Week 7 Linebacker Usage Report

Week 7 has brought a clear split among fantasy linebackers: those securing reliable, consistent playing time and those facing inconsistent opportunities. In IDP formats, the distinction between haves and have-nots is more pronounced.

Arizona Cardinals' Cody Simon is chipping away at Jack Gibbens' job security, despite only getting 12 defensive snaps (21%) in Week 7. Simon's three tackles, translating to a 25.0% tackle rate, suggest he may soon become an every-down option. Meanwhile, Mack Wilson Sr. maintained his role but with limited impact, playing all 56 snaps and recording just 3 tackles (5.4% tackle rate).

In Atlanta, Kendal Daniels stepped up when Divine Deablo was sidelined, handling all 100% of the Falcons' defensive snaps and posting an impressive 11 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. With Teddye Buchanan expected to get more playing time, Daniels remains the preferred choice for short-term stability, while Harold Perkins Jr. could see a resurgence in deeper formats.

Baltimore Ravens' Trenton Simpson's job security is secure, as he remains the team's dependable option, seeing his snaps increase from 58% to 76%. Teddye Buchanan, however, has yet to earn a spot in the lineup.

Looking ahead to the Carolina Panthers, Bobby Okereke and Devin Lloyd need further analysis as their Week 7 snap totals and tackle rates are yet to be confirmed. Similarly, Chicago Bears' D'Marco Jackson capitalized on J.T. Edwards' absence, playing all 50 defensive snaps and registering six tackles (12% tackle rate) and four run stops.

In Cincinnati, Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight are both vying for the starting role. Carter's stable every-down workload puts him ahead of Knight, who has maintained a solid 16.7% tackle rate. Cleveland's situation remains unclear until their linebacker export is finalized, but Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams merit attention.