Written By: Eric Olinger
BUY
Jabaal Sheard- DE-
Browns
In the last two games Sheard has
recorded a sack. He is what I consider a boom or bust type of player because he
doesn’t get many tackles, but not many DEs do. Clearly viewed as a defensive
building block for the Browns, Sheard is a good stash player to add to the end
of your dynasty bench if still available. He’ll only get better with time.
Colin McCarthy- MLB-
Titans
McCarthy
could help win a lot of fantasy championships this year. Since coming on for
the injured/ineffective Barrett Ruud in week 10, McCarthy has had games of
5-3-0, 10-0-0, FF, and 6-8-0, INT. That’s 34 total tackles and 2 forced
turnovers in less than 3 games. The guy is beastly. Ruud is not signed beyond
this year, so there is no reason to think this isn’t permanent.
Perry Riley- ILB-
Redskins
Riley also
burst on to the scene in Week 10 in favor of an ineffective Rocky McIntosh.
Since his starting debut, the 4th round rookie out of LSU has had
games of 7-2-0, 5-6-0, and 6-8-0 also for a total of 34 tackles. Washington’s offense
stinks so Riley and the ‘Skins D should see plenty of tackle opportunities.
Riley should be the eventual successor and defensive leader to London Fletcher
when/if he ever retires.
Darian Stewart- SS-
Rams
Stewart is
a 2nd year player playing on an injury ravaged team. The secondary
is so banged up they’re pretty much drawing raffle tickets for fans to suit up
on Sundays. Stewart has been a bright spot. In the last 2 weeks, he has had
games of 8-0-1 and 5-2-1. Any time a SS is racking up sacks, you should take
notice. There aren’t many DBs that get a consistent opportunity to rush the
passer and if you can find one, he’s worth the risk. Stewart is most likely a
guy available as a free agent in your league.
SELL
Greg Hardy- DE-
Panthers
Hardy started out great this
year, playing really well opposite Charles Johnson, but has not had a sack or
reached 4 total tackles since week 5. Hardy is only 23 years old and DEs are
hard to find, but an upgrade is likely in the off-season.
Barrett Ruud- MLB-
Titans
Call it
being “Wally Pipp’d” if you want but the move to McCarthy was inevitable.
Outside of back to back 10 tackle games in weeks 5 & 7, Ruud was nothing
special in his one year in Tennessee.
Now, McCarthy is in there BEASTING and Ruud will be unemployed in a few weeks.
Connor Barwin- OLB-
Texans
Barwin had
an absolutely amazing game last week against the helpless Jaguars racking up
10-0-4(!). He’s had at least 1 sack in each of the last 3 games, but he’s only
had 3+ tackles in a game once before week 12. From a LB, I need more
consistency. I still think this was due to the absolute dumpster fire that is
Blaine Gabbert and his inability to lead an NFL offense. I’m not saying drop
Barwin if you have him, but if someone comes wanting to trade for him, I
wouldn’t hesitate moving him.
Andre Carter- DE- Patriots
Another
member of the 4 sack Club, Carter racks up points in bunches. He’s had 8 of his
9 sacks in 3 games, a 4 sack outing and two 2 sack games. Carter is 32 years
old and playing one of his best years in a long time. I feel the same about him
as I do Barwin. Don’t misunderstand me and drop him, but if someone offers fair
value, I would do it. I would go right after the McCarthy and Riley owners and
package something to try to get one of them before they reach untouchable
status.Thanks for reading! Comments, suggestions or questions are welcome below or by email at ericolinger@idpguru.com. You can also follow my active Twitter feed @Olinger3781.
Last Updated: November 29, 2011
