Are you watching NFL Redzone while constantly checking your fantasy team every Sunday afternoon? Are you stressed about the upcoming fantasy playoffs? This year’s fantasy football has been a roller coaster.
This is the year of veteran running backs proving their worth in a brutal market. Veterans Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Alvin Kamara sit at the top of the running back rankings (PPR leagues). Each player is having a remarkable year, keeping pace with top wide receivers who have recently been prioritized in many leagues. Those who drafted these stars were likely able to take them at later rounds, especially Henry and Kamara, whose average draft position (ADP) were around 20 and 50, respectively. The two of them have become top ten fantasy players this season. Users who were able to draft any of these players are likely in a position to make a championship run.
This year’s wide receivers have generally performed as expected, with Ja’Marr Chase sitting around 56 points ahead of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Justin Jefferson, who are the top three receivers. However, there were still some wide receivers who had unexpected breakout seasons. Terry McLaurin has always been a star wide receiver in the NFL, but it never translated into fantasy points until this year with the rise of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has allowed the Washington Commanders to be competitors in every game. As a result, the Commanders’ offense finally has a high touchdown upside with a large volume of passes in tight games, all of which McLaurin benefits from as both contribute to fantasy points.
Another unexpected breakout wide receiver this season is Mailk Nabers. While many expected Nabers to be the number one option on the New York Giants offense, many are surprised to see him blossom in fantasy due to the Giants’ lackluster offense and inability to score. Nonetheless, in PPR leagues, Nabers’ sheer volume of targets and favorable upcoming schedule make him a must-start wide receiver regardless of his team’s quarterback. He leads the league with 11.6 targets per game.
On the other hand, this season has been tragic for others with players suffering from season-ending injuries. Many drafted Rashee Rice in the later rounds, and he seemed like a league winner with 24 receptions, 288 yards, and two touchdowns in the first three games of the season on a Chiefs offense that lacked a bona fide star wide receiver. However, in week four, Rice suffered an ACL injury and was ruled out for the rest of the season. Tampa Bay Buccaneer Chris Godwin was also on pace to win leagues with an ADP of 80, averaging nearly 20 points per game, emulating his 2019 campaign. Unfortunately, in week seven, he suffered a dislocated ankle during a meaningless drive at the end of the game, ruling him out for the season. Lastly, and maybe the most crushing, San Fransico 49er Christian McCaffrey suffered a possible season-ending knee injury on Sunday in snowy Buffalo, capping off a very disappointing and injury-plagued season. He was the #1 overall pick in many leagues but spent many weeks on the bench.
Looking ahead, depending on league trade deadlines and the number of teams, there are some notable players to target for cheap or even get off the waiver. Recently, Rico Dowdle, the running back for the Dallas Cowboys, has asserted himself as the primary ball carrier for a Dallas offense holding its own despite Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring injury. With the increased volume of carriers with a potential touchdown and pass-catching upside, Dowdle is a player some may want to trade for or pick up.
Additionally, if you lack wide receiver depth, Las Vegas Raider Jakobi Meyers is a wide receiver you should look to get heading into the playoffs. With Davante Adams traded, Meyers has ascended to the WR1 on the team, only competing with star rookie tight end Brock Bowers for targets. Meyers has 26 targets in the past two games. Regardless of the quarterback change to Aidan O’Connell, Meyers has a highly favorable schedule ahead and will still be seeing a high volume, making him a possible playoff start or at least a trade asset.
Lastly, targeting Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku on the offense of the Cleveland Browns is a must. With Jameis Winston’s gunslinging abilities, both pass catchers have WR1 and TE1 upside going forward after the disappointing start to the season under a Deshaun Watson led offense. On Monday against the Denver Broncos, Jeudy had a season-high 235 receiving yards, and Njoku had an insane 17 targets.
Ultimately, for some, fantasy football is winding down for those with disappointing seasons, while others are gearing up for a playoff and championship push.