IDP Watch: Week 14

Steve Wyremski

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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.

Here are some players to keep an eye on based on recent performances:

Jabaal Sheard, DE NE

Sheard is in the midst of a career rebirth of sorts in his first season with the Patriots. If you watched Sunday night’s game, you saw how disruptive he can be rushing the passer. He gave Brian Hoyer fits finishing with four tackles, an assist and two sacks on 65% of snaps. He now has six sacks on the year in a heavy defensive end rotation. He’s only one and a half sacks from his career high from back in his rookie season. Rob Ninkovich is the hurdle for Sheard possessing significant IDP value, but at only 26 years old and signed with the Patriots through 2016, he’s someone I’d stash in a heartbeat. With both he and Ninkovich free agents in 2017, I’d expect Sheard to be re-signed and Ninkovich set free considering his age if Sheard continues performing.

Khalil Mack, OLB OAK

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Mack is refining his pass-rushing skills in the midst of a breakout season. Not only is he getting to the quarterback with 14 sacks on the year, but he’s on pace to surpass his solo tackle total from last year, as well. Over the last four weeks, Mack has 22 tackles, seven assists and nine sacks. Granted, five of those sacks came last week, but he’s destroying offensive lines right now. His sack ceiling is as high as any player in the league and Mack is only in his second season. In big play leagues, he’s a premium asset and should be in the conversation for the top linebacker spot, while he possesses strong LB2 potential in tackle-heavy formats.

Jadeveon Clowney, OLB HOU

This past week, Clowney played 100% of the team’s snaps and finished with four tackles, three assists and two sacks. It was the first game all season where he played every snap. He was close in week three, but missed a snap or two. Over the last four games, he has three and a half sacks, 14 tackles and four assists. He’s stepped up and is playing like the Texans drafted him to. There’s still a question about whether he can stay healthy considering the injury issues he’s struggled with thus far in his NFL career, but this is one of the first positive trends we’ve seen from Clowney. Unfortunately, he’s stuck as a 3-4 outside linebacker limiting his value in tackle heavy leagues, but his value is on the rise.

Marcus Roberson, CB STL

With Janoris Jenkins out last week and Trumaine Johnson out the week before, Roberson filled the stat sheet on 100% of the team’s snaps averaging seven tackles. With Jenkins still in concussion protocol and the Rams on a short week, Roberson could be in for another full-time role in week 15. In corner-required leagues, he’s someone to consider as a spot-starter to close out the year. Long-term, considering how he’s played when presented the opportunity these past two weeks and week one against the Seahawks, he’s a player to monitor. The issue is Lamarcus Joyner is in the mix and Jenkins is the team’s best corner. That said, keep an eye on his snap trend to close the year as there is nothing better than a corner who’s a target monger.

Damontre Moore, DE MIA

Prior to their Monday night game, the Giants released former third-round pick Moore after a locker room altercation with Cullen Jenkins allegedly over free headphones. It’s clear the Dolphins want more depth along their defensive line after losing Cameron Wake to injured reserve earlier this year. A few weeks ago, the Dolphins added Quinton Coples after the Jets released him and now they’ve added Moore. Moore always possessed the potential, but was never able to take advantage of multiple opportunities with the Giants. He’ll get another shot to jump in the Dolphins’ defensive end rotation down the stretch. If he’s on the wire, he’s worth stashing to see if he flashes.

Bruce Carter, MLB TB

With Kwon Alexander suspended for the rest of the regular season, Carter assumes the starting middle linebacker duties. The inconsistent Carter finished this past week with six tackles, two assists and a sack on 95% of the team’s snaps. With the Rams and Bears on tap, he should be a viable spot-starter for those in need of production to close out year. Inconsistency is always a risk with Carter, but with little competition behind him, there is a high probability he’s productive.

Donald Butler, ILB SD

Butler’s playing time has been on the decline all season with Denzel Perryman and Manti Te’o playing well. With his struggles and his massive contract through 2020, I’d expect Butler to be a cap casualty this off-season. If you’re in a league with ample bench room and looking for a player who could land in a favorable situation, Butler could be it. He’s struggled all year, but at 27 years old, a change of scenery could serve him well. He’s only two years removed from a double-digit sack season and meaningful IDP production.

Mason Foster, ILB WAS

With Keenan Robinson and Perry Riley beat up, Foster started the last two weeks. He’s a nice plug-and-play matchup option for playoff teams required to start four or more linebackers. Long-term, I wouldn’t bother rostering Foster, however, over the last two weeks, he’s played between 70% and 80% of the team’s snaps averaging five tackles and a little more than an assist. His problem is he’s horribly average which is why he’s changing teams quite frequently as of late. However, if you’re still vying for a championship and need a spot starter, he’s a viable option. I’d prefer Will Compton or the previously mentioned Bruce Carter, but if neither is available, Foster would be the choice with the Bills and Eagles ahead. Both teams offer an ample number of tackle opportunities on average.

Week 13 IDP Watch Update

To follow up on some topics from last week based on week 14, Demarcus Lawrence continued his torrid pace adding a sack, four tackles and an assist against the Packers. He now has five sacks over the last five weeks, along with 12 tackles and three assists. He’s proving to be a player who’s approaching his potential.

The Detroit News published an article this past weekend on Isa Abdul-Quddus with the coaching staff raving about Abdul-Quddus stating he is a solid starter, but also highlighting their view that he’s a package specific player. Against the Rams, he only played 24 snaps and finished with one tackle as the Lions used James Ihedigbo more to defend Todd Gurley. Until we see evidence of consistent snaps and performance on the field, I’d leave him on the wire. Otherwise, he can be a matchup play against pass-heavy teams like the Saints this upcoming week.

Frank Clark continues his rise. He played 67% of the team’s snaps this past week finishing with a tackle and a forced fumble. Not the production you’d hope for on 67% of snaps, but his snap share continues to increase which is notable.

Deeper Dynasty Watches

Keep an eye on the Giants’ Cooper Taylor. He was added to their safety rotation in week 13 and was one of the few Giants who could actually wrap up a ball carrier against the Dolphins. The Giants have so many gaps defensively; Taylor could continue to see opportunities to close the year.

The Dolphin’s Jordan Phillips has seen a bump in snaps the past three weeks and posted five tackles over that period. He’s worth stashing in deep defensive tackle required leagues if not already rostered. Playing next to Ndamukong Suh should leave Phillips with plenty of one-on-one opportunities over the next few years.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveWyremski

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