The New York Jets offer numerous players to target in fantasy football IDP formats
Fantasy football leagues are all about gaining an edge on your opponents. While the New York Jets haven’t had too many “league winners” in the last decade, they have provided plenty of IDP players worth targeting.
For readers who are unaware, IDP stands for “individual defensive player.” IDP leagues will feature offensive players as well as defensive players, though some may be defense only. They force fantasy players to be more strategic in their approach. For example, cover cornerbacks like Sauce Gardner who are avoided by opposing offenses will not be ideal to have in an IDP league.
While the Jets did lose two capable IDP players in Bryce Huff and Jordan Whitehead, there are still plenty of options for fantasy managers to target.
Haason Reddick, DL
With Bryce Huff gone, it only makes sense that Haason Reddick could be a target for IDP players. Reddick has produced 10+ sacks in four straight seasons. Entering his age-30 season, Reddick will be undervalued by the majority of the fantasy community. After all, youth tends to attract in fantasy football.
Now in New York, Reddick has a chance to hit double-digit sacks for a fifth straight year. He’s surrounded by incredible talent and that should open up opportunity. Reddick is the 46th-ranked DL in ESPN’s composites, but he’s likely to outproduce that number. Considering his price tag is likely a late-round rookie pick (or even potentially on waivers), Reddick is a cost-efficient piece for competing fantasy rosters.
Will McDonald, DL
In his rookie year, Will McDonald did little to live up to his first-round draft capital. He only played 184 snaps across 15 games without playing more than 18 snaps in any game. However, McDonald still had 3.0 sacks (two full, two half), a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in those limited opportunities. Because of his underwhelming season, many fantasy football managers who drafted him have since put him on the waiver wire.
While it makes little sense for players who aren’t Jets fans to target McDonald, history tells us it’s worth a shot. Under head coach Robert Saleh, Jets fans have seen remarkable improvement among every player on the defensive line. After Jermaine Johnson faced similar “bust” labels in 2022, he bounced back with a 7.5-sack season in 2023. If McDonald can have a similar leap in production, he’ll be a steal for IDP managers this season.
Quincy Williams, LB
Quincy Williams has gone from a Jaguars cast-off to one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Williams is a tackling machine, combining for 139 last season while obtaining two sacks and one interception. He is currently ranked 14th by ESPN composites at the position, and should be a long-term asset for fantasy managers.
Due to his breakout season in 2023, it’s unlikely fantasy managers will be able to target Williams at a discount. However, Williams could be worth a second-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts (if the league is heavily favored towards tackling points) or a third-round pick depending on league scoring.
C.J. Mosley, LB
C.J. Mosley has been a staple on the Jets defense after missing his inaugural season in 2019. He’s surpassed 150 tackles in each of the past three seasons, while totaling four forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Due to his age, Mosley has been an incredibly underrated IDP asset. However, he shouldn’t be.
In fantasy football, there’s nothing better than having a set-and-forget player. Because of their rarity, these players should be worth considerably more than others. Yet, age depreciates their value despite them usually being longstanding starters. This is where Mosley falls in most IDP leagues. His value is around a fourth-round rookie pick, yet he should vastly outproduce any player available at that spot in drafts. And his LB18 ranking by ESPN asserts that they believe the same.
Tony Adams, DB
Tony Adams was an undrafted free agent who became the Jets’ starting safety in 2023. He goes into the 2024 season in a competition, but should have an edge over his counterparts.
Last year, Adams played in 15 games and produced 82 tackles with three interceptions. While Jets fans are well aware of who the Illinois product is, the vast majority of fantasy football players do not. This is where an advantage can be had.
In most leagues, Adams is freely available on the waiver wire. Because of that cost, it doesn’t hurt to take a swing on his potential upside. If Adams secures the starting position this season, obtaining 100 tackles shouldn’t be an issue.
Last season, Adams’ 60 solo tackles were tied for 31st among safeties. Given it was his first season as a starter, it’s plausible that he improves on that if given another opportunity. Even if he is not given that opportunity, it’s worth the shot at his current cost.
