list is designed to create the best long-term dynasty roster.
• This list assumes true position (DI, EDGE LB, CB, S) for players (e.g., outside linebackers are considered “edge defenders” to reflect real NFL value).
• This is version 1.0 — these rankings are going to change throughout the offseason, so be sure to check the rankings page for updates and to sort by position.

Tier 1

When it comes to building a top-tier IDP roster, drafting the league’s best defensive players, especially along the defensive line, yields the best results. Outside of leagues where tackles/linebackers are heavily favored in scoring rules — which the suggested scoring for these rankings (above) does not — IDP managers will want to start by building around the best edge defenders in the league to solidify a position that is much harder to replace once the season rolls around.

The first four players that should be in consideration for the first picks in IDP dynasty drafts all earned 90.0-plus grades in 2022, posted elite pass-rush metrics that led to double-digit sacks on the year, and are all 27 years old or younger. Going with either of these four players when given the choice will not disappoint when it comes to the return on investment that dynasty players are hoping for. Micah Parsons (ED1) age, combined with his transition to a full-time role on the edge in Year 2 and never failing to produce elite pass-rush metrics, gives him the slightest edge over the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa (ED2).

For IDP dynasty managers looking for a solid anchor at the linebacker position for multiple years, there are a few top choices, led by Roquan Smith (LB1) and Nick Bolton (LB2). There aren’t many safer bets to maintain full-time roles for years to come while consistently producing strong tackle numbers on a weekly basis, which includes Fred Warner (LB3). Foyesade Oluokun’s (LB4) first year in Jacksonville led to a career-high in overall grade (69.6) while still racking up tackles at an elite pace. His status as a full-time linebacker shouldn’t be in doubt considering his contract and strong play this past season.

Tier 2

Attacking positions of scarcity continue to be the most optimal way to build a successful long-term dynasty roster, and ensuring that roster has a top-tier defensive tackle in DT-required leagues is the next step in solidifying those chances. Quinnen Williams (DT1) made his move to be Aaron Donald’s (DT6) heir apparent as the top interior defensive lineman for dynasty purposes following a career year across the board, including a 90.1 overall grade and 12 sacks. Donald’s move down the board isn’t a sign that his level of play has fallen off, but more about how many years he has left to play in the NFL, as retirement rumors have begun to surface over the past two offseasons.

The truly elite edge rushers quickly wrap up this group, starting with Brian Burns (ED9) and finishing with Chase Young (ED13). Young has dealt with significant injuries and a lack of production over the past two seasons, but the physical attributes and underlying metrics that made him a No. 2 overall pick just three seasons ago keep him in the conversation for a potential resurgence going forward.

Burns and Haason Reddick (ED10) are both coming off career years in different ways, as Burns hit double-digit sacks for the first time while Reddick posted the best grades of his career, including a 90.0 pass-rush grade. Meanwhile, T.J. Watt (ED11) and Joey Bosa (ED12) are coming off a year plagued by injury, which led to disappointing production, but both players continue to be two of the best pure pass-rushers at their position and would serve IDP managers well as top edge options, assuming health.