If you are still playing for relevant prizes this week, you are one of the lucky few! I don't use the term lucky to diminish the achievements your team has had, but the reality of this game is that it sometimes can be luck. The greatest thing about this game is that you can sway luck in your favor by reading trends, making moves, and keeping yourself aware of what your league mates are doing. I can't help you with the latter two, but when it comes to reading the IDP trends, dare I say, THERE'S NO ONE BETTER THAN FOOTBALLGUYS! Ring the bell guys. Let's go win your league!
The Fortune 5
EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel, Dolphins: I have been unbiased when talking about most of the players on this market this season, but I have often mentioned Andrew Van Ginkel as one guy that you need to monitor off and on this season. I do not want to mince my words here, but he needs to be on your Super Bowl roster if not in the starting lineup this week. He has had double-digit points each week since Phillips went down and has no business being available in leagues on waivers. If you do have him stashed, look at the matchup. Yes, it is against a mobile Lamar Jackson, but this is a must-win spot for Miami, and the Ravens are ranked 24th against defensive ends this year.
S Ifeatu Melifonwu, Lions: From penny to penthouse! If you follow this market and listen to the advice, you will likely start Melifonwu and reap the rewards throughout the game. His debut game this year was good, which warranted the blurb about why he needs to play, but he followed it up with an even better performance. He had five solo tackles, two sacks, and an interception. He's like Hansel in Zoolander, so hot right now, so make sure you capitalize on this cheap asset and have him help you win your league. Dare I say, he is Melifonwu…ing us! (Bad pun, but I'm proud.) In his last two weeks, he has 14 tackles, three sacks, four defended passes, and a forced fumble. Go get Melifonwu!
LB Khaleke Hudson, Commanders: I am not going to pretend that I understand the schematic works of the Washington Commanders. They play a very defensive back-heavy scheme that at times can confuse when looking at linebackers who will produce. Jamin Davis was o.k., but Cody Barton felt like the only sure thing in this position group. That is until Hudson stopped by. Hudson is playing in place of Davis in a snap share but appears to be producing significantly higher than his counterparts in that defense. He is showing, however, that he needs to be in lineups. Back-to-back weeks of 13+ tackles in the fantasy playoffs warrant an opportunity to win some money and internet fame!
LB E.J. Speed, Colts: It is easy to assume that Speed won't contribute as much as you would like because of the extreme competition in that linebacker group, specifically from Zaire Franklin. This couldn't be further from the truth! Speed is having a great playoff run for teams, and it is time we think about putting him in our lineups consistently. He isn't exactly a playmaking linebacker, but he does have a solid tackle floor, ensuring a safe play with upside if he does pop off. He's likely not available on waivers, but if he is on your bench, maybe think about starting him this week versus the Raider's heavy run offense.
S Brandon Jones, Miami: Lots of Dolphins defense love on the market, but we are seeing a myriad of players contribute. There may be none greater than Brandon Jones down the stretch to take your team to the promised land. With the injury to Jevon H0olland, we are seeing Jones play a significant share of snaps and using these snaps to wow us on the stat sheet. The 25-year-old from Texas is getting some playing time when it matters most and is showing us that he can produce enough to warrant a coveted starting spot in your fantasy playoffs. Three straight weeks of double-digit points and the ability to defend passes leave me to believe that against Raven's dynamic offense, he can score in big ways.
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The Falling 4
S Kevin Byard, Eagles: What started as major excitement in the market when the trade that sent Byard to the Eagles went down has now turned into what feels like deflating air from a balloon. He just isn't scoring like we are used to seeing him do. Just two years ago, he was the DB1, but this season, he feels like a man in the twilight of his career. It is time we have him sit on the bench and look to next season for the next steps, which may be an uncomfortable decision. But that decision pales in comparison to potentially losing a Super Bowl by playing him on name value alone. Maybe next year?
LB Kenneth Murray Jr., Chargers: I just don't like the Chargers in the stretch run of the season. We are seeing players of all shapes and sizes on this team underperform, and it is time to pull the band-aid off the defense as well. We need to sit them all and wait till we see them have some stability next season. Murray and Kendrick both have been disappointing this season as far as consistency goes. And when it comes to starting linebackers on an IDP roster, the minimum acceptable performance should be consistent in the tackle department. Sit all your Chargers, but this was a blurb about Murray, so make sure he isn't getting the pass because of his name!
S Jalen Pitre, Texans: Pitre isn't a stranger to the Falling 4 this season, but unfortunately, it needs to be reiterated in the playoff run. I like Pitre in Dynasty, and this is by no means an evaluation of his potential future success. But he is a liability this season and needs to be avoided where possible. I believe he is fighting an injury of some kind and will turn it around with defensive head coach DeMeco Ryans, but when it comes to 2023, he is a lost man in a lost season. Make a move on waivers before risking your season on what could happen.
EDGE Chase Young, 49ers: I was a big buyer of Chase Young when the trade happened. Pairing him with a premiere pass rusher like Nick Bosa was a prime opportunity for him to get some 1-1 matchups for potential sacks. It just isn't happening, and I don't know why. Until we see something change, Young needs to be on the bench. I think when he gets a full offseason with this team, he has a chance to return to the elite status that he was drafted with, but until it is seen, we need to have a plan in place to move forward. Don't risk a potential Super Bowl on a maybe, folks; he needs to be benched.
Premiere Pennies
S D'Anthony Bell, Browns: This is an interesting situation to monitor in Cleveland. When evaluating injuries, you must first understand if this is the right player to even take a chance. The secondary in Cleveland is just brutal, with injuries affecting them at all levels. Bell is getting his first opportunity on the field, and we are seeing a huge uptick in production. He is an easy player to plug and play in your lineup. He's getting snaps, and he's producing tackles and splash plays. If you need a guy likely on waivers, start with Bell and go from there!
DT B.J. Hill, Bengals: As was mentioned last week, when a player goes down with an injury, it is not always as simple as who will replace him, but rather who will be the guy who benefits the most due to the injury. B.J. Hill was a productive player even before the injury and now has had three straight weeks with double-digit point production. Defensive tackle can be a sketchy position to start, but if you are looking for a productive man on the defensive line, investigate the interior in Cincinnati for some immediate help!
LB Myles Jack, Steelers: What year is it again? When Myles Jack was at his peak, he was a no-doubt LB1. We saw him get his first real playing time in years last week with the Steelers, and he is producing at a noticeable clip. Sure, it isn't what the peak performance was, but if you're looking for linebackers this late into the season, why not pick up a name that used to be synonymous with point production? Myles Jack is as good a flyer as any in IDP, so I would at least get him a bench spot, if not as a plug-and-play starter.
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