By Joe Burns
A lot of you reading this may be reaching that point in your fantasy season when some of your big weapons on the roster are hitting their bye weeks at the same time and some people you thought you would give relief heading forward have fallen off the depth chart. If you aren’t sweating by this point, you are doing better than me.
It’s important to keep up to date with the injury reports and make sure not to get too attached to players you pick up week to week. The time is right to start looking for trade options around the league and trying to sell high on hot players in favor of long-term support that can keep you producing as the bye weeks take their toll on your team’s production. There is no shame in streaming players to get through this phase of the season, so check your weaknesses and pay attention to players who match up well against their opponents this week.
BEST
Orleans Darkwa, New York Giants RB
The Giants head into Week 6 at their lowest point of the season, not only without a victory but also key components to their offense including ODB and Sterling Shephard. I don’t know many people who thought they had a chance to beat the Broncos, but they managed the feat thanks to the impressive running by Darkwa. Not only that, they showed their running game actually worked against Denver, who lead the league in rush defense.
Already playing 50% of the Giants’ snaps, he showed workhorse potential with 117 rushing yards on 21 carries in the decisive victory. This adds reassurance to owners who were afraid to pick him up after he left the Giants’ previous game with an injury after carrying the ball 8 times for 69 yards and a touchdown.
I don’t think New York can put too much faith in throwing the ball right now with most receivers injured and Eli showing his age, so Darkwa will likely be the biggest weapon on offense moving forward and is worth priority on the waiver.
Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles WR
Depending on the league, Agholor may or may not be available, but I think he is worth making a trade for. Not only does he have four touchdowns in six games, but 50+ yards in the past three games and a touchdown in the past two. These numbers look impressive enough, but could increase even more if defenses continue to double Alshon Jeffery. Heading into a big NFC East matchup against the Redskins, Agholor has massive potential to explode given the fact Josh Norman likely won’t play again.
Marvin Jones Jr., Detroit Lions WR
Jones hasn’t caught more than four touchdowns in the past four seasons, but that looks like it is going to change this year. Not only did he catch two in his first two games, but he made the most of Golden Tate’s recent shoulder injury in Sunday’s game with another touchdown and 96 yards on 6 receptions. An MRI will soon show just how badly Tate’s injury is, but regardless it looks like Jones will be the top receiver in Detroit for at least the next week or two. Matthew Stafford is a true gunslinger so Jones is definitely worth a flex spot if you need a flex or want to add depth to your wide receivers.
WORST
Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers WRs
I can’t say which of these will players will drop off the most or the least, but I know none of them are going to do MORE than they have. They are all pretty capable and should still catch a touchdown now and then, but I honestly believe the only pass-catcher this injury could help is Martellus Bennett. Brett Hundley is going to be adjusting at the helm and will be looking to dump the ball off, especially after three linemen left this weeks game.
Although Hundley has been learning the Packers’ system for the past three years and could definitely grow into an efficient passer as the year moves forward, I suggest giving it some time before you jump into any big decisions when it comes to Green Bay.
Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns RB
For as chronically pitiful and historically disappointing the Browns are, I have still have had a really hard time getting rid of Crowell. Even though he averages 14 touches a game and is the number one running back for the Dawgs, it looks like the guy has a severe allergy to the end-zone. No scores in six games would be “understandable” if he was busting off large yardage every week, but he hasn’t even ran for more than 60 yards in a single game!
As soon as I get rid of him this week I will feel like a 2-ton weight was lifted off my shoulder, and I honestly think you should too. I’m not pretending I’m not worried about a mid-season turnaround that makes me look and feel like an impatient idiot, but the weekly disappointment has just pushed me too far to keep believing the Browns can utilize him.
You have to think, “Will somebody else pick him up as soon as I let him go?”, and the answer is probably yes. I say better off some other sorry guy in your league has to carry his useless baggage around than you. DROP. DROP. DROP.
Mike Gillislee, New England Patriots RB
Gillislee made a huge splash at the beginning of the season and has continued to get 10 or more touches every game, but his production has slowly but surely dropped from week to week.
He had a chance to return to form with a game against the Jets, who average 106 rushing yards allowed per game, but he fumbled early in the first and made nothing of the outing. Instead his cohort, Dion Lewis, seized the chance and gained favor in Belichick’s eye, out carrying Gillislee 8-to-6 afterwards and punching in one for a touchdown.
It should be common knowledge by now to not stay attached to a New England running back, but I know every year someone in their running back committee makes it look like it could be the year that changes. It’s not this year, folks. Drop him before he starts getting no touches and your opponent of the week is raining in points from Lewis.