Fantasy football is finally upon us.  Months of preparation and stress have led to this moment, it’s time to set those Week 1 lineups. 

For the uninitiated, IDP stands for independent defensive player.  In IDP dynasty leagues, you draft a full defensive roster in addition to your offensive squad - instead of the normal team DEF/ST.  Let’s take a look at the five inside linebackers that will have the best fantasy performances this weekend. 

5. Patrick Willis vs. Green Bay Packers

The San Francisco 49ers’ defense is widely considered one of the best in the league, led by Willis.  He’s a smart and ultra-talented playmaker on the field.  Going up against an offense like Green Bay’s in Week 1 is exactly what Willis needs to get back into the swing of things. 

With the Packers looking to run the ball consistently, as well as utilize the middle of the field in the passing game, a ton of action will come Willis’ way. 

Game Projection: Five tackles (one for a loss), four assists and one pass defended - 14.5 points. 

4. James Laurinaitis vs. Arizona Cardinals

Laurinaitis is arguably the best player on St. Louis’ defense, and is constantly flying all over the field to make plays.  Don’t expect that to change against Arizona’s offense, especially with a beat-up offensive line and Rashard Mendenhall running the ball.  

Game Projections: Seven tackles (one for a loss), one assist and one pass defended - 14.6 points.

3. Kiko Alonso vs. New England Patriots

Alonso is a highly talented rookie out of Oregon, who brings a lot of energy and raw talent to the Buffalo Bills’ defense.  The Patriots love to utilize the middle of the field, so look for Alonso to be tangled up with Danny Amendola, Zach Sudfeld, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen early and often.  The Bills also love to blitz Alonso up the middle, so don’t be surprised if he ends the day with a sack and/or a few quarterback hurries. 

Game Projection: Six tackles (one for a loss), four assists, one sack and one pass defended - 14.8 points.

2. NaVorro Bowman vs. Green Bay Packers

Much like Willis, Bowman will be feasting on any Packers’ player that crosses between the hashes, but has the slight advantage of playing more this preseason and being up to “game speed” already. 

Game Projection: Six tackles (one for a loss), six assists and one pass defended - 14.9 points.

1. Luke Kuechly vs. Seattle Seahawks

Yes, Kuechly is going up against one of the most potent and talented offenses in the league, but you can’t forget that he was the 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year - and has quickly established himself as one of the best inside linebackers in the game.  Kuechly is constantly flying all over the field, from sideline to sideline, getting in on every possible play that he can. 

With Seattle's’ west-coast passing scheme and tendency to run the ball up the gut with Marshawn Lynch, Kuechly will have ample opportunity to make plays between the hashes, and everywhere else on the field, this Sunday. 

Game Projection: Eight tackles (one for a loss), five assists and one pass defended - 18.5 points.