Muhammad is coming off of a very positive Week 16 (6 pressures), even if it didn't translate into fantasy production. The Colts, and Muhammad, will get the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. Most notably, Muhammad will get to see his fair share of Alex Leatherwood. It is no secret that I have picked on Leatherwood on the season, and Championship week is no different! With Justin Houston on the COVID watch, the snaps could increase across the D-Line as a result.
Carlos Dunlap-Seattle Seahawks
Carlos Dunlap Strip sack pic.twitter.com/gOpW12XoRZ
— Rapinas do Mar (Cortes) (@cortesrapinas) December 27, 2021
Carlos Dunlap is reprising his role as a late-season IDP hero for 2021. If you remember last year, it was in Weeks 16,17, and the WC game that we saw Dunlap record 13 QB pressures over that time. Fast forward to this year, and we have seen Dunlap record 9 pressures, 5 sacks, and 67 combined fantasy points in Weeks 15 & 16.
This week, Dunlap and the Seahawks will get the Detroit Lions in a game that could have Jared Goff wishing he was still on COVID absence.
E.J. Speed-Indianapolis Colts
.@Colts @EJ_SPEED stepped in for @dsleon45 last night and didn’t skip a beat. It’s a sign of a well coached team. Down a great player; backup steps up with a great performance. #Colts will be a problem in January #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/B6hXASE1Yc
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 26, 2021
With Darius Leonard a late addition to the COVID list in Week 16, it was E.J. Speed that stepped up and played masterfully in his absence. Speed wracked up 9 tackles and a pass defended resulting in a 20 point performance. Since Leonard is an unvaccinated player, he is in line to miss Week 17 as well, and I absolutely love the matchup against the Raiders. If the Raiders are wise, they will look to utilize Josh Jacobs and keep Carr upright. A run-heavy game could greatly benefit Speed, seeing as he was 4th among LB in Week 16 in run-play solo tackles.
Troy Reeder-Los Angeles Rams
Rams placed LB Ernest Jones (ankle) on injured reserve.
— Gary VanDyke (@TheIDPTipster) December 28, 2021
Troy Reeder Week 17 pic.twitter.com/CRUtjzjWVP
Ernest Jones has been placed on the IR, which means next man up for the Rams, and that appears to be Troy Reeder. When Jones left Week 16's game, it was Reeder who stepped in and made the most of his snaps. Reeder's 6 solo tackles were his most since Week 12. The Rams will travel cross-country to face the run-heavy Baltimore Ravens. Look for Reeder to see plenty of action and even benefit from a hobbled Lamar Jackson if he is able to return.
Garrett Wallow-Houston Texans
My favorite Garrett Wallow tackle pic.twitter.com/EFIyAavOGd
— Matt (Double__Underscore) Weston (@Matt__Weston) December 22, 2021
It might be a last-man-standing type of situation in Houston. Neville Hewitt and Kamu Grugier-Hill have been placed on COVID and Christian Kirksey has played himself out of favor with staff. Wallow hasn't exactly done much with the increased snaps, but he did put up 26 points in Week 15 and gets a juicy matchup against the 49ers. Pay attention to the COVID news, but maybe we won't be Wallowing in our sorrow when he helps us to that title.
Alohi Gilman-Los Angeles Chargers
Despite being placed on the COVID contact list, it appears that Gilman has a chance to play on Sunday vs the Broncos. Brandon Staley has already announced that Adderley and Chris Harris won't be available to play on Sunday, and Derwin James' status is in question with the hamstring injury, it could be Gilman who should step up!
This is most definitely a situation to monitor, but I love the matchup against Drew Lock and the Broncos.
Jeremy Reaves-Washington Football Team
Reaves is in a really good situation for IDP managers, and not so much for the Football Team. With Landon Collins on the IR and Kamren Curl landing on the COVID list, it would appear that Jeremy Reaves is in line for another healthy snap share.
Over the past two weeks, Reaves has been on fire and put up weeks of 21 and 18 points. The Football Team will face their Week 15 opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles. Reaves was exploited by Dallas Goedert, but did put up 21 points! Look for another solid week out of Reaves.