IDP Watch: Week Seven

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

Often, things like quarterback hurries, quarterback knockdowns, or snap counts don’t appear in the box scores. These are key 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.

The goal is to largely avoid stellar IDP players since many of those guys are already heavily in the eyes of IDP owners. Instead, here are some players to keep an eye on based on week seven performances:

Vincent Rey, MLB CIN

After struggling to start the year, Rey Maualuga suffered an injury in week six that will keep him out for a while.. In his absence in week seven, Rey started and finished with seven tackles and nine assists on 100 percent of the team’s snaps. It was Rey’s second game of the season where he played more than 90 percent of snaps. In those two games, he totaled 12 tackles and 11 assists, so he’s extremely active. As long as Maualuga is out, or as long as Rey keeps the starting joh, he’s a solid LB2 option. It’s been a long time coming for Maualuga to lose his starting spot, but it’s time for a change regardless of his health. He’s a perennial underachiever.

Prince Shembo / Joplo Bartu, ILB ATL

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Shembo started in weeks four and five, played a nice chunk of snaps and tallied 11 tackles and 11 assists. A solid showing, but in the two weeks following, he only played one defensive snap. Instead, over the last two weeks, Bartu played roughly 80 percent of the Falcons’ defensive snaps and amassed nine tackles and 12 assists. It’s unclear what’s happening here with this spot, but it’s difficult to trust either of these players after the last four weeks. I still like Shembo long-term given his natural ability and raw athleticism, though it doesn’t appear the staff is ready to trust him just yet.

Chandler Jones, DE NE

It looks like Jones will be out a month, which is a huge hit to both the Patriots defense and his fantasy owners’ lineups. The big question is who will see a bump in snaps in his absence. Rookie defensive tackle Dominique Easley is expected to see more snaps, which will be a great test for a supreme talent. He should be rostered already, but if not, he should be scooped up. Zach Moore is reportedly another guy who will get a shot as a rookie. However, it’s Chris Jones who I like to not only see some more snaps, but to also pick up some production with Jones out of the lineup. While Chris has started every game in 2014, his snap share has steadily increased for much of the year. As a defensive tackle eligible option, he’s a sneaky play for the next month in defensive tackle required leagues given Chandler’s injury.

Christian Jones, WLB CHI

With Lance Briggs injured and Khaseem Greene struggling, Jones will get the start in week eight. If you want upside – both short-term and long-term – Jones is a fantastic add. He went undrafted in the 2014 draft due to a failed drug test, but he’s a very solid prospect as he was originally projected to go in the second or third round. While still raw, the Bears believe Jones is a diamond in the rough who could be a long-term contributor. If you’re looking for the 2014 version of Vontaze Burfict, Jones may be it. Their path to NFL snaps has been very similar.

Christian Kirksey, ILB CLE

While many were hoping and expecting Kirksey’s 2014 rookie season to be much like Kiko Alonso’s 2013 season, Kirksey hasn’t lived up to expectations. While owners may be disappointed about mid-way through the year, week seven may have been Kirksey’s breakout. On only 52 percent of the team’s snaps, he finished with seven tackle, two assists, and one sack. That’s tremendous production on a per snap basis and if this is any indication of his level of play, patience is likely to pay off for his owners. He’s not playing subpackages just yet, but once he does, Kirksey should produce consistently at a high level. At this point, things are looking positive for the rookie.

Telvin Smith, WLB JAX

Talking about breakouts, Smith finished week seven with three tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and an interception. His snap share was still relatively low at 52 percent, but accordingly to Coach Gus Bradley, Smith appears more comfortable on the field and his speed is starting to show. If he’s getting more comfortable and making plays, Smith is likely to see an increase in snaps, which should mean an increase in IDP production. He’s a favorable candidate for a strong second half. 

Robert Quinn, DE STL

Seven weeks into the season and Quinn finally registered his first sack. A long time coming, but the sack streak may begin here as Quinn has favorable matchups the next two weeks. Week seven was positive not only for his first 2014 sack, but he also got to the quarterback more than he did all year with four hurries and one quarterback hit in week seven. Finally, a positive sign. Quinn may have a contract extension hangover, but he remains a premier dynasty defensive end who should shake this slump.

Avery Williamson, ILB TEN

As a starter the last three weeks, Williamson is averaging four tackles and a snap share of roughly 75 percent. While the numbers aren’t overly impressive, the reviews have been positive thus far. He’s proven to be instinctive and athletic enough to play every down. Williamson is someone to target for the long-term and could offer short-term value as he continues to mature through 2014.

Matt Elam, FS/SS BAL

The story with Elam is pretty simple at this point and it’s not good. His production was stunted as a free safety last season, but he’s lost snaps in 2014 after getting a shot as the team’s strong safety. The former first round pick looks to be a bust. If you haven’t cut bait yet, it may be time to do so.

Deep Dynasty Looks

Chris Borland, ILB SF

While Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis will return and retain their starting spots as premier linebackers, Borland started for the first time last week in relief of Willis. He played 95 percent of the team’s snaps and finished with seven tackles, an assist, and a sack. He’ll need an injury or situation change to be guaranteed snaps, but this showing is noteworthy for those with deep dynasty rosters.

James (or JT) Thomas, MLB JAX

With Paul Posluszny out for the year, Thomas will slide into the starting spot in week seven. He’s not a long-term option, but could prove to be a valuable stopgap or playoff push option in 2014.

Follow Steve on Twitter at @SteveWyremski

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