By: Jamari Young

When it comes to fantasy football, everyone talks about quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers but in IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues, linebackers can be the real difference-makers. And in the NFC South, there’s no shortage of talent.

Using projections from ESPN’s Mike Clay, we broke down the top linebackers in the division heading into the 2025 season. Whether you’re looking for a consistent starter or a sleeper with upside, here’s who to watch and possibly draft in your league this fall.

Top 10 Projected Fantasy Linebackers in the NFC South (2025)

1. Kaden Elliss – Atlanta Falcons

  • Snaps: 1,026
  • Tackles: 145
  • Sacks: 4.4

    Elliss is a true do-it-all linebacker. He’s expected to be on the field almost every down and has the numbers to match. With this kind of usage and production, he should be one of the first defensive players off the board in IDP formats.
Embed from Getty Images

2. Josey Jewell – Carolina Panthers

  •  Snaps: 1,023
  • Tackles: 138
  • Sacks: 1.8

    Jewell comes over from Denver and immediately steps into a leadership role in Carolina. He’s a tackle machine who offers week-to-week consistency and should be a top-10 fantasy linebacker league-wide.

3. Demario Davis – New Orleans Saints

  •  Snaps: 989
  • Tackles: 130
  • Sacks: 2.6

    Even at 36 years old, Davis is still getting it done. He’s not slowing down and continues to deliver strong fantasy value with a mix of tackles and splash plays.

4. Pete Werner – New Orleans Saints

  • Snaps: 860
  • Tackles: 112
  • Sacks: 1.1

    Werner might not be as flashy as Davis, but he’s steady and effective. He’ll have a big role again this season and is a reliable LB2 for fantasy managers.

5. Troy Andersen – Atlanta Falcons

  • Snaps: 454
  • Tackles: 64
  • Sacks: 1.1

    Andersen missed time last year but is set to bounce back. He’s athletic and explosive, and if he can stay on the field, he could outperform these projections in a hurry.

6. Christian Rozeboom – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Snaps: 539
  • Tackles: 84
  • Sacks: 0.7

    Rozeboom flies under the radar but could offer value as a bye-week fill-in or flex option in deeper leagues. He has a clear role in Tampa Bay’s defense.

7. Divine Deablo – Atlanta Falcons

  • Snaps: 432
  • Tackles: 52
  • Sacks: 1.0

    Deablo has the potential to carve out a bigger role, especially if injuries hit the Falcons’ front seven. He’s worth monitoring as a streaming option during the season.

8. Trevin Wallace – Carolina Panthers

  • Snaps: 291
  • Tackles: 37
  • Sacks: 0.5

    Wallace is a rookie to watch. While he might not start the year on many fantasy rosters, he has the talent to move up the depth chart quickly.

9. Danny Stutsman – New Orleans Saints

  • Snaps: 108
  • Tackles: 15
  • Sacks: 0.2

    Stutsman doesn’t project for a huge role this year, but he’s a young player with upside. Dynasty managers should keep him on their radar.

10. JD Bertrand – Atlanta Falcons

  • Snaps: 54
  • Tackles: 7
  • Sacks: 0.1

    Bertrand is a depth piece, but he could step into more snaps if injuries strike. He’s a deep-league stash or someone to keep an eye on for late-season opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The NFC South might not be the most dominant division on offense, but its linebackers are some of the most productive in fantasy football. Kaden Elliss, Josey Jewell, and Demario Davis should be top targets for IDP managers, while younger players like Wallace and Andersen offer breakout potential.

Whether you’re new to IDP or a fantasy football veteran, don’t overlook this group they could quietly win you your league.