IDP Improvements: Moves to Make Before Week 13

Daron Bland | © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Abbey Posted On November 29, 2023

Fantasy managers are desperately trying to find players to plug into their line-ups as six teams are on a bye in week 13. Consider this one of the last opportunities to get the jump on your opposition in securing dynasty assets for next season.

Will Anderson Jr, EDGE HOU – TRADE FOR

Anderson has failed to meet the unfairly high expectations many set for him before the season started. He has managed only three sacks so far, a feat Aidan Hutchinson managed by week two of his rookie season.

However, the underlying metrics suggest Anderson is performing better than some realize, and certainly better than last year’s crop of rookie edge rushers did in their respective rookie years:

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History shows that pass rushers who generate higher pressure rates typically record more sacks over a larger sample size, providing optimism that Anderson’s modest sack rate so far should improve in the future.

The DLF rankers know this, as Anderson is still ranked 43rd in the DLF IDP Top 150 rankings. Still, it’s worth having a conversation with his fantasy manager in your league, as they may be disappointed in his sack volume.

Alim McNeill, DT DET – ADD/TRADE FOR

McNeill has been one of the most improved members of the Detroit Lions’ defense this season.

The 2021 third-round pick has demonstrated significant improvement as a pass rusher, posting career highs in total pressures and sacks despite playing 297 fewer snaps than he did in 2022.

Furthermore, McNeill has also improved as a run defender, posting 16 stops in his last nine games and missing only a single tackle over that period.

Alim McNeill is having a breakout season. Explosive athlete starting to put things together as a pass rusher https://t.co/8nAOAop22J pic.twitter.com/jsVo4Ai5OE

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 22, 2023

The 23-year-old’s progress has not been lost on head coach Dan Campbell or defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. McNeill’s snap share has increased from 66% in week one to 80% in week 12, and that level of involvement makes him even more appealing for fantasy purposes.

If you’re playing in a shallow DT-required dynasty league, consider adding McNeill as your DT2. If you’re in a deep league, send a modest trade offer.

DaRon Bland, CB DAL – TRADE AWAY

Bland has been arguably the best cornerback in football in 2023. Breaking the NFL record for pick-sixes was an incredible feat, but he’s also allowed only 52.5% of passes thrown his way to be completed, surrendered just a single touchdown, and is tied for sixth among all cornerbacks with six pass breakups.

History in the making 🙌@DaRon_Bland | @DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/EdmFzDLVMH

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) November 27, 2023

However, it’s unlikely that Bland will be able to sustain the form he has demonstrated so far, and as such, his value may never be greater than it is now.

Consider trading Bland for a player at a premium position, considering the point we’ve discussed in previous articles regarding replacement value.

Owen Pappoe, LB ARI – ADD

This one is a dart throw. Pappoe is a fifth-round pick, has played only four snaps all year, and has three players ahead of him on the depth chart. There’s very little about this situation to justify why I’ve listed him as a player to target in dynasty leagues.

Kyzir White’s contract runs through 2024, but Josh Woods and Krys Barnes are set to become unrestricted free agents after the 2023 season.

Nick Rallis’ defensive scheme does not employ two full-time linebackers, but even if Pappoe moved up to second in the pecking order, he would assume at least some value in deep dynasty leagues.

Given how the Cardinals’ defense has performed this season, it might not be a surprise if Rallis is replaced for the 2024 season.

Conclusion

I hesitated to mention the Bland suggestion, as I’m mindful that managers could hurt their team’s fortunes in the short term. But this IS a dynasty article and site, so I felt justified in including it.

Managers should evaluate their scoring format, league depth, requirements for numbers of starters, etc., before determining whether these suggestions make sense for their team.