By Winsto (11/14/2022)
So, there were several players at the start of the season who seemed to be in a position to have solid fantasy seasons. However, they did not get off to a strong start and were probably dropped in most leagues. And look, unless you are in deep leagues, I cannot blame you for dropping any of these guys. Tough decisions have to be made, particularly during Bye weeks. The point here is that these players were drafted at the beginning of the season for a reason. Sometimes, it just takes longer for things to develop for some players compared to others–think about Aman-Ra St. Brown (WR-Detroit) just last year. Yesterday showed that patience is key, as these players shined and should prove to be valuable pieces to your fantasy roster moving forward.
Cole Kmet (TE-Chicago)–Before the season began, I was all in on Kmet. I even suggested he could finish as a Top 5 tight end on the season. (Note: Pay no attention to that Russell Wilson section in the article link. Nothing to see there.) Through the first seven weeks, it seemed I was completely wrong and idiotic to think such a crazy thing. BUT, over the last few weeks, as Chicago’s passing game has arrived in the 21st Century, Kmet has easily been a top five tight end, with a solid 74 receiving yards and 2 TD performance yesterday. Remember, I said he could finish as a Top 5 tight end–I didn’t say he would start off as a Top 5 tight end. Do you see how important our choice of words can be? The reality is Kmet is now in the TE1 discussion. Back-to-back weeks with multiple touchdowns at the tight end position cannot be ignored.
Christian Watson (WR-Green Bay)–Of course he has a ridiculous game (4-107-3 Tds on a 40% target share) the one week prior I do not discuss how high his potential is. Of course. Aaron Rodgers tends to zone in on one wide receiver, whether that be Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, or Davante Adams, during his career. If Watson has now entered into Rodgers’s circle of trust, the sky is the limit. The only concern, really, is health, as Watson has had trouble staying healthy this season.
Isiah Pacheco (RB-Kansas City)–I will admit that I have probably cut players off a few of my fantasy teams that I should not have rather than cut Pacheco. Yesterday, his 16 carries for 82 yards (and a fumble lost) was nothing super exciting, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire did not have a single carry. Jerick McKinnon only ran once for 2 yards.. In addition, Pacheco played 56% of the snaps compared to Edwards-Helaire’s 6%. Has the changing of the guard FINALLY taken place? It may be a bit soon to be certain, but the signs are there. McKinnon, who played 38% of the snaps, is still going to catch passes out of this backfield, as he went 6-56, but Pacheco’s stock has risen substantially.
Rachaad White (RB-Tampa Bay)–Ugh!! After I suggested that it may not matter if White earns more playing time because Leonard Fournette is not going anywhere barring injury, Leonard Fournette hurts his hip, leaves the game, and allows White to have a 22-105 rushing day. If Fournette’s injury proves substantial, then White may be a solid fantasy producer down the stretch. Just temper expectations, as Tampa Bay’s rushing attack has been fairly brutal, aside from yesterday, this season.
Justin Fields (QB-Chicago)–Wow! Talk about a turnaround. To say he has been on fire of late is an understatement. Over the past 4 weeks, he has 555 rushing yards, 810 passing yards, and 14 total TDs. He also gets Atlanta next week. I would say, at worst, he is a top 8 QB going forward, and I am probably underestimating here. I would like to see a little more passing and little less running, though, as I always have concern for injury, but I am probably nitpicking here.