I don't feel that Simmons gets enough love in the IDP community, which is common for Defensive Tackles. Simmons isn't just a DT, he is a DE in a DT body. Prior to the MNF game, Simmons led all DE with 46 pressures, 9 sacks, and 32 hurries (per PFF).
Simmons the Titans will get the Houston Texans in Week 11, who have allowed 60 pressures in their past 2 games. I think it is safe to assume that the Titans should be in control of this game, and force Houston to throw, which is just an open buffet for Simmons. It's dinner time.
Dorance Armstrong-Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys DE Dorance Armstrong made his presence felt in Sunday’s win over Falcons. He played 38 defensive snaps amid absence of DE Randy Gregory (calf, IR). Armstrong’s lone snap on punt return team was a memorable one. pic.twitter.com/CiF1V4ozB1
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 15, 2021
When Randy Gregory was placed on the IR, there was a mixed bag of potential scenarios that the Cowboys could unfold in his absence. One of which was to bring Micah Parsons back on the line for a few more snaps and just unleash dominance. The other, which is the way that they chose, was to leave Parsons in his LB position and allow Dorance Armstrong an opportunity to test his merit.
Armstrong absolutely proved the coaching staff correct and took advantage left and right of the porous Falcons' offensive line, notably my whipping post, Jaylen Mayfield. Armstrong collected 4 pressures, 1 sack, and 2 QB hits on his way to 20 fantasy points. Look for Armstrong to get another start, this week against the Chiefs, who might give him a challenge on the left side, but another strong effort could award him enough playing time while Gregory is on the mend.
Alex Highsmith-Pittsburgh Steelers
Alex Highsmith with two great plays on one of the final drives of regulation. Causes a four-yard loss then forces a sack two plays later. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/hpNlRZZAXw
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) November 15, 2021
When the Steelers allowed Melvin Ingram III to get his wish and sent him to KC, it was evidence enough to me that they were comfortable with letting Alex Highsmith handle the edge-rushing duties on the right side. Highsmith had his most productive game of the season (11 tackles), but it was the stats that don't appear on paper that have me intrigued with his upside. Over the past 2 weeks, he has 7 pressures without a sack to his credit.
With TJ Watt on the opposite side (his MRI came back clean on Monday), the Chargers will most likely want to avoid his side of the field. Add in the Minkah Fitzpatrick COVID situation and we have Highsmith in a position to contribute LB2/LB3 numbers.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah-Cleveland Browns
The #Browns activated LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah off the IR after missing the last three games with an ankle injury 👀👀👀
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) November 13, 2021
Owusu-Koramoah: 81.1 grade in 2021 (T-🥉 among all LBs) pic.twitter.com/HM23tTx7mQ
If you are lucky enough and JOK is on your waiver wire then maybe you will be smart enough to overlook the measly 7 points he scored in his return from the IR. I believe we all wanted to see JOK get right back to the 90% snap share and continue his rise to IDP relevance, but it wasn't in the cards this past week. JOK only saw 20 snaps but did have 4 tackles (20% tackle rate). The Browns will get the Detroit Lions in Week 11, who have allowed double-digit tackles to their opponents' ILB over their past 2 games. Now is the time to get JOK for the home stretch where they get Det, BAL (2x), and LV. All teams that I can see big impact games from JOK.
Kenneth Murray-Los Angeles Chargers
#Chargers LB Kenneth Murray says about playing on the edge, “it went well. There are somethings I can do to get better.”
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) November 15, 2021
He adds, “I like that role to show my versatility.”
As with JOK above, if you are lucky enough to have a few impatient managers or a lack of IR spots, Murray may not have been snagged in his first week back. I am optimistic that Murray will return to the LB2/LB3 form that we had come to expect.
In Week 10, Murray actually saw a little wrinkle to his diversity, when he lined up on the edge for 14 snaps and saw 4 pass-rush snaps. With Drue Tranquill set to return off of COVID, it will be interesting to see how they move Murray around, but I do expect him to regain more of the snaps he had lost.
Harrison Smith-Minnesota Vikings
14K fine for Aaron Rodgers COVID regulation infractions.
— Kmess (@kmess22) November 10, 2021
20K fine for CeeDee Lamb’s untucked shirt.
$0 fine for Harrison Smith CHOKING CeeDee Lamb.pic.twitter.com/MK8IfWBxZb
With Harrison Smith returning from the COVID IR, time to check waivers for any managers that may have dropped him to make room. As always, check the waivers for any drops out of necessity. The closer we get to the end of the season and playoffs, the more potential for rash drops occur.
Prior to the prior 2 weeks missed due to COVID, Smith had given fantasy managers 7 straight weeks of double-digit fantasy points. During his absence, Camryn Bynum really stepped up and played well. It wouldn't shock me to see them try and get him some more playing time, most likely at the expense of the lost Patrick Peterson. Don't be shocked to hear fantasy managers talking about Bynum taking snaps from Smith, but don't believe the rumors.
Plus, you get 2 points for every TAP OUT from rear-naked choke!
