METHODOLOGY
Your author again gives his apologies for not providing this article last week. Personal lives and the health of others can certainly get in the way of even the most avid fantasy gamer. However, we are here now. As readers know, 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. The hope is that you can acquire these players for free or relatively close to free. It depends on the depth and settings of each individual league. Qualifying players are those available in at least two-thirds of full IDP leagues on MyFantasyLeague.com (MFL).
In leagues with deeper rosters, some of 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 in-season weekly maintenance in your leagues, take advantage of IR spots and opportunities to add players. 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 youngsters 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
Eric Wilson / Neville Hewitt – LBs – Houston Texans
Similar to the Jets over the past few years, the ILBs for the Houston Texans have benefited from an IDP perspective from both a scheme and opportunity standpoint. While few IDP gamers noticed, Neville Hewitt was elevated and given the start inside in Week 9 against the Dolphins. He was on the field for just 37% of the snaps he still produced 10 tackles.
In the past, Hewitt was one of those journeymen with enough athleticism, good fortune, and game-script to be involved heavily defending the run. He did it for the Jets in 2019 and 2020 and now he may have an opportunity to do it for the Texans. If he holds down this role, he could be a serviceable weekly LB2 or LB3 for a contender.
Over the last week, Eric Wilson was claimed off waivers by the Texans. This could be a depth move or they could be eyeing Wilson as the replacement for Hewitt. Whatever the case, it’s evident that Dave Culley’s defensive staff may be unsatisfied with incumbents Zach Cunningham and Kamu Grugier-Hill. Everyone but Wilson is currently listed as a starter on the Texans’ team depth chart.
Each of these players is better as an IDP fantasy producer than any of them are as real-life football players. So while they will be blessed with opportunities to rack up defensive statistics, their values will always be volatile. Savvy IDP owners are taking advantage of the Texans’ bye this week and grabbing Eric Wilson and/or Neville Hewitt for free where they are available. Wilson does have a penchant for being around the football and making big plays, which he did often in 2020 in Minnesota when stepping in for an injured Anthony Barr.
https://twitter.com/JHawkChalk_/status/1372550430367027210?s=20
SLOW-PLAY
Ifeadi Odenigbo – DE – Cleveland Browns
A few weeks ago, the Browns signed Ifeadi Odenigbo for depth at the EDGE position. Over the last few weeks, Cleveland has seen both Jadeveon Clowney and Tak McKinley continue to struggle with injuries. Against Cincinnati, Odenigbo recorded two solo tackles and a QB hit in his first game with meaningful snaps this year. It was not long ago that Odenigbo was a reliable rotational pass rusher for a talented Minnesota Vikings front before he fell out of favor with the team.
He posted seven sacks just two seasons ago. Odenigbo finds himself in a prime situation to produce again, playing occasional snaps across from Myles Garrett, just as he did in 2019 across from Danielle Hunter when he was in his prime. Grab Odenigbo for free and see if he earns more snaps as the second half of the season rolls on.
TAXI ELIGIBLE
Isaiahh Loudermilk – IDL – Pittsburgh Steelers
Attrition along the trenches is always a concern for every NFL team. Consequently, this year the Steelers have had their share of injuries along their defensive front. Star interior defender Stephon Tuitt has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has been on IR since before Week 1. Last week, the Steelers chose to place Tyson Alualu on IR as his ankle injury was just not improving.
Against the Bears on Monday night, Isaiah Buggs and journeyman Chris Wormley both got banged up as they played a large snap share. Insert rookie fifth-round pick, Isaiahh Loudermilk, into the equation.
Loudermilk already possesses ideal size and strength despite the immense physical demands of a 3-4 interior defender. He is also relatively technical with his footwork and hands when he keeps his pad level low.
Over the next few weeks, Loudermilk, along with Henry Mondeaux and Taco Charlton will have more opportunities to earn their stripes and show their coaches they belong in the rotation. Loudermilk is taxi eligible and available in almost all IDP leagues. He is the player with the most upside and potential and should be the one to excel with more snaps. In leagues that require you to start an interior defensive lineman, he is a must-add.
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