Heading into Week 6, here are some storylines I’m following very
closely:
Jonathan Stewart and Rashad Jennings might return this weekend. That’s no cause for celebration, unless
you’re lucky enough to have traded one or both of them to unsuspecting
opponents. I’ve been beating this drum
for months and will continue to: both backfields are officially messes,
and—even with these starters returning—no one is a reliable fantasy option.
Ladarius Green could return Week 7.
In deep leagues, Jesse James might hold some trade value as part of a
package deal. Get what you can for the
TD-dependent tight end.
Tyler Lockett has been battling an injury all season. He’s a top 30 WR disguised as waiver
fodder. Grab him if he’s available and
buy low if your opponent is tired of keeping him around. Never sleep on highly talented
underperformers, especially when the reason they’re underperforming is obvious
and correctable.
Has everyone jumped on the Jeremy Kerley train? Is everyone done with Torrey Smith? A change in quarterback in San Francisco is
more than symbolic. I’ve been preaching
since the summer that Colin Kaepernick gives the Niners’ receivers a better
chance of success than with Blaine Gabbert at the helm. Sell high on Kerley (if possible) and take a
chance on the boom-bust Smith, especially if your bye-week lineup is hurting.
With Eric Decker now out for the year, prodigal TE Austin
Seferian-Jenkins could become the Jets’ third most utilized receiver. If you’re desperate at this position, there
are far worse risks to take. ASJ has top
10 talent.
Jordan Reed is dealing with concussion symptoms, pushing DeSean Jackson
into the Week 6 WR2 conversation if Reed sits.
Jamison Crowder would be a must-start in deep leagues, and yes, even
Vernon Davis could get some run.
In tonight’s matchup, one thing that jumps out: Although most experts
rank Phillip Rivers in 20s among QBs this week, we should know better. The Chargers are second in the NFL in points per
game. Rivers is a weekly must-start QB
at home and a nearly must-start option every road game. I’ve got Rivers in my top 14 Week 16.