IDP Stock Market Week 17

Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck, USA Today Sports

If you are still playing for relevant prizes this week, you are one of the lucky few! I don't use the term lucky to diminish the achievements your team has had, but the reality of this game is that it sometimes can be luck. The greatest thing about this game is that you can sway luck in your favor by reading trends, making moves, and keeping yourself aware of what your league mates are doing. I can't help you with the latter two, but when it comes to reading the IDP trends, dare I say, THERE'S NO ONE BETTER THAN FOOTBALLGUYS! Ring the bell guys. Let's go win your league!

The Fortune 5

EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel, Dolphins: I have been unbiased when talking about most of the players on this market this season, but I have often mentioned Andrew Van Ginkel as one guy that you need to monitor off and on this season. I do not want to mince my words here, but he needs to be on your Super Bowl roster if not in the starting lineup this week. He has had double-digit points each week since Phillips went down and has no business being available in leagues on waivers. If you do have him stashed, look at the matchup. Yes, it is against a mobile Lamar Jackson, but this is a must-win spot for Miami, and the Ravens are ranked 24th against defensive ends this year.

S Ifeatu Melifonwu, Lions: From penny to penthouse! If you follow this market and listen to the advice, you will likely start Melifonwu and reap the rewards throughout the game. His debut game this year was good, which warranted the blurb about why he needs to play, but he followed it up with an even better performance. He had five solo tackles, two sacks, and an interception. He's like Hansel in Zoolander, so hot right now, so make sure you capitalize on this cheap asset and have him help you win your league. Dare I say, he is Melifonwu…ing us! (Bad pun, but I'm proud.) In his last two weeks, he has 14 tackles, three sacks, four defended passes, and a forced fumble. Go get Melifonwu!

LB Khaleke Hudson, Commanders: I am not going to pretend that I understand the schematic works of the Washington Commanders. They play a very defensive back-heavy scheme that at times can confuse when looking at linebackers who will produce. Jamin Davis was o.k., but Cody Barton felt like the only sure thing in this position group. That is until Hudson stopped by. Hudson is playing in place of Davis in a snap share but appears to be producing significantly higher than his counterparts in that defense. He is showing, however, that he needs to be in lineups. Back-to-back weeks of 13+ tackles in the fantasy playoffs warrant an opportunity to win some money and internet fame!

LB E.J. Speed, Colts: It is easy to assume that Speed won't contribute as much as you would like because of the extreme competition in that linebacker group, specifically from Zaire Franklin. This couldn't be further from the truth! Speed is having a great playoff run for teams, and it is time we think about putting him in our lineups consistently. He isn't exactly a playmaking linebacker, but he does have a solid tackle floor, ensuring a safe play with upside if he does pop off. He's likely not available on waivers, but if he is on your bench, maybe think about starting him this week versus the Raider's heavy run offense.

S Brandon Jones, Miami: Lots of Dolphins defense love on the market, but we are seeing a myriad of players contribute. There may be none greater than Brandon Jones down the stretch to take your team to the promised land. With the injury to Jevon H0olland, we are seeing Jones play a significant share of snaps and using these snaps to wow us on the stat sheet. The 25-year-old from Texas is getting some playing time when it matters most and is showing us that he can produce enough to warrant a coveted starting spot in your fantasy playoffs. Three straight weeks of double-digit points and the ability to defend passes leave me to believe that against Raven's dynamic offense, he can score in big ways.