This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
RISING
T.J. Edwards, LB 
Eric Wilson made the falling list last week, and he was a healthy scratch for Sunday's blowout win over the Lions. That opened the door for Edwards to lead all Eagles linebackers in snaps. Edwards posted a team-high 13 tackles (eight solo), including two for a loss. Edwards averaged 4.6 tackles through the first seven games, playing fewer than 50 percent of the defensive snaps in each contest, so he should be a steady IDP option as long as he retains the starting role.
Ernest Jones, LB 
Jones logged just 45 defensive snaps through the first seven weeks, but the Rams trusted him enough for him take over the starting role after they traded Kenny Young to the Broncos. The rookie third-round pick handled 89 percent of the snaps Sunday and recorded nine tackles (seven solo), a half sack and an interception. Jones has an intriguing opportunity on tap, as he could rack up a ton of tackles in Week 9 against the Titans, who lead the league with 32.5 rushing attempts per game.
Baron Browning, LB 
The Broncos have endured three season-ending injuries at inside linebacker, so Browning made the start Sunday and recorded 97 percent of the defensive snaps despite the trade addition of Kenny Young. It's possible that Young takes on a larger role once he gets established on defense, but Browning -- a rookie third-round pick -- made a good case for keeping his starting role after pacing
RISING
T.J. Edwards, LB
Eric Wilson made the falling list last week, and he was a healthy scratch for Sunday's blowout win over the Lions. That opened the door for Edwards to lead all Eagles linebackers in snaps. Edwards posted a team-high 13 tackles (eight solo), including two for a loss. Edwards averaged 4.6 tackles through the first seven games, playing fewer than 50 percent of the defensive snaps in each contest, so he should be a steady IDP option as long as he retains the starting role.
Ernest Jones, LB
Jones logged just 45 defensive snaps through the first seven weeks, but the Rams trusted him enough for him take over the starting role after they traded Kenny Young to the Broncos. The rookie third-round pick handled 89 percent of the snaps Sunday and recorded nine tackles (seven solo), a half sack and an interception. Jones has an intriguing opportunity on tap, as he could rack up a ton of tackles in Week 9 against the Titans, who lead the league with 32.5 rushing attempts per game.
Baron Browning, LB
The Broncos have endured three season-ending injuries at inside linebacker, so Browning made the start Sunday and recorded 97 percent of the defensive snaps despite the trade addition of Kenny Young. It's possible that Young takes on a larger role once he gets established on defense, but Browning -- a rookie third-round pick -- made a good case for keeping his starting role after pacing the Broncos with eight tackles.
Josh Norman, CB 
The 33-year-old cornerback has been a viable IDP contributor over the past three games, posting 23 tackles (17 solo), three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and an interception. His real-life value isn't as good as it used to be, but he's certainly a solid option in leagues that utilize a DB spot.
Khari Willis injured his calf and didn't return in Sunday's loss to the Titans, and Sendejo ended up playing 100 percent of the defensive snaps. The journeyman safety capitalized with eight tackles (six solo). He should take on a heightened workload regardless of Willis' status because Julian Blackmon is done for the year with a torn Achilles. There should be strong turnover opportunities over the next two weeks against the Jets and Jaguars, too.
Jones has seemingly surpassed Eric Rowe on the depth chart, as he logged 96 percent of the defensive snaps compared to Rowe's 30 percent. The 2020 third-round pick capitalized with six tackles (four solo) and a pass breakup. Things could change when Jason McCourty (foot) returns from injured reserve, but that won't be for at least two weeks. Jones should be a solid DB option until then.
FALLING
Pete Werner, LB 
Kwon Alexander (elbow) returned from injured reserve and took a major chunk out of Werner's workload, as Werner handled just 54 percent of the defensive snaps. As a result, he posted just four tackles, which is a significant disappointment after he totaled 29 stops over the previous three games. It could be tough to trust Werner as long as Alexander and Demario Davis are healthy.
Harold Landry, LB 
Landry is second in the league with 7.5 sacks this season, and he's averaging 5.3 tackles per game. While his tackling numbers provide a solid floor, the 2018 second-round pick may have a tough time reaching his ceiling this week. Matthew Stafford has been the toughest quarterback in the league to take down, as he sports a 2.8 percent sack rate so far. It may be worth pivoting depending on your options.
Devin Bush, LB 
After Bush posted 10 tackles in the season opener, we thought he would return to his 2019 form when he posted 106 stops as a rookie and before he tore his ACL in 2020. However, the former first-round pick has recorded just 20 tackles over the past five contests, and he logged just 75 percent of the defensive snaps in Week 8. The offseason addition of Joe Schobert allows the Steelers to manage Bush's reps. Perhaps that's good for his long-term health, but it's bad news for fantasy managers.
