Welcome to the weekly IDP stock market article, where I help you navigate through which stocks to invest in and which ones to liquidate. With four weeks of the season already in the books, we are a quarter of the way through the fantasy regular season. Now is the time to get your IDP portfolios in order so that you don’t get left in the cold during playoff season. No matter what type of IDP format you play, I am here to guide you. Let's get right into it with three investments (and a bonus investment) and three liquidations that can help you keep your IDP portfolios providing big returns.
Investments
Kyle Van Noy, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
My first IDP stock market investment is OLB Kyle Van Noy for the Baltimore Ravens. The 11-year veteran has been a decent linebacker option over the years as a LB4 option that has helped fantasy managers cover injuries and bye weeks. He’s also begun a transformation into more of a pass-rusher role in the last two seasons. Van Noy set a personal best nine sacks last year in his first season with the Ravens and currently leads the NFL in TFLs (7) and 2nd in sacks (6) this season. He has had at least two sacks and two TFLs in three straight games for Baltimore. While his tackle numbers are down, his big play numbers are trending high on a pace-leading level. He can be found on waivers in some leagues and likely won’t cost much in trades as of now. But if you wait much longer that won’t be the case.
Cole Bishop, SAF, Buffalo Bills
My next IDP stock market investment is rookie safety Cole Bishop of the Buffalo Bills. They drafted Bishop with an eye towards the future after they let both starting safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde leave in free agency. They brought in Taylor Rapp to bridge the gap until Bishop is ready, but now he’s out after leaving Week 4 with a concussion. Keep an eye on how long Rapp is out, as Bishop will be the play in his absence. Despite not starting, Bishop played 41 defensive snaps (72%) and posted six tackles. If you have Bishop on your taxi squads, you might want to think about promoting to the main roster. Even when Rapp returns, Bishop’s clock to make an impact has now been accelerated. Now is the time to invest in hi for your IDP portfolios.
Jamien Sherwood, LB, New York Jets
For my final IDP stock market investment for Week 5, you should look at New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who’s entering his fourth season. Sherwood, who has mostly been a backup to start his career, has played nearly every snap for the Jets after starter CJ Mosley left Week 2 with a toe injury. Since replacing Mosley in Week 2, Sherwood has totaled 21 tackles with 15 being solo. Until Mosley returns, Sherwood is a must-start option for your fantasy teams in all IDP formats. The New York Jets have a lot of nice defensive pieces which will continue to allow Sherwood to rack up the tackles. Go check your waiver wires or inquire about him in trade opportunities, but get him on your IDP portfolios.
Liquidations
Bryce Huff, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
For my first IDP stock market liquidation of the week, let's take a look at DE Bryce Huff of the Philadelphia Eagles. Huff had a breakout season (29/10/10 - tackle, TFL, sack) with the New York Jets, which he parlayed into a free-agent deal with the Eagles. I have been as high as anyone on Huff, but this start to the 24’ season is concerning. We are four games into the season and Huff has just two tackles! He was never going to be a high tackle producer, but not getting any of the TFLs, sacks, or QB hits. Without those and the low tackle numbers, Huff’s value takes a huge hit. I’m not ready to completely give up on him but I am looking around to see what type of replacement options are out there.
Jack Sanborn, LB, Chicago Bears
In his first two seasons in the NFL, Sanborn has been a solid LB3/LB4 fantasy option, but this season he’s been basically invisible! Very similar to my thoughts with Huff above, I am concerned with Sanborn’s usage and start to the season. Through the first four games this season, Sanborn has a total of five tackles, three solos, one TFL, and two PBUs. But the biggest red flag is that he’s only playing 13% of the defensive snaps (31 total) so far this season. If that trend continues and the Bears continue to rely on two linebacker sets, then it makes Sanborn a no-brainer for one of my IDP stock market liquidations. The position is too deep and there are better players that can help you win now. Sanborn is a down-trending stock that you should be removing from your IDP portfolios.
Carl Lawson, DE, Dallas Cowboys
My final IDP stock market liquidation is defensive end Carl Lawson of the Dallas Cowboys. Lawson has only played 30 defensive snaps (23%) in two games this season with no recorded stats. If for some reason you’re still holding onto shares of him, I think it's safe to go ahead and offload them. Even with all the injuries and lackluster performances by his teammates, he still hasn’t been able to carve out a meaningful role. Don’t wait any longer to move on from this underperforming stock and look for better options for your IDP Portfolios.
All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
