IDP Watch: Week Four

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.

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 four performances:

Tahir Whitehead, MLB DET

Inrelief of Stephen Tulloch (who’s out for the season with a torn ACL), Whitehead played 100 percent of the team’s snaps against the Jets in week four. He finished with four tackles and eight assists. He should be a consistent performer the remainder of 2014 as an every down linebacker. If he proves capable, Tulloch could be a cap casualty next offseason. As such, don’t dismiss Whitehead as a potential long-term option.

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Prince Shembo, ILB ATL

Shembo started at inside linebacker over Joplo Bartu in week four and it appears he’s stolen the starting spot from him. Shembo finished the week with four tackles, four assists and a quarterback hurry on 75 percent of the team’s snaps. Bartu, on the other hand, only played five snaps. Shembo’s snap spike is noteworthy considering how quickly the coaching staff has loosened the reigns through four weeks. A supremely athletic linebacker, Shembo’s ceiling is tremendous if he sticks as a starter.

Kemal Ishmael, SS ATL

With William Moore out at least eight weeks with a shoulder injury, Ishmael will assume Moore’s starting spot at strong safety. Filling in for Moore in week four, Ishmael finished with one tackle and six assists on 89 percent of the team’s snaps. With a smaller share of snaps in week three, he finished with four tackles, an assist, an interception and a touchdown. A 2013 seventh round pick, Ishmael is more of an overachiever than an athlete, but the high effort is resulting in production. He’s earned more snaps and, in turn, is a deep dynasty target. 

Anthony Barr, SLB MIN

Quietly, Barr has been very solid as a rookie on the strongside of the Vikings’ defense. Through five games, he’s played 97 percent of the team’s snaps and is averaging four tackles, two assists and a half a sack. He also has two quarterback hits and four hurries through the four games. Originally, I dismissed Barr with skepticism towards his ability to succeed as a 4-3 linebacker – he’s proven more than capable.

Robert Quinn, DE STL

Quinn’s a huge disappointment so far with zero sacks after three games. After leading the NFC in sacks a year ago with 19, Quinn’s receiving a lot more offensive line attention in 2014. Additionally, the absence of Chris Long on the opposite side is allowing offenses to focus more attention on him. Nonetheless, Quinn is an elite defensive end and should bounce back and finish with double-digit sacks for the season. All you need is just a little patience.

If there is a time to buy low on Quinn, it’s now. So far, he’s faced the Cowboys’ Tyron Smith, who’s considered a top flight tackle, and was often doubled in his other two match-ups. He’ll continue to receive offensive line attention given his 2013 season, but one would think the Rams spent part of their week four bye developing a plan to free up Quinn and get him to the quarterback. Don’t be surprised to see his first 2014 sack this week against the Eagles.

Demario Davis, ILB NYJ

Davis is one of the few bright spots for the Jets after four weeks in 2014. Often overshadowed by the seasoned David Harris, in his second year as a starter, Davis looks comfortable and appears to be ready to assume the leading linebacker role. He’s playing every down and is averaging five tackles, four assists and a half a sack. He’s even outplayed Harris thus far in all facets. Once known as a raw player entering NFL a little over two years ago and, to date, Davis has shown continued improvement. He represents a dynasty linebacker who has yet to reach his potential and a fantastic long-term play.

Sean Spence, ILB PIT

After a nasty 2013 injury that left many questioning whether he’d ever play again, Spence is starting at inside linebacker with Ryan Shazier out with a sprained MCL. It’s unclear when Shazier will return, which tabs Spence as a solid interim option at linebacker. In week four, he played 90 percent of the team’s snaps and finished with three tackles. The matchup last week against Tampa Bay wasn’t great considering the low volume of tackle opportunities, so look for him to improve in the coming weeks / as long as Shazier is out.

Anthony Spencer, DE DAL

After almost a year, Spencer returned to action in week four against the Saints. Given the length of time he missed, he’ll be eased back into action. Last week, he played 23 snaps and notched a quarterback hit, a quarterback hurry, a tackle and two assists. The Cowboys desperately need a pass rush, so Spencer should quickly see an increase in opportunities as he assimilates back into weekly play.

Deep Dynasty Looks

Avery Williamson, ILB TEN

We mentioned Williamson in this same spot last week, but we’ll do it again after a solid performance in week four. Zaviar Gooden is still starting, but Williamson is outplaying him. On 27 snaps, Williamson tallied six tackles and an assist. If not rostered, he’s a great speculative play in all formats.

Tyrone Crawford, DE DAL

Crawford is playing extremely well through four weeks. It’s not showing up in the box score, but he’s played 61 percent of the team’s snaps and has amassed four quarterback hits and 10 hurries (only two tackles and two assists on the season).

Sterling Moore, CB DAL

Morris Claiborne’s snaps were being cut back, but the torn patellar tendon seals his fate. Moore will assume his starting spot as he’s played well in a reserve role to date. Given the production of the Cowboys’ offense, expect a high volume of tackle opportunities for Moore through 2014. 

Follow Steve on Twitter at @SteveWyremski

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