DLF’s 2016 IDP Predictions: Best Dynasty Buy

I love this time of year. Even though most of our dynasty league drafts have long come and gone, there’s plenty of maneuvering to do through the month of August and into September. My favorite articles to read anywhere, not just at DLF, are roundtable type of articles. It’s awesome to hear the opinions of many fantasy football analysts when they’re asked the same question in the same context. The IDP team at DLF was asked to give their answers to who they thought would finish 2016 as the:

• Fantasy IDP MVP
• Fantasy IDP Rookie of the Year
• Most Overvalued Dynasty IDP Player
• Most Undervalued Dynasty IDP Player
• Fantasy IDP Sleeper
• Best Dynasty IDP Buy
• Best Dynasty IDP Sell
• Fantasy IDP Comeback Player of the Year

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Christian Kirksey, ILB CLE– Kirksey is locked into an every-down role in the middle of Cleveland’s defense and should see plenty of tackle opportunities. Despite this, he is often ranked outside the top 50 linebackers, which is a crime. He should return top 30 value in 2016, assuming he plays a full season. –Alex Onuschco

Eric Kendricks, LB MIN– Kendricks is being looked over because… Actually I have no idea. He missed a couple of games, but this kid is the real deal. Buy now before his value does what Telvin Smith‘s did last year. –Dan Sainio

Demarcus Lawrence, DE DAL- Between low production in his first two seasons and the four game suspension to start the 2016 season, Lawrence’s value is much lower than it will be at this time next year. –Jaron Foster

Shaq Thompson, LB CAR- This is easily Shaq Thompson. All indications point to the beginning of him stealing snaps from the aging Thomas Davis. In limited action, he’s always around the ball. With a full set of snaps, top 10 is a realistic possibility. It may not happen this year, but it’s on the horizon. –Steve Wyremski

Brandon Marshall, LB DEN- Still coming around on him and the opportunity is very hard to deny. He is clearly the best linebacker on the field and anything that doesn’t get swallowed by the defensive line in Denver will be his for the taking. –Adam Tzikas

Vontaze Burfict, LB CIN- Right now I would be buying Vontaze Burfict. He’s missed time the last two seasons and has missed some time in training camp with a foot injury. Once he gets back on the field, his price will only go up. He’s still a stud when he’s on the field. –Zach Bahner

Dante Fowler Jr., DE JAX- Fowler was very highly regarded coming out last year, but missed his rookie year with injury.  He should bounce back to the same elite level, but his value certainly hasn’t yet.  Grab him before his price skyrockets. –Trevor Bucher

Jaylon Smith, LB DAL- He’s an elite talent in an ideal situation and his injury makes his price tag palatable. His value will skyrocket once he hits the field. –Bruce Matson

Justin Houston, OLB KC- Everyone appears to have forgotten about Justin Houston who suffered an injury last season and is now, surprisingly, showing up on the waivers of some more shallow IDP leagues. He’s going to put up points folks, don’t do this to yourselves. Go out while his value is down and try to obtain him from a league-mate who might not be so high on him anymore. –TheFFGhost

Connor Barwin, DE PHI- The Eagles have forsaken the 3-4 in favor of the 4-3. This move is beneficial for nearly the entire front seven, who were a collectively square peg in a round orifice playing the “34”. As far as value goes, Barwin’s move to defensive end is a clear winner for IDP’ers. Eagles defensive tackles Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan create tremendous push inside, forcing runs off course- where Barwin can clean up in the tackle department. His 14 sacks two seasons ago remind us that he’s a skilled pass rusher as well, but stacking up tackles is how he’ll butter his bread. Barwin is an under the radar pick on the defensive line, who could have a big impact in IDP this season. –Mo Brewington

Luke Kuechly, LB CAR- Anywhere you can draft Kuechly is a great buy! A stud LB that hasn’t missed a game in his professional career! –Bill Edwards

Vince Williams, LB PIT- It might be low ceiling production, as the tackle-focused inside linebacker in Pittsburgh’s 3-4, but Williams should step into Lawrence Timmons‘ high-floor role in 2017 or 2018. Tons of tackle production as the run-plugger awaits him. –Joseph Redemann

Tahir Whitehead, LB DET- With Stephen Tulloch playing his ball in Philadelphia now, the Lions have moved onto Tahir Whitehead as their middle linebacker. He will play every down and has the look of a very solid LB2 in dynasty leagues. The fact the DeAndre Levy is recovering slowly from his hip surgery only helps Whitehead’s IDP outlook. My advice is to acquire him before your league mates even figure out who he is. – Eric Olinger

Who are your favorite IDP buys?

Follow me on Twitter @OlingerIDP

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