Using PFF data to identify safeties with big IDP potential

Whether this is your first or your fifth year of having a subscription with Pro Football Focus, one thing that won’t be lost on you is the sheer wealth of statistical data at your fingertips. It’s all well and good to have pages upon pages of snap data and knowing a player’s average depth of target or tackles per opportunity, but what do these numbers really mean for a player’s fantasy value? And more to the point, how can you interpret this data to find you fantasy edge? That’s what this is for – it’s a look at some of the different datasets the analysts here at PFF have complied, and a look at how you can leverage those data points to find an advantage over your fantasy rivals in IDP leagues.

Safeties – within 8 yards of the line of scrimmage at the snap

One of my favorite metrics when trying to identify defensive backs with a high fantasy floor is to resort to checking the PFF Signature Stats for safeties, and in particular, how often they line up within 8 yards of the line of scrimmage on a running play. If you’ve played in IDP leagues, you’ll be aware that, generally speaking, safeties are a better bet than a cornerback, and also more consistent scorers on average because of their higher tackle totals.