My load-up-on-RB-handcuffs strategy works every season because, as we all know, RBs are the most fragile position players. #1 WRs and obvious #1 TEs and clear #1 QBs rarely, if ever, drop on the depth chart. But every year, RB injuries create openings for newcomers, and ill-timed fumbles force some coaches to say, "I've seen enough."
In last night's opening contest between the Steelers and Giants, a James Conner ankle injury opened the door for Benny Snell, one of six RB handcuffs I drafted last Wednesday night. Now the question is, what do I do with Snell? Well, I already made an offer with the manager who has Conner, offering Snell for Will Fuller. I doubt he'll bite, but that's the caliber of player I think I can get for a guy who could be no worse than a split-time back in a solid offense, and at best could start some games.
The key with RB handcuffs is knowing when to sell, and when to use them. I desperately need a reliable #2 RB. That said, there's no certainty Snell can fill this role, particularly if Conner returns next week and performs well. So as much as I like Snell's potential, I'm ready to cash out for a top 16-24 WR if I can swing it.
Elsewhere, JuJu Smith-Schuster reminded us that only a year ago he was a popular preseason near-elite WR. The risk, of course, is that Big Ben is a poor bet to play 15+ games, and we all saw what happened when Ben went down last year. We also saw Saquon Barkley struggle. What a great buy-low opportunity, though. Not that his managers want to get rid of him. But if you can get him for a late first rounder (like Tyreek Hill or even Julio Jones), if you're that eager for a pretty reliable top-5 RB, it's highly likely he won't have another game as bad as this one.
Meanwhile, I've knocked John Elway's signing of Melvin Gordon this summer, and I'll keep doing it. Gordon lost three fumbles last year and lost another last night. His career YPC is sub-par. His career YPC is sub-par. Yes, he came through in the fourth. No, he’s not a weekly starter—unless Phillip Lindsay’s injury isn’t serious.
And I'll admit to giving up on Corey Davis last year, when A.J. Brown largely made him irrelevant. Davis is now in the last year of his contract and is playing for a starting job somewhere. A former #5 overall pick, he should not be viewed as a Week 1 fluke. Any David rebound would be terrible news for Brown, as this passing attack probably can't sustain more than one fantasy receiver per week.
In last night's opening contest between the Steelers and Giants, a James Conner ankle injury opened the door for Benny Snell, one of six RB handcuffs I drafted last Wednesday night. Now the question is, what do I do with Snell? Well, I already made an offer with the manager who has Conner, offering Snell for Will Fuller. I doubt he'll bite, but that's the caliber of player I think I can get for a guy who could be no worse than a split-time back in a solid offense, and at best could start some games.
The key with RB handcuffs is knowing when to sell, and when to use them. I desperately need a reliable #2 RB. That said, there's no certainty Snell can fill this role, particularly if Conner returns next week and performs well. So as much as I like Snell's potential, I'm ready to cash out for a top 16-24 WR if I can swing it.
Elsewhere, JuJu Smith-Schuster reminded us that only a year ago he was a popular preseason near-elite WR. The risk, of course, is that Big Ben is a poor bet to play 15+ games, and we all saw what happened when Ben went down last year. We also saw Saquon Barkley struggle. What a great buy-low opportunity, though. Not that his managers want to get rid of him. But if you can get him for a late first rounder (like Tyreek Hill or even Julio Jones), if you're that eager for a pretty reliable top-5 RB, it's highly likely he won't have another game as bad as this one.
Meanwhile, I've knocked John Elway's signing of Melvin Gordon this summer, and I'll keep doing it. Gordon lost three fumbles last year and lost another last night. His career YPC is sub-par. His career YPC is sub-par. Yes, he came through in the fourth. No, he’s not a weekly starter—unless Phillip Lindsay’s injury isn’t serious.
And I'll admit to giving up on Corey Davis last year, when A.J. Brown largely made him irrelevant. Davis is now in the last year of his contract and is playing for a starting job somewhere. A former #5 overall pick, he should not be viewed as a Week 1 fluke. Any David rebound would be terrible news for Brown, as this passing attack probably can't sustain more than one fantasy receiver per week.