IDP Improvements: Moves to Make Before Week Nine

I’m turning my attention to players who might not be at their peak right now but who should either finish the year strongly or have an opportunity to earn expanded roles in 2024. Conversely, I’m fading guys who are likely to lose opportunities in the near future.

Bryce Huff, EDGE NYJ – TRADE FOR

I suggested trading for Huff a few weeks back, and I’ll mention it again for those who missed it because he continues to perform beyond expectations.

The 25-year-old leads all NFL pass rushers with a 29.8% pressure rate, more than 5% ahead of Rashan Gary in second and over 10% more than Myles Garrett in third. His performance in the current campaign is no fluke, as Huff also posted an impressive 20.8% pressure rate in 2022.

The Giants barely passed the ball and Bryce Huff still got 4 pressures on 13 pass-rush snaps (30.8% pressure rate) pic.twitter.com/EY0zWBA7LW

— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) October 30, 2023

Per Pro Football Focus, Huff’s 27.2% win rate ranks seventh among all edge rushers in the NFL. He’s tied for second on the New York Jets with four sacks despite trailing teammates Jermaine Johnson and John Franklin-Myers in playing time while playing in a deep edge rotation.

That rotation limits the dynasty value of the Jets’ edge rushers, but Huff is due to become a free agent after this season. Johnson, Franklin-Myers, Carl Lawson, and first-round rookie Will McDonald IV are under contract through at least 2024, suggesting Huff may be seeking a new team next year.

Trading for Huff in fantasy could pay dividends long-term if he moves teams and earns the snap share he richly deserves.

Nakobe Dean, LB PHI – START IN DEEP LEAGUES

The Eagles have been easing Dean into action since he returned from the foot injury he suffered during the season opener against the New England Patriots. His snap share in his first game back was only 49%, but it grew to 61% in week seven and 69% in week eight against the Washington Commanders.

Dean’s dynasty value took a slight hit due to the injury, but he’s on his way to establishing himself as the Eagles’ top linebacker. He is already ahead of Nicholas Morrow in snap share and is a whisker away from surpassing Zach Cunningham. Seeing him lead the unit against the Dallas Cowboys in week nine would be no surprise.

The 22-year-old must improve his ability in pass coverage after allowing 8-of-8 completions for 81 yards and a 108.9 passer rating last weekend. Still, fantasy managers will appreciate his 12 solo tackles and will hope for more of the same going forward. For now, he can already be trusted as an LB3.

Preston Smith, EDGE GB – TRADE AWAY

Smith started the season slowly, failing to record a single sack in his first four games. He has come alive in the four games since, producing four sacks in three games, and produced his best performance last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings, generating five pressures, two sacks, and forcing a fumble.

However, the 30-year-old is playing fewer snaps than last year and is being pushed for snaps by 2023 first-round rookie Lukas Van Ness and 2022 fifth-round pick Kingsley Enagbare.

The Green Bay Packers recently signed Rashan Gary to a four-year $107 million extension and may be unwilling to commit the $16.3m due to Smith in 2024. They may restructure Smith’s contract, but even if he remains on the team, his value in fantasy may never be higher than it is now. Consider trading him unless you are a contender and are thin at the position.

Markquese Bell, LB DAL – ADD

It is too early to tell if Bell can become a viable IDP. He’s barely eclipsed 200 snaps since he joined the Cowboys as a free agent in 2022 and has only had an opportunity to play an expanded role in recent weeks due to Leighton Vander Esch’s injury.

#Cowboys Markquese Bell Making Big Splashes as a Hybrid Linebacker pic.twitter.com/x8e9cpaeSL

— Law Nation Sports (@LawsNation) October 24, 2023

Bell still deserves credit for how he has played in limited snaps. Micah Parsons aside, Bell has arguably been the best player on the team in the last two weeks, and the Cowboys appear to have noted, increasing his snap share from 53% in week six to 73% in week eight.

Bell is listed as a DB in Sleeper leagues despite playing almost exclusively in the box, which adds to his fantasy appeal.

The odds remain stacked against Bell. Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark are under contract on affordable deals through 2024. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old is worth stashing on deep fantasy rosters in case his recent performances lead to expanded future opportunities.

Conclusion

I’ve suggested trading away Preston Smith, but I’m mindful he can help contending teams this year. Similarly, although I’m suggesting trading for Bryce Huff and adding Markquese Bell, these moves are contingent on the idea that you have sufficient roster space to carry them. As always, consider the balance between remaining in contention this year and improving your roster for 2024 and beyond.