Looking ahead to Sunday, here are eight positional players who--more likely than not--are significantly underrated/undervalued, and who won't be found in many starting lineups:
QB -- Philip Rivers has one of the most favorable upcoming 5-6 week schedule of any QB. Unfortunately, his offensive line is a mess (three starting offensive lineman are expected to miss Week 4), and there's a 30%-50% chance of rain. Many people are avoiding him in an otherwise favorable home matchup vs. the Browns. I'm buying low, believing Cleveland won't be able to pressure Rivers enough to keep him from netting 350+ yards an 2+ scores.
QB -- No one in their right mind would start Jay Cutler (questionable) this week. So I suppose I'm a little nuts. Cutler is a top 12-16 QB. Almost always has been. And if healthy enough to start, he'll face the league's fourth worst passing defense--a Raiders squad that gave up 341 passing yards to Josh McCown and 384 to Joe Flacco. Surprise your friends and anger your neighbors: Start Cutler if he starts and enjoy your 250+ yard, 2+ TD day.
RB -- Gary Kubiak wants C.J. Anderson on the field; the severely underperforming RB remains Denver's best option in the running game. I'm watching closely to see if Anderson appears 100% heading into tomorrow's home matchup vs. the Vikings. If he is, I'm starting him in my flex spot. He's not this bad, and the offensive line won't remain this ineffective all year.
RB -- Thomas Rawls seized the opportunity last week as Marshawn Lynch's replacement. If Lynch can't go in Week 4, it would be shocking if Rawls didn't once again dominate Seattle's backfield touches. He's the 41st ranked RB this week among Fantasy Pros' composite of 100+ experts. If Lynch sits, Rawls is a good bet for top 20 RB production.
WR -- Speaking of Seattle, Doug Baldwin is the team's leader in targets (20), receptions (17), and receiving yards (162). His composite WR ranking is 36th. I see him as a top 25 WR worthy of a starting role in all fantasy formats.
WR -- With Randall Cobb hurt and Davante Adams showing some fragility a couple weeks ago, I picked up Ty Montgomery in my 20-team league--just in case. Well, that case is now. Adams probably won't play, meaning Montgomery will join Cobb and James Jones in all three-wide sets. As a member of the league's most efficient offense, he's a great gamble--a low floor, but a realistic 12+ point ceiling.
TE -- Charles Clay remains one of the most underrated TEs in fantasy. Unowned in more than 40% of ESPN leagues, he's developed good chemistry with Tyrod Taylor and should step up once again tomorrow with Sammy Watkins sidelined.
QB -- Philip Rivers has one of the most favorable upcoming 5-6 week schedule of any QB. Unfortunately, his offensive line is a mess (three starting offensive lineman are expected to miss Week 4), and there's a 30%-50% chance of rain. Many people are avoiding him in an otherwise favorable home matchup vs. the Browns. I'm buying low, believing Cleveland won't be able to pressure Rivers enough to keep him from netting 350+ yards an 2+ scores.
QB -- No one in their right mind would start Jay Cutler (questionable) this week. So I suppose I'm a little nuts. Cutler is a top 12-16 QB. Almost always has been. And if healthy enough to start, he'll face the league's fourth worst passing defense--a Raiders squad that gave up 341 passing yards to Josh McCown and 384 to Joe Flacco. Surprise your friends and anger your neighbors: Start Cutler if he starts and enjoy your 250+ yard, 2+ TD day.
RB -- Gary Kubiak wants C.J. Anderson on the field; the severely underperforming RB remains Denver's best option in the running game. I'm watching closely to see if Anderson appears 100% heading into tomorrow's home matchup vs. the Vikings. If he is, I'm starting him in my flex spot. He's not this bad, and the offensive line won't remain this ineffective all year.
RB -- Thomas Rawls seized the opportunity last week as Marshawn Lynch's replacement. If Lynch can't go in Week 4, it would be shocking if Rawls didn't once again dominate Seattle's backfield touches. He's the 41st ranked RB this week among Fantasy Pros' composite of 100+ experts. If Lynch sits, Rawls is a good bet for top 20 RB production.
WR -- Speaking of Seattle, Doug Baldwin is the team's leader in targets (20), receptions (17), and receiving yards (162). His composite WR ranking is 36th. I see him as a top 25 WR worthy of a starting role in all fantasy formats.
WR -- With Randall Cobb hurt and Davante Adams showing some fragility a couple weeks ago, I picked up Ty Montgomery in my 20-team league--just in case. Well, that case is now. Adams probably won't play, meaning Montgomery will join Cobb and James Jones in all three-wide sets. As a member of the league's most efficient offense, he's a great gamble--a low floor, but a realistic 12+ point ceiling.
TE -- Charles Clay remains one of the most underrated TEs in fantasy. Unowned in more than 40% of ESPN leagues, he's developed good chemistry with Tyrod Taylor and should step up once again tomorrow with Sammy Watkins sidelined.