Yesterday J.J. Puorro raised an interesting point that might be interesting to dive into--that in light of COVID, "some teams will have to get by with replacement-level players for a few weeks at a time."
I think this is an entirely reasonable prediction. If the season begins as planned, COVID might force teams to widen their pool of targeted free agents. Could we see a Jamaal Charles or Chris Johnson signing? Might Antonio Gates or Vernon Davis return? Is Jordy Nelson done? Could Josh McCown handle the reins one last time?
Surely there are dozens of names out there. But that's the problem, I suppose: in key offensive fantasy positions, I can't think of a ton of names. Maybe if injuries decimate teams across the league, a Carson Palmer or Matt Forte or DeMarco Murray could still provide a boost. But with so many guys already opting out, how many potential fantasy-capable players are left? So first off, let's hear some names: which out-of-work guys could become fantasy stars this year if things break right (or, said differently, if things break wrong)?
Then there's the question of team dynamics. If a team is decimated with COVID, who among the remaining players will want to continue? And even if they're willing to brave the risks, now they're playing alongside a bunch of replacement guys they've probably never played with before. Take Matthews Stafford, who yesterday joined Kenny Golladay and T.J. Hockenson on the reserve/COVID-19 list. With all respect to preseason Hall-of-Famer Chase Daniel, how will players adjust if, for example, Stafford and Golladay decide the risks are too great and opt out? Will there be a ripple effect?
So let's hear it: Which former NFL players should be drafted in all deep leagues? And is it reasonable to expect players to stick around if their offensive anchor opts out?
I think this is an entirely reasonable prediction. If the season begins as planned, COVID might force teams to widen their pool of targeted free agents. Could we see a Jamaal Charles or Chris Johnson signing? Might Antonio Gates or Vernon Davis return? Is Jordy Nelson done? Could Josh McCown handle the reins one last time?
Surely there are dozens of names out there. But that's the problem, I suppose: in key offensive fantasy positions, I can't think of a ton of names. Maybe if injuries decimate teams across the league, a Carson Palmer or Matt Forte or DeMarco Murray could still provide a boost. But with so many guys already opting out, how many potential fantasy-capable players are left? So first off, let's hear some names: which out-of-work guys could become fantasy stars this year if things break right (or, said differently, if things break wrong)?
Then there's the question of team dynamics. If a team is decimated with COVID, who among the remaining players will want to continue? And even if they're willing to brave the risks, now they're playing alongside a bunch of replacement guys they've probably never played with before. Take Matthews Stafford, who yesterday joined Kenny Golladay and T.J. Hockenson on the reserve/COVID-19 list. With all respect to preseason Hall-of-Famer Chase Daniel, how will players adjust if, for example, Stafford and Golladay decide the risks are too great and opt out? Will there be a ripple effect?
So let's hear it: Which former NFL players should be drafted in all deep leagues? And is it reasonable to expect players to stick around if their offensive anchor opts out?