IDP Start-Sit, Studs and Duds: Week 13

It's turkey time, folks.

Before we even get into me making the wrong calls (I'm kidding, of course—that has never happened) and whatnot, The Godfather would like to take a moment to wish all of you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving. Forget the origins of the day—we could all stand to take a breath and appreciate the things we have to be thankful for. We all spend far too much time lamenting the things we don't have and not nearly enough time appreciating the things we do.

What? I have thoughts and feelings and stuff.

Of course, there are other matters to attend to. This is Week 13 of the 2024 fantasy football season, and that means there are only a couple of weeks left in the regular season. For every 9-3 team angling for a first-round playoff bye and 4-8 team looking to play spoiler, there are two 6-6 or 5-7 teams fighting for a spot in the second season.

Those teams can't afford to lose. They have to score as many points as possible. Stack their lineups with as many players as possible who will blow up this week and avoid as many players as possible who will, um, just blow.

Come for the player recommendations. Stay for the clever. So much clever.

That's where IDP Studs and Duds here at Footballguys comes in. Helping you set a winning lineup in lucky Week 13.

Each week during the 2024 season, I'll point out some Individual Defensive Players who could be set to exceed expectations this week (Studs), as well as some that, for whatever reason, are riskier plays than normal (Duds).

This isn't necessarily to say that every "Stud" is a must-start (it depends on your other options) or that every "Dud" should be glued to your bench (just that the odds of a letdown week are greater than usual).

No teams are on bye this week, probably because four games will be in the book by Friday night. At least we have that to be thankful for.

Numbers in parentheses denote ranking in fantasy points allowed to that position in 2024 in The Godfather's Default IDP Scoring. 

IDP Stud of the Week: EDGE Nik Bonitto, Denver (vs. CLE) (2)

IDP managers are most assuredly thankful for Bonitto in 2024—the third-year pro came from nowhere to post 10 sacks—including at least one sack in 10 of the last 11 games. While speaking to reporters, the former Oklahoma standout was quick to give credit for his 2024 breakout to the team's coaching staff.

"Just keep following the game plan that ‘VJ' (Vance Joseph) gives us," Bonitto said. "Continue to follow the rush plan that Coach (Michael) Wilhoite and Coach Jamar (Cain) gives us every week. Just making sure we are all rushing. DBs are always going to do their job with us so just making sure we're rushing and following the game plan."

Browning has also benefitted from players around him, such as edge-rusher Jonathon Cooper and defensive tackle Zach Allen. No team in the league has more sacks this season than the Broncos. This week that NFL-best pass-rush takes on a Browns team pacing the NFL in sacks allowed. Door's open—but Bonitto may kick it in anyway.

IDP Dud of the Week: LB Jamien Sherwood, NY Jets (vs. SEA) (32)

Sherwood started the 2024 season as an IDP afterthought. But when C.J. Mosley got hurt, the fourth-year converted safety was thrust into an every-down role as the defensive signal-caller for the Jets. Sherwood has been outstanding ever since, and he told Randy Lange of the team's website that it was simply a matter of seizing an opportunity.

"It's just been a blessing in disguise; it's everything I've been working for," Sherwood said. "Sadly, when C.J. got hurt, I was the next one to get my shot. I had to be ready. Regardless, I prepare every week like I'm going to be a starter, even though I might never touch the field. That's been my goal my whole time since I've been here. From being a rookie, just sitting behind C.J., learning, him and Quincy [Williams] and Kwon [Alexander] when he was here and all the other guys we've had in the room, I was taking everything I can from everybody to be ready for this moment."

Since Week 4, there isn't a player in IDP at any position who has more points than Sherwood—he has been an absolute jackpot for those who acquired him. But this week could be where the dice come up snake-eyes—Seattle has been a terrible fantasy matchup for linebackers all season long.