Hey IDP Nerds! The trade deadline has come and gone, and we’re heading into Week 9 with six teams on bye. 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
Despite having a Week 9 bye, Dre’Mont Jones could be a sneaky add for you this week. Most people will overlook him because of the bye, but he’s quietly had a very productive year. He currently has 5.5 sacks and has some favorable matchups coming up in weeks 10-12. He’ll be easy to add for a minimum bid!
Payton Turner, NO
Week 8 Stats: 33 snaps (57%), 24 pts
With Marcus Davenport in decline (25 snaps, 43%), Payton Turner stepped up (33 snaps, 57%) with a 2-sack game. He was a 2021 first-round pick but has yet to break out. It looks like the Saints will give him more opportunities moving forward, so he’ll be a solid add in deeper leagues. His potential this week is very boom/bust as he’s going up against Lamar Jackson. He’s another player you can get for 1-3% of your FAAB.
Leonard Floyd, LAR
Week 8 Stats: 44 snaps (83%), 32 pts
Leonard Floyd had a solid 2021 season but has been a bit of a disappointment this season. If he’s available in your league, you can start him as a streaming option going up against a sad Tom Brady. You should look to spend 3-5% of your FAAB to acquire him.
Linebackers
Kenneth Murray, LAC
Week 7 Stats: 68 snaps (97%), 20 pts
Drue Tranquill has been the three-down linebacker for the Chargers pretty much all season, and Murray had been hovering around 60-70%, but in Week 7, Murray played 97% of the snaps and had a solid performance, including an interception. He’s available in a lot of my leagues, so check to see if he’s available. I suggest throwing 3-5% of your FAAB his way, and he can be a flier for a heavy bye week.
Oren Burks, SF
Week 8 Stats: 58 snaps (100%), 16 pts
Oren Burks played 100% of defensive snaps in Week 8. He had a decent game but is coming up on a bye week, and Dre Greenlaw may return from injury after the bye. Burks may be your guy if you’re looking for a deep sleeper. He will be able to be acquired for a minimum bid.
AJ Klein, CHI
Week 8 Stats: 15 snaps, 9 pts
A.J. Klein was included in the trade package when Baltimore acquired Roquan Smith this week. Chicago will be looking to replace their former elite linebacker. Nick Morrow is probably already rostered, but Klein will certainly be available. You could even acquire him for a minimum bid.
Defensive Backs
Damar Hamlin, BUF
Week 8 Stats: 66 snaps (100%), 14 pts
Since taking over for Micah Hyde in Week 3, Hamlin has posted double-digit points in every game, averaging over seven tackles a game. The impact plays haven’t been there, but he has a solid tackle floor. He’s a trustworthy bye-week option, and you can acquire him for 5-7% of your FAAB.
Rayshawn Jenkins, JAX
Week 8 Stats: 60 snaps (100%), 12 pts
Rayshawn Jenkins is quietly having a really solid year in Jacksonville. He’s currently the DB15 overall, which puts him as a high-end DB2. Jenkin’s available in most leagues, and you should snag him up before people realize he’s there. He’s outperforming several preseason top defensive backs. Throw 5-7% of your FAAB his way to snag up a sneaky defensive back for your team.
Jayron Kearse, DAL
Week 8 Stats: 76 snaps (100%), 25 pts
Kearse was injured for a few games early this season and didn’t do well when he returned. He’s put together a couple of solid outings, including a sack in Week 8. A frustrated manager may have dropped him earlier this year, so double-check to see if he’s available. If so, throw 8-10% his way to make sure you nail down this potential DB1.
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!
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