Welcome to our team’s weekly article on IDP Fantasy Football Upside in player performance for the upcoming week!
Fantasy football is a battle of attrition. From BYE weeks to injuries and every other malady along the way, fantasy managers must be able to navigate the waiver wire. I am here to help find hidden gems and players that will provide IDP Upside for Week 13.
Defensive Line
Samson Ebukam
The Miami Dolphins will be without starting RT Austin Jackson in addition to the doubtful tag placed on LT Terron Armstead. While this is fantastic news for Nick Bosa, Samson Ebukam is the sneaky play we all covet. Ebukam will look to pick right up where he left off in Week 12, where he had four QB pressures (17% pressure rate) and a 19% win rate. Look for the return of Arik Armstead to help create more one-on-one matchups for Ebukam off the edge.
Top 5 PFF Defensive Grades for the 49ers Week 12 #49ers || #FTTB
— WayneBreezie (@WayneBreezie) November 28, 2022
Fred Warner 89.6
Samson Ebukam 83.9
Charvarius Ward 78.0
Dre Greenlaw 77.2
Azeez Al-Shaair 76.2
*all three starting linebackers are graded in the top 5. pic.twitter.com/sH429h7c9a
Linebacker
Jaylon Smith
The Giants have seemingly handed the keys to Jaylon Smith, whose snap % has hovered above 85% for the past two weeks. With a nearly full-time role, Smith has the tackle floor we look for as IDP managers. The Commander’s recent run-heavy approach over the past month plays well into Jaylon Smith’s strengths, further cementing his LB2 floor.
Hell of a play by Jaylon Smith.. that’s not easy. pic.twitter.com/yNSlVKBo55
— SpreadOffense.com (@SpreadOffense) November 25, 2022
Defensive Back
DeAndre Houston-Carson
The Bears will be without both starting safeties for Week 13. Eddie Jackson was placed on IR, and Jaquon Brisker couldn’t get out of the concussion protocol. DeAndre Houston-Carson looks to pick up the slack in their absence. Last week, DHC tallied nine tackles (6-solo/1TFL) and a forced fumble. Set to play the Brisker role for the Bears, a repeat of Week 2’s 10-tackle performance would be a welcome stat line for any IDP manager.
Keanu Neal
Mike Edwards has been ruled out, and it isn’t looking good for Antoine Winfield Jr. This thrusts Neal into a seemingly every-down role for Monday Night Football. Last week when given a nearly full-time role (80%), Neal rewarded fantasy managers with eight tackles and a half-sack. Simply put, the playing time and utilization (46% box snaps) make Neal a very intriguing upside play for Week 13.
Another sack, courtesy of Keanu Neal pic.twitter.com/Or72srF2yv
— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) November 27, 2022
