Each week I’ll be using data from PFF and around the web to give some insight into IDP fantasy football, and how using these metrics can lead to finding undervalued players, potential breakouts and sleepers.
This week I want to look at how you can find hidden value with defensive backs, in particular safeties, as well as knowing which style of safety to avoid.
In-the-box Safeties
One of PFF’s signature statistics, which can be very revealing for fantasy purposes, is the percentage of run snaps a safety plays within eight yards of the line of scrimmage. This means the safety had dropped down into the box to help stuff the running game, and has an increased chance of making a tackle.
Looking at the data from the past few seasons we can see a correlation between players frequently buzzing the line of scrimmage, and those who rack up the most fantasy points.
2013 – Top 12 Fantasy Safeties
(safeties playing 50%+ of run snaps averaged 34.9% of snaps within 8 yards of the LoS)
Player |
Pts |
8yd % |
Barry Church |
203 |
44.2 |
Antrel Rolle |
190.5 |
51.1 |
Eric Berry |
188 |
69.7 |
TJ Ward |
184 |
65.7 |
Bernard Pollard |
172.5 |
53.7 |
Earl Thomas |
172 |
12.8 |
Troy Polamalu |
162 |
79.8 |
Eric Weddle |
158.5 |
46.3 |
William Moore |
157 |
35.1 |
Antoine Bethea |
156.5 |
37.3 |
Tashaun Gipson |
154.5 |
31.9 |
Reshad Jones |
150.5 |
36.8 |
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Ross Miles is a Lead Writer for Pro Football Focus Fantasy. Follow him on Twitter –@PFF_RossMiles Need more specific advice, start/sit help or expert opinions on trades? Let us know on Facebook by joining the conversation
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