By Winsto (10/16/2022)
Fantasy's Golden Rule
If you entered the weekend questioning whether or not you should bench one of your stars because of a difficult match-up this weekend, then this next statement is specifically for you: NEVER BENCH YOUR STARS!
Darrell Henderson (RB) had little competition and a plus match-up with Carolina’s run defense while Christian McCaffrey (RB), with a 3rd string QB, squared up against the formidable Los Angeles Rams. And what happened? Henderson (52 total yards and a TD) was outscored by McCaffrey (168 total yards), who did not even get into the endzone. Yes, Henderson had a better match-up, but no, Henderson is not McCaffrey.
The talk of the week was Eno Benjamin (RB) rolling over the hapless run defense of Seattle. Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley (RB) faced the tough Baltimore rush defense. It was not even close, as Barkley basically did what Barkley does-95 total yards and a TD, and Benjamin finished with 65 scoreless total yards. Yes, Benjamin had a much better match-up today, but Benjamin is not Barkley. There are few absolutes in this life, but NEVER BENCH YOUR STARS in fantasy football is one of them.
Yes, the two above examples are probably on the extreme side, but I cannot tell you how many times I see people debating these decisions. Is it possible a week will happen that a lesser talented player outproduces a star because of the match-ups? Yes, it does occasionally happen, but more often than not, talent finds a way. That’s what makes a fantasy star a fantasy star. That is why you drafted those guys. Do not fall into the trap of overthinking it.
As for those of you who already know and adhere to this rule, this is simply your yearly confirmation.
Talented Young Players Shine
Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III were the top two running backs taken in the 2022 draft, and for good reason. Both performed well, with Hall accumulating 121 total yards and TD and Walker gaining 110 total yards and a TD. I do not see why that success will not continue. Consider both as top 12 RBs the rest of the way.
Meanwhile, second year player Rhamondre Stevenson (RB) had a nice day for New England, with 91 total yards and 2 Tds. As long as Damien Harris is out, he is also a top 12 RB. Even with Harris, he is still an upper RB3. Staying on the same team, welcome to the fantasy relevance Tyquan Thornton (WR). In the rookie 2nd round pick’s second game of the season, he had 51 total yards and 2 TDs. Were they a bit fluky? He is fast. Bill Belichik has been searching for a playmaker at the the wide receiver position for several years now. I think Thornton will be more thoroughly involved in the offense as the season progresses. He is not a bad waiver wire pick-up this week, just to see how he progresses.
Second year pro Ja’Marr Chase (WR) had four straight ho-hum games going into today’s Cincinnati-New Orleans match-up. Cincinnati seemed to have opened up its offense (passing 37 times and running 14), which resulted in 132 receiving yards and 2 TDs. If that trend continues, Chase should reestablish himself as a top 8 fantasy wide receiver (at minimum).
Tight End Talent Intrigue
For those of you who have scrambled week in and week out trying to find some semblance of fantasy fortune at the Tight End position, , I would rush to the waiver wire for Robert Tonyan (TE) from Green Bay. In Green Bay’s loss to the New York Jets, he definitely was the apple of Aaron Rodgers’s eye, as he led the team in receptions with 10 and accounted for almost a 30% target share. (He led all tight ends in targets in Week 6). Yes, I know that Tonyan has teased us in the past, but I also know that Aaron Rodgers has his circle of trust and he throw many passes to the players in that cirlce. I also know that Tonyan has never had more than 7 targets in a game until Sunday, when he had 12. If there is even a chance that he could come close to replicating those numbers on a weekly basis, he is worthy of a waiver wire pick-up (assuming he is available).
In Tampa Bay surprising loss to Pittsburgh, tight end, Cameron Brate was carted off the field today. We here at fantasyrooster.com are wishing him a speedy recovery. For fantasy purposes, the door is open for 4th round rookie Cade Otton. As I have mentioned before, there is upside here. Assuming Brate’s injury is a multi-week injury, Otton could play a significant role in an offense that is looking for stability. If you miss out on Tonyan, Otton is someone I would target.
I would also consider 4th round rookie Daniel Bellinger (TE) from the NYG, who went for 5 catches, 38 yards and a TD in New York’s win over Baltimore. His snap count has increased over the course of the season, and he could very well be a fantasy relevant tight end for the remainder of the season.
And Finally, Random Observations...
- Green Bay’s offense is not working as is. As I have stated before, unless it finds a better way to incorporate Christian Watson (WR) when he returns from injury or makes a move for receiver help outside the organization, then I think this inconsistency will continue.
- The Buffalo-Kansas City match-up was not quite the fireworks show we were hoping for. Buffalo pulled out the win, and both offenses did okay. Buffalo’s defense has proven to be solid. What we may also consider is that Kansas City’s defense is no pushover, and it somewhat held Buffalo in check despite missing three of its starters.
- Speaking of Kansas City, If you were hoping Clyde Edwards-Helaire would emerge as the workhorse running back this season, I think you need to readjust your expectations. Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco are not going away.
- Travis Etienne (RB) does look more explosive than James Robinson (RB), but I don’t think Robinson is going away. And no, I do not think JaMycal Hasty (RB) is fantasy relevant as long as the aforementioned Etienne and Robinson are healthy.
- Atlanta defeated San Francisco. I am trying to understand how, although 3 turnovers by San Francisco played a large role.
- Arizona’s offense simply does not look good. Maybe DeAndre Hopkins’s return will help, but I think the issues run deeper.
- At some point, Jameson Williams (WR) for Detroit will be activated and get on the field, and it may happen within the next 2-3 weeks. If you have an IR spot or even space on your bench (though very difficult during BYE weeks), he could be worth the wait.