Player Card

Fantasy Player Profile Ifeatu Melifonwu

  • Ifeatu Melifonwu
  • DB #6
  • Ifeatu
    Melifonwu
vs. MIN: #29 vs opposing DB - 28.76 FPA
Bye Week9Rank164% Rostered-% Change-WK 17 Pts8.00WK 18 Pts6.00
2023 Fantasy Stats
   TacklesTurnoverScoreOtherFantasy
WkOppResultsSckTFLIntFrc FumFum RecInt TDFumTDBlk TDSafDef 2pt RetBlkPDefQB HitPts
1@KC
Win, 21-20
-------------0.00
2SEA
Loss, 31-37
-------------0.00
3ATL
Win, 20-6
-1---------1-3.00
4@GB
Win, 34-20
-------------0.00
5CAR
Win, 42-24
-------------0.00
6@TB
Win, 20-6
-------------0.00
7@BAL
Loss, 6-38
-------------0.00
8LV
Win, 26-14
-------------0.00
9Bye  -------------0.00
10@LAC
Win, 41-38
-------------0.00
11CHI
Win, 31-26
-------------0.00
12GB
Loss, 22-29
-------------0.00
13@NO
Win, 33-28
-------------0.00
14@CHI
Loss, 13-28
-------------0.00
15DEN
Win, 42-17
11-1-------2216.00
16@MIN
Win, 30-24
221--------2226.00
17@DAL
Loss, 19-20
--1--------1-8.00
18MIN
Win, 30-20
-----------216.00
2023 Fantasy Stats
  TacklesTurnoverFantasy
WkOppTotSckIntFrc FumFum RecPts
1@KC,
W 21-20
-----0.00
2SEA,
L 31-37
-----0.00
3ATL,
W 20-6
3----3.00
4@GB,
W 34-20
2----0.00
5CAR,
W 42-24
-----0.00
6@TB,
W 20-6
-----0.00
7@BAL,
L 6-38
-----0.00
8LV,
W 26-14
-----0.00
9Bye-----0.00
10@LAC,
W 41-38
-----0.00
11CHI,
W 31-26
-----0.00
12GB,
L 22-29
-----0.00
13@NO,
W 33-28
-----0.00
14@CHI,
L 13-28
2----0.00
15DEN,
W 42-17
61-1-16.00
16@MIN,
W 30-24
521--26.00
17@DAL,
L 19-20
3-1--8.00
18MIN,
W 30-20
3----6.00
  • 1
  • 2
  • 33.00
  • 40.00
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 80.00
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 140.00
  • 1516.00
  • 1626.00
  • 178.00
  • 186.00
Fantasy Points
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9 Bye
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
  15. 15
  16. 16
  17. 17
  18. 18

News

  • Strong finish to 2023 campaign

    Melifonwu recorded 33 tackles, 3.0 sacks, eight pass breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumble over 17 regular-season games in 2023.

    Analysis: Seeing extended playing time just twice in the first 12 games of the season, Melifonwu ended the year with a bang after being pushed into a large role for a second time in Week 14. From that point on, the Syracuse product did enough to finish the season tied for second among safeties in sacks and top 20 in passes defended despite seeing more than seven percent of the defensive snaps in just seven of 17 games. Melifonwu then finished tied for third among all players in sacks (2.0) and 11th in…read more

    Published: Tue, Feb 27 at 8:58am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Records INT in second straight game

    Melifonwu had three solo tackles and an interception in Saturday's 20-19 loss to the Cowboys.

    Analysis: Melifonwu's interception came on the Cowboys' first possession of the game when he picked off Dak Prescott on a pass intended for CeeDee Lamb and returned it for 24 yards. It's the second straight game Melifonwu has registered an INT and the third time in four contests that he's recorded at least 61 snaps on defense. He's been the starting strong safety the past four games, but he should see his snap count drop if C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) returns from IR.

    Published: Mon, Jan 1 at 12:07pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Snags game-clinching interception

    Melifonwu totaled five tackles, including two sacks, and two pass breakups with one interception during Sunday's win over the Vikings.

    Analysis: Logging at least 98 percent of the defensive snaps for the third straight game, Melifonwu put together another impressive stat line with no component more important than the game-sealing interception he snagged with little time left in regulation. However, his pass-rushing prowess has also been impressive, considering Melifonwu went from zero sacks a couple of weeks ago to being tied for third among safeties with three sacks in his last two games. The 2021 third-round pick will look to keep…read more

    Published: Mon, Dec 25 at 2:28pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Productive in win

    Melifonwu registered nine tackles (six solo), including a sack, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble in Detroit's 42-17 win versus Denver on Saturday.

    Analysis: Melifonwu had a dominant outing Sunday, finishing with a new season high for tackles and also logged the first full sack of his career. The 24-year-old has now compiled 20 tackles (13 solo) in 14 appearances this season.

    Published: Mon, Dec 18 at 5:43pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Will suit up

    Melifonwu (hand) is active Sunday against the Bears.

    Analysis: Melifonwu dealt with a hand injury throughout the week, but he was able to log back-to-back full practices Thursday and Friday and will now be good to take the field Sunday.

    Published: Sun, Nov 19 at 8:41am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Starting Sunday

    Melifonwu will start Sunday against the Falcons, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

    Analysis: The third-year pro is getting the nod with starting safeties Kerby Joseph (hip) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) out with injuries. Melifonwu, a 2021 third-round pick, started five games over his first two seasons and recorded 29 tackles.

    Published: Sun, Sep 24 at 9:21am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Showing well at safety

    Melifonwu stood out at safety during recent minicamp practices, John Maakaron of Sports Illustrated reports.

    Analysis: Melifonwu, who began converting from cornerback to safety last season, will need to keep the momentum going into training camp in order to claim a significant role behind Tracy Walker, Kerby Joseph and 2023 second-round pick Brian Branch.

    Published: Tue, Jun 20 at 11:27am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Full go Wednesday

    Melifonwu (ankle) was listed as a full participant on the Lions' practice report Wednesday.

    Analysis: Melifonwu has been sidelined for the past four games while dealing with an ankle injury, though he appears to have finally worked past this issue ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants. The second-year cornerback was also ruled out for each of the first three games of the season with a hamstring injury, leaving him available to play just 17 total snaps over two games in 2022.

    Published: Wed, Nov 16 at 2:47pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sidelined again for Week 10

    Melifonwu (ankle) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Bears.

    Analysis: Melifonwu will now miss his fourth consecutive contest as a result of an ankle injury. He's logged just four defensive snaps thus far in 2022, so his absence isn't expected to alter Detroit's defensive game plan too much.

    Published: Sun, Nov 13 at 8:59am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Remains out

    Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

    Analysis: Melifonwu will miss a third consecutive game due to an ankle injury. His next chance to suit up will come in Week 10 against the Bears.

    Published: Fri, Nov 4 at 2:30pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Will miss another game

    Melifonwu (ankle) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

    Analysis: Melifonwu suffered the injury during the team's Week 5 loss to New England and will be out for the second consecutive game. He was unable to practice in any capacity throughout the week and also had the team's Week 6 bye to recover, so the issue appears to be significant.

    Published: Fri, Oct 28 at 8:07pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Won't face Cowboys

    Melifonwu (ankle) is out for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

    Analysis: Melifonwu exited Detroit's Week 5 matchup against New England with an ankle injury and failed to practice in any capacity this week. He's managed to suit up for only two games this season, as he was previously bothered by a hamstring injury.

    Published: Fri, Oct 21 at 8:09pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Suffers ankle injury Sunday

    Melifonwu is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Patriots due to an ankle injury.

    Analysis: Melifonwu recorded one tackle before leaving the contest in the second half. Kerby Joseph is currently the only healthy safety on the active roster, so a cornerback will likely be thrust into a new role until Melifonwu is able to return.

    Published: Sun, Oct 9 at 12:34pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Inactive against Minnesota

    Melifonwu (coach's decision) will not play in Sunday's contest against the Vikings.

    Analysis: While Melifonwu was dealing with a hamstring injury this week, it appears he won't take the field for his season debut due to the coach's decision. Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott, the team's starting safeties, will both be active for Sunday's matchup.

    Published: Sun, Sep 25 at 9:10am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Full participant Wednesday

    Melifonwu (hamstring) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice.

    Analysis: Melifonwu missed the first two games of the campaign due to a hamstring issue, but it appears he'll be available to make his season debut in Week 3. As a rookie, the 2021 third-round pick recorded 15 tackles across seven appearances, and he figures to garner a similar backup role behind Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott in 2022.

    Published: Wed, Sep 21 at 2:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sitting out Week 2

    Melifonwu (hamstring) is inactive Sunday against the Commanders.

    Analysis: It's not surprising Melifonwu is out, as he has been practicing on and off since the start of the season. JuJu Hughes will continue to serve as the primary backup to starting safeties Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott.

    Published: Sun, Sep 18 at 9:45am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Out against Eagles

    Melifonwu (hamstring) is inactive Week 1 against the Eagles.

    Analysis: The second-year reserve safety had entered the week with a "doubtful" tag after logging limited practices each time out, so it's no surprise to see Melifonwu on the inactive list. Instead, Kerby Joseph would now appear to be in line to serve as the backup to starting strong safety Tracy Walker.

    Published: Sun, Sep 11 at 9:02am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Deemed doubtful

    Melifonwu (hamstring) is considered doutbful for Sunday's game versus the Eagles, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

    Analysis: Melifonwu has been sidelined for a couple weeks with a nagging hamstring issue. If he is indeed ultimately ruled out, JuJu Hughes and Kerby Joseph would be the primary depth available behind Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott at safety.

    Published: Sat, Sep 10 at 9:42am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Nursing injury

    Melifonwu has recently missed time due to an undisclosed injury, Jeremy Reisman of USA Today reports.

    Analysis: It's not clear if Melifonwu is dealing with an ailment related to the undisclosed injury that prevented him from fully taking part in June minicamp. It is also not clear when Melifonwu could be back in action. For now, Detroit will enter Week 1 with JuJu Hughes as the top backup at safety behind Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott.

    Published: Tue, Aug 30 at 11:12am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Fine for training camp

    Melifonwu (undisclosed) recently participated in individual drills without any noticeable restrictions, the Woodward Sports Network reports.

    Analysis: Melifonwu missed some practice time in June due to an undisclosed injury, but it appears he is past that issue in advance of training camp. This bodes well for the 23-year-old, who has spent the offseason transitioning from cornerback to safety, where he will compete with Brady Breeze, Kerby Joseph and C.J. Moore for snaps behind Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott.

    Published: Sat, Jul 23 at 3:59pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with undisclosed injury

    Melifonwu missed the end of the Lions' offseason workouts due to an undisclosed injury, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

    Analysis: While the nature of Melifonwu's situation isn't clear, the Lions don't appear to be concerned that he's dealing with a severe injury. What's more clear is that the 23-year-old will be playing a lot of safety this fall after being drafted as a cornerback in the third round last year, only to practice at safety throughout this offseason. Given the number of promising young cornerbacks on the roster compared to the depth Detroit has at safety, this position change could be his best path to…read more

    Published: Wed, Jun 22 at 10:33am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Getting reps at safety

    Melifonwu has been working out at both cornerback and safety this offseason, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com reports.

    Analysis: As a third-round rookie in 2021, Melifonwu received the Week 2 start at outside cornerback in place of Jeff Okudah (Achilles), but he then missed the next nine weeks with a quadriceps injury. He returned down the stretch to log significant time at slot cornerback, and in Week 16, he was matched up with Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts. Now he's getting time at safety, likely making the 23-year-old one of the most versatile pieces in Detroit's secondary. With that said, the path to getting a large…read more

    Published: Wed, Jun 1 at 8:23pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Activated for Week 15

    Melifonwu (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

    Analysis: Melifonwu missed the team's Week 14 loss to the Broncos, though he should be ready to retake the field Sunday against the Cardinals. He's managed to play in only three games this season due to a thigh injury, and has been limited primarily to a special teams role when active.

    Published: Sun, Dec 19 at 7:40am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Put on reserve/COVID-19 list

    Melifonwu was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

    Analysis: Melifonwu has had a rough start to his NFL career, missing the majority of the season due to a thigh injury picked up in Week 2 against Green Bay. He returned in Week 13 against the Vikings but now enters COVID protocols. With Mark Gilbert also being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, the Lions secondary depth will be stretched thin Sunday against the Broncos.

    Published: Sat, Dec 11 at 6:39pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Activated from IR

    Melifonwu (thigh) was activated from injured reserve Monday,

    Analysis: Melifonwu has been out of action since Week 2. The Lions' 2021 third-round selection had played a total of 42 snaps on defense with two tackles and a pass defensed before the injury. With AJ Parker (ankle) placed on IR last week, Melifonwu's return will help bolster the depth in the Lions' secondary.

    Published: Mon, Nov 29 at 12:52pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Returns to practice Wednesday

    Melifonwu (thigh) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

    Analysis: Melifonwu returned to practice Wednesday, which starts the 21-day window for him to be added to the active roster. If he isn't added, he will revert back to injured reserve for the remainder of the season. The rookie cornerback hasn't played since Week 2, but it appears his return to action may be on the horizon.

    Published: Wed, Nov 10 at 7:33am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Lands on IR

    The Lions placed Melifonwu (thigh) on injured reserve Wednesday.

    Analysis: Melifonwu will miss at least three weeks with the move to IR, but he could possibly be out longer as Coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday the rookie third-round pick will be sidelined for a "significant amount of time." With Jeff Okudah (Achilles) already out for the year, Detroit's secondary has grown thin. The Lions signed Daryl Worley off their practice squad, but AJ Parker and Bobby Price are the most likely candidates to see increased snaps during Melifonwu's absence.

    Published: Wed, Sep 22 at 7:32am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Will miss notable time

    Melifonwu (thigh) is expected to be sidelined multiple weeks, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

    Analysis: Coach Dan Campbell said Melifonwu will miss a "significant amount of time" due to the thigh injury he suffered during Monday's loss to the Packers. By the sound of things, the rookie third-round pick seems like a real candidate for IR. With Jeff Okudah (Achilles) already out for the year, losing Melifonwu for any amount of time will be a devastating blow for Detroit's secondary.

    Published: Tue, Sep 21 at 12:24pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Questionable to return

    Melifonwu is questionable to return to Monday's matchup with the Packers due to a thigh injury, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

    Analysis: Melifonwu sustained the injury early in the third quarter. He had recorded two tackles and one pass defended prior to exiting the game. If he is unable to return, look for Bobby Price to fill in for him.

    Published: Mon, Sep 20 at 7:07pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • In line for starting role

    Melifonwu is likely in line for a starting role after Jeff Okudah suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Sunday's loss to the 49ers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Melifonwu stepped in during Sunday's season opener after Okudah went down, and the rookie recovered a Deebo Samuel fumble late in the fourth quarter to give the Lions the ball back with just under a minute remaining. The 22-year-old appeared in 10 games during his final year at Syracuse and racked up 54 tackles (43 solo), a sack and an interception.

    Published: Mon, Sep 13 at 7:28am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com
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