Jared Goff and the Rams are tearing up the league, but unfortunately it seems to be taking a toll on his wide receivers.
Both Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp might sound like they should be spending their time in the kitchen, and maybe they will now as their likely to miss some time after both suffered concussive symptoms during Los Angeles 33-31 win at Seattle.
It’s unlikely to hinder 5-0 league leaders too much, though they’ll probably lean more on tight ends like Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett than their thinning receiver corps. It’s especially bad timing if they miss games because the Broncos are next in Sean McVay’s firing line.
Matt Breida, filling in for the IR-resident Jerick McKinnon, looks to have an ankle sprain, and experienced FFers will know how frustrating these can be as they linger for weeks. It’s a real shame for the second-year running-back who was a real steal in drafts after the starter went down.
Jay Ajayi is not quite the same loss in terms of production – Philly’s RB situ has been a bit of a mess this season for FF purposes – but, in terms of where he was drafted, his absence likely leaves a hole in rosters.
So who should you add this week to fix your fantasy foul ups?
Aug 25, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Alfred Morris (36) stiff arms Indianapolis Colts linebacker Matthew Adams (49) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Running Backs
Alfred Morris – 49ers
The former Cowboys and Redskins back seems to always crop up with some carries, and is in line for a big role if Breida misses significant time. He handled every carry last week after the injury and is an immediate starter for any team that needs an RB. Even if you don’t need him right now, he could be worth a pickup for your bench too.
Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood – Eagles
There’s a chance Clement is rostered already in your league and he’s been mentioned in these pages previously, but Philly’s backfield is such an unpredictable place that he may have been dropped too in your league.
If he has, he’s the most likely beneficiary of Ajayi’s injury.
If he’s not, I think Wendell Smallwood is worth having an investment in too if you’ve got the roster space, as he has shown he can make plays and things are still to shake out on the Eagles roster, so he could carve out a role.
Sep 16, 2018; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Jay Ajayi (26) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) tackles during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Davis – Seahawks
Davis is still a thing in Seattle based on the split in carries from Sunday’s game between himself and Chris Carson. They both looked good and Davis got goalline work and a juicy six-yard TD run. If he continues to see work, both Seahawks rushers can have FF value. Davis holds point-per-reception appeal and is a flex playat least if needed.
Ronald Jones – Buccaneers
There’s a good chance he’s rostered in your league as he was a hot prospect this summer, but he failed to nab the playing time expected when games started. Those ahead of him for the Bucs haven’t made the most of their opportunity though, so Jones is likely to see an increased workload in the coming weeks. If he’s available, pick him up.
Jamaal Charles – Jaguars
The Jags have signed the former Chief after Corey Grant went to injured reserve. With Leonard Fournette struggling thanks to a less-than-helpful hammy, Jacksonville looked very light at running back, and while some of us may dream of them making a move to get Le’Veon Bell in teal and black for the remainder of the season, signing a few vets was always the more likely route for them.
Charles had a season in Denver after being cut loose from KC, but did very little. It remains to be seen if he has anything in the tank, but if you’ve a spot available, this is a run-first team with an injury-prone starter and very little else. He’s a lottery ticket worth buying if you’re not deep at RB.
Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) dives for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters
Picture Supplied by Action Images
(TAGS: Sport American Football NFL) *** Local Caption *** 2015-09-29T021618Z_289674553_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NFL-KANSAS-CITY-CHIEFS-AT-GREEN-BAY-PACKERS.JPG
Receivers
Keke Coutee – Texans
This Keke shouldn’t go breaking your heart (forgive me this tribute to Chris Berman’s 45 years out-of-date pop references there), especially with the way Houston have indicated they are going to use him. He was a touted rookie by many, and should find some space now he’s healthy in Bill O’Brien’s gameplan, even with Will Fuller and the godly DeAndre Hopkins getting targetted most. I’d try to own him in any league he’s available.
Taylor Gabriel – Bears
Gabriel can be very useful if Mitchell “Mitch” Trubisky continues to improve under Matt Nagy’s guidance. Personally, I’m still sceptical of the Bears QB, but Gabriel is a dangerous runner after the catch and the inexperienced quarterback should build a rapport with him as the season goes on.
Sep 9, 2018; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) rushes with the football after catching a pass during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Marquez Valdes-Scantling – Packers
Put plainly, Aaron Rodgers has to throw to someone, doesn’t he? Maybe he can catch everything himself too?
Davante Adams is the only reliable receiver he’s got, and undrafted rookie MVS has staked a claim as Randall Cobb has underwhelmed and missed time. Geronimo Allison has thrown himself forward too, but is also suffering from the injury bug and is unlikely to play this week. He doesn’t look like a week-to-week reliable yet, but he could becoem that if he has another strong performance against the Niners.
Robby Anderson – Jets
He’s been an exciting option since he earned targets in 2016, but there have been some off-field issues that meant you’d always wonder if you could rely on him. An immediate problems look to have been swept aside in recent weeks, and he’s making plays on limited targets. Anderson is a boom-or-bust guy – his 123 yards and 2 TD performance last week against the Broncos came from just three catches – so you can’t rely on him, but the upside is there if you’re in a tough spot with injuries and byes.
David Moore – Seahawks
Even in training camp, the Seahawks receiver situation looked horrific. They signed Brandon Marshall as a desparation play, it hasn’t worked – he played just seven snaps against the Rams. Seattle is probably worth avoiding if possible for receivers, but if you’re in a league with plenty of bench sppots, I’d use one for Moore. He impressed in preseason games, and on limited time last week had two impressive TD catches. I’m adding him where I can afford the roster spot.
Sep 9, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) pulls in a touchdown against Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) in the third quarter at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Tight Ends
Austin Hooper – Falcons
Hooper continues to linger on waiver wires due to the lack of a breakout game this season, but he is posting steady numbers and should hopefully start delivering more solid results in what is a very favourable, pass-heavy offence.
Cameron Brate – Buccaneers
Tampa are coming off their bye this week, and are without OJ Howard for the foreseeable. Brate has been a favourite target for Jameis Winston, the starter now after FitzMagic’s inevitable flame-out, in the past and can post good numbers in this offence. If you’re without a starter due to injury or whiffing in the draft, Brate is a definite add.
Dec 3, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
CJ Uzomah – Bengals
Those of us who picked Tyler Kroft as our back up TE expecting the annual Eifert injury could feel smug for all of a week as his exciting replacement got hurt on Sunday and looks set to miss time too. CJ Uzomah is likely to step in now. With the Bengals offence purring soundly through the opening weeks, he’s worth a shot.
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield – Browns
With Drew Brees and Matt Stafford two FF mainstays getting the week off, it’s time to look at Baker Mayfield. I know, you won’t quite feel safe about starting a Browns QB, but this time it’s different, I promise. The rookie has electrified the Ohioans throw a hanful of appearances, and nothing breeds confidence like winning. Also, his upcoming schedule of games includes some very lax defences, so he could have value beyond this week too.
Jameis Winston – Buccaneers
We all saw what Mr “Did-you-know-he-went-to-Harvard?” FitzPatrick could do with the weapons in this offence. Winston may not put up the same numbers, but he can still be serviceable starter in your team if you’re stuck.
Punch in a touchdown with PaddyPower.com’s NFL odds