IDP Watch: Week 10

Steve Wyremski

We’re going to take a slightly different approach this week and go with some ‘quick hits’ for IDP purposes. Given that we’re approaching playoff time, some teams are throwing in the towel for 2013 and looking towards next year. With that, here are some things to monitor for the short-term given week 10 production, as well as some players to think about if looking forward to next year.

vincen-reyThings that jump out from week 10 performances….

  • Vincent Rey (CIN MLB) has played every down the past two weeks and looks like he’ll keep Rey Maualuga on the sidelines even when healthy. Rey is playing well and is a long-term upside option who is being gobbled off the wire.
  • With Sean Lee (DAL MLB) out 3-4 weeks Bruce Carter will benefit with increased tackle opportunities. That started in week ten immediately after the injury and Carter led the team in tackles with nine tackles and three assists.
  • Paul Worrilow (ATL WLB) has played every down over the last four weeks, which turned into box score production over the last two weeks. With the return of Sean Weatherspoon, don’t expect this production to continue. He’ll see snaps, but opportunities will be scaled back with Weatherspoon’s return.
  • Donald Butler (SD ILB) returned from injury in week 10, played every down and returned to his productive ways with seven tackles. That should continue through the end of the season.
  • In case it’s not clear just yet, DeAndre Levy (DET WLB) is a consistent every down linebacker. This is his first season that he’s playing this role consistently. With that, he’s a must start each week and is now in the top 15 among linebackers for 2013 in most formats.
  • Chris Jones (NE DT) has played almost every down the last four weeks. The 2013 sixth round rookie pick is getting to the quarterback and making plays in run support. He’s a great short-term option in defensive tackle required leagues given the tackle opportunities he’ll face with Vince Wilfork on the shelf.
  • Brandon Thompson (CIN DT) assumed Geno Atkins’ snaps with Atkins out due to injury. He got to the quarterback with three hurries, two tackles, and an assist. Like Jones, he’s a worthy short-term option in deep defensive tackle required leagues with Atkins out for the year.

Looking towards 2014…

  • Dre Kirkpatrick (CIN CB) is struggling to see snaps, but 2013 is essentially his first season after a 2012 rookie season riddled with injuries. He’s not playing much still, but given his natural tackling ability, he’s worth a stash or cheap acquisition depending on league depth.
  • Jacquian Williams (NYG SLB) started the last two weeks at the expense of Spencer Paysigner after Williams played well against the Eagles and Vikings. He’s a Jesse Armstead type of player who excels in pass coverage. As he’s still developing and could play either the strong or weakside spot, he’s a deeper stash option.
  • Sheldon Richardson (NYJ DE) is stuck in a 3-4 base defense, but he’s disruptive in all aspects of the game. He’ll be a cornerstone of the Jets’ defense for years and should also be a consistent contributor in the box score. His upside is limited by the scheme, but he’s already a top 15 defensive end in most leagues. Don’t be surprised to find him in the top 10 among defensive ends annually.
  • Dewayne Gratz (JAX CB) started in week 10, played every down, and had four tackles and an interception. That’s the second game in a row with positive play and box score production. He’s an underrated cornerback required long-term option.
  • Concerned about Dion Jordan (MIA DE)? With good reason. The rookie is struggling to see consistent snaps. He’s only playing limited snaps and has yet to play more than 42 percent of the team’s snaps. On the year, he’s only played 26 percent of the team’s snaps. To boot, he only has one sack on the season and can’t yet be trusted for IDP purposes.
  • Jamie Collins (NE WLB/SLB) will likely be a starter in 2014 with the departure of Brandon Spikes. He may be nothing more than a deep option given that Jerod Mayo and Dont’a Hightower will be the every down linebackers going forward, but he’s an athletic player who will see snaps and possesses upside.
  • Bruce Irvin (SEA SLB) may prove to be a poor man’s Von Miller. He’s seen significant snaps over the last number of weeks. And is playing both with his hand in the dirt and in a two-point stance. He still has a way to go before approaching Miller status, but he’s a compelling long-term option given his usage.
  • Margus Hunt (CIN DE) is a great long-term stash. He needed some development time headed into the NFL, but with Michael Johnson scheduled to be a free agent, Hunt is a solid candidate to see increased snaps in 2014.

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