Building Your 2010 IDP Core
December 10, 2009 at 4:48 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Last week I wrote about four guys that dynasty owners should go out and add via waivers in hopes that they’ll play key roles in 2010. This week, I’m thinking along the same lines. Allow me to steal a line of thinking from my own recent dynasty team management strategies if you will – because if you’re an IDP owner in any kind of long-term format, it could help you immensely.So while you may be focused on making a playoff run this time of year, it’s also very important to look at moves you can make to keep your squad in the hunt for next year as well. As I’ve written time and time before, it’s about winning now AND later.
With that said (I mean written), I happen to play in a highly competitive 10-team dynasty IDP league – and when I say highly competitive, I mean that these guys care about fantasy football more than their families…well, sometimes…sick, I know. Anyway, I always have to be thinking several steps ahead, and although I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve been eliminated from playoff contention in this one particular league this season, I’m determined to use it to my advantage.
How? Simple – by continuing to look for diamonds in the rough on the waiver wire. While there have been at least six teams focusing hard on trying to win this year, and giving little thought to 2010 and beyond, elite defensive players like D’Qwell Jackson (mentioned in last week’s article), Bob Sanders, Brian Urlacher, and Troy Polamalu have become waiver wire fodder due to their injury issues this season. On top of that, marquee names like John Abraham, Ed Reed, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Patrick Kerney have become castaways as well due to an overall lack of production and consistency of late. Granted, most of the names I’ve mentioned are over the age of 30, but fantasy football has seen the likes of Michael Strahan, Ray Lewis, Aaron Schobel, Jason Taylor and Charles Woodson – just to name a few – come back from subpar seasons in their early thirties, only to become master of their domain later on in their career.
So, with nothing other than pride to play for in 2009, what did I do? I started stacking up my team with guys who will be absolutely hungry to redeem themselves in 2010. Not just any guys, but the following proven veteran IDP studs…
Bob Sanders, Colts FS – Always a top scoring safety when healthy, the 28 year old is seemingly always on pace for a monster season, but has played in six or less games in four of his six pro seasons, including only two in 2009 before being placed on season ending injured reserve in Week 9. However, the tackle-hog was in Bill Polian’s vernacular just a few short days ago, when the Colts President told media that he’s received “glowing reports” about Sanders’ health after undergoing biceps and knee surgery. Polian said – “we fully expect that we’re going to have a hale and hearty and healthy Bob Sanders back for next year.” Those are incredibly encouraging words, and if you’ve seen Sanders play at any time in the last three seasons, you’ll likely agree that if he can stay healthy for a full 16 games – or even 12-14 – in 2010, he’ll be among fantasy’s top defensive backs.
Brian Urlacher, Bears LB – After three straight 90-plus solo tackle seasons, the Bears speedy middle linebacker played through injuries and underperformed in 2008, racking up a mere mortal 79 solo stops. What fantasy owners need to realize is that being placed on injured reserve after aggravating a wrist injury in Week 1 this season was just what this phenom needed to resurrect his career. After playing hurt for so long, the Bears finally gave Urlacher’s body a chance to recover fully by shutting him down for 2009. You can bet he’ll be 100 percent and revved up to have a career year in 2010. Being able to go out and get him for free is probably an opportunity very few of us will ever have again, as he seems determined to play well into his thirties.
John Abraham, Falcons DE – What has happened to John Abraham? He racked up 26.5 sacks over his previous two seasons, yet only has 3.5 in 2009. Radio talk show hosts are wondering – “did he get old, overnight?” Well, I’m not as worried about this guy. Look, even elite DEs like Strahan, Richard Seymour, Julius Peppers and Osi Umenyiora have had off years. That’s all 2009 is for Abraham – an off year. You can bet that the 6’4”, 263 lb. beast will continue to wreak havoc on opposing QBs for at least a few more seasons. If someone has given up on him completely in your format, don’t let him slip off the radar. Consider adding him for free right now while his value is low, then ride the wave of sacks in 2010 and beyond.
Kyle Vanden Bosch, Titans DE – Looking at KVB’s career, you’ll notice a bit of a pattern that isn’t uncommon among elite defensive ends. After four years of virtually no production, Vanden Bosch recorded an impressive 12.5 sacks in 2005, his first with Tennessee. Then, his production dipped to only 6.5 sacks in 2006, before rising again in 2007 to 12 sacks. He only played 10 games last year, racking up 4.5 sacks, a total that projects out to 7.2 over 16 games. While he only has three sacks in 2009, all three have come within the last five games. After proving twice before that he can follow up a single digit sack season with 12 or more the next year, my money is on the red-eyed intimidator to rebound over his next 20 games and put up some stellar numbers.
If any of the active names mentioned in this article are available in your long-term IDP league, go get them. Remember, last year around this time I told you to go get injured Bills DE Aaron Schobel. Now that he’s a top five fantasy defensive lineman this season, how do you think that little tip worked out for you?
Oh, and one more thing. If you are looking to get a big win this week and need a boost on the defensive line, here’s a major tip for you. Oakland Raiders back-up defensive end Trevor Scott has been starting at weakside linebacker each of the last two weeks in place of the demoted Thomas Howard, and is expected to man that spot again in Week 14. The gem though, is that he still counts as a DE in most fantasy league scoring websites right now, so you can essentially start a third linebacker as one of your defensive lineman – a major advantage to most IDP owners. Check into it in your league, and if Scott gets the start again, have him in your line-up, as he has three sacks in his last two ballgames.
This article is also featured on Athlon Fantasy Football, your spot for Cheat Sheets updated daily, and Fantasy tools to manage your team all year long.
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