IDP Improvements: Moves to Make before Week 11

Jason Abbey

We’ve been digging through the data to ensure we can equip you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the game. Here, we look at some of the moves you can make in preparation for week eleven.

Tyrice Knight, LB SEA – Add/Start

Tyrel Dodson’s release surprised many, even after the trade for Ernest Jones in October. Dodson was the team’s leading tackler and played reasonably well at times. Still, Mike Macdonald felt the need for change, and Dodson’s loss should be Knight’s gain.

It is far too early to assume Knight will become a must-start IDP asset. He was uneven in the three games he saw significant snaps and has much left to prove. Still, as inexperienced as Knight is, Thomas has played only 37 defensive snaps since signing after going undrafted in 2023. Knight was also clearly favored ahead of Thomas when Jerome Baker missed time earlier in the season.

Pick up Knight and consider starting him if you find yourself short of linebackers in a week when four teams – and eight startable players at the position – are on a bye. Knight is currently ranked seventh overall in my DLF Dynasty Rookie IDP Rankings and may move up if he impresses over the second half of the season.

Kenneth Murray, LB TEN – Trade Away

This recommendation will raise eyebrows as Murray has a firm hold on a full-time role in the heart of the Tennessee Titans’ defense, and the departure of Ernest Jones further helped Murray’s short-term outlook.

However, keen observers will have noticed Murray’s shortcomings. He is a liability in coverage – allowing a passer rating of 141.5 when targeted – and has surrendered five passing touchdowns, the most of any linebacker in 2024. To his credit, Murray is a sure tackler but otherwise offers little in run defense.

It doesn’t help Murray’s cause that he has been thoroughly outplayed by Jack Gibbens in the last three games. And, while Jerome Baker is far from the finished article, it would not surprise if he began eating into Murray’s snap share sooner rather than later.

Ed Oliver, DT BUF – Add/Trade For

Oliver has been a disappointment in 2024. He has produced only a single sack and has none since week two. At the same point last season, he was third at the position with six sacks. Still, there are glimpses of the player who enjoyed a breakout year in 2023. In the last four games, Oliver’s 17.2% win rate ranks eighth among all defensive tackles, and his 11 pressures are tied for 11th.

He has tough matchups in his next few games, but from a dynasty standpoint and in DT-required leagues, he still has dynasty appeal. Capitalize on his poor production and acquire him while his value is at its lowest. At worst, he can ride your bench and serve as a capable bye-week replacement. At best, he starts producing once again, and you have found yourself a bargain.

Tre’Von Moehrig, S LV – Add

Moehrig had little appeal in IDP before this year. Last season, he posted a new career high in tackles, but his 80 combined efforts still languished in 32nd among all safeties despite playing the 11th most snaps at the position.

The 25-year-old’s role has changed significantly in 2024. He has been allowed to play in the box at a much higher rate, and the results have been promising. Moehrig’s 10.9% tackling efficiency rate currently ranks 23rd out of 102 safeties.

Add Moehrig, especially if you need safety help during the bye weeks. He could even serve as a DB2/3 the rest of the way.

Jalen Pitre, S HOU – Trade away

Pitre’s 9.5% tackle efficiency rate is a slight improvement from last season but still a far cry from the 13% mark he managed in his rookie year. His performances have improved, but that point seems lost on the Houston Texans, who employed a four-man rotation at safety in week ten. Pitre had a full-time role most weeks until week nine when his snap share dropped to 83%, and in week ten, it dropped to a season-low 78%.

He may rebound to earn a more significant role as the season unfolds, but why take the gamble? Defensive backs are relatively plentiful, so you should consider trading Pitre while his name still carries some weight among those who remember how he produced in 2022.

Conclusion

Offering IDP advice can be a complex process because of the abundance of different scoring systems and positional requirements in each fantasy league. We strive to offer something for everyone, but please post in the comments section if you have constructive feedback on how this article could be adapted to be more useful to you.

jason abbey