IDP Improvements: Moves to Make Before Week Seven
If you followed the advice in last week’s article, you would have traded away Isaiah McDuffie before his snap hit a season-low and picked up Josh Sweat before he produced his best performance of the season. Here, we delve into more fantasy moves you should consider heading into week seven to help you stay ahead of the competition.
Josh Paschal, EDGE DET – Add
Isaac Uwku, EDGE DET – Leave on waivers
Trevor Nowaske, EDGE DET – Leave on waivers
Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending broken tibia during the Detroit Lions win over the Dallas Cowboys last weekend. His injury has huge ramifications for the Lions’ defense, and replacing his game-changing ability will be impossible.
Still, Hutchinson’s absence will create additional opportunities for others to step up. Undrafted free agents Trevor Nowaske and Isaac Ukwu were the main beneficiaries in week six, playing 43% and 54% of the defensive snaps, respectively. They were part of a three-man rotation comprising Josh Paschal, whose involvement barely increased. James Houston was a healthy scratch, but he figures to be activated going forward.
Sometimes, the best moves we make are those we don’t make. One of these players may emerge to become a capable IDP contributor, but the odds are stacked against them. Leave them on waivers. The better play may be to monitor who the Lions trade for, if anyone, and be the first manager to pull the trigger if it’s an impactful player. Haason Reddick or Baron Browning, anyone?
Payton Wilson, LB PIT – Bench
The scarcity of IDP-relevant linebackers means IDP managers are understandably keen to identify emerging talents at the position, and Wilson was on everyone’s radar after his dominant performance at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Payton Wilson RAS via @MathBomb #Steelers #NFL https://t.co/CdSGLu4nRr pic.twitter.com/nTNUqCG1CN
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 27, 2024
Patrick Queen’s slow start to the season led some to wonder if Wilson would become more involved. Some may be confused into thinking he has, after compiling 15 tackles in his last two games.
Unfortunately, Wilson’s 43% snap share in week six was the same as it was in week one, and he continues to split time with Elandon Roberts as the Steelers’ LB2. Queen remains the only every-down linebacker, and his production has improved in recent weeks.
DLF rankers consider Wilson the third most valuable rookie in dynasty formats. He has the talent to earn a more significant role as the season unfolds, but he should remain on your bench for the time being.
Edgerrin Cooper, LB GB – Add
Last week, we recommended trading away Isaiah McDuffie because his snap share had diminished. At the time, his role was still larger than Cooper’s, but things were not trending in his favor.
In week six, Cooper’s role increased significantly, from 38% to 66%. His production was modest, but he played well for the second consecutive week:
INSANE back-to-back plays by the rook Edgerrin Cooper in Week 6
◾️ Terrific run fit
◾️ Shows A gap pressure – bails into Tampa 2 and tracks McBride down the seamMORE SNAPS pic.twitter.com/U2b3XydJ00
— Alexander Basara (@Basaraski) October 14, 2024
Cooper should not be started in fantasy until his role increases further, but he should be added now in any shallow leagues where he’s not currently rostered. His time is coming.
YaYa Diaby, EDGE TB – Trade for
In 2023, Diaby was extremely fortunate to convert nine of his 26 pressures into sacks. This season, he has been extremely unfortunate to convert only one of his 26 pressures into sacks.
Sacks-to-pressure ratios can vary significantly from one game to the next and from season to season. The sacks will come. Diaby’s 16.6% pressure rate ranks seventh among all edge rushers, and his 33.8% win rate ranks fifth.
Take advantage of the buy-low window and acquire one of the better young edge rushers in the league before his production catches up with his performances.
Elijah Molden, S LAC – Bench
Molden was a difference-maker for the Los Angeles Chargers in week five, picking off Bo Nix and helping the Bolts build an early lead. It was the latest in a series of impressive performances for his new team.
Elijah Molden 2nd INT of the season. 🔥
— ًBoltUpYo (@BoltUpYo) October 13, 2024
Unfortunately, in the three games when both Derwin James and Alohi Gilman have been available, Molden has played only 49.7% of the snaps on average and averaged only two tackles per game.
Molden’s role will continue to increase if his performances warrant more involvement, but we need to temper expectations in the meantime.
Conclusion
IDP formats and starting requirements vary greatly from one league to the next. There are fantasy leagues where Cooper should be a starting linebacker, and there are others where Diaby should remain on waivers. Consider these recommendations within the context of your league setup, the strength of your roster, and whether you’re competitive now or rebuilding for future years.
