Top Performers (Points based off PPR formats)
QBs
DeShaun Watson (Texans) 32.00, Matt Ryan (Falcons) 31.64, Carson Wentz (Eagles) 29.42, Kyler Murray (Cardinals) 28.92, Ryan Tannehill (Titans) 28.56.
RBs
Derrick Henry (Titans) 40.40, Kenyon Drake (Cardinals) 28.40, D’Andre Swift (Lions) 27.30, Ronald Jones II (Buccaneers) 26.10, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs) 20.90.
WRs
Justin Jefferson (Vikings) 39.60, Julio Jones (Falcons) 33.70, Will Fuller V (Texans) 24.30, A.J. Brown (Titans) 22.60, Christian Kirk (Cardinals) 22.60.
TEs
Anthony Firkser (Titans) 25.30, George Kittle (49ers) 23.90, Trey Burton (Colts) 21.90, Travis Kelce (Chiefs) 21.50, Darren Fells (Texans) 20.50.
Ks
Brandon McManus (Broncos) 22.00, Younghoe Koo (Falcons) 18.00, Justin Tucker (Ravens) 14.00, Cairo Santos (Bears) 13.00, Randy Bullock (Bengals) 11.00.
D/ST
Buccaneers (Opponent Packers) 19.00, Steelers (Opponent Browns) 18.00, Cardinals (Opponent Cowboys) 15.00, Dolphins (Opponent Jets) 15.00, Broncos (Opponent Patriots) 14.00, Giants (Opponent Washington Football Team) 14.00.
Advice
As we come to the midpoint of the season, each player has started to solidify their role. Players we thought were going to be great this year have not produced, or have been injured, while other players who most of us didn’t even know were in the league have been nice gems, such as Travis Fulgham. At this point teams are starting to go on bye weeks, and something that doesn’t stop in the NFL, injuries, will always occur. Be sure to protect yourselves by targeting the “Handcuffs” for your top RBs. Something else that has occurred this season is the ability of rookies and younger players to produce at high levels. Don’t be afraid to trade away a name brand player, i.e. Todd Gurley II, for a lesser known player. Truly use a players name recognition to your advantage. Because let’s face it, most people remember past successes not their recent mediocre weeks. As always, keep searching high and low for those waiver wire steals, and try to put out a reasonable trade. And remember, have fun, but always try to get the better of your opponents. So go on, put in a waiver claim for the backup to their star RB.
Waiver Wire (Percentages are based on standard ESPN Leagues)
QBs
Ryan Tannehill (Titans)- Since taking over as the Titans starting QB in week 7 of 2019, all Tannehill has done is produce. Some notable stats for Tannehill are a 92.0 grade (2nd among QBs), 40 passing TDs (1st), and a 8.6 yards per attempt (1st) according to PFF. Surprisingly, Tannehill has reignited his career since parting ways with the Offensive Guru Adam Gase. For the remainder of the year the Titans have a fairly easy schedule. If you are in search of a QB Tannehill should be your target. Rostered in 66.2% of leagues.
RBs
James White (Patriots)- Determining the backfield in New England is like solving the Zodiac Killer’s cryptograms. For example I think we all remember the Jonas Gray out of nowhere and then gone charade, or the Rex Burkhead game from a couple of weeks ago. But what I try to find is a pattern or a niche that the player can fill. White has been the team’s receiving back for quite some time now. White as a pickup really only suits those that play in PPR formats, because of how few rushing attempts he will get or few yards. This could not be any more evident than his usages this year. Week 1: 5 carries 22 yards, 3 receptions 30 yards, Week 4: 3 carries 21 yards, 7 receptions 38 yards, Week 6: 4 carries 8 yards, 8 receptions 65 yards. As you can see from these numbers, White’s fantasy points are reliant on receptions. However, I still think White needs to be rostered. With Sony Michel on IR there is a void in the target share that needs to be accounted for, and White’s ability as a receiver and steady RB can be the option. Rostered in 65.7% of leagues.
Jeff Wilson Jr. (49ers)- Raheem Mostert suffered another injury, and is now likely to land on IR. This injury again opens the door for Jerick McKinnon, and with this there is a need to also roster the backup. The backup in this case is Wilson Jr. Prior to Mostert returning to the lineup, Wilson Jr. only had one memorable game in which he had 12 carries for 15 yards and a touchdown, while also notching 3 receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. These stats aren’t really anything to write home about, but the fact that the team went to him on 12 carries shows he will be a part of the game plan going forward. Based on this I wouldn’t prioritize Wilson Jr. as one of your main waiver targets but he should be considered. Rostered in 10.4% of leagues.
WRs
Travis Fulgham (Eagles)- On October 11 Fulgham had a fantastic performance against the Steelers, and one that saw Wentz look his way rather than Zach Ertz. After this game I put Fulgham as a sleeper waiver addition, because I figured he might not be a consistent option but could have some good matchups. I was quite wrong. In the last two weeks Fulgham has seen 23 targets, catching 16 for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Against a tough Ravens defense he produced when I thought he wouldn’t. Even when the likes of Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, or even Jalen Reagor return, Fulgham will have a role in this offense. If he is not rostered in your league he needs to be one of your priorities. Rostered in 47.2% of leagues.
Tee Higgins (Bengals)- As I stated earlier rookies this season have been able to crack the lineups and produce almost instantly. Since entering the lineup for the Bengals in week 2 Higgins has seen no fewer than 6 targets. With each week he has become more and more comfortable and the connection with Joe Burrow looks like something special. Even without the touchdowns, Higgins has been able to put up 10+ fantasy point outings. With Tyler Boyd and now a healthy A.J. Green, Higgins has the luxury of seeing favorable coverages and will normally see one of the lower defensive backs. Because of this I expect him to continue producing for the Bengals and your fantasy teams. If you haven’t already give Higgins a look. Rostered in 43.9% of leagues.
TEs
Trey Burton (Colts)- Burton was one of the Colts better free agent signings, and although he started the season slow he came back and showed out. Last week I highlighted Burton as a waiver addition and he did not disappoint. Burton is more athletic than most TEs in the league and this allows the Colts to use him in non-traditional ways. As we saw in the Super Bowl he threw the touchdown for the “Philly Special,” and last week the Colts used him on a designed run where he scored. If you are looking for TE help Burton could provide. Rostered in 6.2% of leagues.
D/ST
Chiefs- This one is more of a plan ahead tactic. This week the Chiefs get the Broncos who just beat the Patriots, so this might not be the best start. But the following week the Chiefs get the J-E-T-S-JETS-JETS-JETS! If the Jets haven’t made a coaching change by this point and still look abysmal this is a must add and must start. I mean the Dolphins just looked like the best defense in the league against them. Rostered in 44.2% of leagues.
Sleepers
Gabriel Davis (Bills)- This sleeper addition is both security blanket and production. Davis is buried behind Stefon Diggs, John Brown, and Cole Beasley at the moment. However, Davis is a talented WR and has added some usable fantasy performances when Brown was out and has been involved in the offense. If either of the three go out with an injury Davis is the next in line and with his abilities he will produce. Keep and eye out, and if something happens pick up Davis. Rostered in 2.8% of leagues.
Irv Smith Jr. (Vikings)- The second year TE has slowly gotten up to speed, definitely slower than most had hoped. But the past couple of week has seen Smith Jr.’s targets increase along with his production. Smith Jr. is a move TE rather than an inline blocker, which bodes well for him to continue seeing targets in the passing game. Not to mention that the Vikings have been pretty bad this year, which means they most likely will be down and need to throw more often. Currently Smith Jr. is seeing more targets than veteran Kyle Rudolph. Rostered in 6.0% of leagues.
Richard Rodgers (Eagles)- Currently the only healthy TE option for the Eagles is Rodgers, who was solid for the Packers. With both Ertz and Dallas Goedert injured, Rodgers steps right in as the starter and could very well prove to be a more consistent target than Ertz. If you are someone who had either of these TEs for the Eagles and can’t get another top option this could be the way to go for a couple of weeks. Rostered in 0.1% of leagues.
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