“Garrett Celek did what last night?”
I missed badly in predicting fantasy relevance for the backup TE. Celek actually tied for second in team
targets (6), so the opportunities were there.
Outside of Jeremy Kerley, the aerial game plan called for getting him
the ball. But that didn’t translate into
diddly.
And while both backup QBs (yes, I’ve always viewed Gabbert as a
backup-quality QB) floundered for most of the first half, they were far better
than I expected in the second. I urged
readers to sit every WR yesterday, but two far exceeded expectations. Hats off to those who challenged me on Larry
Fitzgerald; he and Kerley dominated at the expense of every other receiver.
But as expected, this game was mostly about David Johnson and Carlos
Hyde, who combined for 61 touches. I don’t
remember the last time two starting RBs combined for 60+ touches, but given the
QB situation and game flow, it makes complete sense.
One note on Hyde: his upcoming schedule is relatively easy. But if you’re planning to lean on him during
the fantasy playoffs, they face the Jets, Falcons, and Rams, the latter two on
the road. While this isn’t the toughest fantasy
playoff schedule you’ll find, don’t expect continued dominance. It’s why trading him in the coming weeks for
an elite RB or WR should help your team in the long run.
Shifting gears, my latest Winners and Whiners fantasy podcast is up: http://www.wralsportsfan.com/football/asset_gallery/15976444/. Co-host Aaron Schoonmaker and I talk
receivers, injuries, and whatever else we can cram into 30 minutes. And my latest WRAL SportsFan column (http://www.wralsportsfan.com/brady-may-be-back-but-better-fantasy-qb-options-are-out-there/16090072/)
attempts to make the case for Tom Brady’s overratedness. Those who read my preseason Patriots preview
know my views on Tom Terrific fantasy prospects. If you’re expecting a return to consistent
mid-to-upper QB1 production, trade him for top dollar before he disappoints.
And since it’s Friday, I’ll touch on a few Free Agent Friday guys—but this
time it’s players who are getting a lot of undeserved waiver wire love. Andy Dalton’s ownership continues to inexplicably
rise. I think he was my 20th
ranked QB this preseason, and that’s roughly how he’s been playing. I get that Tyler Eifert’s eventual return
will give him a bump. But let’s not
overreact: Dalton will continue to be a non-QB1 most weeks.
Some folks are chasing points by using a valuable waiver pick on Steve
Smith Sr. His ESPN ownership has spiked over
20% this week to 78.3%. The aged star cannot
be trusted as an every-week starter, not only because his recent production has
come at the expense of talents like Mike Wallace and Dennis Pitta, but also
because the running game will continue to improve, thanks to Baltimore’s
coaches finalizing realizing Justin Forsett isn’t the answer. Expect a more balanced attack going forward
as Smith reverts to WR3/4/5 territory.
And finally, Dontrelle Inman: There are few clearer examples of “chasing
points.” A confluence of unlikely events
turned afterthought Inman into a fantasy stud Week 4. His ESPN ownership has increased nearly 19%
since then. Don't follow the herd. Inman won’t average more than five fantasy
points per game these next few weeks, reminding folks that success isn’t always
a precursor to more success.