All-Request IDP Roundtable (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

Hey everyone,

We haven't done one of these this year and with the fantasy playoffs getting underway in most leagues, we thought we'd bring back the all-request show back to hit the most pressing questions of the week.

Keep them general please and we'll get to as many as possible.

Thanks.

 

[j0novision]

Who are your top DBs to own for a run at the championship in a mostly tackle heavy, start 1 db league.

Jon

 

[grantsa4]

Who are some of the potential studs for next year that may be on the waiver wire in dynasty leagues?

Is Rolando McClain showing us who we expected at the start of the season, or just 2 fluke games?

 

[tones]

WW is closing before the kickoff of the Thursday night game but would LOVE to hear their thoughts on Dynasty stashs for next year maybe 2-3 from each position would be ideal.

I would also be curious who are their WW pickups for the playoff run. Home run hitters needed.

 

[gangreen3232]

Who are your top LB's the rest of the way based on schedule?

 

[blend]

Levy -- How does he look to you guys. With teams running well against the lions, it would seem there are lots of opportunities, but he hasn't been producing.. Still injured? What are his prospects for the rest of this year and beyond.

he'll be with the Lions next year, but fully expect the Lions to address their LB and Secondary core this off-season the same way they addressed their DLine last offseason.

eta: I'm sure Levy will be with the Lions next year.. there has been multiple quotes from schwartz about building the D around him.. but there has also been talk on Lion msg boards of moving Levy outside to replace Peterson and/or Follett since they both stink and bringing in someone who can play the middle. Either way, I think the Lions get 2 new LBs and possibly 2 new defensive backs

 

[jabalies]

What happened with Shaughnessy vs SD?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Thomsen]

I need some big play guys this week, in a playoff game where I'm the clear underdog. Who would you recommend? In a 2 LB, 2 DL, 2 DB league.

 

[tomthumb333]

I need some big play guys this week, in a playoff game where I'm the clear underdog. Who would you recommend? In a 2 LB, 2 DL, 2 DB league.

1) Your best guess on what's going on with Chung going forward this season.2) Anything on Siler for this weekend.3) Roth, best chance for sack's this week against Buffalo'e decimated OL?

 

[BuckeyeChaos]

I would love to know if Derrick Johnson's diminished numbers are a blip or can I count on him in the playoffs.

Is PIT OLB Worilds a good dynasty stash?

Who are your top 10 rookies for next year at DT/DE, LB, CB/S

Thanks!

 

[PhantomJB]

What is the deal with Karlos Dansby. Is it the injury?

Will David Hawthorne continue to produce even though not every down LB?

Why does Eric Weddle get very little IDP love in rankings (#24 S this week) and such? People tend to view him as kind of pedestrian in talent but he's been a consistent producer with or without Oliver and Gregory in the SD lineup.

 

[tonka]

Echoing a few of the other posts here, but I would like to hear discussion on:

1) TJ Ward. Has he hit the wall? Droppable?

2) Eric Berry. Has he hit the opposite of the wall? He seems to be playing his best football of the year.

3) LaRon Landry. What's reasonable to expect from him going forward?

4) Karlos Dansby. Was very highly-rated by FBG early in the season. Not producing lately. Why?

5) LBs to target for the playoff weeks (including week 17, please).

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

whose turn is for ILB for the broncos now with the recent injuries?

 

[5Rings]

Rey Maualaga.

At 2-10, will he get the chance this year to play in the middle? Dhani Jones is not the longterm answer.

Michael Johnson

Do the Bengals have any kind of plan with him? 4-3 End? Rush backer?

Kevin Williams.

His numbers are way down, is that a reflection of a) Pat's decline and not taking the doubles, b) some scheme change, or c) he just stinks like the rest of the Vikes.

Seattle LB situation, specifically Hawthorne and Lofa.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

whose turn is for ILB for the broncos now with the recent injuries?

+1 and is whoever that guy is worth more this season than, say, Siler/Roth types.A few others:1. Who would you roster for the remainder of this year in a tackle heavy league that awards bonuses for TFL at LB: Matt Roth or Scott Shanle.2. Brent Grimes has just looked like a baller almost all year. Any argument for/against retaining his services in keeper-CB-required leagues?3. Alex Carrington have any shine from you guys in dynasty ?Many thanks. Hope The Guru's feeling better.

 

[Grizzlie Adams]

I gots a couple questions:

* Tackles worth a point apiece, assists half a point, sacks/FF/turnovers/deflections four points apiece ... which Panthers linebacker is the best one to own throughout the next three weeks?

* Need to pick up a defensive back. Same scoring as above ... who's looking like the better pick up between the Browns safeties, Atogwe, Tramon Williams (once he clears waivers), Champ Bailey, LaRon Landry, Antoine Cason, Chris Hope, and Adrian Wilson?

Thanx.

 

[SugarNuts]

What are James Anderson's prospects for next year and beyond? Any idea what the LB situation will be next year in CAR when everyone is healthy (Davis, Connor, etc.) and a likely new coaching change?

 

[Young 8]

- Chung situation, short & long term

- Mario Williams sports hernia surgery scenario

- Rolando McClain evaluation of the last 2 games

 

[kerntuber]

I'll add another request for some discussion of Chung, also if there should be some concern with Timmons.

Thanks

 

[Goldalene]

Another one for Chung, but also Zac Diles: outlook for this year, and what's his dynasty value, can he ever get a fulltime, snap heavy role without others being injured?

 

[shadynasty]

- Redskins Safeties for this week (Reed Doughty vs. Laron Landry)

- David Hawthorne going forward

- Colts Linebackers for this week (Pat Angerer vs. Gary Brackett)

 

[UnderRated]

Worried about TJ Ward and Tyvon Branch too... Do u think they do ok in 15 & 16?

Looking at Craig Dahl and Sean Jones on the waiver wire... These guys look any better???

Is DJ Williams gonna be worth starting by week 15???

Thanks!

 

[eddy13]

We have Had some Real Sleeper Surprises Catch Fire as of late, Whos Real and Whos Not!

Takeo Spikes

Akin Ayodole

Abram Elam

Carlos Dunlap

Jason Pierre

James Sanders

 

[thedudesdude]

outlook for Amari Spievey and Arenas (DB) this week.

 

[Mistabishi]

We have Had some Real Sleeper Surprises Catch Fire as of late, Whos Real and Whos Not!Takeo SpikesAkin Ayodole Abram ElamCarlos DunlapJason PierreJames Sanders

Add Dahl to this

 

[Jene Bramel]

Thanks everyone for the great response. I think we (the Guru was back!!) hit on a lot of these issues and I'll respond to as many others as I can tomorrow afternoon and post the link to the show as soon as it's available.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Week 14 IDP Roundtable

Featuring the return of the Guru, with lots of injury, performance and matchup discussion. Thanks for listening as always. I'm hoping to add lots more thoughts here later this afternoon.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Seattle LB David Hawthorne-

I just picked him up because lately he's exploded with 38 tackles in his last three games.

I don't know why but obviously something has changed with his situation.

Can you provide some info on his sudden uptick inn production?

I'm going with him this week over injured Jon Beason unless you have insight that Hawthorne's increased production is due to recent fluke matchups that were decidedly in his favor.

I don't know the reason why he's done so well lately but I can spot a dramatic surge in production and will blidly ride the wave unless convinced otherwise.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Who are your top DBs to own for a run at the championship in a mostly tackle heavy, start 1 db league.Jon

Outside of the usual suspects (Bell, Pollard, Whitner, Branch, etc), I'd be looking to play matchups and trends. This week. I'd be looking at guys like Craig Dahl, Eric Berry, Chinedum Ndukwe, Louis Delmas and Antrel Rolle as potentially high upside DB1s with 6+ solo capability.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Who are some of the potential studs for next year that may be on the waiver wire in dynasty leagues?Is Rolando McClain showing us who we expected at the start of the season, or just 2 fluke games?

McClain's box score improvement isn't a fluke. John's comments this week echo what I said and wrote last week: McClain is no longer the read-first, tentative at the snap, shuffling rookie. He's moving at the snap, playing downhill, shedding blocks and forcing the action at the point of attack. I don't think he's got the speed to clean up enough tackles on the sidelines and in coverage to be a consistent top ten linebacker, but he's clearly got the makings of a top twenty player with LB1 capability in certain matchups.Guys that I think might jump multiple tiers into the top 15-20 next season (for the first time) would includeL: Carlos Dunlap, Lamarr Houston, Brandon Graham, Kroy Biermann, Jeremy MinceyLB: Pat Angerer, Brandon Siler/Donald ButlerDB: Darcel McBath, Kam ChancellorFBG Insiders can get some additional thoughts from the RTD columns from Weeks 9 through 13.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Levy -- How does he look to you guys. With teams running well against the lions, it would seem there are lots of opportunities, but he hasn't been producing.. Still injured? What are his prospects for the rest of this year and beyond. he'll be with the Lions next year, but fully expect the Lions to address their LB and Secondary core this off-season the same way they addressed their DLine last offseason. eta: I'm sure Levy will be with the Lions next year.. there has been multiple quotes from schwartz about building the D around him.. but there has also been talk on Lion msg boards of moving Levy outside to replace Peterson and/or Follett since they both stink and bringing in someone who can play the middle. Either way, I think the Lions get 2 new LBs and possibly 2 new defensive backs

It looks to me like he tweaked the groin again a couple of weeks ago. He hasn't played with the same leverage or range that he showed in Weeks 9-11. Schwartz tabbed him to play the middle, but he's generally preferred bigger linebackers in the past so it's certainly possible that Levy gets shifted outside if a better option presents itself. Should be interesting to see how the Lions approach the team this offseason. They've got a lot of pieces in place and aren't that far from having a pretty solid group.

 

[Jene Bramel]

What happened with Shaughnessy vs SD?Thanks in advance for your help.

He wasn't given credit for an official quarterback hit, but he was a contributing factor in the regular pressure that the Raiders put on Philip Rivers. He's still playing almost every down and he's still better than he gets credit for in run support. The Jaguars are a top pass rush matchup and Shaughnessy is a good bet to rebound this week.

 

[Jene Bramel]

1) Your best guess on what's going on with Chung going forward this season.2) Anything on Siler for this weekend.3) Roth, best chance for sack's this week against Buffalo'e decimated OL?

It's beyond painful for those of us -- and I'm certainly included here -- that had been counting on Landry-Chung-Berry-Ward to carry us during the playoff season. As I said during the show, you can say that Chung has issues in coverage. He does, particularly in zone situations. But I'm having a hard time buying that Jarrad Page -- who busted out of a Cover-2 scheme in KC -- is a better fit. I'm having a hard time buying that when we see Chung used as the slot corner over athletic tight ends or dropping into robber coverage in the deep middle. And we're seeing Meriweather and Page playing in the base, limiting Chung's snaps in run support where he thrives.My guess is that it's a combination of Chung's zone issues and some lingering effects from what was almost certainly an MCL injury. Bottom line, you can't start him until he's again getting 80-90% of the snaps (and he was despite the nickel rotations in Week 11 and 12) unless you're willing to assume a lot of risk for so-so upside.Last week's performance shouldn't have been surprising for those that have been watching Siler. He does this nearly every time he gets a chance to play every down. But he's not as good in coverage and he's not as heady as Cooper. Cooper gives Ron Rivera another coach on the field and a little added big play value (he's a better blitzer with better zone instincts). If Cooper can't play this week, Siler has a great chance to put up LB2 or better numbers. If not, he's an excellent stash given that all he, Cooper and Kevin Burnett aren't signed to a contract for 2011 yet.If you're looking for a high upside linebacker play this week as an underdog, Roth is as good as it gets.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I would love to know if Derrick Johnson's diminished numbers are a blip or can I count on him in the playoffs.Is PIT OLB Worilds a good dynasty stash?Who are your top 10 rookies for next year at DT/DE, LB, CB/SThanks!

Won't look at rookie scouting reports until February-March-April, but there'll be lots of rookie discussion throughout the offseason as always. IDP value will depend on scheme and surrounding cast.I don't think Johnson played very well last week and you have to wonder what effect the big contract may have on him. I tend to think that it was a fluke of marginal opportunity (not many coverage chances) and the fact that Glenn Dorsey (six solos) and Jovan Belcher (four or five) had a higher than normal impact on his pursuit opportunity. If he flops this week, it's time to worry. He'd be my LB2 unless I had a stable full of studs or a matchup too good to pass up. I might look elsewhere if I need safe numbers in a start 1 LB league.I wouldn't move on Worilds unless I was in a 5:1 sack-to-tackle league or higher. Way too soon to know if he's a Chad Brown or James Harrison v2007 tackler or more in the mold of a Lamarr Woodley. Definitely has the highest long term upside among this season's group of rush OLB prospects, however.

 

[Jene Bramel]

What is the deal with Karlos Dansby. Is it the injury? Will David Hawthorne continue to produce even though not every down LB?Why does Eric Weddle get very little IDP love in rankings (#24 S this week) and such? People tend to view him as kind of pedestrian in talent but he's been a consistent producer with or without Oliver and Gregory in the SD lineup.

Injury and matchups.Should have better numbers this week in New York against the Jets, but the Bills and Lions could both go either way. With luck, we'll see enough this week if Crowder's back to determine whether or not Mike Nolan and his toe will allow him to play in the base defense in Weeks 15 and 16. But I think he's safe to use as a LB2/3 this week.As long as Lofa Tatupu can't get outside the tackle box or shed a block, he's a LB2 in most matchups. I think he's risky this week against SF but the next two weeks look like strong matchups for him.I see Weddle ranked 29th among DBs with a six solo projection. That's actually a lot of love in the rankings among a position grouping with such wide ranges of expectation. John doesn't have him projected for much coverage upside, which isn't surprising given that the Chiefs rarely threw the ball more than 25-32 times with Cassel in the lineup and aren't likely to do so with Croyle unless they fall way behind. Give Weddle a full PD expectation and a 33% chance at a pick and he'd jump into the top five DBs this week. Another solo tackle with a 20% chance at an INT and a full PD expectation and he's and he'd be in the top five DBs this week.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Echoing a few of the other posts here, but I would like to hear discussion on:1) TJ Ward. Has he hit the wall? Droppable?2) Eric Berry. Has he hit the opposite of the wall? He seems to be playing his best football of the year.3) LaRon Landry. What's reasonable to expect from him going forward?4) Karlos Dansby. Was very highly-rated by FBG early in the season. Not producing lately. Why?5) LBs to target for the playoff weeks (including week 17, please).

Ward has fallen into the DB3 tier in redraft leagues. He's yet to have fewer than four solos a week. That's a pretty nice floor to start from. Unfortunately, the Browns continue to get off the field on third downs, are controlling the clock well and haven't used Ward in the box quite as much. There's also a nagging shoulder injury that might be limiting his aggressiveness in tackling. The W14 and 15 matchups look average to below-average, but if you've got room I might hold him for W16 v BAL. If his health improves, that matchup might have Ward looking pretty attractive by then.He's playing better, but he's actually been less consistent (though with higher peaks) than Ward. Matchup looks good for Berry this week, though.I don't expect Landry to return this year. If he does, I think that would suggest he's healthy enough to resume DB2++ numbers. Long term, it's hard to see Haslett returning, which puts his upside in the hands of the new scheme and coordinator.

 

[Jene Bramel]

whose turn is for ILB for the broncos now with the recent injuries?

My feeling is that it's more likely we see Ayers at OLB and Haggan back inside than Woodyard at WILB with Williams moving to SILB. Too much to discuss with the coaching change for the local media to note how they lined up at practice yesterday. Hopefully, we'll see something today.For now, the Arizona matchup means it's probably not worth worrying over this week. If I needed a desperation move immediately, I'd look at Haggan. My guess is that Williams remains the only viable LB2 or better among them.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Rey Maualaga.

At 2-10, will he get the chance this year to play in the middle? Dhani Jones is not the longterm answer.

Michael Johnson

Do the Bengals have any kind of plan with him? 4-3 End? Rush backer?

Kevin Williams.

His numbers are way down, is that a reflection of a) Pat's decline and not taking the doubles, b) some scheme change, or c) he just stinks like the rest of the Vikes.

Seattle LB situation, specifically Hawthorne and Lofa.

There's no plan of any kind with Cincinnati. Too many injuries up front to allow them to use Johnson as they'd originally intended so he's now back in a rotation at DE. Both positions take time and consistent reps to learn. You have to wonder if Johnson will end up as the once-promising Robert Geathers did. Rey Maualuga continues to be scattershot. He's still too often fooled by play action, slow to react in coverage and out of position in run fits. If there's one thing Marvin Lewis has been consistent with over the years, it's that he will not put a player who he can't trust to play his gap correctly in a prime defensive position. We might see Maualuga in the middle eventually, whether or not Lewis is the coach, but I think he's going to need a new scheme and a new coaching staff to become a viable every-down MLB.

Kevin Williams is playing well, but he's not as consistently explosive as he was years ago. It's been a slow decline over the past four-five years, with spurts of impressive statistics but he's generally been much better on the field than in the box scores.

 

[Jene Bramel]

whose turn is for ILB for the broncos now with the recent injuries?

+1 and is whoever that guy is worth more this season than, say, Siler/Roth types.A few others:1. Who would you roster for the remainder of this year in a tackle heavy league that awards bonuses for TFL at LB: Matt Roth or Scott Shanle.2. Brent Grimes has just looked like a baller almost all year. Any argument for/against retaining his services in keeper-CB-required leagues?3. Alex Carrington have any shine from you guys in dynasty ?Many thanks. Hope The Guru's feeling better.

Brent Grimes played very well last week. But he's not a shutdown corner and isn't a game changer in run support. That puts him at risk each offseason if the team should decide to bring in competition. He wasn't guaranteed a job last summer and that could well be the case this summer. Consider him a CB2 with downside. He's a ride-the-wave play rather than a budding cornerstone.Carrington has the same upside any athletic, but raw DE in a 3-4 scheme has. He could be Calais Campbell, but the odds are against it.

 

[Jene Bramel]

* Tackles worth a point apiece, assists half a point, sacks/FF/turnovers/deflections four points apiece ... which Panthers linebacker is the best one to own throughout the next three weeks?Thanx.

With Beason's balky knee, I like Anderson's upside a little better.

 

[Jene Bramel]

What are James Anderson's prospects for next year and beyond? Any idea what the LB situation will be next year in CAR when everyone is healthy (Davis, Connor, etc.) and a likely new coaching change?

No idea what to expect in Carolina. There's enough linebacker talent there to run any scheme and the number of Tampa-2 loving coordinators is dwindling.The only sure thing is that Beason will hold down one spot. The dominoes fall one way or the other based on Thomas Davis. For now, I'd rank their 2011 value -- in CAR or elsewhere -- as Beason, Davis, Anderson, Connor, Williams/Williams (Jason and Jamar).

 

[Jene Bramel]

- Mario Williams sports hernia surgery scenario

I think he finishes the season then decides rehab v surgery. Either way, he'll be ready for 2011, but he's had enough injury issues over the past two years that you have to wonder whether there's another issue (injury prone tissues, conditioning questions, etc).Matchups are so-so -- better for tackles and average for big plays --and I think he remains a low level DL1 with upside unless the injury begins limiting him more.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Another one for Chung, but also Zac Diles: outlook for this year, and what's his dynasty value, can he ever get a fulltime, snap heavy role without others being injured?

Diles is what he is. A slightly better than replacement level OLB capable of short bursts of very good play. There shouldn't be anything limiting him medically -- if he's cleared to play a handful of snaps, there's not much reason he shouldn't be able to play a full complement. I think the issue is twofold. Though the Eagles exposed him a bit, Kevin Bentley had been playing very well in coverage. And the Texans have always had high praise for Darryl Sharpton, and he's been okay in run support.Diles is a free agent next year, so both of the above issues are worrisome for his long term future. Guys like him rarely find themselves in a great position the following year. There's a Kevin Burnett now and then or a Paris Lenon, but I wouldn't hold my breath for rosterable value in 2011.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I'll add another request for some discussion of Chung, also if there should be some concern with Timmons.Thanks

Here's my reply in the Timmons thread yesterday. John had some interesting thoughts about a change in his usage during the show.

I'd like to know what's going on as well. Sunday night, he seemed to be moving alright and fast.. just wasn't around the ball as much. I just want to read somebody's breakdown on his play lately.

Timmons was the odd man out when Steelers went to dime package more often than usual against the Ravens.

I didn't see Timmons leave the field on any snap against Baltimore. There had been some missed snaps in the dime in the two weeks after his injury, but I didn't note any last week. The missed snaps and possible limitation to his range (which I'm not seeing much of) due to injury are concerns, but I think Timmons decline has more to do with opportunity (42, 42 and 41 tackle opportunites in the past three weeks) and the continued very good play from James Farrior. Like James Anderson, Timmons' early season numbers were on the far upper end of his expectation. His big play upside gives him LB1 value every week, but he probably belongs in the upper LB2 tier at baseline. His next two matchups (CIN and NYJ) could, unfortunately, go either way. But I think he's got too much upside to bench unless you're in a start 1 LB league.

 

[Jene Bramel]

- Redskins Safeties for this week (Reed Doughty vs. Laron Landry)- David Hawthorne going forward- Colts Linebackers for this week (Pat Angerer vs. Gary Brackett)

I don't think Landry is practicing this week, but there's a blog post today from Jason Reid in the past hour quoting Landry saying he's absolutely coming back this year.I thought Brackett looked better than I expected last week. Angerer didn't play in all the nickel packages last week, so it'd be Brackett almost by default.

 

[Jene Bramel]

We have Had some Real Sleeper Surprises Catch Fire as of late, Whos Real and Whos Not!Takeo SpikesAkin Ayodole Abram ElamCarlos DunlapJason PierreJames Sanders

Spikes: LB3 in the short term. Numbers a bit of a mirage.Ayodele: Nice upside as a near every down player with tons of opportunityElam: DB3+ tierDunlap: Risky until he gets more snaps, but clearly has the right mentalityPierre-Paul: Better football player than I expected, got more snaps last week, but still rotational DL2Sanders: DB3+ tier

 

[Jene Bramel]

outlook for Amari Spievey and Arenas (DB) this week.

Spievey (every-down SS) >> Arenas (nickel CB)

 

[Jene Bramel]

Seattle LB David Hawthorne-I just picked him up because lately he's exploded with 38 tackles in his last three games.I don't know why but obviously something has changed with his situation.Can you provide some info on his sudden uptick inn production?I'm going with him this week over injured Jon Beason unless you have insight that Hawthorne's increased production is due to recent fluke matchups that were decidedly in his favor.I don't know the reason why he's done so well lately but I can spot a dramatic surge in production and will blidly ride the wave unless convinced otherwise. Thanks in advance.

Tatupu range had continued to slip at the beginning of the year, Hawthorne continued to settle into the new role. In the past six weeks, the matchups have broken in Hawthorne's favor (enough base snaps to mitigate the loss of nickel snaps) and Tatupu has been too gimpy to shed or pursue.I think the SF matchup is very risky for Hawthorne (setup for lots of dime snaps) this week. Beason's knee is troublesome, though, so they both fit into a brutally wide range of expecation. Call them LB3+++ (LB1-LB4 range).

 

[Jene Bramel]

Seattle LB David Hawthorne-I just picked him up because lately he's exploded with 38 tackles in his last three games.I don't know why but obviously something has changed with his situation.Can you provide some info on his sudden uptick inn production?I'm going with him this week over injured Jon Beason unless you have insight that Hawthorne's increased production is due to recent fluke matchups that were decidedly in his favor.I don't know the reason why he's done so well lately but I can spot a dramatic surge in production and will blidly ride the wave unless convinced otherwise. Thanks in advance.

Tatupu range had continued to slip at the beginning of the year, Hawthorne continued to settle into the new role. In the past six weeks, the matchups have broken in Hawthorne's favor (enough base snaps to mitigate the loss of nickel snaps) and Tatupu has been too gimpy to shed or pursue.I think the SF matchup is very risky for Hawthorne (setup for lots of dime snaps) this week. Beason's knee is troublesome, though, so they both fit into a brutally wide range of expecation. Call them LB3+++ (LB1-LB4 range).

 

[Jene Bramel]

To everyone looking for high upside playoff matchups, John broke down lots of W14 matchups at the end of this show and I've got some extended thoughts based on recent trends and opportunity data in my column this week.

Got to run, but I'll try to add some more matchup thoughts here or in a separate thread later tonight.

Thanks very much for the contributions and questions and for listening. The show wouldn't be in its fifth year without you.