As we approach Week 8, which is halfway through the regular season, we are running tight on time to make decisions for a playoff push in fantasy! What are your team’s biggest needs and glaring weaknesses? Whether you are a contender or a pretender I have something for everyone. Each week I bring you the IDP stock market, where I help you navigate through which stocks to invest in and which to liquidate. Let’s get right into it with three investments and three liquidations that can help you keep your IDP portfolios providing big returns.
Week 8 IDP Stock Market Investments
Josh Paschal, DE, Detroit Lions
As soon as the injury to starter Aidan Hutchinson happened, questions began to fly as to what they would do to fill his spot until his return. The answer to this is far from settled as the trade deadline is still two weeks away. However, in the immediate short term, the correct answer as we saw last week is third-year pass rusher Josh Paschal. He received his second start and played 52 defensive snaps (87%) with a box score of four total tackles, all solo stops, with one TFL, one QB hit, and one sack for the Lions. Paschal will get every opportunity to show he can be a starter and even if they acquire someone in a trade I still like Paschal for the rest of the season. If you need help you definitely should be putting in a claim for my top IDP stock market option at the defensive end position.
Deshon Elliott, SAF, Pittsburgh Steelers
For my next IDP stock market investment, I want to look at the safety position and Deshon Elliott of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Elliott was drafted by the Ravens but has bounced around teams as of late, but when given the opportunity all he has done is produce. He may not be the most gifted or the flashiest name around, but fantasy managers should make sure he’s rostered and as of late starting him every week. Elliott has been everything the Steelers have needed playing next to Minkah Fitzpatrick, as he’s answered the bell each week. In fact, he’s had at least nine-plus tackles in each of the six games (47 total/32 solo/68%) and one pace to shatter a lot of personal best marks across the board. Check your waivers now just in case he’s hanging out there and I’m not opposed to making a trade move for him.
Anfernee Jennings, DE/OLB, New England Patriots
Depending on your league’s position designations, but with how he’s playing this year it doesn’t matter, but DE Anfernee Jennings of the New England Patriots is a player that should be rostered in all IDP formats. In the last five games, Jennings has produced at least eight or more tackles and double-digit numbers in four of the last five. A lot of fantasy managers had given up on him but he’s flipped the switch this season. If your league allows you to play him at DE/DL then that maximizes his fantasy value. With all the offensive issues going on right now in New England, their defense will be on the field a lot and Jennings is one IDP stock market investment that you should be making for your fantasy teams.
Check out all of our Week 7 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Liquidations
Jordan Cameron, DE, New Orleans Saints
For my first IDP stock market liquidation of the week, I hate to say it but maybe now is time to start moving your shares of DE Jordan Cameron of the New Orleans Saints. The 14-year/8X Pro Bowler has been the staple of the Saints’ defense over his career but the production this year just hasn’t been there. In seven games, he’s produced a total of nine total tackles, six solo stops, one QB hit, one interception, and two PBUs. We saw the beginning of the decline last season and it’s continued this season. We’ve also seen him take more of an interest in the media side of football as well. He’s had one heck of a career, but now is the time to make a deal to move him and capitalize on the value of his name before it’s too late.
Tyree Wilson, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
My next IDP stock market liquidation is DE Tyree Wilson of the Las Vegas Raiders! There was a ton of hype surrounding Wilson when he came out of Texas Tech, and everyone projected him to be the next big star playing opposite of stud Maxx Crosby. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened as he continues to get passed by, and rightfully so by the likes of Malcolm Koonce (Injured) and now Charles Snowden (a pickup as long as Koonce is out). Wilson’s rookie season was meh (29 tackles/3½ sacks) but he’s well below that pace this season, which has included his first career start. I know the position is thin but there are much better options if you look hard enough (see Josh Paschal above)
Joey Bosa, DE, Los Angeles Chargers
For my last IDP stock market liquidation, I feel like I am stating the obvious but sometimes a simple reminder is needed and that’s why you should be moving on from any shares of DE Joey Bosa that you have. It all starts with health and he just hasn’t been able to stay on the field. In his last 17 games played, he has 11 sacks but that’s stretched across three seasons and fantasy managers just can’t rely on that if they expect to be competitive. There will be some who still value his name so maybe offer him up in any trades that you can put together and see what you can get as a return. Outside of that, I am cutting ties with any shares of him.
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
*All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
Make sure to check out all of our Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!