New York Jets nose tackle Steve McLendon isn’t known for being a particularly productive pass-rusher, but the mountainous anchor for Gang Green’s D-line has turned in a whopping 3.5 sacks and 7.0 stuffs this year. Head coach Todd Bowles has success developing the pass-rush, and it appears he’s working his magic with McLendon here; among the 47 qualifying defensive tackles going into Week 13, McLendon’s tackle rate is 15th, sack rate is 6th, and quarterback hit rate is 15th. This disruption is just an added bonus for the Jets themselves, but it could be a great way for you to take advantage of a choice Week 13 matchup.
The Indianapolis Colts are allowing the third-highest sack rate in the NFL going into Week 13, and -- despite a league-lowest 5.2 percent stuff rate allowed -- should provide welcoming arms to defensive pass-rushers like McLendon. If he can play a majority of the snaps at nose tackle, Steve McLendon is a fantasy value this week.
McLendon is available in 95.3% of ESPN IDP leagues, and we project him for 2.50 tackles, 0.30 sacks, and a total score of 3.70 fantasy points in Week 13.