Eyes of the Guru IDP Info: Week 9

Guru's IDP Notes: Arizona Cardinals

Jalen Thompson turned in a season-best of 8-3 against the Dolphins. It was his second double-digit point total of the season. This guy was once a consistent, every-week start for us, but that is no longer the case. He's been little more than a bye-week fill-in or matchup-based spot starter since last season. If you are looking for a matchup to exploit, the next really good one is not until week 16. The next six games include three mediocre matchups and three weak ones. At least Budda Baker remains matchup-proof.

Sean Murphy-Bunting missed week eight with a sore neck. The Cardinals have been quiet on the severity of the injury. All we know is that he did not practice last week. Teams tend to be exceptionally cautious with neck issues, so it is hard to say if he will be available. With Murphy-Bunting sidelined, rookie Max Melton stepped into the starting lineup. Melton played every snap, posting a respectable 4-4. While the upcoming schedule is less than stellar for the safeties, four of the next seven opponents are top-six matchups for corners. Factor in the rookie corner rule, and Melton could give us a good stretch run if Murphy-Bunting misses significant time.

Guru's IDP Notes: Atlanta Falcons

After missing the last four games with a sore knee, Troy Andersen could be back on the field against the Cowboys this week. According to Coach Morris, Andersen is day-to-day, but there is optimism after he returned to the practice field last week. Dallas is a good matchup for linebackers, but he may not have a full workload right away.

If Andersen misses another game, there will be plenty of managers looking for production from Nate Landman. Be aware, however, that Landman played 75% of the snaps versus Tampa Bay with rookie JD Bertrand picking up 22%.

With Justin Simmons sidelined, Richie Grant started at strong safety and played every snap. His total of 3-1 was disappointing, considering the Buccaneers were the second-best matchup for safeties going into week eight. Justin Simmons was doubtful with a sore hamstring leading up to week eight. His status for week nine is yet to be determined, but it is noteworthy that the Cowboys are also a good matchup for safeties.   

Guru's IDP Notes: Baltimore Ravens

One important lesson we learned in week eight is that the Browns are a much different matchup when they have a real NFL quarterback. As a result, Kyle Hamilton went off (9-1-1, forced fumble, and 2 pass breakups) versus what was previously the worst matchup in the game for safeties. We also learned, or at least reinforced, that Hamilton has to be in our lineups every week regardless of matchup.

This week's matchup features a rookie under center, but not your typical rookie. Denver has been a strong matchup for safeties, giving up the fifth-most points to the position. The interesting point is that Bo Nix has thrown one interception since week two.   

The biggest news with the Ravens is that Marcus Williams was benched ahead of last week's game. Eddie Jackson got the start and played well, putting up 6-4 while playing every snap. Ar'Darius Washington was promoted to the third safety role. Jackson put up good numbers for us while with the Bears, so he might be a worthy addition.  

For the first time since week two, Roquan Smith (5-3) and Trenton Simpson (4-0 FR) played 100% of the snaps. We'll have to see if this was a change in approach or just a matchup-based outlier. Simpson had consistently been seeing about 65% of the action.   

Guru's IDP Notes: Buffalo Bills

Buffalo's linebackers were a disappointment for fantasy managers last week. Dorian Williams saw his role reduced to 63% of the action, managing just two combined stops. Baylon Spector stepped in for Terrell Bernard again, going 3-2 on the day despite 100% participation. Bernard's status for week nine is still up in the air, but the ankle injury was not expected to sideline him for long.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Carolina Panthers

Josey Jewell returned to the field with a bang, going 6-4 100% of the playing time. He will take over the green dot duties going forward and is an every-week play for us. Trevin Wallace saw his production plummet to two tackles and two assists with a forced fumble, somewhat salvaging the day for those who started him. The good news is that Wallace still saw 89% of the playing time. Don't hesitate to play him this week versus a New Orleans offense that has allowed the third most points to linebackers.  

Undrafted rookie Demari Richardson got the start at strong safety against Denver. He stepped up big on the stat sheet, going 7-4. Don't rush out to pick him up though. Richardson started because Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott were injured. Scott landed on IR, while Fuller was activated last week and began practicing. Chances are, Fuller will be ready soon.

Guru's IDP Notes: Chicago Bears

The good news for the Bears and those of us who have him is that Montez Sweat finally showed up, going 3-1-1 versus Washington. The bad news is that it was his lowest snap percentage of the season at 50%. While it was good to see him finally do something, be careful about letting it con you into starting him this week. The Cardinals are giving up less than a sack and a half per game, have now allowed one since week five, and give up modest tackle totals to edge defenders.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Cincinnati Bengals

 Cam Taylor-Britt went through a rough stretch of games early in the season. He's not making the Pro Bowl this year but has been much better lately, both on the field and in the box scores. Taylor-Britt has eleven or more points in three of the last four games. The Raiders are a solid matchup this week and for those who look ahead, The Bengals play Dallas in week 14 when six teams are on bye. Only two teams surrender more points to the corner position than the Cowboys.

Guru's IDP Notes: Cleveland Browns

The Brown's defense had been keeping them in most games. They finally got decent play from the quarterback position but now the defense is beat up. Edge defender Ogbo Okoronkwo left Sunday's game with a knee injury and Denzel Ward suffered a concussion. Both players are significant contributors for Cleveland but the loss of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to a neck injury will have the most impact.

As I write this, the Browns have not given an update on the nature or severity of the injury. What we do know is that Owusu-Koramoah spent the night in the hospital. We also know, as mentioned earlier, that NFL teams are very cautious about neck injuries. Thus, it would be a shock to see Owusu-Koramoah on the field this week, and it would not be a surprise to see him land on IR and miss at least four games.

With Jordan Hicks nursing an elbow injury, we could see Mohamoud Diabate and Devin Bush as the starting linebackers this week. Many managers are adding Diabate after he was 5-4 with a pass breakup against Baltimore. There is no argument from me about doing so, but be aware that he was replacing Hicks while it was Bush who was 3-2 after coming on to replace Owusu-Koramoah. There is a chance that Hicks will return this week. Stay on top of this if you have a horse in the race.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Dallas Cowboys

Amani Oruwariye was 6-2 on 36 snaps and heading for a big game when he left with a back injury. Dating back to his stint in Detroit, Oruwariye is picked on mercilessly when he gets on the field, and it usually turns into good tackle production. There are two injuries to watch in this situation. Even if Oruwariye is available, he may not get on the field much. DaRon Bland has been practicing and could be active for week nine.

Guru's IDP Notes: Denver Broncos

Kwon Alexander was involved in week eight. He even tied Cody Barton in tackles, with both going 1-1. The difference is that Barton played every snap while Alexander did his damage on 13 plays. Those 13 plays came at the expense of Justin Strnad, who was down to 61% participation. The bottom line is that there is nothing to see here. Barton's near-vanishing act was half fluke and half horrible matchup. That won't be an issue this week versus Baltimore.

Brandon Jones totaled 7-5 against the Panthers. That gives him double-digit fantasy points in four of the last six games, including an eleven solo outing in week six against a Chargers team that is the worst matchup in the game for safeties. Until there is a reason to do something different, Jones will be in my lineups going forward, regardless of opponent.  

Guru's IDP Notes: Detroit Lions

With the trade deadline looming (November 5th), the spotlight will be on Detroit to see if they do something about a non-existent pass rush. Even linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is now down with an ankle. He was a major factor in the blitz over the last two games. As a result, Alex Anzalone landed the Lions' only sack in week eight.

Guru's IDP Notes: Green Bay Packers

For the third time in four games, Evan Williams started at strong safety. He has been impressive and appeared to have moved past Javon Bullard on the depth chart. Williams played the first 18 defensive snaps on Sunday before leaving with a hamstring injury. Green Bay has a week nine bye, so unless he is fully healthy, it is unlikely that Williams will suit up for the Lions. That makes Bullard a viable starter for us with a strong matchup.

Quay Walker sat out last week with a concussion. As suggested in last week's column, it was Eric Wilson (5-4) in the lead role with Edgerrin Cooper (5-4-1 FF PD on 60%) and Isaiah McDuffie (4-4 on 67%). Walker practiced twice last week but was not cleared to play. Chances are, he'll be back for week nine.

Jaire Alexander hurt his knee on the last play of the game. If he is unavailable, look for Carrington Valentine to get the start.   

Guru's IDP Notes: Houston Texans

Danielle Hunter did nothing before landing a pair of sacks in crunch time near the end of the game. Fortunately, it still scores the same. That makes it four sacks in the last three games for Hunter, who appears to be back.

Speaking of being back, the Texans expect to have Henry To'oTo'o available for this week's game. He was a last-minute scratch for week nine after practicing late in the week. With Houston playing on Thursday, it is unlikely that we will see Azeez Al-Shaair until at least week ten as he is not yet practicing. That means another start for Neville Hewitt.

Devin White shows up at 2-1 on 50% of the action, in an even split with Jake Hansen. Both go back to the bench with To'oto'o's return.

We were watching to see if Denico Autry had an expanded role in his second game back from suspension. He did not, instead playing less than half of the snaps and making no impact.

Guru's IDP Notes: Indianapolis Colts

Players are often eased into action after a stint on IR. DeForest Buckner would have none of that. After missing five games, he logged over 60% of the snaps and was his usual disruptive self. Buckner's 2-1-1 was a solid contribution for fantasy managers, but his impact on the field was even greater. As a manager with several shares of Buckner across my eleven IDP leagues, it stunk to be without him for five games. The silver lining is getting a guy like that back for the stretch run with fresh legs.

I believe Kenny Moore II (6-1) saw time in the slot in week eight. When the Colts had three corners in the game, it looked like Samuel Womack III was on the outside with Moore in the nickel. Unfortunately, Womack played less than half of the snaps.