It’s Week 14!!! It’s the final week before the playoffs for most leagues. This week is crucial for all, whether you are trying to claim the top seed, a bye in 1st round, or fighting for your playoff lives. At this time of year, it can be slim pickings of the holiday leftovers and this is the worst time for such a heavy slate of teams on a bye. I’m here to help you navigate which stocks to invest in and which to liquidate. Let’s get right into it with three investments to help you keep your IDP portfolios providing big returns.
Week 14 IDP Stock Market Investments
Kevin Byard, SAF, Chicago Bears
If you have the opportunity to acquire my first IDP stock market investment, Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard, then do it. It’s a championship move that isn’t getting talked about enough. First go check your waiver wire, as I was shocked to find that he’s still available in 23% of leagues. Second, if he’s not then go see what the owner who has him would take to move him. I’m betting it’s less than you think. Why Byard? To me, it’s a no-brainer! He’s on a team that is middle of the pack at best, and he’s on pace for his fourth career 100+ tackle campaign and a career-best in tackles (pacing for 132). Byard has had double-digit tackles in three of the last four games, with nine in the one he didn’t. He has 43 total tackles over that stretch (10.75 per game) and leads the Bears in tackles on the season so far. He’s been more dependable and outperforming linebackers, TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds.
Fantrax Rostership: 77%
Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
Up next on my IDP stock market is a 14-year veteran who produces fantasy value game after game, year after year. The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has been one the best returns on investment values at the position. Heyward is averaging 4.16 tackles per game on the season and has had at least four tackles in nine of the twelve contests he’s played so far. In position-specific leagues, which likely come with DT premiums, he’s been gold. He’s playing the Cleveland Browns this week, who he just saw two weeks ago and posted six tackles, five solo stops, and two PBUs. Speaking of PBUs, he’s had at least one in each of the last six games, has a total of eight in that span, and is on pace to shatter his career best of nine (21’). Just like with Byard, he’s surprisingly still available (30%) in a lot of leagues, and if not he’s worth the trade investment.
Fantrax Rostership: 70%
Derek Barnett, DE, Houston Texans
For my next IDP stock market investment I’m gonna dig deep into the bargain bin. If you’re playing in deep leagues then you know how slim the pickings are on the waiver wire and if you need some help at the EDGE position I have a stock you need to look at investing in short term. Defensive End Derek Barnett of the Houston Texans is a penny stock that you should be looking at for the rest of the year. The Texans are on a bye this week, which means Barnett’s stock is as cheap as you will find right now. In the last three weeks, Barnett has played 92 defensive snaps (42%), and recorded seven tackles, four solo stops, 5a 7.1% solo rate, one TFL, two QB hits, two sacks, one forced fumble that he recovered, and returned 28 yards for a touchdown. The Texans have increased his role as of late to keep their two stars Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter healthy for the stretch run. I’m not saying this is a league-winning stock, but it’s a low-cost option that can provide a decent return if you’re in a pinch at the position.
Fantrax Rostership: 5%
*All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
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
Make sure to check out all of our Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!