IDP Improvements: Moves to Make Before Week 14

Trading is one of the most fun aspects of fantasy football. The relief of trading a player away before their form and value diminish is almost as thrilling as acquiring one before they hit their peak. This article focuses on some trades dynasty managers should consider before week 14.

Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE ATL – ADD/TRADE FOR

Ebiketie’s rookie season was a forgettable experience. The Penn State product played sparingly, managed a meager 9.2% pressure rate, and produced only three sacks.

Dynasty IDP managers tempered expectations for a second-year breakout from Ebiketie, and initially, those reservations appeared justified after his pedestrian performances in September.

Ebiketie has made a remarkable turnaround. In his last seven games, the 24-year-old has earned six sacks, generated a 21.5% pressure rate, and forced two fumbles.

Arnold Ebiketie with the quickness and a nice hand swipe to sack Derek Carr on 3rd & long in the redzone pic.twitter.com/bQhHf6ESMA

— DiehardFalcFan (@DiehardFalcFan) November 27, 2023

The Atlanta Falcons have a mediocre stable of edge rushers, so Ebiketie’s excellent form should have been rewarded with a more significant role. However, for reasons known only to defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the youngster’s 25% snap share has halved since week eight.

Ebiketie’s performances cannot be ignored forever, and it helps his case that Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell are scheduled to become free agents in 2024.

Jason King suggests adding Ebiketie in this week’s DLF Waiver Wire article. If he’s already on a roster, I suggest you go one step further and trade for him, using his modest snap share as leverage.

Jalen Carter, DT PHI – TRADE FOR

Many believed Carter could become a special player in the NFL, but few expected him to dominate so early into his rookie season. Just five games into his career, the 22-year-old was tied with Aaron Donald for the most pressures among all DTs, and he was second with four sacks.

Unfortunately, Carter’s production has declined over the last six games. He’s produced only one sack in that period, and his pressure rate has dipped to 9.3%.

However, Carter is still ranked second among all rookies in the DLF IDP Rookie Rankings because we know that inconsistency comes with the territory where rookies are concerned.

Trading for Carter will still involve giving up a lot, especially in DT-required leagues. Still, his fantasy manager may be more amenable to letting him go following his quiet period.

Alex Singleton, LB DEN – TRADE AWAY

Singleton has enjoyed an incredibly efficient career as a tackler. He isn’t producing at the same rate in 2023, but he has held down a full-time role. Health permitting, he should finish with a career-high in tackles.

Unfortunately, Singleton is a liability in coverage, ranking last among all linebackers with five touchdowns allowed and 154th in passer rating. Furthermore, he has missed 15.7% of his tackle attempts – the worst of his career.

The veteran may reprise his role in the heart of the Denver Broncos defense in 2024. Josey Jewell is set to become a free agent, and the team has yet to show faith in third-round pick Drew Sanders.

However, I believe his days as a three-down player are numbered and recommend trying to trade him to a contender whose linebacker group has been depleted by injury.

Smash accept immediately if you get an offer resembling the one that I found using the DLF Trade Finder tool:

Derek Stingley Jr, CB HOU – TRADE AWAY

Regular readers of this article series will notice the trend that every time a cornerback has a huge week, I suggest trading them away.

I have nothing against Derek Stingley. I’m happy to see him succeed after performing poorly in 2022, and I hope he continues his excellent recent form.

#Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. playing like the No. 3 overall pick…

His 4th INT in 3 games. This was a beauty. pic.twitter.com/FpIOVKibVx

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 3, 2023

This recommendation is based solely on my belief that selling DBs at their peak is sound practice in fantasy. After producing four interceptions and two pass breakups in the last three games, I suspect Stingley could command a mid-to-late-round pick in some leagues.

Conclusion

Good luck in your trade efforts, and remember, communication is key. Some fantasy managers don’t mind blind offers, but most prefer some degree of dialogue first.

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