Adam Villio This is a great week to start picking up some long shots for multiple reasons. The first reason being, most team’s bye weeks are around this time of year. That really affects young players and players that are new to a team. Coaches like to spend the bye weeks re-evaluating what has been successful, or how to improve their offenses. So that means these young players should be getting more reps. Also, the trade deadline is coming up, so a lot of teams are starting to seriously consider trading for big names, leaving their backups with starter potential. Lastly, injuries start to build up so it is a great time to start collecting handcuffs. This article will be geared towards players performing above average and long shots to pay off big in a couple of weeks.
- Latavius Murray
- Rondale Moore
- James Cook
- Robert Tonyan
- D’Onta Foreman
- Taylor Heinicke
- Samaje Perine
- Gus Edward
- Matt Breida
- DeSean Jackson
QBs
Taylor Heinicke:
Value: 7.4/10
It is easy to forget about Heinicke when Carson Wentz took his job, but do not overlook the fact that he is loved in Washington for a reason. This kid has more heart than almost anyone else on that football field. He is willing to dive into heavy traffic for the first down and do whatever it takes to make his team better. On top of that he has McLaurin, Samuel, Dotson, Brown, Sims, Robinson, Gibson and McKissic at his disposal. Expect him to definitely have some bad weeks, but he could also almost certainly have some very good weeks.
Role: Fill in QB
RBs
Latavius Murray:
Value: 9.2/10
It is hard to believe Murray could travel to multiple teams over the past couple of years, and now finally have a home as the starter for the Denver Broncos. But that is exactly what it looked like on Monday night. He came into the game 3rd string behind Gordon and Boone, but then ran away with the position. He was tough and angry running downhill, and it is easy to believe that Denver now trusts him as their lead back.
Role: RB2
James Cook:
Value: 8.0/10
Now there are still a lot of questions in the Broncos backfield, but all signs point to Boone reaping most of the benefit. Gordon is the veteran, but has recently struggled with fumble issues. And the team signed Murray, but he is still very new to the system. Boone seemed to take a lot of the snaps on passing downs. So with Russell Wilson’s injury, you could be seeing a lot more of Boone.
Role: Stash
D’Onta Foreman:
Value: 7.7/10
Foreman showed some flashes of a good player at Houston, but that is not why he is on this list. He is on this list because he has official emerged as the #2 back in Carolina. As of now, that does not mean a lot, but there is a lot of trade talks going on about McCaffrey. If he does get traded or even if he gets hurt again, Foreman is the next man up.
Role: Handcuff
Samaje Perine:
Value: 6.5/10
One thing to know about Cincinnati is that they love to run the ball and get their RBs involved in the passing game. With that being said, Mixon is the most used RB in the entire NFL. Considering all that usage, it is not inconceivable to think there is a chance he might get hurt. And if that does happen, Perine should have great fantasy value at that point.
Role: Handcuff
Gus Edwards:
Value: 6.2/10
If anyone looked at the stats from the Ravens game on Saturday, they would think Drake is going to be the guy in Baltimore. However, this is one of those times where stats can be misleading. The truth behind it is that Dobbins actually had to leave the game early because of tightness in his knee. And Edwards has proven on multiple occasions that he can be the #1 back in Baltimore. The only reason you haven’t seen his name much is because he is just now coming back from injury. Expect a lot more looks for him in the near future.
Role: Stash / Handcuff
Matt Breida:
Value: 5.9/10
This is another handcuff but definitely worth the roster spot if you have the room. Saquon Barkley is no stranger to injury, and with his usage this year, he could easily sustain another one. Breida is nothing more than a “just in case” pickup.
Role: Handcuff
WRs
Rondale Moore:
Value: 8.8/10
Rondale Moore might be the most used name I have on this list. Since Week 1 I have been preaching to pick him up, and since then, his value just keeps rising. Although Hopkins came back this week and the Cardinals just received Anderson in a trade, Hollywood Brown injured his foot and is out for at least 4-6 weeks. Expect this second year wideout to get plenty of looks in the next couple of weeks.
Role: WR2 / Flex
DeSean Jackson:
Value: 5.5/10
Jackson has just signed to the Baltimore Ravens. Granted he is old and most of his talent comes from speed and route running, he still might have some juice left in him. Obviously it will take a couple of weeks for him to get fully ramped up, but he could definitely have some big games due to the fact the Ravens are lacking in the WR department.
Role: Stash
TEs
Robert Tonyan:
Value: 7.8/10
Although the Packers have looked rough this year, it has been shown Rodgers still trusts Lazard and Tonnyan. Tonyan is certainly not a star player, but he has been playing pretty consistently, especially in PPR formats. With the TE position looking as bad as it has been, Tonyan is a solid choice to throw into your lineup.
Role: TE2
