In this week's edition of the IDP Stock Market, I give you three rising stocks that you need to be adding to your IDP portfolios. Injuries hit some teams unexpectedly and you need to know who their replacements are.
Jaquan Johnson, FS, Bills
The Buffalo Bills were hit hard at the safety position in week 2 as they lost FS Micah Hyde for the rest of the season with a neck injury and SS Jordan Poyer is currently listed as questionable with a foot injury. We'll see if Poyer can go but Hyde is out and the next man up is Jaquan Johnson. The Bills drafted Johnson in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Entering his fourth season he’s been mainly a backup, but was immediately inserted in the game when Hyde left with the injury. Johnson played twenty snaps (36%) and recorded two tackles as he filled in for Hyde. A full week of practice as a starter and the volume of reps he will get this week make him a solid waiver wire addition. As a bonus, if Poyer were to miss this Sunday, Damar Hamlin would most likely be his replacement and worth a flyer as well.
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens were already thin on pass rushers and lost Steven Means this week. They only have two healthy bodies and that’s starters Justin Houston (2 sacks) and Odafe Oweh. With those two playing all the snaps the Ravens had to add some help and that addition was Jason Pierre-Paul formerly of the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. JPP is a thirteen-year veteran who brings a ton of experience and production (91½ sacks & 164 QB hits) to a team in desperate need. He’ll likely be in a rotational role where they can maximize his potential. I know he had a down year last year but he dealt with a shoulder injury that bothered him all season. Now that he’s healthy and rested, I can see him being a reliable pass rusher for the Ravens. Sacks and TFLs are what you’re after and he can provide both. Depending on your league settings, I would be comfortable with him as a DE3 or LB4 option.
Jacob Phillips, LB, Browns
The Cleveland Browns were hit with a big loss when LB Anthony Walker was lost for the season in this past Thursday night’s win over the Steelers. Walker suffered a torn quad tendon unfortunately ending his season, but a major opportunity for his backup Jacob Phillips. Once Walker left the game it was Phillips who took over in the middle and he performed well. He played 46 snaps (78%) and recorded seven tackles, one TFL, one QB hit, and one PBU. He challenged for the starting job in preseason so it should be a seemingly smooth transition for him and the Ravens. He’ll be a great source of tackles and any impact plays will be a huge bonus. Go see if he’s available on waivers and pick him up. A great LB2 option for your fantasy teams.
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
