2025 Dynasty Division Outlook: AFC IDP, Part One

Welcome back to another installment of DLF’s annual dynasty review series, where we break down each NFL division from a dynasty perspective.

If you’ve been following along, you know the routine by now. We’ll go team by team, looking at depth charts and key offseason moves before ranking each division’s position groups from best to worst. Finally, to tie it all together, we’ll predict each division’s MVP, biggest steal, biggest bust, and more.

Let’s head over to the AFC and break down everything you need to know about its IDP landscape.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens’ defense is loaded with dynasty value. Up front, Nnamdi Madubuike’s points per game dipped from 9.4 points per game in 2023 to 6.3 in 2024, but he remains in the same system that gave him one of the highest snap counts among defensive tackles. A bounce-back in 2025 feels well within reach.

Odafe Oweh is starting to emerge as the player Baltimore envisaged as a first-round pick in 2021. Kyle Van Noy continues to get better with age, but at 34 years old, he should be considered a stopgap for contending fantasy teams.

With Van Noy and Oweh in contract years, rookie Mike Green is someone dynasty managers should be targeting. He slid in the draft, likely due to off-field concerns, but from a pure talent perspective, he has more potential than several rookie edge rushers taken ahead of him.

Roquan Smith‘s play declined slightly last year, but he was as productive as ever, compiling over 150 tackles for the fourth consecutive year. He’s locked in as DLF’s dynasty LB1 and ninth player overall.The situation behind him is intriguing. Trenton Simpson needs to step up, and if he doesn’t, rookie Teddye Buchanan could start creeping into the picture as the season unfolds.

Kyle Hamilton’s tackle efficiency dropped when he moved out of the slot from Week 11 onwards, but he remains and elite fantasy safety and DLF’s dynasty DB1. Malaki Starks should have an immediate path to playing time after the unfortunate injury suffered by Ar’Darius Washington.

At cornerback, Marlon Humphrey had a career-best season in coverage, producing six interceptions. Still, as with all cornerbacks, he shouldn’t be prioritized above other fantasy positions in most scoring formats.

Cincinnati Bengals

Trey Hendrickson‘s contract dispute is concerning, as the Bengals’ defense struggled mightily even with the 2024 sack leader on the field. New DC Al Golden desperately needs his best player on the field to help turn things around.

Joseph Ossai‘s emergence has been overblown. He produced five sacks in his last eight games but only generated a 9.8% pressure rate over that span and 8.9% on the season. Sam Hubbard‘s retirement clears the path for Ossai and possibly Myles Murphy to see more playing time, but they now have to contend with athletic phenom Shemar Stewart – DLF’s rookie EDGE6, assuming Stewart plays.

I love this from Shemar Stewart

He's calm and composed #PMSLive https://t.co/mpeOwubDcx pic.twitter.com/l1rpJ2ztOU

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 10, 2025

Logan Wilson should remain an every-down fixture at linebacker for the foreseeable future. Germaine Pratt ‘s departure opens the door for someone else to step into what should be a productive role, and while dynasty managers want Knight Jr. to become the guy from the get-go, Burks has the advantage in experience. If Knight Jr. impresses in camp and starts fast, it’s not unrealistic to think that he could have more dynasty appeal than any other linebacker on the Bengals’ roster by this time next year. Barrett Carter also has a chance to work into the mix, but he may have to wait until Wilson leaves.

Jordan Battle was a major disappointment after failing to capitalize on a strong rookie year. He’s in line for a starting role, but he headlines what is an otherwise underwhelming secondary in dynasty terms. Cam Taylor-Britt had a big year, and Geno Stone finished the season strongly, but in dynasty leagues, neither player should be a priority.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns significantly improved the interior of their defensive line, adding Maliek Collins in free agency before selecting Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick in the draft. Fantasy managers should temper expectations for an immediate impact, but as DLF’s dynasty rookie DT1, Graham has the upside to develop into a quality fantasy asset – especially in DT premium scoring.

Myles Garrett will do Garrett-like things in 2025, even with very little help on the opposite edge. Some dynasty managers may be tempted to take another look at Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in the hope that the change of scenery will help him shed the bust label, but he’s not worth rostering outside the deepest of IDP leagues.

Carson Schwesinger was a vital addition following the devastating update on Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah‘s health. The rookie will likely sit behind Jordan Hicks to open the season, but he shouldn’t have much trouble displacing Mohamoud Diabate in quick order. Jerome Baker could be involved while Schwesinger finds his footing, but unless Baker shows something more than he did last year, he will probably serve as injury insurance.

As the designated box safety in Jim Schwartz’s scheme, Grant Delpit should continue to be a solid safety in tackle-heavy scoring formats.

Denzel Ward has name recognition value, but as a corner, dynasty IDP managers would be wise to let league mates invest too heavily in him while they prioritize other positions.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Age is just a number to Cameron Heyward, who produced one of his finest seasons at age 35. As good as he is, if you know your team won’t be contending in 2025, you should test his value in trade talks with a DT-needy team that will.

Derrick Harmon was one of the best pure pass-rushing DTs in the draft. The Steelers have lots of experience on the interior, even after the departure of Larry Ogunjobi, but none have Harmon’s upside. DC Teryl Austin was willing to give Keeanu Benton 500 snaps in his rookie year and could take a similar approach with Harmon.

Derrick Harmon has a case for second best pass rusher in the class. Arsenal of moves. NFL size. Really long. Very athletic. Aware of where the QB is moving. Variety of alignments.

My DT1. Top 10 overall player. pic.twitter.com/Qe9GsYOnIh

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) April 15, 2025

Speaking of Benton, he’s an intriguing dynasty evaluation. While he struggles against the run, he has the potential to become an impact pass rusher. He has been unfortunate in producing only two sacks in two seasons despite generating 47 pressures over that span.

T.J. Watt’s sack numbers and pressure rate dropped off last year, but we can ignore a one-season anomaly for what we know is an elite IDP. He’s not getting any younger but still has plenty left in the tank.

Injury marred Alex Highsmith‘s campaign, but he remains a dangerous pass rusher capable of delivering EDGE2 numbers in fantasy. Nick Herbig turned heads when called upon and remains a long-term dynasty stash even after the addition of fourth-round rookie Jack Sawyer.

Queen was Pittsburgh’s sole full-time linebacker last year but did not play at the same level as he did in 2023 for the Ravens. If he doesn’t improve in 2025, he may be in danger of losing snaps to impressive second-year player Payton Wilson. Cole Holcomb appears on track to return after his lengthy layoff and should also have a part to play. If not, Wilson could become fantasy-relevant simply by inheriting the snaps vacated by Elandon Roberts‘ departure.

The Steelers’ secondary struggled in coverage last year, but the addition of veteran Super Bowl winner Darius Slay should bring a degree of stability to the unit. Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott should once again deliver solid tackle volume. At the risk of being greedy, it would be great if Minkah rediscovered his ball-hawking ways after two barren years in that department.

AFC North Positional Group Rankings

Interior Defensive Line

T-1. Baltimore Ravens B+

T-1. Pittsburgh Steelers B+

T-1. Cleveland Browns B+

4. Cincinnati Bengals E

Separating the top three teams proved to be challenging. Madubuike has more dynasty appeal than any other DT in the division. I’m low-key interested in Aeneas Peebles as a very deep stash in DT premium leagues with large rosters.

Heyward is still the best DT in the division, but his age works against him in dynasty. Harmon and Benton give the Steelers enviable depth.

Graham could one day become an elite DT in the NFL and fantasy. Collins helped them to an above-average grade.

B.J. Hill couldn’t rescue the Bengals from finishing a distant fourth.

Edge

1. Pittsburgh Steelers A+

2. Cleveland Browns A-

3. Cincinnati Bengals B

4. Baltimore Ravens B-

This division is stacked with edge rusher talent.

Watt is still an elite IDP, Highsmith is a high-end Edge2, and Herbig showed real promise last year. Jack Sawyer doesn’t move the needle much, but as DLF’s dynasty rookie Edge8, he was factored into the equation.

Garrett is still a top six edge in dynasty, but the lack of quality depth behind him hurt the Browns’ grade slightly.

The Bengals ranking assumes Hendrickson is going to play. He rightfully helps Cincinnati earn a positive grade, but Ossai has a lot to prove. Murphy has been disappointing so far, and Stewart is a long-term project.

Oweh and Van Noy recorded 22.5 sacks between them last year, so Ravens fans may feel aggrieved at seeing their team ranked fourth. However, Van Noy is 34 years old, and a B- is still an above-average grade. Adding Green certainly helped.

Linebacker

1. Baltimore Ravens A

2. Pittsburgh Steelers B

T-3. Cincinnati Bengals B-

T-3. Cleveland Browns B-

The Ravens lack a quality No. 2, but Smith is the most productive and consistent linebacker in fantasy.

Queen failed us in fantasy last year, but he’s still young, and a rebound year isn’t out of the question. Payton Wilson has many of us excited in dynasty, and if Holcomb is fully back, he gives the Steelers a solid dynasty group.

For now, Logan Wilson is still more appealing than any of the Bengals’ linebackers in dynasty, but we have high hopes for Knight Jr. Burks and Carter provide the Bengals with good depth.

Schwesinger has the potential to become an excellent IDP option, and until then, Hicks can help contending fantasy teams get the job done. We’re not high on Baker or Diabate in dynasty, but they’re good depth pieces for the Browns.

Safety

1. Baltimore Ravens A+

T-2. Pittsburgh Steelers C+

T-2. Cleveland Browns C+

4. Cincinnati Bengals C-

We all know what Hamilton can do, and if Starks hits the ground running, the Ravens could have one of the best safety duos in both the NFL and fantasy. Washington’s injury was unfortunate, and he only has a year left to run on his contract, but there’s IDP upside there, even if his tackling efficiency wasn’t quite there last year.

Fitzpatrick can be a bit hit-and-miss at times but he is still a good fantasy option. Elliott had a higher floor last year. Thornhill hasn’t been much of a factor outside of one good year with the Chiefs, but he has been “dazzling” at camp and could surprise.

Delpit is an attractive dynasty asset, especially in tackle-heavy formats. We haven’t seen many big plays from him in the last few years, but his box role gives him every chance to continue delivering solid tackle production. Ronnie Hickman is a young X-factor who could become a full-time guy this season.

Battle has intriguing upside if he holds onto the starting role and delivers as he did in limited action over the past two years. The arrival of new defensive coordinator Al Golden may mean Stone doesn’t play deep quite as often as he did last year, but expecting him to continue producing interceptions at his previous rate is optimistic at best.

Cornerback

1. Cincinnati Bengals B

2. Baltimore Ravens B-

3. Pittsburgh Steelers C-

4. Cleveland Browns E-

Ranking corners for IDP is tricky, as the best players aren’t necessarily the top points scorers in fantasy.

I’ve placed the Bengals in the top spot as I believe their defense will be on the field plenty, meaning Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill have every opportunity to deliver solid tackle volume.

The Ravens come in second despite having the most talented corners in the division. Humphrey could once again be an excellent option if he retains the nickel role. As the weakest starting corner, Awuzie could be picked on, which could yield good fantasy results.

Whoever wins the Steelers’ slot DB role probably won’t be playing every down. Slay is a good bet to produce good pass breakup numbers and solid tackle volume, and Porter could follow suit.

The Browns come in last for the sole reason that Jim Schwartz tends to take all of his corners off the field for a breather at times. Injuries certainly haven’t helped, but no cornerback has played more than 907 snaps in a single year during Schwartz’s three-year tenure in Cleveland.

AFC North Divisional Predictions

MVP: TJ Watt

LVP: Patrick Queen

Most Improved: Jordan Battle

Biggest Steal: Payton Wilson

Biggest Bust: Shemar Stewart

Wait for It: Carson Schwesinger

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Ed Oliver failed to deliver for IDP managers last season, but he’s a prime candidate for a bounce-back year. He finished 14th among all DTs with 49 pressures but tied for a lowly 44th in sacks. Second-round rookie T.J. Sanders probably won’t feature heavily while DaQuan Jones and Larry Ogunjobi are still around, but he is a solid taxi squad option.

Greg Rousseau finally created some separation between himself and the rest of the Bills’ edge room last year but must continue to deliver if he is to earn a similar snap volume in 2025. He could lose snaps as part of a deep group comprising Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, Michael Hoecht, and Landon Jackson. Undeterred, DLF rankers still consider Rousseau the EDGE9 in dynasty. Managers in deep leagues should stash Jackson and roster Bosa, hoping he stays healthy. In that regard, the former Chargers player is not off to a good start.

Bernard should retain a near full-time role for the next few years after signing a four-year, $42 million deal a few months ago. His ranking took a slight dip after the signing of Shaq Thompson, but as the unquestioned starter, his dynasty value remains high.

Thompson is 31 and has been in decline for years. Matt Milano is 30 years old, and looked like a shadow of his former self after returning from injury. He is scheduled to become a free agent in 2026 after agreeing to rework his current deal.

If the future Bills’ LB2 is on the roster, it isn’t clear who it will be. Dorian Williams has the best draft capital but looked dreadful in coverage for the second straight year, Baylon Spector was even worse, and neither Joe Andreessen nor Edefuan Ulofoshio played much at all. If none of these guys show clear signs of development, DC Bobby Babich and the Bills could look elsewhere for linebacker help next year.

I’ll catch some flak for criticizing the play of the inspirational Damar Hamlin, but truthfully, he’s as culpable as any for the secondaries’ woes in coverage last year. Taylor Rapp was even worse than Hamlin but, despite his struggles, appears set to begin the season as a starter. Keep an eye out for Cole Bishop in 2025.

Taylor Rapp has been impressed with second-year S Cole Bishop’s development entering Year 2: “Very mature beyond his years.. Great teammate. I’m looking forward to him stepping up this year.” #Bills #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/h2UHHT7baJ

— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) June 3, 2025

Christian Benford was by far the best of a bad bunch of Bills’ corners in 2024, but he should have a better-supporting cast in 2025 after Buffalo selected rookie Maxwell Hairston – who should see plenty of targets and opportunities to make plays thanks to Benford’s growing reputation.

Taron Johnson missed the best part of six games last year but still finished with 65 tackles. He doesn’t crack our top 150 dynasty player rankings, but there’s every chance he will continue to deliver solid tackle volume in 2025.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins should be in good shape up front, where rookie Kenneth Grant is set to enhance an already stout run defense. Time will tell whether his presence frees up Zach Sieler to do what he does best and get after the passer. Of the two, Sieler remains the best value in dynasty, but the potential of Grant, combined with the eight-year age difference, closes the gap somewhat.

As a pure pass rusher, Chop Robinson rivaled Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, and for that reason alone, the Miami star will be highly coveted in sack-heavy scoring formats. He’s a great dynasty option in most scoring formats. However, his struggles in run defense and extra competition with the return of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips may limit his immediate fantasy appeal.

DC Anthony Weaver likes using two full-time linebackers. Jordyn Brooks will undoubtedly be one of them, and Tyrel Dodson has the inside track – and familiarity in the scheme – to suggest he will be the other. Neither player is without fault, but they are both solid bets for LB2 finishes in 2025.

Miami’s secondary is a mess and could get worse if Jalen Ramsey is traded. Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis have a chance to start in place of Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer. Still, despite showing flashes of talent in part-time roles, neither player has consistently put it together. Melifonwu is worth adding in leagues that start three safeties, and Davis is worth adding from waivers if he’s receiving first-team reps as the season draws nearer.

New England Patriots

The 2024 Patriots produced only 28 sacks, ranking dead last in the league. Christian Barmore‘s return and the addition of Milton Williams should help in that regard. Williams’ hefty contract suggests he should lead the group in snaps, but both players should be fantasy-relevant at what is a shallow position in IDP.

Harold Landry‘s transition to a new team will be one to watch closely. He’s the rare edge rusher who consistently outperforms his pressure rate in terms of sack production. He stands out as the only edge defender with meaningful dynasty appeal outside of leagues with large rosters. In those deeper formats, managers might stash Keion White in hopes that his early flashes in 2024 were a sign of things to come, while Anfernee Jennings could offer some utility in tackle-heavy scoring systems if he survives the roster cutdown.

Robert Spillane is the favorite to wear the dot and lead the linebacker group in playing time and tackles. Jahlani Tavai appeared to have the early lead over Christian Elliss and Jack Gibbens for the role behind Spillane, but his injury may open the door for others to emerge. If you can afford the roster space, pick up all three guys behind Spillane and hope one of them separates from the pack.

Dugger is the pick of the safeties to own in dynasty leagues. He missed multiple games with injuries in 2024 but posted a healthy 10.4% tackle efficiency rating. Hopefully, he will continue to play a box-heavy role in the new scheme. Peppers missed eight games after landing on the commissioner’s exempt list last year and returned briefly before missing the final three with injury. He should start and be a serviceable fantasy safety in 2025, but there are better, more exciting dynasty options.

Christian Gonzalez had a great year but was targeted less and less as the season wore on. His growing reputation raises the question of whether opposing teams will continue to avoid throwing his way. If that trend continues, Carlton Davis III could be targeted frequently, which in turn could lead to solid tackle volume and additional opportunities to make plays in coverage.

New York Jets

New DC Steve Wilks has a lot of defensive talent to work with. Up front, Quinnen Williams‘ tackle and missed tackle rates dipped last year, but unless your scoring format ignores sack production, he remains one of the most impactful and valuable dynasty DTs.

The combination of Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson could be a fun dynasty duo. Johnson is working his way back from an Achilles injury but looks to be on track. If Johnson is fully recovered and picks up where he left off in 2023, the two players could be knocking on the door of a combined 20 sacks in 2025. Johnson will likely lead McDonald in tackle production.

Jamien Sherwood had a great year, emerging from the shadow of C.J. Mosley, ultimately making the veteran expendable. He’s currently DLF’s dynasty LB16, eight spots behind his teammate Quincy Williams, but the two should flip places if Sherwood starts strongly in 2025.

Tony Adams is likely to spend more time lined up deep in Wilks’ scheme than he did in Jeff Ulbrich’s last year. Andre Cisco was signed to replace Chuck Clark, but he has yet to produce solid tackle volume. If Malachi Moore exceeds expectations, he could carry more value than either Adams or Cisco come 2026.

As one of the most targeted corners in 2024, Brandon Stephens produced excellent tackle numbers for his former team, the Baltimore Ravens. The presence of Sauce Gardner could mean Stephens is kept busy in 2025.

AFC East Positional Group Rankings

Interior Defensive Line

1. New York Jets A

2. New England Patriots A-

3. Buffalo Bills B+

4. Miami Dolphins C+

There are a lot of excellent DTs in the AFC East, but Quinnen Williams is the only player who ranks among the dynasty elite.

The Patriots rank just a close second, as although they have nobody on Quinnen Williams’ level, Milton Williams had a sensational breakout year, and the underrated Barmore appears to be back in the fold.

Oliver took a step back in 2024, but he’s still only 27 and could realistically finish 2025 as the most productive DT in the division. TJ Sanders could develop into an impact player once he supplants the mostly ineffective veterans standing between him and Oliver.

Sieler has stuffed the stat sheet in the last two years, but he turns 30 in September and will probably need to produce more than 46 pressures if he is to rack up double-digit sacks again. Grant helps the Dolphins to a positive grade.

Edge

T-1. Buffalo Bills B+

T-1. Miami Dolphins B+

T-1. New York Jets B+

4. New England Patriots D-

Greg Rousseau is DLF’s top-ranked edge in the division, but the Dolphins received the same grade because Robinson isn’t far behind, and Phillips, Chubb, and Kamara have a slight dynasty edge over Joey Bosa, Epenesa, and Landon Jackson.

While McDonald IV and Johnson are appealing dynasty IDPs and deservedly earn the Jets a B+ in these rankings, the Jets have nothing else behind them on the roster.

The Patriots have added to their edge room, but Landry isn’t getting any younger, and White disappeared down the stretch. Even the late-season improvement from K’Lavon Chaisson doesn’t improve on a D- grade.

Linebacker

1. New York Jets A

2. Buffalo Bills B-

3. Miami Dolphins C+

4. New England Patriots C-

With two linebackers in the top 16 of DLF’s dynasty rankings, the Jets clearly have the advantage here. They were close to an A+ grade.

Bernard has greater dynasty value than Brooks, giving the Bills a slight edge. Dodson also has the edge over any of the Dolphins’ linebackers after Brooks.

Were these redraft rankings, the Patriots would achieve much better than a C-, as the way Spillane’s contract is structured, he appears to be in line for a heavy workload for the next two years. His advancing age worked against him slightly, and I’m not super-confident in the long-term outlook of Elliss, Tavai, or Gibbens.

Safety

1. New England Patriots B

3. Buffalo Bills B-

T-3. Miami Dolphins D-

T-3. New York Jets D-

Peppers played better than Dugger last year, but Dugger was the difference-maker in these rankings. Hawkins, Mapu, or Epps could step in if needed, but none of them should be on fantasy rosters.

For reasons covered earlier, I’m not as high on Damlin or Rapp as consensus. But even with that factored in, their youth relative to the Patriots’ safeties brings them slightly closer in rankings, and I’m still low-key excited about Bishop.

The Dolphins will be gambling on Davis and Melifonwu to step up in 2025, neither of whom has ever spent a whole season as a starter. Both are best left on waivers outside the deepest of IDP leagues.

A fresh start in a new scheme might yield better results for Cisco, but I’m not holding my breath. Adams is not a difference-maker. Moore should be on people’s radar in dynasty, but he has to win a role first.

Cornerback

1. Buffalo Bills A-

2. New England Patriots B+

3. New York Jets B

4. Miami Dolphins D-

Gonzalez, Benford, and Gardner are significantly more talented than any of the other corners in the division. While it’s possible all three could see a reduction in targets if opposing offenses pick on weaker DBs, the simple fact that they are locks to play every down means they earn their respective team’s positive grades.

Behind the elite corners, the combination of Johnson and Hairston is preferred over Davis III and Jones, or Stephens, but there’s little in it, and it could swing either way. Such is the way of cornerbacks.

There’s a gulf in talent between what the Dolphins have at corner and the other three teams, especially if Ramsey is traded. Kahou is probably the only option we should be considering in fantasy.