IDP Watch: Week 14

IDP leagues can be won with some preemptive in-season pickups or trading for players who are on the rise, but the masses have not picked up on it. Each week, we’ll detail a handful of IDP players or trends that are essential for dynasty players to be aware of.

Often things like quarterback hurries, quarterback knockdowns, or snap counts don’t appear in the box scores. These are huge indicators of potential value changes that may be forthcoming as they show a particular player is getting after the quarterback and a string of sacks may be on the horizon or a linebacker may be coming off of the field more than originally expected.

Things that jump out from week 14 performances….

• Andre Branch (JAX DE) continues to see an increase in snaps and is finally getting out of his own way and making plays. Over the last two weeks, he has five tackles, two assists, two fumble recoveries and a sack. In total, he’s got three sacks over the last four weeks. A great sign for a young end who should now be considered an add.

• Over the last seven weeks, Cameron Heyward (PIT DE) is the most productive end in most IDP formats. However, not many people are talking about him given how quiet it’s been and the fact that he’s in a 3-4 scheme. Despite the limiting scheme, over the seven weeks he’s accumulated four sacks, 22 tackles, a fumble recovery, 17 assists, and 11 quarterback hurries. He’s quietly been fantastic.

• Prince Amukamara (NYG CB) has played close to 100 percent of the team’s snaps in 2013 and producing in the box sore. In most corner-required leagues, he’s a top five corner. His coverage hasn’t been fantastic, so it’s meant ample tackle opportunities. That should continue in 2014. The Giants shouldn’t be much worse than they’ve been in 2013, so the tackle opportunities my even increase.

• Tyrann Mathieu (ARZ SS) tore two ligaments in his knee last week and will miss the remainder of the 2013 season. Rashad Johnson will slide into the starting lineup and become a serviceable option down the stretch for playoff team’s thirsty for a short-term option at safety. While not the best NFL safety, he’s been fairly productive for IDP purposes on a per snap basis.

• Many had Nigel Bradham (BUF ILB) tabbed as a 2013 sleeper, but he hasn’t played a significant number of snaps thus far in 2013.  However, in week 14, he started his first game of the season and played 70 percent of the team’s snaps on his way to four tackles and two assists. He’ll struggle to play every down given his competition, but in deeper leagues, the start and production is something to note to see if it continues.

• Jonathan Massaquoi (ATL DE) has really come on the last two weeks with 15 tackles, four assists, and a sack and a half. He’s seeing increased time when Peria Jerry kicks inside to play defensive tackle. Massaquoi belongs on a watch list through the remainder of the year as a result of this production spurt.

• Vincent Rey (CIN MLB) saw a dip in snaps and production with the return of Rey Maualuga. Rey is still seeing snaps, but is unlikely to be a worthy option through the remainder of 2013 given the timeshare with Maualuga. Unfortunately for Rey owners, Maualuga is signed through 2014 and Rey is a restricted free agent. Rey may be stuck with this limited snap situation again in 2014.

Looking towards 2014…

• In yet another positive glimpse, Dre Kirkpatrick (CIN CB) posted six tackles on 25 snaps this past week. That’s great production on a per snap basis. His growth was stunted by injuries in his rookie year and early 2013, so look for 2014 to be the year he becomes a viable option in corner required leagues given his natural tackling ability.

• Over the last three weeks, William Gholston (TB DE) has seen a spike in snaps and is playing anywhere from 35 to 55 percent of the team’s snaps. He’s a consideration in deep leagues given the impact over the last two weeks with three tackles, four assists, and a sack and a half. He’s a very deep option, but someone to monitor.

• Jonathan Cyprien (JAX SS) really stepped up his game over the last four weeks. Over that period, he’s been the consistent player that many were predicting throughout the offseason. It appears the bye really helped his game. He’s been consistently productive since then. He’s going to be a top safety option headed into 2014.

• We mentioned him two weeks ago, but Damontre Moore’s (NYG DE) snaps are increasing. He’s played a little over 20 percent of the team’s snaps over the last two weeks. He only has a quarterback hit and hurry in that time, but continue to monitor the situation as the Giants don’t have much to play for over the last few weeks of the season. He’ll get his opportunities.

• Robert Alford (ATL CB) saw his first NFL start in week 14 in place of the benched Astante Samuel. He played every down and posted four tackles and an assist. The Falcons’ coaching staff has highlighted a youth movement that’s like likely to include Alford as a starter through the remainder of 2013. Don’t be surprised if that continues into 2014.

• Kevin Minter (ARZ ILB) should not be ignored despite the non-existent rookie year. While the signing of Karlos Dansby has limited his snaps in 2013, Dansby only signed a one-year deal. Keep note of offseason activity related to the Cardinals’ inside linebacker competition. Minter is a likely to benefit should Dansby move on.

• Jeff Heath (DAL SS) continues to play close to every down and play well. On an average points per game basis since he began starting, he’s a borderline number one safety for IDP purposes. While the rookie’s performed well, Barry Church is the young safety of the two who’s really performing at the highest level. Over that same period, Church is a top five safety. With the ability to play in the box, he’s making a significant impact in the box score. Both appear to be viable long-term options.

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