When playing fantasy football, the typical manager is only focused on offensive players. However, IDP (Individual Defensive Players) leagues are becoming more popular as the industry expands and more users take an interest. Instead of drafting strictly offensive players and DST, managers must now draft individual players on the defensive side of the ball. Doing so takes time and requires a greater understanding of the game. This may seem intimidating, but this article is here to help by highlighting one defensive player to target in all your drafts.
Zach Cunningham (LB – HOU)
The player I can’t leave my draft without is Zach Cunningham. While a bit of an obvious choice, I want to make sure everyone is aware of who he is and the situation that surrounds him. I want to start off and preface that it is nearly impossible to predict fumbles, interceptions, and touchdowns. This is where a lot of the big points in IDP leagues come from. What’s one thing that is predictable? Tackles. This is precisely why there is an emphasis on getting a good linebacker for your team.
Last year, Cunningham led the league in tackles with 106 solo tackles. The next closest was Roquan Smith with 98. In the 2019 season, Cunningham was second in solo tackles with 99, just five less than the leader. To put some numbers into perspective, let’s look at 2020’s interception leader. Xavien Howard, a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins, led the league with 10. How many solo tackles was he able to rack up? Only 40. Tackles are everything, and if there is one thing we can be sure of, it’s that Cunningham will get plenty. Cunningham is now entering his fifth season and he is only getting better. In his first four seasons, Cunningham has missed only two games.
In addition to Cunningham being a talented football player, the Houston Texans project to be a bottom-five defense. They recently parted ways with their stud defensive end and a future Hall of Famer, J.J. Watt. Last season, the Texans ranked bottom five in average plays allowed per drive with 6.5. They allowed 29 points per game, which was well above the league average of 24.8. Lastly, the Texans were dead last in turnover percentage with a 5.4 rate. What do all these numbers tell me? They will be on the field a lot. This will provide even more opportunity for Cunningham to rack up the points and help your fantasy team. Bet on Zach Cunningham to be a dominant contributor and lead your defensive players.
Don’t let the unknown of IDP leagues deter you from taking part. Expand your fantasy football experiences. Dive into some defensive player research, dominate your league, and most importantly, have fun. Try to walk away from the draft with Zach Cunningham. A sure bet to pile on the tackles and be a consistent fantasy option, let him be the anchor for the defensive unit. You won’t regret it.
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