The 2018 season is off to a wild start with more yards, touchdown passes, and points being scored through four weeks than in NFL history. Mitch Truth-bisky, who is on the waiver wire, did his part this past week, tossing six touchdowns against the Bucs. Vets are getting injured and rookies are breaking out. What follows are a few recommendations for players that should contribute to your team but are currently available in most leagues.
RUNNING BACK
Ronald Jones II: Jones didn’t exactly have an inspiring preseason. As a result, he found himself affixed firmly to the bench in Tampa. Then the Bucs traveled to Soldier Field and the Bears decisively put an end to any notion that either Ryan Fitzpatrick or Peyton Barber should be starting for the Buccaneers. As a result, come week six, Jameis and Jones will be the starters. The Buccaneers’ ground game has been disgusting so far but Jones could change all of that. He is worth a pick-up.
Colts Backfield: I have been advocating picking up Nyheim Hines since week one when it became painfully obvious the Luck would need to lean heavily on dump-offs to someone out of the backfield. The Colts haven’t been able to the run ball effectively and they will likely be playing catch-up with the Pats on Thursday. Hines should see a ton of targets yet again. In other Colts backfield news, Old Bob Turbin is coming back from suspension this week. There is a chance he could provide the spark on the ground that the Colts were lacking. I’m sure the Colts never envisioned him as their #1 running back but the job is his for the taking. They are owned in 33% and 2% of leagues, respectively.
Seahawks Backfield: Nope. No thank you. Pete Carroll is a tremendous personality and a wonderful motivator, but I’m not sure he knows what the hell he is doing as a play-caller. The offensive line is bad and at any moment someone like Mike Davis might become the lead guy while they bench their rookie first-rounder. Remember when people hated the Pat’s backfield approach in fantasy? This is worse. Pick up Davis if you have to, I guess. #gross.
Nick Chubb: Of all the rookie running backs, I was the most excited for Nick Chubb. Then Cleveland took him. A team with a notoriously bad head coach, that had just paid a middling veteran decent cash to come play in the Factory of Sadness. Seeing Baker thrive may have opened the eyes of Hue Jackson to the virtue of getting talented rookies playing time. Maybe. Chubb only got three carries against the Raiders on Saturday but he turned them into 100+ yards and two touchdowns. Even Hue Jackson can’t deny the talent. Hyde is still the lead back for now but we are at the dawning of the Age of Chubb. Better to stash him now then get burned by him in the playoffs.
Foreman: Speaking of stashes, D’Onta Foreman is coming back soon and Lamar Miller is the definition of a J-A-G. If you have the roster spot, he isn’t a bad grab-and-stash.
WIDE RECEIVER
John Brown: After week one, I wrote an article proclaiming John Brown to be the priority waiver wire grab. Now, headed into week five, Brown is the #12 WR in fantasy, scoring more than 14 ppg in a .5ppr. Somehow he remains available in almost 40% of leagues. Guys. C’mon. They are literally giving us the answers to the test, all we have to do is pay attention. As long as Brown stays healthy, he will be a valuable commodity for your team. If he is on the waiver in your league, go pick him up. Now.
Keke Coutee: Watson loves to throw the football. He has thrown for over 300 yards in each of the last three weeks. Lamar Miller contributes almost nothing to the offense and Fuller looks like he will miss some time. Watson won’t be able to throw it to Hopkins every time. Coutee is talented and the Texans need him right now. This is a plug-and-play pick up on a team that throws more than just about everyone. Coutee is a no-brainer.
TIGHT END
QUARTERBACK
Mitchell Trubisky: One, two, three, four, five, six. Six Touchdowns! AH AH AH! This waiver wire pickup has been endorsed by The Count from Sesame Street.
Andy Dalton: It makes me feel gross and nervous, but Dalton continues to perform as a QB1 through the first quarter of the season. If you need a streamer or even a full-time starter, you could do worse.
Marcus Mariota: After enduring a rough start to the season and an uber-weird timeshare with Blaine Gabbert, Mariota lit the Eagles up for a 30 fantasy-point performance. His passes looked crisp (Corey Davis a stud) and he got his legs churning for some action on the ground as well. Mariota is volatile but the upside is there.
