Fall has descended upon Storrs as a possible nor’easter looms in the forecast. Whether the Huskies will have to battle the downpour this weekend still hangs in the air. However, fantasy football managers certainly have their own storm brewing heading into Week 3 of the NFL season.
This past weekend of football delivered a torrent of injuries, sending fantasy managers searching for protection as their lineups now bear the threat of absences. The good news is that this week’s edition of The Fantasy Forecast is here to help combat the squall.
As you rummage around for a larger umbrella this weekend, let’s go over how you can really
cover yourself — fantasy football wise, of course.
On the Radar:
The waiver wire is a tricky area to navigate in fantasy football. There are so many names and projections that it can often be scary to pick someone up from the pool. However, keeping tabs on certain players is necessary for fantasy success, as late bloomers can be the last missing piece to the puzzle of victory.
One quarterback that fits this mold is Tyler Shough from the New Orleans Saints. The second-year QB is currently ranked sixth at his position in fantasy and is only rostered on about half of all fantasy teams. This means there’s a very good chance Shough is available in your league, and the time to capitalize on this discrepancy is now.
If three touchdown passes against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 weren’t enough to cement his eliteness, then leading the league in passing yards with 662 sure is. Shough’s performance and win against a dominant Baltimore Ravens defense indicate without a doubt that he deserves to be in every starting lineup possible. The Saints will look to build upon their momentum at home when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.
Too often, an injury can ground a fantasy football team before it is ever able to take off. We are only two weeks into the NFL season, and there are already notable wide receivers filling up the injured reserve. A.J. Brown, Nico Collins, Alec Pierce and Zay Flowers are just some of the many who have disrupted lineup potential.
However, when stars dim, others shine. That has absolutely been the case for wide receiver Denzel Boston of the Cleveland Browns. Rostered on about a quarter of all fantasy teams, the second-round draft pick has emerged as quarterback Deshaun Watson’s favorite target.
Boston’s 20-point display this past Sunday should have every fantasy manager in need of a new wide receiver racing to the waiver wire. In the Browns’ upset victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the rookie charted 95 receiving yards on five receptions with a touchdown in the mix. As running back Quinshon Judkins remains dormant, you can guarantee Boston will see plenty of action this weekend as the Browns welcome the Carolina Panthers for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
The final player that has to be on every manager’s radar heading into Week 3 is running back Tank Bigsby. Rostered at a meek 15.2%, Bigsby has the most potential for a fantasy boom, as the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting running back, Saquon Barkley, could face time off.
On the opening play of Week 2, Barkley suffered a left arm/shoulder stinger against the Tennessee Titans. Bigsby then saw 13 carries for 33 rushing yards and a trip to the end zone to cap off his near 12-point day. An MRI and further evaluation will determine if Barkley suits up against the Chicago Bears for this Monday night’s showdown. In the meantime, fantasy users in desperate need of a flex spot should pick up the fourth-year RB. His prospective upside could be the determining factor for the success of many fantasy lineups.
To make Bigsby’s situation that much sweeter, the Eagles will face off against a Bears run defense that has allowed an average of over 120 yards per game. It also appears that he will have the edge over the other backup to Barkley, Will Shipley.
To sum it up: As injuries continue to strike down lineups, fantasy managers must learn how to weather the voids. The waiver wire is the shelter to seek, as it is home to the league’s overlooked yet emerging stars. Wide receiver Denzel Boston is one of those players, along with quarterback Tyler Shough, who continues to prove that his Week 1 breakout was no fluke. Joining Boston and Shough is running back Tank Bigsby, who could be Philly’s go-to this Monday night if Barkley is sidelined.
There’s a good chance all three are available in your league, so if injuries have robbed your team, it’s time to go get some insurance and pull through this tough time. Best of luck, Huskies.