Hey IDP Nerds! Hopefully, you survived “Bye-mageddon,” and you’re well on your way to a playoff push! Let’s look at some players you can pick up to fill some holes in your roster. I’ll cover each of the three main IDP positions, and, as usual, I’ll be using the Dynasty Nerds’ preferred IDP scoring system, IDP123.
Defensive Line
Dre’Mont Jones, DEN
Week 8 Stats: 55 snaps (72%), 25 pts
I’m leaving Jones here in case he was left on waivers during the bye. He currently has 5.5 sacks and some favorable matchups in weeks 10-12. He’ll be easy to add for a minimum bid!
Justin Houston, BAL
Week 9 Stats: 33 snaps (65%), 37 pts
Houston has strung together three solid performances and is seeing increased playing time. He’s got the feel of 2021 Robert Quinn going on. He could be a solid addition but is heading into a bye week.
Derrick Barnes, DET
Week 9 Stats: 50 snaps (78%), 28 pts
Barnes’ snap share rocketed from ~30% to almost 70% in Week 9, and he had a monster game. If his usage continues to increase like this, he’ll become a weekly starter, especially if he keeps the DL designation. Add him for 3-5% FAAB
Linebackers
Blake Martinez, LVR
Week 9 Stats: 63 snaps (91%), 19 pts
Divine Deablo exited the game early on Sunday, and Martinez stepped in. He tallied 11 tackles in the loss. If Deablo should miss time, then managers can look to this seasoned veteran to fill in for a solid tackle floor IDP.
Kaden Elliss, NO
Week 9 Stats: 39 snaps (57%), 16 pts
Pete Werner exited the game after halftime with an ankle injury. The severity of his injury is unknown, but it didn’t look good. Kaden Elliss, not Zach Baun, stepped in for the injured linebacker. He tallied nine tackles in one half. Should Werner miss time, Elliss could be an emergency add in deeper leagues. I wouldn’t spend anything.
Elandon Roberts, MIA
Week 9 Stats: 57 snaps (77%), 14 pts
Jerome Baker’s snap share dropped this week (51 snaps, 61%). Roberts has already been a 70+% linebacker, which may indicate a changing of the guard. It could’ve also just been Mike McDaniel panicking to stop Justin Fields from running all over them. I would keep a close eye on this situation and consider adding Roberts if you’re in a deeper league. A minimum bid should be fine.
Defensive Backs
Damar Hamlin, BUF
Week 9 Stats: 60 snaps (100%), 29 pts
I’m leaving Hamlin here because he’s STILL available in several leagues. He had a monster game with 12 tackles and a sack. You need to add this guy, but his price may have just gone up, and you’ll have to spend 6-8% of your FAAB.
Dane Belton, NYG
Week 9 Stats: BYE
Xavier McKinney decided to take an ATV tour during his bye and had an accident that left him with an injured wrist. He will be sidelined for a few weeks, and rookie Dane Belton is slated to step into the starting free safety role alongside Julian Love. You can probably add him for a minimum bid if you need a replacement.
Chris Banjo, ARI
Week 9 Stats: 0 snaps
Budda Baker will likely miss a few weeks with a high ankle sprain. Chris Banjo is a veteran who can fill in while he’s out. That is unless they move Isaiah Simmons into the strong safety role, which is entirely possible with the Cardinals.
The Wrap-Up
I hope these players can help you through the upcoming bye week and the recent slew of injuries.
Stay tuned for Jon Glosser’s Weekly Start/Sit article!
Thanks for reading! Please give me feedback in the comments here or on Twitter! Follow me @IDP_Baumer for more IDP content year-round!
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