IDP Improvements: Moves to Make Before Week Eight
Hopefully, your team has weathered everything that the 2024 season has thrown at us, and you remain in contention. Irrespective of whether you’re competing or in rebuild mode, we take a look at some of the moves you can make in preparation for week eight to stay ahead of the competition.
Justin Strnad, LB DEN – Bench
Strnad became fantasy-relevant following the season-ending injury to Alex Singleton. Cody Barton assumed Singleton’s every down role, and Strnad stepped in to play ~75% of the defensive snaps each week.
Kwon Alexander was elevated from the practice squad ahead of week seven and, as he has done so often throughout his career, leeched snaps from what would otherwise have been a viable IDP option. Alexander played only 21 snaps, but Strnad’s snap share dipped to only 60%.
Ordinarily, it would be advisable to trade away an LB3 who is trending in the wrong direction, but Strnad has performed well and may yet feature more heavily going forward. Bench him for now, and hope the Broncos, Sean Payton, and Vance Joseph come to their senses.
Jamien Sherwood, LB NYJ – Trade for
We suggested Sherwood should be added after C.J. Mosley picked up a toe injury earlier in the season, but we also mentioned that Mosley would reclaim his starting role once he returned. That has not been the case so far. Jeff Ulbrich has spoken about how Mosley would be eased back into the fold, so it’s not wholly surprising that he hasn’t returned full-time, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that Sherwood has played extremely well.
Three and out for Denver with @nyjets linebackers making plays early.
Chazz Surratt blows up a run up the middle and Jamien Sherwood chases down receiver to force 3rd and long. pic.twitter.com/2dzIV4ySQN
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) September 29, 2024
Mosley is too important to the Jets’ defense to be kept on the sidelines, and his role will surely increase as he continues to get healthy. For that reason, IDP managers could wait before attempting to acquire Sherwood. Still, he is due to become a free agent in 2025, and it makes sense that he would sign with a team that intends to feature him, whether that is the Jets or another franchise. He’s currently my LB27 in dynasty formats.
Jahlani Tavai, LB NE – Trade away
Tavai has led all New England Patriots linebackers in snap share in the absence of Ja’Whaun Bentley, but his role has diminished over the last five games, and his performances leave much to be desired. He has missed almost 20% of his tackle attempts and allowed a passer rating of 118.5 in coverage.
The Patriots lack quality linebacker depth behind Tavai, but Christian Ellis was handed a much larger role in week seven, and Sione Takitaki may return from injury soon. Tavai needs to play significantly better to hold off the competition. IDP managers in shallow leagues should consider trading Tavai before his stock nosedives.
Greg Rousseau, EDGE BUF – Trade for
Rousseau started the 2024 season with a bang, producing three sacks and forcing a fumble against the Arizona Cardinals. His fourth sack didn’t come until week seven against the Tennessee Titans:
Length + strength + leverage + rush angle for Greg Rousseau. Puts his man on skates en route to the sack#Bills #BillsMafia #GoBills
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) October 21, 2024
Still only 24, Rousseau has seemingly been on the cusp of a breakout season for a while but has been held back because the Buffalo Bills employed a deep rotation at the edge position. That is no longer the case, as Rousseau has played over 70% of the defensive snaps in five of his seven games. His value has spiked for that reason.
Rousseau must shake the ‘streaky’ label and prove he can become more consistent, but this season will be his best chance yet.
Jaylen McCollough, S LAR – Leave on waivers
McCollough has three interceptions in his last two games and, considering he was a UDFA, has played extremely well when he has had the opportunity.
Unfortunately, McCollough needs to carve out a more significant role to remain a viable IDP option. He has played no more than 26% of the available defensive snaps in a game so far. He may have earned the right to be more involved, but let others make the mistake of wasting a roster spot on what is currently a part-time defensive back.
Conclusion
It is easy to feel apathetic when your season hasn’t gone the way you wanted, even in dynasty leagues. Keep your head up and remain focused. There is always something to play for, whether it’s the championship this season or a rebuild ahead of 2025.
- IDP Improvements: Moves to Make before Week 17 - December 25, 2024
- IDP Improvements: Moves to Make before Week 16 - December 18, 2024
- IDP Improvements: Moves to Make before Week 15 - December 11, 2024
Hopefully, your team has weathered everything that the 2024 season has thrown at us, and you remain in contention. Irrespective of whether you’re competing or in rebuild mode, we take a look at some of the moves you can make in preparation for week eight to stay ahead of the competition.
Justin Strnad, LB DEN – Bench
Strnad became fantasy-relevant following the season-ending injury to Alex Singleton. Cody Barton assumed Singleton’s every down role, and Strnad stepped in to play ~75% of the defensive snaps each week.
Kwon Alexander was elevated from the practice squad ahead of week seven and, as he has done so often throughout his career, leeched snaps from what would otherwise have been a viable IDP option. Alexander played only 21 snaps, but Strnad’s snap share dipped to only 60%.
Ordinarily, it would be advisable to trade away an LB3 who is trending in the wrong direction, but Strnad has performed well and may yet feature more heavily going forward. Bench him for now, and hope the Broncos, Sean Payton, and Vance Joseph come to their senses.
Jamien Sherwood, LB NYJ – Trade for
We suggested Sherwood should be added after C.J. Mosley picked up a toe injury earlier in the season, but we also mentioned that Mosley would reclaim his starting role once he returned. That has not been the case so far. Jeff Ulbrich has spoken about how Mosley would be eased back into the fold, so it’s not wholly surprising that he hasn’t returned full-time, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that Sherwood has played extremely well.
Three and out for Denver with @nyjets linebackers making plays early.
Chazz Surratt blows up a run up the middle and Jamien Sherwood chases down receiver to force 3rd and long. pic.twitter.com/2dzIV4ySQN
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) September 29, 2024
Mosley is too important to the Jets’ defense to be kept on the sidelines, and his role will surely increase as he continues to get healthy. For that reason, IDP managers could wait before attempting to acquire Sherwood. Still, he is due to become a free agent in 2025, and it makes sense that he would sign with a team that intends to feature him, whether that is the Jets or another franchise. He’s currently my LB27 in dynasty formats.
Jahlani Tavai, LB NE – Trade away
Tavai has led all New England Patriots linebackers in snap share in the absence of Ja’Whaun Bentley, but his role has diminished over the last five games, and his performances leave much to be desired. He has missed almost 20% of his tackle attempts and allowed a passer rating of 118.5 in coverage.
The Patriots lack quality linebacker depth behind Tavai, but Christian Ellis was handed a much larger role in week seven, and Sione Takitaki may return from injury soon. Tavai needs to play significantly better to hold off the competition. IDP managers in shallow leagues should consider trading Tavai before his stock nosedives.
Greg Rousseau, EDGE BUF – Trade for
Rousseau started the 2024 season with a bang, producing three sacks and forcing a fumble against the Arizona Cardinals. His fourth sack didn’t come until week seven against the Tennessee Titans:
Length + strength + leverage + rush angle for Greg Rousseau. Puts his man on skates en route to the sack#Bills #BillsMafia #GoBills
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) October 21, 2024
Still only 24, Rousseau has seemingly been on the cusp of a breakout season for a while but has been held back because the Buffalo Bills employed a deep rotation at the edge position. That is no longer the case, as Rousseau has played over 70% of the defensive snaps in five of his seven games. His value has spiked for that reason.
Rousseau must shake the ‘streaky’ label and prove he can become more consistent, but this season will be his best chance yet.
Jaylen McCollough, S LAR – Leave on waivers
McCollough has three interceptions in his last two games and, considering he was a UDFA, has played extremely well when he has had the opportunity.
Unfortunately, McCollough needs to carve out a more significant role to remain a viable IDP option. He has played no more than 26% of the available defensive snaps in a game so far. He may have earned the right to be more involved, but let others make the mistake of wasting a roster spot on what is currently a part-time defensive back.
Conclusion
It is easy to feel apathetic when your season hasn’t gone the way you wanted, even in dynasty leagues. Keep your head up and remain focused. There is always something to play for, whether it’s the championship this season or a rebuild ahead of 2025.
- IDP Improvements: Moves to Make before Week 17 - December 25, 2024
- IDP Improvements: Moves to Make before Week 16 - December 18, 2024
- IDP Improvements: Moves to Make before Week 15 - December 11, 2024
