Waiver Watch:
Last week’s prediction about Panther’s Rico Dowdle held true: the running back exceeded expectations, racking up 34 fantasy points and 180 rushing yards. While he has now been picked off virtually every waiver, a trade for him would be extremely beneficial, since he will take on the Jets’ weak defense next week.
Due to the high number of injured 49er’s players, an unlikely wide receiver star has risen to the spotlight: Kendrick Bourne. After his recent explosive performances of 25 and 20 points, he is still only rostered by less than 40% of Fantasy teams, meaning he is available on many waivers. He will receive a large portion of the passes against the strong Falcons’ defense next week due to teammate injuries and his apparent talent.
Trade Targets:
The biggest Fantasy surprise has undoubtedly been the Buccaneers’ quarterback, Baker Mayfield; no one expected him to rise to second in the position ranks. He has been consistently exceptional this year, putting up no scores less than 17 points and highs of 23 and 27. He will match up against a mix of defenses in the next week, like the Lions, Saints and Patriots. I predict that he will continue this consistent start to the season. He is a great quarterback to trade for to start over an injured one.
A pair to sign is Patriots tight end Hunter Henry and his fellow wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Both will play against an extremely low-tier defense next week in the Titans and will likely receive a primary portion of the passing receptions. Signing this duo could mean a surplus of 40 combined points; a trade upfront for these two could include two wide receivers, even throwing in a weak running back or tight end.
While Ravens’ running back Derrick Henry has not had the strongest start to the season with many fumbles, now is the time to trade for him. With his trade stock slightly lowering with last week’s bye, when Lamar Jackson returns back the Ravens’ offense will improve significantly. Until the Fantasy Football playoffs, Henry goes up against two of the worst run defenses in the NFL back-to-back, Chicago and Miami. Even though a trade for him might make you give up too much, it is completely worth it.
Injury Interruption:
While defenses have not been mentioned yet in this column, it is certainly worth noting the failing 49er’s defense. With recent scores of 0, 2, and -1 points, their All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner recently dislocated his ankle, meaning he will be sidelined for the rest of the season along with the sensational Nick Bosa. With this pair out, notable pressure will not be present on opposing quarterbacks and running backs, meaning even lower scores will ail the 49er’s defense.
Offensive Player of the Year, Puka Nacua, unfortunately left last week’s game against the Ravens with an ankle injury. Despite this injury, Nacua has been ethereal this season, consistently scoring more than 22 points in each of his performances, excluding last week’s early exit. As of now, he is expected to return Week 9 against the Saints, where he is hopeful to continue this amazing opening campaign.
Rising Rookies:
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is finally gaining traction; by scoring 18 points last week, his season is kicking off with a promising start. While the Panthers will continue to go run-heavy by feeding star running back Rico Dowdle a large portion of the snaps, he will play against an inconsistent pass defense next week in the Jets, where the ball might be thrown to him more frequently.
Blown Bets:
Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray has yet to score more than 20 points. Two weeks ago, he played against a pitiful Titans defense, yet he only managed to score 15 points. With a foot injury sidelining Murray last week, his backup, Jacoby Brissett, scored an impressive 20 points. While a date has not been set for Murray’s return, an injury will definitely not make him play any better than he already has.
Team of the Week:
The Falcons upset the widely considered best team in the league, or the Bills. Their star trio, Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Michael Penix Jr., combined for an insane 83 points. While this trio looks extremely strong on paper, their 3-2 record does not reflect this talent. However, this is just the start of the trio’s success, and more is definitely to come in further weeks.
Although all these predictions are based on stats and logic, nobody can foresee what will happen in any given Fantasy league. It is up to you as a manager to make your roster choices and hope for the best.
