Another Sunday in the books! We all witnessed one of the most surprising performances in recent memory! Mike White had the best first NFL start in NFL history! The Jets took down the top Bengals. Makes sense right!?! We saw players such as Kenneth Gainwell fall flat, while players such as Michael Carter became every week starters. This week we see the Lions, Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Washington Football Team on a bye. This list was compiled using ESPN’s rostered percentage and most players are under 50% rostered.
Running Backs
Adrian Peterson, Tennesee Titans, 10 team priority
Adrian Peterson has been signed immediately to the Titans and should see playing time immediately. He should be added all around, but pump the brakes on the veteran as he may be eased into the offense, and Jeremy McNichols is the only back there right now with experience. I see Peterson being the main goal to go back, but McNichols will pick up more playing time.
Jeremy McNichols, Tennesee Titans, 10 team priority
Jeremy McNichols has been the main pass-catching back for the Titans, and I expect him to be more involved now. This week he caught all three of his targets for 33 yards. If I am in a PPR league, I am making this a priority add, especially if I rostered Derrick Henry.
Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles, 5% rostered, 10 team priority
With Miles Sanders hitting IR, Kenneth Gainwell was the talk of the week. Well, Boston Scott took over. He had 12 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns and was targeted once. Gainwell wasn’t targeted in the air and carried 13 times for 27 yards. The way it stands, Boston Scott is the running back to roster until Miles Sanders comes back.
Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville Jaguars, 7% rostered, 12 team priority
James Robinson left early with a heel injury. The Jaguars are a disaster of a team, but anytime an RB1 comes in, you have to look. Depending on Robinson’s injury, Hyde potentially is the starter. He had nine rushes for 32 yards, but also caught six of eight targets for 40 yards. Urban Meyer does not know the extent of the injury yet, but this is something to monitor as a flex play going forward.
Ty Johnson, New York Jets, 5% rostered, 12 team priority
The Jets looked fantastic this week. Something that was not expected. Michael Carter is a legit high-end RB2 going forward, and Ty Johnson is becoming an excellent complementary back. He only had four carries for 15 yards, but he caught five of six targets for 71 yards and a clutch touchdown. The Jets' success is in the short passing game, and that benefits the backfield immensely.
Jaret Patterson, Washington Football Team, 1% rostered, 14 team priority
With Antonio Gibson, not 100%, and JD McKissic being the pass-catching back, Jaret Patterson filled in with 11 carries for 46 yards and saw one target. Gibson carried the ball only eight times, so it’s clear he’s not 100% and Patterson may get more looks going forward.
Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints, 25% rostered, 14 team priority
The newest member of the New Orleans Saints didn’t have a big day, but considering he just was traded, this could be his floor. Mark Ingram had six carries for 27 yards and caught both of his targets for 25 yards. With Jameis Winston possibly done for the year, expect the Saints to rely on the run game a lot more.
Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles, 1% rostered, 12-14 team priority
With Miles Sanders on IR, and Boston Scott seeming to take over the top role in the backfield, Jordan Howard outplayed Kenneth Gainwell carrying the ball 12 times for 57 yards and two touchdowns. He is a dart throw option to see if he gets more looks, but this was an impressive performance for Howard.
Devonta Freeman, Baltimore Ravens, 14% rostered, 12-14 team priority
With the Ravens on a bye week, Devonta Freeman may have been left on your waiver wire. He has seen double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back weeks, and scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. He’s someone worth adding if you have the need.
Houston Texans Backfield
I just put them all in one here. It’s hard to trust any of them as it seems they go off of the game flow. This week Rex Burkhead had four rushes for 21 yards and a touchdown. Phillip Lindsay had three rushes for 8 yards. David Johnson had two rushes for four yards and only one catch. Burkhead had three catches for 27 yards and seems to be the running back on the roster right now, but that can’t be trusted week to week.
Wide Receivers
Jamison Crowder, New York Jets, 19% rostered, 12 team priority
The Jets shocked everyone this week. Jamison Crowder is under the trade deadline speculation, so either way he’s worth an add all over. He caught eight of nine targets for 84 yards and also threw a touchdown on a two-point conversion on a Philly Special. With Mike White playing the way he did, Crowder is worth a look and a decent flex play.
Devante Parker, Miami Dolphins, 56% rostered, 12 team priority
Devante Parker had a great comeback off injury catching eight of 11 targets for 85 yards. He has not seen less than seven targets all season and should be the top add if he is available in your league.
Nico Collins, Houston Texans, 2% rostered, Dynasty priority
Nico Collins is someone to keep an eye on as he gets better every week coming off an injury. He caught all four of his targets for 55 yards. He has seen four or more targets in his three games back, and could see an increase if Tyrod Taylor plays next Sunday,
Van Jefferson, Los Angeles Rams, 8% rostered, Dynasty priority
With the news of Desean Jackson seeking a trade, Van Jefferson essentially slides into the WR3 role. He caught three of six targets for 88 yards. Last week he saw seven targets, and this week he had six. With his role set to increase more, he’s someone worth keeping an eye on.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens, 20% rostered, 12 team priority
With the Ravens on a bye week, Rashod Bateman likely slipped through the cracks and could be on your waiver wire. In the two games Bateman has played, he has seen six targets in both games. Keep an eye on him, as the breakout is coming.
Will Fuller, Miami Dolphins, 40% rostered, 12 team priority
Will Fuller is close to returning, and his talent is intriguing for an add all over the place. He has great speed, and with Miami getting Devonte Parker back, Fuller would act as a great compliment.
Tajae Sharpe, Atlanta Falcons, 0% rostered, Deep league priority
With the news of Calvin Ridley stepping aside from football, and we hope all is ok with him! The big question is who outside Kyle Pitts is going to be getting the target share. Tajae Sharpe caught five of six targets for 58 yards. Gage did not receive a single target, much less catch a pass. Sharpe is someone to monitor as the season goes along.
Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers, 6% rostered, 12 team priority
With Eric Ebron injured, Pat Freiermuth stepped in as a TE1. He caught four of seven passes for 44 yards and a touchdown. If you need to stream tight ends, he has seen seven targets in back-to-back games.
Dan Arnold, Jacksonville Jaguars, 4% rostered, 14 team priority
The Jaguars aren’t exactly a good football team, but the addition of Dan Arnold has helped. He caught eight of ten targets for 68 yards. If you’re in a two-tight end league or hit with injuries, Arnold is worth a speculative add.
Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team, 51% rostered, 12 team priority
Logan Thomas is still injured, but he is close to a return and should be added wherever he was dropped if you have a need at tight end, as he was hyped all offseason as a breakout candidate. He is worth the risk to see if he breaks out more.
Quarterbacks
Mike White, New York Jets, 1% rostered, Superflex Priority
Well, this was a pure shocker! J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!!! What a crazy game that probably knocked half the country out of their picks leagues. White, filling in for the injured Zach Wilson, threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns. The two interceptions he had were not his fault as they were all tipped. He also caught a touchdown pass on a two-point conversion. He completed 37 of 45 passes as well. This is a shock for the Jets, and they have the Colts on Thursday night football. Let the hype begin!
Trevor Siemian/Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints, Superflex Priority
With the news of Jameis Winston likely out for the season, Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill become options. Siemian completed 16 of 29 for 159 yards and a touchdown filling in for Winston. Hill is still in concussion protocol, so if he is cleared, he likely starts but this is something to watch. Also, keep an eye on the trade deadline or possibly free agent Cam Newton?
Taylor Heinicke, Washington Football Team, 21% rostered, Superflex Priority
Taylor Heinicke completed 24 of 39 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown. He only had one rush for 10 yards versus last week’s ten rushes. He is on a bye week coming up so there is no need to use a waiver claim on him, but if you need a quarterback, this is an option that may be an under-the-radar pick.
For more options, or questions about these, you can reach me on Twitter @NMimi. Otherwise, you can always check me out on the Stack Attack Fantasy Podcast.