IDP Improvements: Moves to Make Before Week Five
Several IDP stars suffered injuries in week four. Fantasy managers may be struggling to find capable starters to plug into lineups. We delve into some fantasy moves you should consider heading into week five to help you stay ahead of the competition.
DeMarvion Overshown, LB DAL – Add/start
Overshown is gathering momentum because his snap share is increasing, he’s been productive and has made eye-popping plays. His performance in the Dallas Cowboys win over the New York Giants was impressive.
Here is every tackle by #Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown in Week 4: pic.twitter.com/EVMMKx1toU
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) September 27, 2024
The 24-year-old was already on the radar of most IDP managers and is unlikely to be available in deep leagues. However, he may still be sitting on waivers in shallow leagues.
Eric Kendricks currently stands in Overshown’s path to a full-time role and possibly even greater production, but age is not on the veteran’s side.
Trevin Wallace, LB CAR – Add/start
Wallace was already becoming more involved in the Panthers’ defense, but he’s likely to be handed a significant role following the season-ending Achilles injury suffered by Shaq Thompson. It further helps Wallace’s cause that Josey Jewell will miss at least one game with an injury of his own. Wallace played every down once Thompson and Jewell exited the game.
Cody Barton, LB DEN – Start
Justin Strnad, LB DEN – Add
Barton and Strnad benefitted from the injury to Alex Singleton. Barton’s involvement increased from 54% in week three to 100% in week four, and Strnad’s snap share was 77%. Strnad played reasonably well, and even recorded a sack:
The guys could do a whole Full Field Read show on just Justin Strnad's plays from today. pic.twitter.com/Z2qJcq8QNl
— Let’s Talk Broncos & Buffs (@LTB_Muse) September 29, 2024
Strnad only produced three combined tackles, but that production should increase if he remains involved until Singleton returns from IR.
Pat Jones, EDGE MIN – Trade away
If you missed the opportunity to sell Jones after he produced four sacks in the first two games, you have just been handed a second sell window after he managed another sack in week four.
It is very unlikely Jones will be able to maintain his current sack rate. He has produced only 11 pressures, a 10.9% pressure rate, and the future belongs to Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner in Minnesota. Andrew Van Ginkel just muddies the water even further.
Jalen Carter, DT PHI – Trade for
As a rookie, Carter took the NFL by storm in the first five games of the 2023 season. He immediately looked like one of the most talented players at the position, producing 23 pressures and four sacks. Carter wasn’t as impactful in the second half of the season, but his frustratingly small role in the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line rotation was partly to blame for his lack of production.
Carter has played a more significant role in the Eagles’ defense following the retirement of Fletcher Cox. Still, he has yet to produce his first sack of the 2024 season. See if you can tempt his current fantasy manager to part ways in a trade. Carter ranks seventh in total pressures and has been unfortunate not to be more productive. He’ll start producing soon if he remains this disruptive.
Conclusion
It is particularly important to be active on waivers this week, not only to prepare for the first bye week of the season but to obtain one of several young players handed more significant roles due to injuries. These youngsters have an opportunity to stake their claim to remain involved long-term.
