DLF’s 2019 IDP Predictions: IDP MVP

Ryan Finley Posted On September 5, 2019

More and more, standard fantasy leagues have made moves to eliminate positions like kickers and team defense. The simplification makes sense, if you’d prefer to focus on a few offensive positions to make the game more enjoyable. But some folks want to go the other route with defense, and would prefer to roster individual defensive players rather than sweep defense under the rug.

Are IDP leagues more difficult? I don’t think there’s a great answer for that, but I can tell you that managing a 40+ man roster and trying to figure out which cornerbacks to carry can be quite difficult. But that’s why here at DLF we give you the IDP content you crave, including DLF’s 2019 IDP Predictions. As we do every year, we have several different prediction articles for you in the following categories:

It’s time to close out this series with the staff picks for the 2019 IDP MVP:

Myles Garrett, DE CLE

He’s got the look of an emerging superstar. Maybe it’s all the Browns hype, but it’s not a stretch to see Garrett as the DL1 at this point next year. – Doug Green

Deion Jones, LB ATL

It’s Deion for me. He’s going to put up historic numbers this season in his return. He had 138 tackles his last full season, but in the limited action we saw him in 2018 he was forcing turnovers and was absolutely everywhere. I think he’s going to post 150+ tackles, six or seven interceptions, and a few fumbles forced and sacks as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if he challenges for the total overall scoring season in IDP history. – Dwight Peebles

Aaron Donald, DT LAR

Changed this from JJ Watt. Donald might be the best player in football, hands down at this point. His burst off the line is unparalleled, even if you are completely expecting it. His pass rush moves are next level. I get that he has less help on the line then he did last year, but he has more than he did in 2017 and he was still defensive MVP that year. Dude is an unreal talent. – Adam Tzikas

Cameron Jordan, DE NO

The best pass rusher in the league is normally MVP for me because he offers the biggest advantage vs. replacement. Jordan is a top-five pass rusher who has never quite had crazy numbers. Watch for it this season with Marcus Davenport on the other side. – Tommy Kislingbury

Myles Garrett, DE CLE

This dude is going to eat the souls of the weak all year long. Not only could Garrett single-handedly wreck offensive lines but he plays on what is arguably the most talented defensive line in football with Olivier Vernon, Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi. Offensive lines will have to pick their poison, but Garrett and Ogunjobi are legitimate difference makers at their respective positions. I fully expect Garrett to lead the league in sacks this year. He might get double digit sacks in the two games against the Bengals alone with their XFL-ready offensive line. – Eric Olinger

Myles Jack, LB JAX

It would be easy to pick Donald, especially for leagues that have him (correctly) as a DT, as even 80% of his 2018 season’s stats should make him the most valuable IDP in DT-premium scoring systems. But I like to think of a fantasy MVP as the player who most over-performs their draft position. Based on this criteria, there are several tempting options, including New Orleans’ Davenport (DE36 in ADP on MFL) and Cleveland’s Vernon (DE20), Fletcher Cox, DT PHI (DT9), Kwon Alexander, LB SF (LB18), and Nigel Bradham, LB PHI (LB52!!).

Instead, I went with Jack, who is being drafted as the eleventh LB off the board. He is a great talent, sliding into the middle linebacker role due to Telvin Smith’s absence, and will be playing next to either a rookie or journeyman. When you think of the best combination of talent and opportunity, there’s no better choice that far down the draft board. – Ryan Early

Danielle Hunter, DE MIN

Hunter is my darkhorse pick to be MVP and I believe the best is yet to come with this young man. Hunter isn’t even 25 years of age yet and has been terrorizing opponents since he got the green light. If I can only pick one player to reach the 20-sack mark in 2019, my answer is Hunter and that’ll get him to MVP level. – Bee Salamat

Aaron Donald, LB TB

His move back to defensive tackle in MFL leagues will be an incredible bonus for owners who are in leagues where you must start a DT. He was already highly productive as a defensive end, but the move back to DT will put him light years ahead of the competition. – The FF Ghost

Calais Campbell, DE JAX

I get the feeling that Jacksonville will return to defensive dominance in 2019. While the Colts were the early favorites in the division, the loss of Andrew Luck has an obvious dampening effect, and I think the Jags will be amped to turn up the heat. This defense is stacked up and down. They even managed to land a player nobody expected to make it to them in Josh Allen. While Campbell is older, he’s still got it, and having great players all around the defense will free him up to wreak havoc. – Ryan Finley

That’ll do it. Who is your top candidate for IDP MVP? Comment below!