• A great spot for a Quinnen Williams blow-up game: Despite just two sacks on the year, the Jets' star defensive lineman is poised to deliver for IDP managers in a crucial fantasy football week.
• Cody Barton returns to a full-time role and can be safely started: Playing 100% of snaps in a positive matchup makes Barton a strong option in Week 13.
• Dominate your fantasy league in 2023: For up-to-date fantasy draft rankings and projections, check out PFF’s fantasy rankings tool!
Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
With six teams on bye weeks and injuries continuing to test the depth of fantasy football rosters, checking in on rankings to find who to target and avoid becomes all the more crucial during these final weeks of the fantasy football regular season.
Check the PFF.com rankings page for any updates closer to game time.
Jump to a Position:
LINEBACKER
RANK | TIER | NAME | TEAM | OPP | NOTES |
1 | 1A | Foyesade Oluokun | JAX | CIN | MNF |
2 | 1A | Ernest Jones | LAR | CLV | |
3 | 1A | Logan Wilson | CIN | @ JAX | Q/MNF |
4 | 1A | C.J. Mosley | NYJ | ATL | |
5 | 1B | Alex Singleton | DEN | @ HST | |
6 | 1B | Fred Warner | SF | @ PHI | |
7 | 1B | Zaire Franklin | IND | @ TEN | |
8 | 1B | Bobby Wagner | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
9 | 1C | Quincy Williams | NYJ | ATL | |
10 | 1C | Quay Walker | GB | KC | SNF |
11 | 1C | Dre Greenlaw | SF | @ PHI | |
12 | 1C | Azeez Al-Shaair | TEN | IND | |
13 | 2A | Jordyn Brooks | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
14 | 2A | Kenneth Murray Jr. | LAC | @ NE | |
15 | 2A | Lavonte David | TB | CAR | Q |
16 | 2A | Drue Tranquill | KC | @ GB | SNF |
17 | 2B | Cody Barton | WAS | MIA | |
18 | 2B | Blake Cashman | HST | DEN | |
19 | 2B | Frankie Luvu | CAR | @ TB | |
20 | 2B | Elandon Roberts | PIT | ARZ | |
21 | 2C | Devin Lloyd | JAX | CIN | MNF |
22 | 2C | Demario Davis | NO | DET | |
23 | 2C | Germaine Pratt | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
24 | 2C | Kaden Elliss | ATL | @ NYJ | |
25 | 3A | Nicholas Morrow | PHI | SF | |
26 | 3A | Josh Woods | ARZ | @ PIT | |
27 | 3A | Devin White | TB | CAR | |
28 | 3A | Pete Werner | NO | DET | |
29 | 3B | E.J. Speed | IND | @ TEN | |
30 | 3B | De'Vondre Campbell | GB | KC | Q/SNF |
31 | 3B | Ja'Whaun Bentley | NE | LAC | |
32 | 3B | Eric Kendricks | LAC | @ NE | |
33 | 3C | Nate Landman | ATL | @ NYJ | |
34 | 3C | Josey Jewell | DEN | @ HST | |
35 | 3C | Derrick Barnes | DET | @ NO | |
36 | 3C | Jamin Davis | WAS | MIA | |
37 | 4A | Christian Harris | HST | DEN | |
38 | 4A | Damone Clark | DAL | SEA | TNF |
39 | 4A | Christian Elliss | PHI | SF | |
40 | 4A | Mykal Walker | PIT | ARZ | |
41 | 4B | Willie Gay | KC | @ GB | SNF |
42 | 4B | Jerome Baker | MIA | @ WAS | |
43 | 4B | Christian Rozeboom | LAR | CLV | |
44 | 4B | Markquese Bell | DAL | SEA | TNF |
45 | 4C | Jack Campbell | DET | @ NO | |
46 | 4C | Anthony Walker Jr. | CLV | @ LAR | Q |
47 | 4C | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | CLV | @ LAR | |
48 | 4C | Jahlani Tavai | NE | LAC | |
49 | 5A | Sione Takitaki | CLV | @ LAR | |
50 | 5A | Denzel Perryman | HST | DEN | |
51 | 5A | David Long Jr. | MIA | @ WAS | |
52 | 5A | Krys Barnes | ARZ | @ PIT | |
53 | 5B | Jack Gibbens | TEN | IND | |
54 | 5B | Isaiah McDuffie | GB | KC | SNF |
55 | 5B | Oren Burks | SF | @ PHI | |
56 | 5B | Kamu Grugier-Hill | CAR | @ TB | |
57 | 5C | Leo Chenal | KC | @ GB | SNF |
58 | 5C | Akeem Davis-Gaither | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
59 | 5C | Rashaan Evans | DAL | SEA | TNF |
60 | 5C | Khaleke Hudson | WAS | MIA |
Cody Barton (LB17) returned from injured reserve this past week and immediately stepped back into his every-down role, which pushed Jamin Davis (LB36) to a part-time role. Barton has been the Commanders' most efficient tackler this season (13.5%), and while he recorded just six tackles last week, he should be in for stronger performances to close out the year. The Dolphins have been a below-average opponent in yielding tackles per game to the linebacker position this season (15.5), but that number has placed in the top five over the past three games (19.7), which is a positive sign for Barton as the Commanders’ lone every-down linebacker.
E.J. Speed (LB29) stepped into a near-every-down role this past week following Shaquille Leonard‘s release. This new role is likely to keep Speed in fantasy starting lineups in most leagues, but this week's matchup against the Titans is among the worst in the league. Tennessee is yielding just 14.5 tackles per game to the linebacker position — 11.0 over the past three games. Zaire Franklin (LB7) has been the second-most-efficient tackling linebacker (16.6%) in the NFL this season, which could leave limited opportunities for Speed, who has been a below-average tackler (11.2%).
Alex Anzalone is likely to miss time for the Detroit Lions with an injury, and while first-round rookie Jack Campbell (LB45) could step into an every-down role, these rankings are hesitant to reflect that because the team has limited his snaps in recent weeks. Derrick Barnes (LB35) has played ahead of Campbell these past two weeks, which could be telling in how the Lions will deploy the two while Anzalone is out. It’s also possible that neither player will be an every-down linebacker and Detroit deploys a heavy rotation at the position. This is a situation to mostly avoid this week, where possible.
EDGE DEFENDER
RANK | TIER | NAME | TEAM | OPP | NOTES |
1 | 1A | Micah Parsons | DAL | SEA | Q/TNF |
2 | 1A | T.J. Watt | PIT | ARZ | |
3 | 1A | Nick Bosa | SF | @ PHI | |
4 | 1A | Myles Garrett | CLV | @ LAR | Q |
5 | 1B | Josh Allen | JAX | CIN | MNF |
6 | 1B | Alex Highsmith | PIT | ARZ | |
7 | 1B | Brian Burns | CAR | @ TB | |
8 | 1B | Khalil Mack | LAC | @ NE | |
9 | 1C | Haason Reddick | PHI | SF | |
10 | 1C | Trey Hendrickson | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
11 | 1C | Aidan Hutchinson | DET | @ NO | |
12 | 1C | Bradley Chubb | MIA | @ WAS | |
13 | 2A | Rashan Gary | GB | KC | SNF |
14 | 2A | Carl Granderson | NO | DET | |
15 | 2A | Andrew Van Ginkel | MIA | @ WAS | |
16 | 2A | George Karlaftis | KC | @ GB | SNF |
17 | 2B | Chase Young | SF | @ PHI | |
18 | 2B | Byron Young | LAR | CLV | |
19 | 2B | Will Anderson Jr. | HST | DEN | |
20 | 2B | Sam Hubbard | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
21 | 2C | Denico Autry | TEN | IND | |
22 | 2C | Harold Landry III | TEN | IND | |
23 | 2C | Jonathan Greenard | HST | DEN | |
24 | 2C | Shaquil Barrett | TB | CAR | |
25 | 3A | Josh Sweat | PHI | SF | |
26 | 3A | Jermaine Johnson | NYJ | ATL | |
27 | 3A | Tuli Tuipuloto | LAC | @ NE | |
28 | 3A | Boye Mafe | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
29 | 3B | Za'Darius Smith | CLV | @ LAR | |
30 | 3B | Michael Hoecht | LAR | CLV | |
31 | 3B | Samson Ebukam | IND | @ TEN | |
32 | 3B | DeMarcus Lawrence | DAL | SEA | TNF |
33 | 3C | Cameron Jordan | NO | DET | Q |
34 | 3C | Ogbo Okoronkwo | CLV | @ LAR | |
35 | 3C | Preston Smith | GB | KC | SNF |
36 | 3C | Kwity Paye | IND | @ TEN | |
37 | 4A | BJ Ojulari | ARZ | @ PIT | |
38 | 4A | Jonathon Cooper | DEN | @ HST | |
39 | 4A | Brandon Graham | PHI | SF | |
40 | 4A | Dorance Armstrong | DAL | SEA | TNF |
41 | 4B | Baron Browning | DEN | @ HST | |
42 | 4B | Mike Danna | KC | @ GB | SNF |
43 | 4B | Joe Tryon-Shoyinka | TB | CAR | |
44 | 4B | Deatrich Wise Jr. | NE | LAC | |
45 | 4C | John Franklin-Myers | NYJ | ATL | |
46 | 4C | Dayo Odeyingbo | IND | @ TEN | |
47 | 4C | Casey Toohill | WAS | MIA | |
48 | 4C | Cameron Thomas | ARZ | @ PIT | |
49 | 5A | Bryce Huff | NYJ | ATL | |
50 | 5A | Josh Uche | NE | LAC | |
51 | 5A | Bud Dupree | ATL | @ NYJ | |
52 | 5A | Arden Key | TEN | IND | |
53 | 5B | KJ Henry | WAS | MIA | |
54 | 5B | Charles Omenihu | KC | @ GB | SNF |
55 | 5B | Anfernee Jennings | NE | LAC | |
56 | 5B | Darrell Taylor | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
57 | 5C | Myles Murphy | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
58 | 5C | Charles Harris | DET | @ NO | |
59 | 5C | Zaven Collins | ARZ | @ PIT | |
60 | 5C | Keion White | NE | LAC |
Bradley Chubb (ED12) is having one of the best seasons of his career by pass-rush grade (79.3), pass-rush win rate (14.7%) and pressure rate (13.4%). While Chubb may not top his career-best 12 sacks from his rookie season, currently sitting at six on the year, he should be able to add to that total this week against the Washington Commanders and Sam Howell, who has taken the most sacks (55) in the NFL this season. The Dolphins have leaned heavily on Chubb this season, and with Jaelan Phillips out for the year, Chubb should continue to play or exceed his 82% snap share going forward.
George Karlaftis (ED16) has been a consistent IDP option on the edge this season despite not having elite pass-rush metrics. He is still having a better year than his rookie season, improving his pass-rush grade (64.9), pressure rate (15.6%) and pass-rush win rate (12.3%) by significant margins. Helping Karlaftis’ cause is that he’s averaging a very strong 77% snap share on the year. Going up against the Packers, specifically right tackle Zach Tom, isn’t an easy matchup, but Green Bay is also yielding 18.3 tackles per game to opposing defensive linemen (seventh most), which helps a high-volume IDP like Karlaftis.
INTERIOR DEFENDER
RANK | TIER | NAME | TEAM | OPP | NOTES |
1 | 1A | Aaron Donald | LAR | CLV | |
2 | 1A | DeForest Buckner | IND | @ TEN | |
3 | 1A | Jeffery Simmons | TEN | IND | |
4 | 1A | Quinnen Williams | NYJ | ATL | |
5 | 1B | Cameron Heyward | PIT | ARZ | |
6 | 1B | Chris Jones | KC | @ GB | SNF |
7 | 1B | Christian Wilkins | MIA | @ WAS | |
8 | 1B | Derrick Brown | CAR | @ TB | |
9 | 1C | Jonathan Allen | WAS | MIA | |
10 | 1C | Javon Hargrave | SF | @ PHI | |
11 | 1C | Zach Allen | DEN | @ HST | |
12 | 1C | Jalen Carter | PHI | SF | |
13 | 2A | Vita Vea | TB | CAR | |
14 | 2A | Calijah Kancey | TB | CAR | |
15 | 2A | Zach Sieler | MIA | @ WAS | |
16 | 2A | David Onyemata | ATL | @ NYJ | |
17 | 2B | Daron Payne | WAS | MIA | |
18 | 2B | Kobie Turner | LAR | CLV | |
19 | 2B | Christian Barmore | NE | LAC | |
20 | 2B | Osa Odighizuwa | DAL | SEA | TNF |
21 | 2C | Kenny Clark | GB | KC | SNF |
22 | 2C | Leonard Williams | SEA | @ DAL | Q/TNF |
23 | 2C | Sheldon Rankins | HST | DEN | |
24 | 2C | Maliek Collins | HST | DEN | |
25 | 3A | Dre'Mont Jones | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
26 | 3A | Nathan Shepherd | NYJ | ATL | |
27 | 3A | Arik Armstead | SF | @ PHI | |
28 | 3A | Jarran Reed | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
29 | 3B | Jonathan Harris | DEN | @ HST | |
30 | 3B | DJ Reader | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
31 | 3B | Larry Ogunjobi | PIT | ARZ | |
32 | 3B | Alim McNeill | DET | @ NO | |
33 | 3C | B.J. Hill | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
34 | 3C | Fletcher Cox | PHI | SF | |
35 | 3C | Jordan Davis | PHI | SF | |
36 | 3C | Dalvin Tomlinson | CLV | @ LAR |
Quinnen Williams (DT4) is having a relatively quiet year for IDP purposes, with just two sacks after landing 12 in 2022. Interestingly, Williams is having a career year by pass-rush win rate (16.1%) and pressure rate (13.1%), which is a great sign that he’ll be able to deliver sacks in the near future. This week’s matchup against the Falcons is a great time for that to happen, going up against quarterback Desmond Ridder, who owns a 24.8% pressure-sack-conversion rate — fifth-highest in the league. Helping Williams' potential floor this week is that the Falcons are yielding the second-most tackles to opposing defensive linemen (21.7) this season. Williams ranks tied for 13th among defensive linemen (minimum of 50% snap share) in tackle efficiency this season (7.2%), as well.
SAFETY
RANK | TIER | NAME | TEAM | OPP | NOTES |
1 | 1A | Derwin James Jr. | LAC | @ NE | |
2 | 1A | Kamren Curl | WAS | MIA | |
3 | 1A | Reed Blankenship | PHI | SF | |
4 | 1A | Grant Delpit | CLV | @ LAR | |
5 | 1B | Kevin Byard | PHI | SF | |
6 | 1B | Jamal Adams | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
7 | 1B | Brian Branch | DET | @ NO | |
8 | 1B | Antoine Winfield Jr. | TB | CAR | |
9 | 1C | Kyle Dugger | NE | LAC | |
10 | 1C | Dax Hill | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
11 | 1C | Jalen Pitre | HST | DEN | |
12 | 1C | Budda Baker | ARZ | @ PIT | |
13 | 2A | Jordan Whitehead | NYJ | ATL | |
14 | 2A | Ji'Ayir Brown | SF | @ PHI | |
15 | 2A | Jordan Fuller | LAR | CLV | |
16 | 2A | Tyrann Mathieu | NO | DET | |
17 | 2B | Jonathan Owens | GB | KC | SNF |
18 | 2B | Julian Blackmon | IND | @ TEN | |
19 | 2B | Jalen Thompson | ARZ | @ PIT | |
20 | 2B | Jessie Bates III | ATL | @ NYJ | |
21 | 2C | Minkah Fitzpatrick | PIT | ARZ | Q |
22 | 2C | Jevon Holland | MIA | @ WAS | Q |
23 | 2C | Rayshawn Jenkins | JAX | CIN | MNF |
24 | 2C | Justin Reid | KC | @ GB | SNF |
25 | 3A | Justin Simmons | DEN | @ HST | |
26 | 3A | Rudy Ford | GB | KC | Q/SNF |
27 | 3A | Jabrill Peppers | NE | LAC | |
28 | 3A | Julian Love | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
29 | 3B | Donovan Wilson | DAL | SEA | TNF |
30 | 3B | Vonn Bell | CAR | @ TB | Q |
31 | 3B | P.J. Locke | DEN | @ HST | |
32 | 3B | Jimmie Ward | HST | DEN | Q |
33 | 3C | Marcus Maye | NO | DET | |
34 | 3C | Tashaun Gipson Sr. | SF | @ PHI | |
35 | 3C | Tony Adams | NYJ | ATL | |
36 | 3C | Rodney Thomas II | IND | @ TEN | |
37 | 4A | Amani Hooker | TEN | IND | |
38 | 4A | Xavier Woods | CAR | @ TB | |
39 | 4A | Alohi Gilman | LAC | @ NE | |
40 | 4A | Tracy Walker III | DET | @ NO | |
41 | 4B | Andre Cisco | JAX | CIN | MNF |
42 | 4B | Kerby Joseph | DET | @ NO | |
43 | 4B | Malik Hooker | DAL | SEA | TNF |
44 | 4B | Bryan Cook | KC | @ GB | SNF |
45 | 4C | Damontae Kazee | PIT | ARZ | |
46 | 4C | DeShon Elliott | MIA | @ WAS | |
47 | 4C | Quandre Diggs | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
48 | 4C | Percy Butler | WAS | MIA | |
49 | 5A | Juan Thornhill | CLV | @ LAR | |
50 | 5A | Richie Grant | ATL | @ NYJ | |
51 | 5A | Jayron Kearse | DAL | SEA | TNF |
52 | 5A | Jordan Battle | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
53 | 5B | Mike Edwards | KC | @ GB | SNF |
54 | 5B | K'Von Wallace | TEN | IND | |
55 | 5B | DeMarcco Hellams | ATL | @ NYJ | |
56 | 5B | Sydney Brown | PHI | SF | |
57 | 5C | Alex Cook | CAR | @ TB | |
58 | 5C | Nick Scott | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
59 | 5C | Ryan Neal | TB | CAR | |
60 | 5C | Elijah Molden | TEN | IND |
Jessie Bates (S20) has been an elite IDP this season and is on pace to set a career high in total tackles. He has also added four interceptions so far, including a pick-six this past week. However, Bates is due for a down week, especially as a safety who lines up primarily deep (72%). Variance at the defensive back position does not discriminate, and this could be a week to temper expectations for a top-five IDP safety this season. Atlanta faces off against the Jets, whose offense has been struggling all year, yielding the lowest tackles per game figure (9.6) to the safety position. This, along with reduced playing time this past week for Richie Grant (S50), pushes both Falcons safeties further down the ranks for Week 13.
P.J. Locke (S31) is likely to be a top waiver wire target after a strong performance in Week 12 against the Browns in which he posted seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. However, he isn’t necessarily a must-start option this week as he fills in for a suspended Kareem Jackson. Locke didn’t play an every-down role in Week 12 (74%), which is more important than anything else for an IDP defensive back. He faces the Texans, who have yielded just 12.6 tackles per game to the safety position (22nd). IDP managers don’t need to chase production at the position in a crucial week for fantasy.
CORNERBACK
RANK | TIER | NAME | TEAM | OPP | NOTES |
1 | 1A | Devon Witherspoon | SEA | @ DAL | TNF |
2 | 1A | Cam Taylor-Britt | CIN | @ JAX | Q/MNF |
3 | 1A | DaRon Bland | DAL | SEA | TNF |
4 | 1A | Kenny Moore II | IND | @ TEN | |
5 | 1B | Trent McDuffie | KC | @ GB | SNF |
6 | 1B | Jalen Ramsey | MIA | @ WAS | |
7 | 1B | L'Jarius Sneed | KC | @ GB | SNF |
8 | 1B | Carlton Davis III | TB | CAR | |
9 | 1C | Roger McCreary | TEN | IND | |
10 | 1C | Darious Williams | JAX | CIN | MNF |
11 | 1C | Deommodore Lenoir | SF | @ PHI | |
12 | 1C | Benjamin St-Juste | WAS | MIA | |
13 | 2A | Paulson Adebo | NO | DET | |
14 | 2A | Tavierre Thomas | HST | DEN | |
15 | 2A | Jamel Dean | TB | CAR | Q |
16 | 2A | Alontae Taylor | NO | DET | |
17 | 2B | Martin Emerson Jr. | CLV | @ LAR | |
18 | 2B | Kader Kohou | MIA | @ WAS | |
19 | 2B | Mike Hilton | CIN | @ JAX | MNF |
20 | 2B | Kendall Fuller | WAS | MIA | |
21 | 2C | Charvarius Ward | SF | @ PHI | |
22 | 2C | Jerry Jacobs | DET | @ NO | |
23 | 2C | J.C. Jackson | NE | LAC | |
24 | 2C | D.J. Reed | NYJ | ATL | |
25 | 3A | Darius Slay | PHI | SF | |
26 | 3A | Carrington Valentine | GB | KC | SNF |
27 | 3A | Xavien Howard | MIA | @ WAS | |
28 | 3A | Steven Nelson | HST | DEN | |
29 | 3B | Sean Murphy-Bunting | TEN | IND | |
30 | 3B | James Bradberry | PHI | SF | |
31 | 3B | Derion Kendrick | LAR | CLV | |
32 | 3B | Greg Newsome II | CLV | @ LAR | |
33 | 3C | Garrett Williams | ARZ | @ PIT | |
34 | 3C | Fabian Moreau | DEN | @ HST | |
35 | 3C | Joey Porter Jr. | PIT | ARZ | |
36 | 3C | Jeff Okudah | ATL | @ NYJ | |
37 | 4A | A.J. Terrell | ATL | @ NYJ | |
38 | 4A | Pat Surtain II | DEN | @ HST | |
39 | 4A | Kei'Trel Clark | ARZ | @ PIT | |
40 | 4A | Cameron Sutton | DET | @ NO | |
41 | 4B | Patrick Peterson | PIT | ARZ | |
42 | 4B | CJ Henderson | CAR | @ TB | Q |
43 | 4B | Sauce Gardner | NYJ | ATL | |
44 | 4B | Jaire Alexander | GB | KC | Q/SNF |
45 | 4C | Asante Samuel Jr. | LAC | @ NE | |
46 | 4C | Ja'Quan McMillian | DEN | @ HST | |
47 | 4C | Myles Bryant | NE | LAC | |
48 | 4C | Stephon Gilmore | DAL | SEA | TNF |
Jalen Ramsey (CB6) enters the top 12 this week, drawing a top-tier matchup against the Washington Commanders, who have yielded the second-most tackles to the cornerback position per game (14.7). Washington is the pass-heaviest team (72%) in the league and has targeted wide receivers (291) more than any other team this season, which should allow Ramsey to see plenty of work and be very productive for IDP purposes.
Carlton Davis (CB8) stands out as another strong streaming option this week against the Panthers, who are the fourth-most pass-heavy team in the league (67.5%) and have yielded the third-most tackles per game to the cornerback position (14.6) this season. Davis is the most-targeted player in Tampa Bay’s secondary (55), despite playing just eight games this season. Jamel Dean (CB15) is currently questionable but would also be a strong option if he is active this week.
KEY
- DNP: Did not participate in team's most recent practice due to injury
- LP: Limited participation in team's most recent practice due to injury
- D: Player is doubtful to play due to injury
- Q: Player is questionable to play due to injury
- TNF: Player is playing on Thursday Night Football. Set lineups accordingly.
- SNF: Player is playing on Sunday Night Football. Set lineups accordingly.
- MNF: Player is playing on Monday Night Football. Set lineups accordingly.
- UK: Player is playing on Sunday morning’s London game. Set lineups accordingly.
- WW: Potential waiver-wire target (see Weekly IDP Fantasy Report).