WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK
Vegas baby! After relinquishing an average of 32 points per game through their first six games, the Raiders’ defense has tightened up significantly over their last three showings. Since the start of November, Las Vegas has given up less than 15 points per game. On Sunday, the unit intercepted Drew Lock four times, sacked him twice, and recovered a fumble on the way to a rout of the Broncos. IDP studs on the day were Nick Kwiatkoski, Nicholas Morrow, Jeff Heath, and Maxx Crosby.
In a surprisingly close early game on Sunday, the Jacksonville defense stymied Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense for much of the day. Although they ended up taking a loss, the DST produced an interception, a fumble recovery, a sack, and returned a kick for a touchdown in their efforts at Lambeau Field. IDP-wise, Sidney Jones had a great game and rookie DT DaVon Hamilton flashed some promise.
The LA Rams demolished the Seahawks’ high flying offense in a massive divisional tilt last Sunday. In the victory, Los Angeles created six sacks and three turnovers while surrendering a meager 16 points. In a league of star mobile quarterbacks, it looks like the Rams defense may have what it takes to succeed and even thrive. Players able to score major IDP points for LA this week include Leonard Floyd, Micah Kiser, and Darious Williams.
TOP PLAYER PERFORMANCES
Demario Davis – LB –NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Davis was electric this week against the defending NFC champion 49ers. The nine-year veteran’s line included 12 total tackles, three TFLs, a sack, and a pass defended in the contest. At 31 years old, Davis could be a lower-cost trade option for an IDP manager looking to make a championship run.
Roquan Smith– LB – CHICAGO BEARS
Smith has been on fire this month, once again posting spectacular numbers in Chicago on Monday Night Football. After torching New Orleans and Tennessee earlier this month, Smith amassed another 14 total tackles, three TFLs, and a sack against the Vikings. Smith has established himself as a top-three fantasy IDP asset in only his third year.
Jamie Collins – LB – DETROIT LIONS
Collins, the eighth year man out of Southern Miss, continues to terrorize opposing offenses every week. On Sunday against Washington, Collins accrued 13 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Looking forward, the Lions schedule looks to bode well for Collins, as Carolina, Houston, and Chicago all offer solid IDP opportunities.
NOTABLE INJURIES
Taylor Rapp – S – LOS ANGELES RAMS
Rapp exited in the first half Sunday with a knee injury. It is believed to be an MCL sprain, which could force the starting strong safety to miss some time. Jordan Fuller will take control of the position if Rapp remains sidelined
Donte Jackson – CB – CAROLINA PANTHERS
Jackson re-aggravated a previous toe injury during Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay. Though Jackson hasn’t missed a game this year, it may be time for Carolina to hold him out for some time to let the injury heal. If they do so, Troy Pride, Corn Elder, and Juston Burris could all see an uptick in snaps.
Brandon Williams – DT – BALTIMORE RAVENS
A week after Calais Campbell suffered an injury, Williams injured his ankle on Sunday which could cause the defender to miss time. The 31-year old veteran is a key run-stopper for the Ravens defense and will surely be missed if he can’t go next week against Derrick Henry and the Titans. If Williams is ruled out, Justin Ellis is next up at nose tackle in Baltimore.
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