Houston Texans (3-7) at Detroit Lions (4-6)
Overview
Our first game features two head coaches fighting more for their futures than a playoff spot. Matt Patricia’s overly complicated defense hasn’t gone according to plan, while interim HC and defensive Grandmaster Romeo Crenel has instituted a minor turnaround for the Texans that may result in a coaching job in Houston or elsewhere next year. Who knows? Maybe he’ll be in Detroit next year if the Lions don’t turn things around themselves and soon.
Home Stat Crew
The crew at Ford Field is perfectly average in overall tackles awarded. But with an 80:20 split of solos-to-assists, they do award more solos than Houston’s home crew (although Houston’s crew awards more tackles overall). Look for Houston’s offensive pace and Ford Field’s love of solos to help both sides by a few solos.
Matchups to Watch
Everson Griffen/Romeo Okwara vs. Houston O-line
Okwara and Griffin have made a nice pass-rushing pair since Griffen came over from Dallas. But the two will have an uphill battle this week, as the Texans are a bottom-5 team for opposing DL production. They’re not particularly stingy in any one category, just noticeably below average in tackles per game (12.8), TFL (1.3), and sacks (1.3). Let’s see if Griffen and Okwara can change that.
Worth Starting
Defensive Linemen
Romeo Okwara (Det)
J.J. Watt (Hou)
Linebackers
Jamie Collins (Det)
Zach Cunningham (Hou)
Defensive Backs
None of note.
Worth Considering
Defensive Linemen
Everson Griffen (Det)
Linebackers
Tyrell Adams (Hou)
Defensive Backs
Tracy Walker (Det)
Jeff Okudah (Det)
Justin Reid (Hou)
Worth a Shot If You Need Them
Defensive Linemen
Danny Shelton (Det)
Ross Blacklock (Hou)
Linebackers
Reggie Ragland (Det)
Jacob Martin (Hou)
Whitney Mercilus (Hou)
Defensive Backs
Duron Harmon (Det)
Washington Football Team (3-7) at Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
Overview
The battle for NFC East supremacy should be hyperbole when you’re discussing two 3-win teams, but it’s 2020, so here we are. This matchup features two veteran QBs that no one imagined we’d be seeing. Alex Smith v. Andy Dalton seems more 2015 than 2020, but again, here we are. Dallas finally got Dalton back, who will attempt to get their season back on track, while Washington answers with Smith, who has been a steadying presence on an anemic offense.
Home Stat Crew
Both the Washington and Dallas crews award a frustrating amount of assists vs. solos, but the Dallas crew gives out fewer tackles overall. This might not be a big tackle game for any particular IDP, but I’m not sitting my starters because of it. Just be prepared for a typically 6-2 box score to be more like 3-3 this week.
Matchups to Watch
Pass-rushing DBs vs. Veteran QBs
Young safeties Donovan Wilson and Kamren Curl have been making an impact on their respective teams lately, including increased activity as pass-rushers. These rookies will try to trick these veteran QBs who have likely seen it all, but neither QB moves…well…at ALL, really.
Worth Starting
Defensive Linemen
Chase Young (Was)
Montez Sweat (Was)
DeMarcus Lawrence (Dal)
Linebackers
Jaylon Smith (Dal)
Leighton Vander Esch (Dal)
Defensive Backs
Kamren Curl (Was)
Worth Considering
Defensive Linemen
Jonathan Allen (Was)
DaRon Payne (Was)
Aldon Smith (Dal)
Linebackers
None of note.
Defensive Backs
Kendall Fuller (Was)
Ronald Darby (Was)
Donovan Wilson (Dal)
Worth a Shot If You Need Them
Defensive Linemen
Randy Gregory (Dal)
Linebackers
Ryan Kerrigan (Was)
Jon Bostic (Was)
Cole Holcomb (Was)
Defensive Backs
Chidobe Awuzie (Dal)
Baltimore Ravens (6-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-0)
Overview
While the first two games on the slate feature a total of 13 wins between four teams, the Steelers almost match that by themselves. And while the Ravens have had trouble fixing their offense since Tennessee exploited them in last year’s playoffs, they’re still a dangerous team heading toward the postseason.
Home Stat Crew
Pittsburgh boasts a generous scoring crew, awarding a solo-heavy top-10 amount of tackles. This will be a noticeable change for the Ravens IDPs, whose average home crew leans a little too much on assists.
Matchups to Watch
Steelers WRs vs. Ravens DBs
The Steelers have been relying more on their diverse passing attack throughout their undefeated season, which has made them a top-10 opponent for DB production. Pittsburgh produces 30 tackles, 3 PD, and 0.5 INTs per game. When matched with one of the best DB groups in the league, that can produce some big production. In their Week 8 matchup that came down to the wire, Baltimore’s DBs racked up 24 tackles, including 7 by DeShon Elliott and 5 by Marcus Peters. They also had a sack and a FF/FR combos.
Worth Starting
Defensive Linemen
Derek Wolfe (Bal)
Cameron Heyward (Pit)
Stephon Tuitt (Pit)
Linebackers
Patrick Queen (Bal)
T.J. Watt (Pit)
Defensive Backs
Marlon Humphrey (Bal)
Worth Considering
Defensive Linemen
None of note.
Linebackers
Malik Harrison (Bal)
Bud Dupree (Pit)
Defensive Backs
DeShon Elliott (Bal)
Chuck Clark (Bal)
Mike Hilton (Pit)
Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pit)
Terrell Edumnds (Pit)
Worth a Shot If You Need Them
Defensive Linemen
Yannick Ngakoue (Bal)
Tyson Alualu (Pit)
Linebackers
Matthew Judon (Bal)
Robert Spillane (Pit)
Vince Williams (Pit)
Defensive Backs
Marcus Peters (Bal)
