I hate to say I told you so...

By Martin Richardson

But I told you so.

Those committee running backs eh? Zack Moss and Chase Brown proving that maybe it can work, whereas the Bucs just keep working out ways not to use the run game in a successful way, no matter how hard they try.

Anyway, moving on as I’m not one to brag.

As a fantasy football player, you put your heart and soul into preparing your draft plan, finding your beloved sleeper and who you want no matter what. Then, once you’ve drafted you stare at your championship team like Gollum cradling the One Ring. But sometimes, one factor comes along and ruins each week of your fantasy match ups: injuries. Every week you see twitter doctors everywhere giving you updates on your first round draft pick and of their season is ruined by an ACL or a mere high ankle sprain. Speaking from experience, my team has consisted of: Jordan Love (MCL), Sam LaPorta (sprained ankle), Jake Ferguson (MCL) and now Nico Collins (hamstring and IR). I have had some bad luck here.

But with that has come opportunity.

Opportunity to pick up some players who are going quietly about their business and can have a real impact on the season, now we have more injuries and by weeks influencing proceedings. Let’s take a look at who could be a sneaky little pick up if you need a streamer in some of the key positions.

WAN’DALE ROBINSON

The Giants have kind of been the Giants that we thought they would be: A QB who isn’t the future of the franchise, a star rookie WR who is going to be a top talent sooner rather than later, and a defense that has the ability to turnover other teams. But, not everything can be thrown to that star WR.

Enter Wan’Dale Robinson.

Available in nearly 40% of teams, Robinson is on the up and up for the Giants. Over 107 yards and a touchdown in his previous 2 games, he’s shown that he can be a true WR2 to Malik Nabers, and that could increase if Nabers doesn’t clear concussion protocol before Sunday.

Yes, he has had a few drops, but like I said, the Giants haven’t been perfect this season. But if you need someone because you’ve been stung by injuries or bye weeks, then there are worse options for you to consider.

 

JAKE FERGUSON

Since return from injury, Jake Ferguson has been on fire. He has 25 targets, 13 receptions for a massive 214 yards. He is a top ten TE who is producing to a high level and that is a rare commodity. Just as those who drafted Mark Andrews. The connection between both CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott doesn’t seem to be right so far this season, and the running game just seems to more Dowdle than Elliott so far, so Ferguson has a chance to be a major weapon for the Cowboys down the stretch.

This week, Ferguson goes up against a Lions defense that is not exactly proving to be as effective as its offense. This may be great for the Cowboys who want to sling the ball everywhere and for Ferguson who is a chain mover.  

CADE OTTON

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Not a week goes by where I am not writing about the Bucs, and no it is not because I am Bucs fan. It is genuinely because they just seem to puzzle and perplex me and fantasy players each week. This week, after the committee back debacle, it is the turn of tight end Cade Otton.

Since Baker Mayfield and OC Liam Coen both came out and said, ‘we need to get him in the game more’, they actually have. Shame they can’t be so cut and with the run game. Anyway, Otton has 143 yards from 21 targets and 16 receptions since that comment, which is an average of 8.9 yards per carry. That’s some solid numbers and I think it is only a matter of time before he gets that elusive first touchdown of the season. Even without that though, and available in 82% of leagues on ESPN, he is certainly one to look out for and maybe stash in case of injury or bye weeks.

The Denver Broncos Defense/Special Teams

Time for some love on Defense! Very rarely do Defenses get a mention in articles like these, but the times are changing. In a season of surprises, having this team as a top 5 team in aspect of football would have been a crazy thought before the season started. But after 5 weeks, the Broncos Defense have only one week without double figure points totals and that was against the Steelers, and even then they managed to sack Fields and influence the game. Patrick Surtain has been lights out for them, limiting DK and Evans in both their games. I genuinely think, if it wasn’t for TJ Watt, he would be in contention for DPOY easily.

So far, they have:  19 sacks, 1 pick six, 3 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions.

With a team like the Broncos, yes they beat the Jets in that awful game two weeks and ago, and I am not ready to talk about the Bucs game just yet, and that is why people are not looking at their defense. They see losses and think the defense mustn’t be doing the business, when actually they are. They are the second best defense on ESPN and are available in 24% of leagues, which is incredible. If they are on your waiver wire, go and get them because they will be a true difference maker for the rest of the season.

MARTIN RICHARDSON

NFL/FANTASY FOOTBALL ANALYST

A Yorkshireman living in Lancashire, Martin is a massive NFL fan but his heart belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also a huge Fantasy Football enthusiast and spends far too long crunching the numbers! Follow him at @MRBucsFan31

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