METHODOLOGY
In this weekly article, we will take a look at a couple of IDP players available in many leagues that appear to show promise or have a foreseeable path to time on the field and production. In leagues with deeper rosters, these are players to stash for a few weeks until their time and opportunity to produce are ripe. Getting ahead of your league mates on these players, while also saving valuable waiver budget dollars, will give you an edge over your competition.
When conducting seasonal maintenance in your leagues, you should utilize IR spots and any opportunities to add players to your roster. You may have a player ruled out or on short-term IR that is eligible for your league’s IR list–utilize this! If you haven’t already, make sure you max out your taxi squad players with players you like who are eligible to be placed on that list.
Since most of these recommended additions will occur over the weekend, we will exclude any players from the Thursday night game, since they will be locked from already having played. Let’s explore this week’s recommendations on the IDP crystal ball!
MUST-ADD IF AVAILABLE
Jermaine Carter, LB Carolina Panthers
Inexplicably, Jermaine Carter has largely flown under the fantasy football radar this offseason. He started to get some reps at the close of last season due to injuries and poor LB play. Carter is listed alongside Shaq Thompson as the starting ILB this upcoming season. Thompson is coming off a season of terrible play, arguably the worst of his career. There is more than an outside chance that, should he continue to struggle, Carter could become the benefactor.
Both described as undersized, side-to-sideline style LBs, Carter graded out more than 17 points higher than Thompson last season, per PFF. Carter has certainly earned the confidence and support of head coach Matt Rhule, who recently re-emphasized that Carter is manning the MIKE position. Grab Carter while you still can this weekend.
SLOW-PLAY
Lonnie Johnson, S Houston Texans
After being drafted as a larger, physical outside CB, Lonnie Johnson was asked to play safety during the covid-19 season. While learning on the job he made mistakes. However, from a fantasy football perspective, he was a consistent producer when in the game. While Johnson is not listed as the starting strong safety to open this season, incumbent starter Eric Murray, while an experienced professional, has not stood out and has largely been a journeyman throughout his career.
Whether it be due to injury or poor play, your author expects Johnson to take over for Murray again at some point this season. Given the current state of the Houston Texans’ franchise, Johnson will be on the field often. He should have ample opportunity to produce for your fantasy lineup later this season.
TAXI ELIGIBLE
Jamar Johnson, S Denver Broncos
The former Hoosier was selected in the fifth round of this past April’s NFL Draft. Jamar Johnson has real potential to become a significant producer on the Broncos’ defense later this season. The chance to make an impact is there, considering the lack of talent behind Denver’s starting safeties.
Additionally, when considering Kareem Jackson is 32 years old and nearing the twilight of his career, the chance for Jackson to need maintenance reps off or miss a game is higher. The worst-case scenario sees Johnson learn behind the savvy veteran Jackson this season. He should depart in free agency after his current one-year contract expires.
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