The DE Annex
***2023 Week 13 DE Annex***
Welcome to the second edition of the DE Annex! There are plenty of great resources out there for the top DE plays but where is the love for guys that are barely rostered and could be very useful if you are in a deep league or dealing with injuries or byes? Well, you can find them here in the Annex which should be especially useful this week given some big names that are out!
Each week, I will be using my DT formula to evaluate the full DE pool as well (full details on that methodology is available here). Overall, I've had some good success in predicting DE performance but while I get that model ready for prime time (and combination with DT for DL rankings) I thought I would share some lower stakes suggestions with all of you in the form of players rostered in less than 5% of leagues in MyFantasyLeague. Given about 17% of MFL leagues use IDP, these players should be available in roughly 70% of leagues.
I will track season-long metrics here but to summarize last week, it was up and down. Only 1 player failed to score, 3 put up measly points, and 2 were viable starters. Given this exercise is for very deep plays, time will tell if those numbers are good or bad!
Here are the top 6 inhabitants of the DE Annex for Week 13!
Baron Browning, DEN
Browning has has an up and down fantasy season since returning from injury but is settling into a role in the upper 60% while posting solid grades against the run and pass. He is also facing a Houston O-Line that is coming off allowing a 40 point fantasy performance to Josh Allen.
Yaya diaby, TB
Diaby earned his first start over Tryon-Shoyinka for the Bucs last week and (despite a lackluster fantasy output) put up solid grades which were consistent with his play as a rotational piece. The Panthers have had well-documented issues protecting Bryce Young which creates a solid opportunity for Diaby to score well in his second start.
Anfernee Jennings, NEP
If it ain't broke... Jennings is a holdover from last week's edition where he posted a season-high 23 fantasy points. His matchup against the Chargers this week is not as advantageous for getting after the QB but a nice tackle floor (only 2 games under 5 this season) with high snap shares (only 2 games under 60%) makes him a viable play.
Mike danna, KC
Danna has shown fantasy flashes this season with 3 games over 10 pts and 3 more over 20 but he also has 5 games under 10 which is likely why he is available for the Annex!
bud dupree, atl
Dupree has been playing consistent snaps this season with only one game under a 60% share. The grades are nothing special but the Jets have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing DEs over the last 5 weeks making him a nice deep play.
dayo odeyingbo, ind
Stuck in a 4-man rotation in Indy, Odeyingbo has shown flashes this season including two 40 point performances. The Titans are a slight plus matchup for DEs over the past 5 weeks which pushes him into the final spot this week.