By MV September 15th 2015
There is so much to factor in when picking up and dropping certain players. Our projections will give you a good semblance of what players to drop and which of these names to pick up. Not all of these guys will be available in your league; in fact, most were drafted in high-stakes (12 team 20 rounds) formats. Still most of our home leagues will have these guys available.
If you need to back up an injury then these are your guys, but be sure that the player you are dropping is not stuck in the “week one overreaction” fad. As for how to use your Free Agent Acquisition Budget dollars, a good rule of thumb is to keep each of these pickups under 20% of your total FAAB. Now of course the depth of your league dictates the amount you’ll spend. There is another thought process that early in the year the potential stars fall through the draft cracks and that you won’t get a better value than when you do in the beginning of the year. It doesn’t always work. I have seen guys blow their entire annual FAAB on a big Week 1 or an injury only to not hold the job. Be smart. Spread your cash out you’ll need it during bye weeks.
Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota TEN – The #2 looked like the #1 and the #1 looked like JaMarcus Russell. Mariota looked poised to be a star in this league. I am sure his stats will correct themselves over the next few weeks, but we are pleased to see that Ken WisenPUNT has allowed OC Jason Michael to run an offense that is similar to the one Marcus ran in Oregon.
2 QB League Considerations
Ryan Fitzpatrick NYJ – This is a much better offense than in, well the last 5 years. Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall are two big time targets and the running back combo between Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell will make plays in this offense. Ryan is smart and competitive enough to overcome his little arm and big beard, but he will keep this team competitive thus keeping his job.
Tyrod Taylor BUF – Was a Daily Fantasy God this weekend while far outplaying his salary. That will be corrected. His wheels give him a huge bump in his projections, but he also showed some ability to stand up and throw an accurate deep ball. Why do you hate Sammy Watkins?
Running Backs
David Johnson ARI – It seems like Bruce Arians cannot stand David Johnson, but his talent is undeniable. David broke for a 55-yard touchdown and showed an incredible burst. Arians has dogged David in the preseason, then dogged him again yesterday saying that it is “not healthy” to throw rookies into a big role. Still, with Andre Ellington out 1-3 weeks with a PCL injury and Chris Johnson as the main guy, he could end up as the starting running back at some point.
Chris Johnson ARI – A long way from CJ2K, but he could manage to hold onto the starting role for the next few weeks. I would prefer to have David Johnson as a long term seasonal hold, but Chris will be the man to own of the two over the next few weeks.
Benny Cunningham STL – It is impossible to gauge the effectiveness of a running back returning from injury. Sometimes the best play is the healthiest play. With that, Benny got a whole lot of playing time. He ended up with 16 carries and 7 targets in the pass game. That is good volume against the Seahawks defense. There is no promise that Gurley will have a big role this year, and Tre Mason is still questionable.
Dion Lewis NE – If Dion has another goal line fumble we may never hear his name again. Still he looked like the clear-cut 3rd down back. He should still see plenty of targets now that LaGarette Blount is back from weed-smoke suspension. Lewis slides in as the replacement to Shane Vereen in a pissed off offense that should run up the score every single week.
Lance Dunbar DAL – When Darren McFadden gets injured his role should increase. In all seriousness, with Dez Bryant out for the next 7 weeks they will have to find people to fill the void in the pass game. Dunbar did just that catching all eight of his targets. He looked good.
Wide Receiver
Brandon Coleman NO – If he is still available in your league, grab him. He is the guy that made it palatable to part with Jimmy Graham. He is a freak of nature, and with Drew Brees heaving the ball down the field, he is going to love this target that has a reach and height that will forgive an inaccurate throw.
Donte Moncrief IND – Moncrief is a big wide receiver and is technically the backup to Andre Johnson, but with TY Hilton hobbled with a bruised knee Donte is sure to get some good looks this week in practice. He was tied for 8th for the most targets in week 1 with 12 total targets. Even with Hilton healthy he figures to play a role in this high-powered offense. He will be a great bye week play. I believe he will eventually find his way into a more regular role at some point this season.
Cole Beasley DAL – Targets, targets, targets. Cole is not as talented as Wes Welker or Julian Edelman were for the Patriots, but he’s going to be called on just as much especially with Dez Bryant out until week 8.
James Jones GB – What is this 2012? It looked that way. This will be the most popular pickup this week. Clearly Aaron Rodgers loves having him on the team.
Rashad Greene JAX – This is a wait and see, but I am taking note. Rashad Greene had 13 targets in an offense that is going to play from behind for a total of 13-15 football weeks.
Jermaine Kearse SEA – While everyone was clamoring over Tyler Lockett, Kearse managed to catch 8 of his 10 targets. This is a bye-week filler option only.
Jerricho Cotchery CAR – I know, but what the hell else are they going to do. It’s always about opportunity. Cotchery led all Panther wide receivers with 6 total targets.
Tight End
Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB – High-steppin’ to the end zone down by 5 touchdowns. Garbage time recipient Austin looked like a great athlete and as long as this team continues to play from behind they will be forced to throw. When Mike Evans returns it creates an interesting offensive unit between V-Jax, Evans and ASJ. He figures to be a great check down plus more option for JaMarcus Winston.
Eric Ebron DET – The second year tight end showed that he is finally grasping the game. Tight end has one of the biggest learning curves from college to pros in the NFL. He will ramp up nicely during the season after a confidence-boosting 4 for 5 catch performance in his sophomore debut.
Jordan Reed WAS – He has vowed to stay healthy for 16 weeks. You trust him too right? His talent has never been in question, and he did what he does on Sunday going 7 of 11 for 62 yards and a TD. Stay healthy bro, you are fun to watch.
Ladarius Green SD – Ladarius took full advantage of his opportunity by catching 5 of his 6 targets for 74 yards and a TD. We have all been waiting to see this for the last few seasons, and now it looks like he is getting in sync. When Gates returns they may have to work a double tight end offense to keep him on the field.