This week wasn’t quite as bad in terms of injuries but there are always some that we need to be concerned about as always and we had a lot of quarterbacks under perform in a big way (most of which are the QBs of my teams of course).
This week we’ve got four teams on a bye which makes working the waiver wire all that much more important.
Here are the teams who will be off this week: Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals. New York Giants, Houston Texans.
We’ll need to replace guys like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Daniel Jones, Brandin Cooks, and maybe a couple others but let’s be honest, this isn’t one of the harsher bye weeks.
Here’s how I see things this week for players to pick up.
As a rule of thumb, I won’t suggest any player who is over 50% rostered so you might have a realistic shot at actually acquiring them.
Quarterbacks
Carson Wentz, IND vs. JAX (49% Rostered in ESPN Leagues)
We’ve talked a lot about Carson Wentz from a fantasy standpoint, he’s had a bit of resurgence this season which has been nice to see as he and his offensive line have gotten healthier. Wentz tore up the Jets last week which equated to his best performance of the season and he has a chance to repeat that this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Some will say, “but G, the Jags put the clamps on the high-powered Buffalo Bills last week!” To that I would say, they did but I bet they won’t put up that type of performance two weeks in a row, if you need a QB this week look Wentz’s way, don’t be scared of last week.
Teddy Bridgewater, DEN vs. PHI (24% Rostered, ESPN)
Teddy two gloves has been surprisingly solid this season averaging over 22 fantasy points per game and currently ranks as QB 17 this season and with his offense getting healthier he should continue to rise. This week, he takes on a Philly defense that’s middle of the pack and they’re at home where he had his best game of the season against the Raiders just a couple of weeks ago.
Running Backs
Rhamondre Stevenson, NE vs. CLE (6% Rostered, ESPN)
Both Stevenson and Damien Harris left the game for the Patriots last week because of head injuries and if Stevenson were to clear concussion protocol while Harris wasn’t, the New England running game would be squarely on the rookies shoulders. With the added opportunity last week Stevenson performed well, gaining over 100 total scrimmage yards. So, monitor this situation going forward and if you have Harris I would absolutely grab him as a direct replacement if Harris isn’t cleared to play.
Alex Collins, SEA vs. GB (37% Rostered, ESPN)
The Seahawks are coming off of their bye week last week and have a tough task of heading to the mid-west to take on the Green Bay Packers. Starting running back Chris Carson has been on injured reserve for weeks now and it’s been the Alex Collins show as far as carrying the football goes. Carson is slated to return to practice this week but by no means does that mean he’s going to be activated and play with the neck injury he’s been dealing with. If you’re looking for someone who’s going to get a nice workload on the ground but not as much through the air, unfortunately, Collins would be your guy if Carson doesn’t return this week.
Ty Johnson NYJ vs. BUF (20% Rostered, ESPN)
The New York Jets have found their starting running back, no it’s not Ty Johnson, it’s Michael Carter. However, Johnson has carved out a nice little role for himself over the last month where he’s averaged 14.3 fantasy points per game. Much of that has been the three touchdowns he’s scored but he has racked up some nice yardage through the air coupled with his limited ground opportunities. Johnson makes for a decent bye week plug in option if need be.
Wide Receivers
Rashod Bateman, BAL at MIA (24% Rostered, ESPN)
People, Rashod Bateman is still out there on far too many waiver wires. I understand that he hasn’t POPPED yet but he’s receiving a good solid target share within this Ravens offense and it’s just a matter of time before he finds his way into the end zone and it could come this week on Thursday Night Football when they square off with the Miami Dolphins who allow the third most points to opposing wide-outs this season.
Brandon Aiyuk, SF vs. LAR (45% Rostered, ESPN)
Finally, Brandon Aiyuk had the breakout game we had all been expecting coming into this season and it only took nine weeks… This young man has way too much talent not to succeed, I haven’t dropped him in any leagues I drafted him in, trying to be patient and moving forward I’ll find a way to work him into my lineup as it seems he’s finally out of the Kyle Shanahan dog house.
Tight End
Pat Freiermuth, PIT vs. DET (32% Rostered, ESPN)
How about the game the rookie had on Monday Night Football!? Not one but TWO scores from Big Ben, this seems to be a budding connection as Freiermuth has boomed five out of eight games this season, he’s got three touchdowns over the last two games, and has 13 targets. Please, with as bad as the tight end position usually is for fantasy football, run to the waiver wire and add him if you’re in need of a tight end.
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