2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 3

Untitled Document.left2 {} Written By: Bill Edwards

Hello and welcome to this season-long series for IDPGuru.com. In this article, I will discuss a few players whose fantasy value has either gone up or down depending on their performance, role changes, injury concerns, etc. from the previous week. I will try to get this article out every Wednesday for your reading pleasure.

Stock Up
MLB – Rolando McClain – (OAK) – McClain had a poor Week 1, recording 1 total tackle. In Week 2, he exploded for 7 solo and 3 assisted tackles. McClain should have decent numbers playing in the middle linebacker spot. This may be a premature report for McClain but this is what the Raiders drafted him for, and he did look really solid against the Bills. Keep McClain on your rosters for a few more weeks to see if this continues. LB3 with LB2 potential.

RDE – Trent Cole – (PHI) – Cole was an absolute beast against the Falcons. He recorded 5 solos and 1 assist. His play was better than his stats showed but, if he continues to move offensive lineman around like that, he will have a huge fantasy season. Teams will more than likely be throwing at the end of games and Cole will take advantage of his linemates, Jenkins and Babin. DL1

LCB – Justin King – (STL) – King had a huge game in week one (7 solos, 1 sack). I waited to see if it was a fluke or if maybe he had something and after week 2’s performance (8 solos, 1 assisted), he looks like a solid tackle guy. King has gotten his chance in St. Louis to be a solid fantasy starter each week. The Rams are ranked 32nd against the run and 4th against the pass so teams should continue to attack that weakness until they stop them. King should have plenty of tackle chances this season. DB2

DT – Kyle Williams – (BUF) – For those of you in leagues that must start a DT, you could do worse than Williams. He is a high motor player that doesn’t come off the field much. In 2010 Williams racked up 76 total tackles, a huge number for a DT. He should have comparable numbers this season. Williams is a DL2 in sack heavy leagues and a  DL1 in tackle-Eheavy leagues.

MLB – Mason Foster – (TB) – Foster had a solid start to his career last week and built on it this past week against the Vikings. Foster has 17 total tackles and a sack in 2 games. He has picked up where Barrett Ruud left of last season. Foster has all the potential to be a 120 plus tackle guys this year if he plays every down.

Stock Down
LDE – Cliff Avril – (DET) – I was high on Avril in my Pre-Season Stock report. It’s been 2 weeks and he has totaled 2 tackles and zero sacks. I really thought he would have a huge year right from the start. Having Suh and Vanden Bosch on the line with him should be leaving him in one on one match ups. He should be taking advantage of this, but hasn’t to this point. Now don’t drop him from your roster just yet. He has a ton of potential, but you should probably keep him on the bench until he shows he’s ready to produce some solid fantasy numbers.

MLB – Brandon Spikes – (NE) – Spikes is listed as the starting MLB. He missed the first week and only had 2 tackles in week 2. Spikes should be able to run free with the talented defensive line he has in front of him. Spikes shouldn’t have to shed any blocks to make tackles. His back up Dan Fletcher doubled his tackles with 4. Spikes has the potential to start producing like a LB3 but, until then treat him like a LB5.

RDE – Brett Keisel – (PIT) – Keisel has 5 total tackles in 2 games. Now to add to his poor performances he has a strained PCL in his left knee. Keisel is listed as probably to play Sunday against the Colts. The IDP Points Against article shows that the Colts have allowed the 6th most point to defensive lineman. Maybe this is the week Keisel turns it around. Play him at your own risk. DL#3

MLB – David Hawthorne – (SEA) – Hawthorne has to be the most asked about player on the IDP Forum. Hawthorne missed Week 1 with a knee injury that had bothered him for the entire preseason. In Week 2 he recorded 3 tackles while splitting time at the MLB spot. Hawthorne has tremendous upside when healthy but, until he proves that he is back you should keep him at the on your bench.
           
RLB – Scott Shanle – (NO) – Shanle has not played to expectations. He was an 80 tackle player through 14 games last season and looked to become a solid LB2. He has started this year off pretty slow, recording 9 tackles through 2 games and no sacks. Shanle will have to regain some form to be trusted in your lineup. If Shanle can get it going again he would be worth a pickup as a a bye week replacement or a spot injury start. Other than that, leave him on waivers.

Thanks for reading! Comments, suggestions or questions are welcome below or by email at billedwards@idpguru.com. You can also follow my active Twitter feed @edwards7aces.

Last Updated: September 20, 2011