The 2018 NFFC Drafts are in the books and it’s finally time for the season to kick off in earnest. As the season starts and over the next couple of weeks, be patient. Don’t make too much of one game. I think a four game sample is needed before we truly know how good or bad our teams are. Only then can we adequately assess strengths and weaknesses. With that in mind, here are some random thoughts:
I’ve heard some Corey Clement owners panicking, and different takes on what Jay Ajayi’s second half explosion means. I’ll tell you. At this point, it means nothing. Over the last 32 regular season games, Doug Pederson’s usage of running backs has been as random and unpredictable as it gets. Bill Belichick would be proud. One week you’re doing cartwheels and the next two weeks you’re pulling your hair out, lamenting the fact that you wasted a roster spot on an Eagle back. If some owner in your league gets impatient with Corey Clement and you need a desperation Flex play to cover bye weeks and injuries, the 2nd year back is worth a cheap stash and hold on your bench, and the same goes with Darren Sproles if the former Saint went undrafted.
Keep an eye on receiver targets in Seattle this weekend. Track Jaron Brown’s and Brandon Marshall’s usage, and whether David Moore gets a meaningful complement of snaps. Seattle figures to play catch up a lot, forcing Russell Wilson to air it out. Doug Baldwin isn’t 100% with a bum knee, and Tyler Lockett is an injury waiting to happen, so one of the three aforementioned could emerge as a solid #2 WR down the line.
Monitor Maqrquez Valdes-Scantling to see if he’s involved in the offense at all. I had numerous shares of Devante Adams last year, but two concussions during the 2017 season have me concerned about the next big hit against the talented wideout. I have zero shares this year, and Randall Cobb hasn’t exactly been an ironman.
Don’t forget what Terrelle Pryor did with the Cleveland Browns back in 2016. The former Buckeye went undrafted in some leagues and is worth a lotto ticket if you can afford the roster space and don’t mind waiting. Pryor is unplayable at the moment, but there is WR3 upside on a team that figures to be trailing more often than not. Similarly, DJ Chark is another stash and hold rookie that could pay off in a few weeks depending on the health of Keelan Cole, Donte Moncrief, and Dede Westbrook.
If someone drops Mike Wallace, the speedster is also worth considering as a long term investment once he gets more comfortable in his new digs. Another one in Philadelphia, not to pick up yet, but keep an eye on, is Shelton Gibson, who looked good in the preseason. Chester Rogers is another stash and hold with upside depending on the health and play of Ryan Grant.
I’ll also be watching Chad Williams this week and tracking how the Cardinals use the youngster listed #2 on the depth charts. His main competition, Christian Kirk, received a lot of buzz in the pre-season and could see an increased role. A lot will depend on how Williams performs.
Bruce Ellington lines up currently as the Houston Texans starting slot receiver, and could get increased usage week 1 with Will Fuller dinged up as usual and projected to be a game time decision. His ceiling is limited as more of a fantasy bye week filler, but those come in handy.
Anthony Miller climbed up draft boards the last few weeks, going from sleeper to the shiny new toy everyone covets. There’s good reason for this and I have a couple of shares my self, but if I had room I handcuffed him to Kevin White, an incredibly talented but equally brittle wide receiver that has had injuries derail his last two seasons. If you are looking for a high upside deep sleeper, look no further.
Follow Greg @liquidhippo.
