IDP Rookie Recap: Week 13

Week 14 has started and this is the last regular season week of the fantasy football playoffs. Now that we are in the second half of the NFL season, you’ll begin to see a lot of names that you haven’t heard of, especially rookies. We see it every year where injuries, bye weeks, or teams out of contention, turn to the young guys as they look ahead for the rest of this season and beyond. Every week, I recapped the top 14 highest-scoring rookies of the past week. This week, we look back at Week 13 and see which names performed the best. At this time of the season, a lot is going on (injuries, bye weeks, etc), and it can be challenging to keep track of everyone. When it comes to the young phenoms of the league, it’s never too late to adjust your IDP portfolios. I use the Top 14 as I feel that’s the best average league size of teams. The scoring will be based on our IDP Nation Listener League II settings. If you would like to review the scoring system, you can use this link to view our scoring system. When compiling this list each week, I try to include as much info as possible to help you make better decisions for your teams.

#1 Yahya Black, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

We start this week's IDP Rookie Recap off with the only newcomer for the week, DT Yahya Black for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Black, a player who I like in dynasty and believe will be a solid player had his breakout game last week versus the Buffalo Bills. He played 46 defensive snaps (62.2%) and recorded nine total tackles, four solo stops, for a 44.4% solo rate, with one forced fumble for 22.5 fantasy points. On the season he’s receiving about ⅓ of the defensive snap share as part of a rotation, and that is extremely valuable for him. Don’t expect high tackle numbers every week, but Black will be a solid piece for the Steelers and fantasy managers. Going to need to be patient but if he can work his way into a consistent larger role the talent is there.

Season Stats: 12 Games, 1 Start, 270 Defensive Snaps (31.5%), 99 Special Teams Snaps (31%), 20 Tackles, 6 Solos, 30% Solo Rate, 1 QB Hit, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 PBU, 49.5 Fantasy Points, 4.12 Avg

#2 Malachi Moore, SAF, New York Jets

Next up on this week's IDP Rookie Recap is SAF Malachi Moore for the New York Jets. This is Moore’s 6th appearance on the IDP Rookie Recap and he had his best game as a rookie last week versus the Atlanta Falcons. He made his ninth start of the season, playing 68 defensive snaps (98.6%), while registering ten total tackles, six solo stops, for a 60% solo rate, with one TFL for 22 fantasy points. Moore has improved as the season has gone on, as he’s recorded eight or more tackles in three of the last five games. The Jets have a lot of question marks but Moore isn’t one of them. He’s a must roster rookie option that will help you win games this season and beyond. This is the 6th appearance for Moore on this year's IDP Rookie Recap.

Season Stats: 12 Games, 9 Starts, 606 Defensive Snaps (77.4%), 111 Special Teams Snaps (32.6%), 60 Tackles, 34 Solos, 56.6% Solo Rate, 2 TFLs, 2 PBUs, 7.7% Missed Tackle Rate, 127.81 Fantasy Points, 10.65 Avg

#3 Lathan Ransom, SAF, Carolina Panthers

Coming in at number three on this week, we have another safety, Lathan Ransom for the Carolina Panthers. Ransom made his sixth start of the season, but this was by far his largest role, having played all 52 defensive snaps last week versus the LA Rams. He tallied 11 total tackles, with two being solo stops, for a 22.2% solo rate, with one TFL, one QB hit for 21.3 fantasy points on the week. Ransom has had five or more tackles in three of the last four games. He is definitely worth an add in deep IDP roster leagues and possible start if he can keep the high snap share. At the very least he should be on your taxi squads. This is the 2nd appearance for Ransom on this year's IDP Rookie Recap.

Season Stats: 12 Games, 6 Starts, 275 Defensive Snaps (37.9%), 132 Special Teams Snaps (46.8%), 45 Tackles, 20 Solos, 44.4% Solo Rate, 2 TFLs, 1 QB Hit, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble, 4.3% Missed Tackle Rate, 91.6 Fantasy Points, 7.63 Avg

#4 Kevin Winston, SAF, Tennessee Titans

As we continue at number four, we get our third safety, Kevin Winston for the Tennessee Titans. The Titans roster depth wise is horrible, and they have been a team that loves to use three safety, or big nickel sets. Winston began the season on the injured list, but now healthy, he’s one of the Titans best players on defense. Last week versus the Jacksonville Jaguars he made his fourth straight start, playing 63 defensive snaps (100%), with eight total tackles, five being solo stops, for a 62.5% solo rate, with one TFL, one QB hit, for 21.3 fantasy points on the week. Winston has 24 total tackles in the last three games and should continue to keep that ace up going forward. Opportunity and snap share make him a must-roster and play fantasy option. This is the 2nd appearance for Ransom on this year's IDP Rookie Recap.

Season Stats: 8 Games, 4 Starts, 231 Defensive Snaps (46.9%), 65 Special Teams Snaps (30.7%), 28 Tackles, 16 Solos, 57.1% Solo Rate, 2 TFLs, 3 QB Hits, 1 Sack, 0.0% Missed Tackle Rate, 62.1 Fantasy Points, 7.76 Avg

#5 Upton Stout, CB, San Francisco 49ers

Coming in at number five on this week's IDP Rookie Recap, we get our first cornerback of the week, Upton Stout for the San Francisco 49ers. This is his 8th appearance on this year's weekly list. As I have mentioned before, the 49ers have had to deal with a lot of injuries this year forcing them to play some of their youngsters, and Stout hasn’t disappointed in the slightest. He has been huge for San Francisco and fantasy managers all season. Last week versus the Cleveland Browns, he played 38 defensive snaps ( 60.3%), with a box score consisting of seven total tackles, five were solo stops, for a 71.4% solo rate, with one TFL for 18.3 fantasy points. I don’t often recommend cornerbacks as a must roster and weekly play option, but Stout is one that you need to be paying attention to. Despite only having three starts, he’s receiving 60% of the defensive snaps, making him a must roster and possible must weekly start. At the very least should be on your taxi squads.

Season Stats: 12 Games, 3 Starts, 464 Defensive Snaps (60.1%), 2 Special Teams Snaps (.7%), 64 Tackles, 33 Solos, 51.5% Solo Rate, 4 TFLs, 2 QB Hits, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble, 3 PBUs, 7.2% Missed Tackle Rate, 153 Fantasy Points, 12.75 Avg

#6 Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns

At number six this week we get our first linebacker of the week and my favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, Carson Schwesinger for the Cleveland Browns. This is his 10th appearance on this season's IDP Rookie Recap, which leads all rookies. For everything that the Browns have done wrong in previous drafts, they hit a grand slam with Schwesinger. He just continues to be dominant at this level and fantasy managers are loving it. Last Week versus the San Francisco 49ers, he made his 12th start, playing 63 defensive snaps (94%), with a stat line of ten total tackles, five were solo stops, for a 50% solo rate, adding one TFL, and one QB Hit for 17.5 fantasy points on the week. Schwesinger has a streak of four straight games with ten plus tackles and six total on the season. You won’t find a better IDP rookie option than this guy! A must-roster in all IDP formats.

Season Stats: 12 Games, 12 Starts, 708 Defensive Snaps (95.8%), 108 Special Teams Snaps (32.8%), 106 Tackles, 49 Solos, 45.3% Solo Rate, 10 TFLs, 6 QB Hits, 1½ Sacks, 2 Interceptions, and 2 PBUs, 195.3 Fantasy Points, 16.28 Avg

#7 Jacob Parrish, CB, Tampa Buccaneers

Next up on the IDP Rookie Recap, we get our second cornerback, Jacob Parrish for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the same mold of Upton Stout above, Parrish has been a great IDP option at the cornerback position. If you have an opportunity to add Parrish to your fantasy rosters, I suggest you do so. Last week versus the Arizona Cardinals he played 47 defensive snaps (77%), with totals of seven tackles, five solo stops, for a 71.4% solo rate, for 16.3 fantasy points on the week. This makes his 8th appearance on the weekly IDP Rookie Recap. Don’t overlook his usage in the pass rush aspect of the game. Again, not fantasy managers stream the cornerback position, but Parrish is one that I recommend rostering full time.

Season Stats: 12 Games, 12 Starts, 528 Defensive Snaps (69.9%), 87 Special Teams Snaps (27.1%), 57 Tackles, 38 Solos, 66.6% Solo Rate, 7 TFLs, 3 QB Hits, 2 Sacks, 1 INT, 4 PBUs, 10.9% Missed Tackle Rate, 164.8.0 Fantasy Points, 13.739 Avg

#8 Azareye’h Thomas, CB, New York Jets

We start the second half of this week's IDP Rookie Recap with our second New York Jet to make this week's IDP Rookie Recap list. Remember the Jets roster is in rebuild mode, and their youngsters will get plenty of play. Last  week, Azareye’h Thomas made his fourth straight start, playing 68 defensive snaps (98.6%) and recorded five total tackles, with two being solo stops, for a 40% solo rate with one TFL, and one PBU for 14.3 fantasy points on the week. Thomas plays for a team that lacks talent overall , so he should continue to receive a decent role (90%+ in three of the last four games) and as long as he can continue to produce, he’ll be a viable fantasy option. This is his 2nd appearance on the IDP Rookie Recap.

Season Stats: 11 Games, 4 Starts, 252 Defensive Snaps (35.2%), 98 Special Teams Snaps (31.1%), 20 Tackles, 11 Solos, 55% Solo Rate, 1 TFL, 6 PBUs,  61.7 Fantasy Points, 5.61 Avg

#9 Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals

Next up on this week's IDP Rookie Recap, we get our fourth fourth cornerback, Will Johnson for the Arizona Cardinals. He has missed some time with various injuries, but when he’s healthy he’s clearly one of the best players on the field. Last week versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he made his fifth career start, playing all 61 defensive snaps, while registering four total tackles, with three being solo stops, for a 75% solo rate with two TFLs, for 13.6 fantasy points. This makes his 3rd appearance on the IDP Rookie Recap. As long as he’s healthy, he’s a solid weekly starting option and should be rostered in all position-specific leagues.

Season Stats: 7 Games, 5 Starts, 395 Defensive Snaps (84%), 8 Special Teams Snaps (4.5%), 23 Tackles, 17 Solos, 73.9% Solo Rate, 2 TFLs, 1 Forced Fumble, 6 PBUs, 11.5% Missed Tackle Rate, 79.7 Fantasy Points, 11.39 Avg

#10 Demetrius Knight, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

Coming in at number ten on this week’s IDP Rookie Recap, we get our second linebacker on this list, Demetrius Knight for the Cincinnati Bengals. Knight along with fellow rookie Barrett Carter have played so well, that the Bengals traded away longtime starter Logan Wilson. While they still have plenty of issues defensively, Knight is not one of them. Last week versus the Baltimore Ravens, he played 42 defensive snaps (70%), and tallied five total tackles, with three being solo stops, for a 60% solo rate, with one interception returned 39 yards, and one PBU for 13 fantasy points. He’s tied for third on the team in tackles (83), has six games with seven or more tackles, and three games in double digits. Knight is playing nearly 75% of the defensive snaps on the season and should be rostered in all IDP formats, plus being a great dynasty league option.

Season Stats: 12 Games, 9 Starts, 611 Defensive Snaps (74.9%), 3 Special Teams Snaps (.9%), 83 Tackles, 44 Solos, 53% Solo Rate, 2 TFLs, 2 QB Hits, 2 INTs, 6 PBUs, 17.0% Missed Tackle Rate, 150.0 Fantasy Points, 12.5 Avg

#11 James Pearce, DE, Atlanta Falcons

As we move along to number 11 on this week’s IDP Rookie Recap, we get the first defensive end to make this week’s list, James Pearce for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons addressed their pass rush rows heavily in the draft and Pearce hasn’t disappointed. He is tied for the NFL lead among rookies in sacks with five, along with teammate Jalon Walker. The duo has been just what the Falcons have needed so far. Last week versus the New York Jets, Pearce, played 33 defensive snaps (50%), producing two total tackles, both being solo stops with one TFL, one QB hit, and one sack for 13 fantasy points on the week. There will be plenty of opportunities for Pearce to rack up the big plays, playing in the NFC South and the best from him is yet to come. A great fantasy option that should be rostered in all dynasty leagues. This is Pearce’s 4th appearance on the IDP Rookie Recap this season.

Season Stats: 12 Games, 3 Starts, 399 Defensive Snaps (50.9%), 15 Tackles, 10 Solos, 66.6% Solo Rate, 5 TFLs, 10 QB Hits, 5 sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1PBU, 6.3% Missed Tackle Rate, 83.1 Fantasy Points, 6.92 Avg

#12 Elijah Ponder, LB, New England Patriots

At number 12, Elijah Ponder for the New England Patriots, is our third linebacker on this week's IDP Rookie Recap. The Patriots are in the top three teams that have played the most rookie snaps. That happens when you have to completely rebuild a bad roster. Last week versus the New York Giants, Ponder made the most of his snap share. He played 29 defensive snaps (52.7%), and put together a stat line of two total tackles, both were solo stops, with one TFL, one QB hit, one sack, and one fumble recovery for a total of 13 fantasy points for the week. Ponder has seen his snap count increase the past few weeks and as a result, he’s recorded one sack in each of the last four games. Ponder could be a low key taxi squad stash in deep dynasty leagues. This is his 2nd appearance on the IDP Rookie Recap.

Season Stats: 11 Games, 132 Defensive Snaps (20.2%), 162 Special Teams Snaps (56.3%), 20 Tackles, 12 Solos, 60% Solo Rate, 3 TFLs, 3 QB Hits, 3 Sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery, 0.0% Missed Tackle Rate, 53 Fantasy Points, 4.82 Avg

#13 Cody Simon, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Next up on the IDP Rookie Recap, we get our forth linebacker and second Arizona Cardinal, Cody Simon. This is the 2nd appearance for Simon on this years list and he’s been on a tear the last three weeks. This past week versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers he made his fourth straight start, playing all 61 defensive snaps, with a stat line consisting of nine total tackles , with four being solo stops, for a 44.4% solo rate, for a total of 13 fantasy points. As a I just mentioned Simon made his fourth straight start and he’s played every defensive snap in all four of those starts, so clearly the Cardinals trust him. Simon has 34 tackles (8.5 per game) in those four starts and is looking like a solid starting option, especially in deper leagues. If you have a chance to add him to your rosters, I suggest you take that opportunity.

Season Stats: 11 Games, 4 Starts, 263 Defensive Snaps (37.8%), 145 Special Teams Snaps (49.3%), 43 Tackles, 18 Solos, 41.8% Solo Rate, 1 TFL, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 PBU, 10.4% Missed Tackle Rate, 68.5 Fantasy Points, 6.23 Avg

#14 Abdul Carter, OLB, New York Giants

We close out this week’s IDP Rookie Recap with OLB Abdul Carter for the New York Giants. This is only his 2nd appearance of the season on the weekly IDP Rookie Recap. Even with the heavy volume of snaps, I would have to think that most fantasy managers would say he’s been a disappointment so far, right? Last week versus the New England Patriots he played 45 defensive snaps (69.2%), while recording three total tackles, one being a solo stop, for a 33.3% solo rate, with one TFL, one QB hit, and one sack for 12.5 fantasy points. The sack this past week was his first since Week 1, which instantly reminds me of another pass rusher that failed, Clelin Ferrell. Carter is a much better player imo, so hopefully this performance gets him kick started. Again, based on the draft capital that you invested in him, the return hasn’t been what fantasy managers have hoped for.

Season Stats: 13 Games, 2 Starts, 635 Defensive Snaps (72.2%), 35 Special Teams Snaps (10.1%), 31 Tackles, 17 Solos, 54.8% Solo Rate, 1 TFL, 13 QB Hits, 1½ Sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery, 3.1% Missed Tackle Rate, 85.2 Fantasy Points, 6.55 Avg

All Stats Provided By: Pro Football Reference

Thanks for reading my article. 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 email or DM me with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.