Need some IDP Investments to help bolster your fantasy football portfolios for this season? I have you covered!
We’re at the halfway point of the season and it won’t be long until the fantasy playoffs are here. Do you still have questions about your rosters? Are you unsure what to do? I’m here to help you diversify your fantasy portfolios and get the maximum return on your investments.
NFL IDP Investments for Week 9
1. Monty Rice, ILB, Tennessee Titans
Week 8 Stats: 54 snaps (68%), 7 tackles, 5 solos, 1 PBU
Rice unexpectedly got his first career start this past Sunday when Rashan Evans wasn’t able to go at the last minute with an ankle issue. Mostly been a special teams player to this point, Rice was given the nod, even with the Titans having just brought back fan-favorite Avery Williamson.
Rice, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, performed very well in his first start. Will he continue being a starter? No one knows for sure, I believe he’s a guy you want to roster long-term.
I have talked at length about how Tennessee was willing to let Jayon Brown test free agency last year and he’s been hurt most of this year. I have also stated how unimpressed they have been with the play of Evans, that they didn’t pick up his 5th-year option.
Then you have to factor in the play of David Long, who has been filling in for Brown in his absence and playing the way they hoped Evans would. For me, the writing is clearly on the wall and Rice has an excellent opportunity in front of him.
At the very least he’s earned more reps going forward with his performance this past Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts. Not sure how much time Evans may miss with an ankle issue, but Rice made a huge statement that he’s ready to fill that role.
Temper your immediate expectations for Rice this season, but his long-term outlook is extremely bright. He’s not rostered in very many leagues, so look for him on the waiver wire and make a claim. He’s a great low-investment option that can potentially be a high-return stock for your IDP portfolios.
Investment Rating: 4
2. Ernest Jones, ILB, Los Angeles Rams
Week 8 Stats: 54 snaps (89%), 9 tackles, 7 solos, 1 TFL, ½ sack, 2 QB hits, 1 INT, 19 INT return yards, 1 PBU
If you have been following me and my work, then you know how high I have been on the rookie from South Carolina. I have said all he needs is an opportunity and that opportunity came one week ago, when the Rams traded away their starter Kenny Young, to the Denver Broncos. With Young out of the picture, the Rams immediately inserted Jones into the starting role.
Jones was a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft who I believed would solve all their issues at the inside linebacker spot. The Rams have tried five different players as starters and none of them have worked out. Jones finished in the top ten in tackles in the SEC his last two seasons at South Carolina. He can be that same type of player for the Rams.
As I am writing this, the Rams just traded for OLB Von Miller to help with their pass rush. With Miller off the edge and Aaron Donald wreaking havoc up the middle, there will be plenty of plays to be made for Jones.
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Jones since the draft. That talk really took off after the trade of Young. If you are one of the smart investors who already have him, then you’re about to be rewarded with a sizable return.
If you’re late to the party, you still have a small chance of getting him at a decent investment price. A great immediate return stock and long-term option that you need to add to your IDP portfolios.
Investment Rating: 4
3. Kyle Dugger, S, New England Patriots
Week 7 Stats: 49 snaps (82%), 6 tackles, 4 solos
There was a lot of hype for Dugger starting back in the draft process. The Patriots seemed to agree, as they drafted him in the second round. Dugger was a stud for DIV-II Lenoir Rhyne and would find himself starting as a rookie for New England. Now in year two, he’s a full-time starter providing a high return for investors.
Fantasy managers who invested in Dugger last year are receiving the return they hoped that they would get. In eight games played this season, Dugger is averaging nearly seven tackles per game (6.75). He has had at least seven-plus in four of his last five games.
Not only has he provided really good tackle numbers, but he’s also provided a number of impact plays. Dugger is still learning the Patriot way and the best from him is yet to come.
Dugger is a young stock option that is getting a lot of experience early which you typically don’t see from players on a Bill Belichick-coached team. That shows you just how talented and smart he is for Bellichek to have that much faith in the youngster.
If Dugger i’s available in any of your leagues, I suggest you invest heavily in Dugger now. He’s a great immediate and long-term stock option for your IDP portfolios
Investment Rating: 4
Thanks for reading my NFL IDP Investments for Week 9! I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America), and you can read more of my articles on my author page at IDP Guys. 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 hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.
