Jamison Crowder

Waiver Wire Adds: Week 1

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Waiver Wire Adds: Week 1

By Tim Lazenby

 

The 2022-23 Season is officially upon us tomorrow and although waiver wire adds aren't really necessary at this point, it can't hurt to have some names in mind.  Keep in mind, most of these players should be available except for deeper leagues.  Some of these players can pay immediate dividends, while others are only an injury away from greatness.  If you're looking to stay ahead of the game, keep these names in your back pocket.

 

Wide Receivers

 

Devin Duvernay - Baltimore Ravens @ NY Jets

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

For many, the Ravens receiving room is still wide open.  We all know that Rashod Bateman is the receiver to have in Baltimore, but you're kidding yourself if you think Lamar Jackson will only be throwing to Bateman and Mark Andrews.  There's also the possibility that they spread the ball more as Bateman is untested.  The team, and the league for that matter, loves Duvenay for what he does on special teams and I think he's ready to turn heads on the offense.

 

Jarvis Landry - New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta

The last couple seasons haven't been spectacular for Landry, but it's hard to place the entire blame on him.  Moving into a situation with a rejuvenated and healthy quarterback, paired with a fantastic opportunity, many are sleeping on Juice.  It may take Michael Thomas time to take the reigns, if he even can.  And Chris Olave, although talented, may take time to gain trust.  This leaves Landry with an excellent landing spot and super cheap for you.  It doesn't hurt that his next game is at Detroit either.

 

Jalen Guyton - Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas

Oh so many weapons for Justin Herbert!  The name that is often lost is Guyton.  Last season, he served very admirably as the number three, but with the emergence of dynasty darling, Josh Palmer, many are leaving Guyton at the draft table.  Make no mistake, there is plenty to go around at the table for the Chargers and you can have a great piece in Guyton for free in many cases.

 

Jamison Crowder - Buffalo Bills @ LA Rams

The Buffalo Bills are in need of a slot receiver with Emmanuel Sanders no longer employed by the team.  And while the fantasy accolades at wide receiver usually go to Stefon Diggs, Sanders did quite well in his own rite for Josh Allen.  The dynasty community may have already crowned a different winner, but Crowder already has the experience and has shown he can succeed in the slot with less than great quarterback play.

 

Running Backs

 

Ameer Abdullah - Las Vegas Raiders @ LA Chargers

Abdullah, like many running backs for the list will have a difficult time succeeding immediately, but with the release of Josh Jacobs' old handcuff that we'll talk about shortly, the door is wide open for Abdullah.  Sure, there is rookie competition, but with the team making massive improvements and Abdullah costing next to nothing, it makes a lot of sense to snatch him up while you can.

 

Kenyan Drake - Baltimore Ravens @ NY Jets

Drake is an anomaly.  He never gets to stay in one place very long, but when given the opportunity, he can make the most of it.  We all want JK Dobbins to succeed, but in the off chance he doesn't, there aren't too many backups that can make the most of it like Drake can.  And Baltimore is a running back's dream come true.  Just ask Devonta Freeman managers how they enjoyed his time there.

 

D'Ernest Johnson - Cleveland Browns @ Carolina

In his limited starting capacity last season, Johnson was stellar.  And with Kareem Hunt asking for a trade officially, this opens the door to the possibility of handcuff anxiety in Cleveland.  We all also know that as much as we want Nick Chubb to get the entire backfield to himself, he actually thrives on sharing and getting the golden touches.  When Hunt moves Johnson will be unobtainable, so get him while you can.

 

Sony Michel - Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas

So far Michel has been somewhat of a fantasy flop thus far.  And since leaving the Patriots, it's been a whirlwind of movement but now he lands with the Chargers.  Most leagues have already prepared themselves with Joshua Kelley as Austin Ekeler's handcuff, but he hasn't made the best of his opportunities thus far in his career.  And while Michel hasn't been stellar either, I wouldn't mind a piece of this offense that is free in some leagues.

 

Quarterbacks

 

Jameis Winston - New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta

If you are playing superflex, virtually no starting quarterbacks will be available, but in one quarterback or smaller leagues, you may be lucky enough to have Winston available.  Last year he was a new man and now he has the best weapons he has arguably ever had.  With a weak week one, even if you don't intend to keep him, he could turn you a nice profit if he's able to dominate the game like he should.

 

Carson Wentz - Washington Commanders vs Jacksonville

Just like with Winston, in many leagues you won't be able to get Wentz, but I was surprised to see how low the ownership was on him.  Many consider this Wentz's last chance, but don't fool yourself into thinking he was terrible last season.  While there was bad games, he also had some great ones too.  He now has more to throw to in a less run heavy offense and Jacksonville should ease him into his new role.  Week 2 he plays Detroit too, so that doesn't hurt his chances of getting off on the right foot.

 

Tight Ends

 

David Njoku - Cleveland Browns @ Carolina

The situation for a receiver in Cleveland certainly isn't peachy for the first 11 weeks.  But Jacoby Brissett isn't as bas as people make him out to be.  With a massive new contract and a new receiver room, I'm certain that the Browns will lean heavily on Njoku like they haven't done before.  If you missed out on one of the top tight ends earlier, Njoku is a cheap option that will massively outperform his expectations from the community.  Also, week two gives him the chance to play the NY Jets, so that should help.

 

Evan Engram - Jacksonville Jaguars @ Washington

Engram has been truly maddening to fantasy managers in the past.  He took us on highs and lows, but since his rookie season, he's been less than consistent to understate the obvious.  The new change of scenery with a generational quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and lack of star power should be just what the doctor ordered to kickstart his career back into TE1 relevance.

AFC East Best Values

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AFC East Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

It’s official.  April is one of the strangest months as a dynasty fantasy football fan.  It’s been long enough after the season to have done tons of start ups and mock drafts, but we’re still a long way away from the NFL Entry Draft.  So even though we’ve done tons of drafts, made many moves and performed our best tricks to improve our squads, we’re at the point where many are pretty much done.  Here’s the rub: if you’re done now, you’re sleeping on primetime to make moves.  With so many managers in neutral gear, now’s the time to rev it up.  Every team offers values for your fantasy squad and the AFC East is no different.  Here are the best values in the AFC East in dynasty.

 

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver - Jamison Crowder

It’s no secret that the Buffalo Bills are the team to beat in this division.  Boasting the best quarterback in the league for many doesn’t hurt.  Add in a deep receiving core, throw in an underrated running game and sprinkle in a dominant defense that keeps the Bills offense on the field, everyone should want a piece of this team in fantasy.  Everyone knows Stefon Diggs is good and it’s common news that Gabriel Davis is the “breakout” on so many lists right now, but there’s a name that not many are even talking about.  I didn’t even notice that Jamison Crowder had signed with the Bills at the time, but you should take notice.

Jamison Crowder isn’t the most exciting name in fantasy, but if he was ever on your squad while healthy, you know exactly what he brings to the table.  It is true that he has struggled with injuries, but the talent is fantastic when he’s on the field.  Truthfully, Crowder has never been able to benefit from elite quarterback play up until now.  Despite receiving catches from subpar talent, he’s performed extremely well in the slot.  And now that he’s with one of the best, he’ll shine even more.  You can argue that the slot receiver is undersized, but he’s bigger and younger than Cole Beasley.  Beasley, also a slot receiver, is now gone; vacating his plus 100 targets every season with Josh Allen.  It’s time for Crowder to feast, and he’ll cost you pennies on the dollar.

 

New England Patriots: Wide Receiver - Jakobi Meyers

Bill Belichick is a genius, that much can’t be debated.  His mind is just different from anyone else in the game and his resume is proof of it.  Even though I question his moves sometimes, because I’m just a schlub, he clearly knows more than me.  I wondered why certain players just couldn’t stick or highly drafted talents weren’t given more opportunity, but if it’s my mind versus Bill’s, I have to concede defeat.  It’s for this reason that I continue to buy Jakobi Meyers everywhere I can, as Belichick trusts him on the field.  Some of you may argue that Meyers was a bad buy before Davante Parker came to the Patriots and Meyers should be avoided even more now.  But to that I say, the timing is even better.

Jakobi Meyers is never a name that instills excitement in the fantasy community.  But there is one main reason that he excites me.  Despite playing for a rookie quarterback who took time to learn and grow, Meyers was very consistent.  And while he lacked the touchdowns last season, I have faith this statistic will improve.  We’re also forgetting that Davante Parker, while extremely talented, is incredibly inconsistent.  While this is largely due to injury, I’d rather have a steady player like Meyers.  While others are pawing at the “discount” in Parker, make sure you get the real discount in Jakobi Meyers.

 

Miami Dolphins: Quarterback - Tua Tagovailoa

Amid all the controversy and excitement of this offseason, some names are getting a lot of press.  Real life scandals and big trades have taken the forefront, so it’s even harder to focus on what makes our fantasy squads better.  The Miami Dolphins are a team that I thought would contend last season.  And while I looked very foolish early on, as the season drew to a close, I was looking more intelligent.  There were many players to take the blame for Miami’s losses last year, but I don’t think anyone blamed Tua Tagovailoa more than any other player on the Dolphins.

“So if he’s so terrible, why are you suggesting him as a player to acquire?”, asks the eager reader.  We have to remember that we are looking for values in this article.  If I were looking for a top tier starter, Tua wouldn’t be on this list, but as a discount QB2, he’s right at the top.  If Jaylen Waddle is so good, we have to place a value on Tua.  Miami has made many supporting moves this off season to give Tua his best chance at success.  And, the biggest reason of all, the Dolphins traded for Tyreek Hill.  These moves should have made owner’s salivate at the chance to roster him, but in the backs of most people’s minds, they’ll still say, “but it’s Tua”.  Don’t be one of those fools who can’t see the sure progression of the guy Miami took instead of Justin Herbert.  They’re invested and you’d be foolish to not invest at this price.

 

New York Jets: Running Back - Michael Carter

There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think of the New York Jets.  The real life fans have been through the fire with this franchise.  It must be truly maddening watching such highly touted prospects flop or leave your team in the basement.  But make no mistake, there is still treasure to be dug up on the Jets squad.  The most valuable Jets player is one of two in most people’s eyes.  One being wide receiver Elijah Moore and the other being running back, Michael Carter.  It’s funny in a way, because I see Moore as overpriced in drafts, while Michael Carter is not.  And even though he’s not “cheap”, he offers the best value on this team.

2021 was in many ways a terrible year for Michael Carter.  The Jets were, once again, one of the worst teams in the NFL.  Carter also spent a large portion of his rookie season on the mend.  But while others might see him as an injury risk playing on a horrible team, see him for the talent that he is.  The path for Carter to succeed is clear.  He’s young, has no true competition and is one of the only talented options to lean on.  Finding a starting running back for a discount is not easy, so it’s essential to take advantage when you can.  There are hurdles for sure, but Michael Carter is not one who is being held with tight fists by many managers.  This opens the door for you to make an attempt at gaining Michael Carter for way cheaper than he should be.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

Contender & Pretender Trade Targets: 

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Contender & Pretender Trade Targets: 

By Matt Kelley

We’re headed into the thick of week 7 this fantasy season, so you have a pretty good idea if you’re trending towards competing for a dynasty title or if you should be planning more for 2021. Here, I’ll look at four players you can target as either a contender, pretender, or possibly both. 

LA Chargers, TE, Hunter Henry:  One of the most difficult positions to lock down in fantasy, generally speaking, is TE. In finding success at the TE position, I look for a few key things: Are they on the field? Are they running routes? Are they connected to a good QB? Is their team utilizing them correctly? 

Hunter Henry is currently on the field for nearly 86% of snaps for the Chargers, ran 148 routes (good for 10th most), averaging nearly seven targets per game, and he’s tied to Justin Herbert who has looked incredible in his limited time taking over at the QB helm. As a nice added bonus, the Chargers are deploying Henry from the slot creating quite the mismatch on almost 29% of Henry’s snaps. Henry has only caught one TD thus far this season, but the arrow is pointing up for Henry in most every category. Henry does need to curtail his drops a bit, but that hasn’t stopped Herbert from targeting him or resulted in him coming off the field. Henry is approaching top 5 territory at the TE position, and you should snag him now before there’s a death grip on him from those that have him rostered already. Henry’s value is at a low enough point that you can target him as both a pretender or contender. 

Baltimore Ravens, RB, J.K. Dobbins: I wrote about Dobbins extensively leading up to the season and how I thought he would usurp Gus Edwards with relative ease and eventually Mark Ingram as well. Well, this taking a bit longer than I expected, and the Ravens are content with dividing up this backfield with all three of these backs. That being said, I lean towards trading Dobbins if you’re a pretender and building towards 2021. As much as we all want to see Dobbins get the bulk of opportunities, it may be later than we all want and if you’re a contender, I’m not sure you can afford to wait unless you can get by with him on your bench. That said, Mark Ingram looks like he’s hit a downturn and maybe a step behind his career pace. Ingram has been on the field 30% of the Ravens snaps, had 36% of the Ravens rush share, and is 32nd in rush yards with 225. He’s had two runs over 15 yards and evaded only 8 tackles. Dobbins has actually been on the field more than Ingram but has had less of the rush opportunities (25.8%). Despite that, Dobbins has three runs over 15 yards, has evaded nine tackles, and is the clearly superior pass catcher. I still believe #DobbinsSZN is a matter of when and not if. If you have the resources as someone shooting for 2021, this may be the best opportunity to trade for Dobbins. Should Ingram be out extended time or reinjure his ankle, the door may well slam shut on the opportunity to trade for J.K. Dobbins at his current value. 

Miami Dolphins, RB, Myles Gaskin: Nope, not Jordan Howard. Nope, not Matt Brieda. Myles Gaskin is the Miami Dolphins running back to roster and the running back to trade for as a contender. Does Gaskin have value past 2020? I’m...not entirely sure. Which is why I’m suggesting him for a win now type team and why you may not have to give up all that much to get him on your roster. Gaskin has been on the field for the Dolphins for 65% of their snaps and had 63% of their carries even after having single digit carries over the first two weeks. Gaskin has seen 29 targets for 27 total catches and 182 receiving yards. Gaskin has a workhorse share of the rushes and targets. The only downside (potentially) is the Dolphins making the shift to rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa this week, and we just don’t know what this offense will look like in terms of Tua running, dumping off passes, and being challenged by defenses. This is definitely a point to consider when trading for Gaskin and possibly creating a bit of value. I still like the potential for Gaskin to provide depth and help nudge a contender to a dynasty title. 

N.Y. Jets, WR, Jamison Crowder: Am I following up with recommending you trade for a Jet right after a Miami Dolphin? Yes, yes I am. It’s 2020, just embrace it. Crowder is an absolute PPR machine though, and much like Robert Woods of the L.A. Rams, he is a constant overlooked value. Even with Adam Gase as the coach, and even with Joe Flacco occasionally throwing him passes, Crowder excels. The Jets have actually used Crowder in the best possible role, the slot. Crowder has seen 73% of his snaps come from the slot this season. Albeit in this offense, his target share is a whopping 31.5% (21.4% in the red zone). This is elite. He has 190 yards after the catch. This is also elite territory.  Crowder probably has the most value not only this season but also going forward from anyone on this list, but he’s worth it. His floor is incredibly safe every week and he finds the endzone, you're golden for the week. If you’re in contention for a dynasty title, go after Crowder. He won’t cost you as much as the Deandre Hopkins or Michael Thomas’ of the world, but he’ll give you a (nearly) bust proof option in your lineup week in and week out. 

AFC East 2020 Fantasy Breakdown

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AFC East 2020 Fantasy Breakdown

By Steve Uetz

We begin our journey through the AFC with the AFC East. This is a very intriguing division for both real life and for fantasy football. Before we start, here is a reminder of what the team breakdowns are all about!

The team breakdowns will contain an overarching theme for each team or more specifically each offensive core. The offensive cores will be organized into four categories: FADE, NEUTRAL, BUY, and BIG BUY! ADP and auction values will somewhat reflect this but I will be adding some personal perspective with keeping some rules of thumb in mind.

Rule of Thumb #1: Each offensive core may have specific player exceptions.

Rule of Thumb #2: Every player has value at the right price.

The breakdowns will include the players to target from each team, the players’ ideal positional count for your roster, target cost for auction budget % and round #, league type preferences, along with optional blurbs from yours truly. Throughout the team breakdowns be sure to keep your eyes wide open looking for the players with coveted “Ladder Pick” label. The “Ladder Pick” players are who I have identified as those who will help you climb the ladder of fantasy football success for the 2020 season.

I have 6 teams whose offensive core make up the BIG BUY category, 8 teams in the BUY category, 12 teams in the NEUTRAL category, and the remaining 6 teams will generally be considered as a FADE. Just so we are on the same page…BIG BUY=offensive cores to target aggressively; BUY=offensive cores that are reach worthy; NEUTRAL=offensive cores (with some players exceptions both positive and negative) to be drafted at value – not to be reached for nor to be shied away from; FADE=offensive cores to pass on at consensus ranking, players to be drafted weighing risk, or players to be drafted only if at a value, larger the discount the better; always!

New York Jets

HC Adam Gase’s mannerisms at his introduction press conference from a couple years ago still haunt me; this isn’t the reason why the Jets are a FADE. The reason is because he is the coach. Big Weirdo. Bad Coach. That press conference...I just can’t even...

QB Sam Darnold: QB2, priory FA for injury or matchup dependent bye week replacement, certainly has upside but it is a capped for the incompetence of the HC. He is a franchise QB to build around which I’m confident Joe Douglas will do. Dynasty buy!!

RB Le’Veon Bell: RB2, 14-15% auction, round 4, he’s not the Bell that we feel in love with in Pittsburgh but talent and high volume is rare, intriguing but with caution. Game scripts aren’t likely to be in Bell’s favor. Also the inconvenient truth is in town, the eternal Frank Gore.

WR Jamison Crowder: “Ladder Pick” WR3 (if robust RB with elite TE, ideal WR4, 4-5% auction, round 10, he will be a target monster on a team that is likely to be often playing from behind.

Crowder is one of my most drafted players so far this year. Jets WR1 that will get volume with (likely) game script help that is being drafted in the late rounds? YES PLEASE!

WR Breshad Perriman: WR5-6, 1-2% auction, round 14, as the end of your bench WR, Perriman’s late season breakout last year landed him a prime role in this offense. Plenty of upside, not much to lose at cost.

WR Denzel Mims: priority FA, this steal in the 2020 NFL draft could make a great pair with Darnold. He got banged up early in training camp...we apparently just can’t have nice things in 2020. Keep him on your radar!

TE Chris Herndon: TE2 with TE1 upside, $1, round 13. Can I call Chris Herndon the DeVante Parker of TEs? So much upside, so much promise, but little to show for outside of inconsistent flashes of greatness. I’m afraid we will forever say “this is the year” with him as with Parker.

Parker, of course finally broke out last year, same could happen with Herndon! We need him on field though! TE is very deep, so other options remain but certainly juicy upside. Not much to risk if he is your TE2 in a deep league. Could be delicious trade bait!

New England Patriots

The new look Patriots are a NEUTRAL offensive core, with looks of player worth targeting, none of them are worth reaching for. An intriguing offense year in and year out, that remains, but it isn’t business as usual this season. The GOAT is now in Tampa and in comes a former MVP, because of course.

QB Tom Br... Jarrett Sti...Cam Newton: Low-QB1, 3% auction, round 12, Cam could be an absolute steal at his ADP. This feels a little bit like Lamar Jackson last year, hopefully Cam is actually healthy now. Plenty of upside, going late…

The NFL is more fun with Cam on the field. Inherent rushing upside could be exponential with some uncertainty in the RB group!

RB James White: RB3 6-7% auction, round 7-8, this zeroRB legend has more upside for PPR, and is seriously an ideal weapon for Cam. With concerns regarding Sony Michel and Lamar Miller, White could become a lot more than just a PPR floor play.

RB Damien Harris: RB4 (robust WR with elite TE), ideal RB5, 2-3% auction, round 12, opportunity in a good offense is a key to great fantasy late round value, you’ll have nothing to lose and everything to gain with Harris. Keep an eye out for Rex Burkehead if any RBs are to miss extended time.

WR Julian Edelman: Low-WR3 (robust RB), ideal WR4, 7-8% auction, round 8, Edelman is another ideal target for Cam. Edelman can help Cam’s passing efficiency. I’m going to target Edelman aggressively. PPR target.

WR N’Keal Harry: WR5, 1-2% auction, round 14, Harry disappointed as a rookie primarily due to struggling with injuries. He has nowhere to go but up! Could be a steal in the late rounds!

TEs Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene are interesting dynasty prospects. Would it be something if the Patriots trade for disgruntled Cleveland TE David Njoku mid-season…would love to see it!

Miami Dolphins

The ADP of the offensive core is a clear representation of why this offense is a FADE, BUT the Dolphins have interesting upside as they look to build off of the semi-surprising success they showed last season.

QBs - Ryan Fitzpatrick/Tua Tagovailoa - Miami landed Tua without the full blown “tank”, he is an incredibly intriguing prospect to me. He is the QB they will build around. *Russell Wilson vibes*

Fitzpatrick is still the lovable bearded gun-slinger, but undraftable in standard roster 12 team leagues. dId YoU kNoW hE wEnT tO hArVaRd?! *Yawn*

RBs Jordan Howard: Low-RB3, ideal RB4, 5-6%, round 10, he is Rodney Dangerfield, he gets no respect despite consistently producing 1000 yard rushing seasons. Power back who is able to catch, under-utilized in that regard.

RB Matt Breida: RB4, 4-5%, round 10-11, Brieda has the speed and pass catching upside but is a little frustrating to roster with injury concerns. Good player with good opportunity. Not going to reach for him, looking for value!

Howard and Breida compliment each other well and should work well together in the offense. Hard to predict week to week usage but I am targeting them as a value in drafts.

WR DeVante Parker: WR3, 6-7% auction, round 7, the Parker breakout *finally* happened and it was indeed glorious to see him ball out. I’ve been down the road of hoping for upside too many times so I will only be drafting him at a value this year.

WR Preston Williams: WR5, 1-2% auction, round 14, really exciting rookie season ended abruptly from injury breaking the hearts of the fantasy world. I’d expect a slow start but certainly targeting him as my end of bench WR!

TE Mike Gesicki: “Ladder Pick” Low-TE1, 2-3% auction, round 12, Gesicki was an athletic standout at the combine 2 years ago, the fruit of his athleticism translated on the field last year.

The pass catching TE who is practically a WR has lots of opportunity in an offense that will likely feature have favorable matchups and game scripts. I’m a Pavlovian dog and Gesicki is the bell!

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are known for their passionate fans, but fortunately for the Bills Mafia, the Bills are on the rise! This revamped offensive core is given the NEUTRAL label from me. I’m targeting, but not reaching for, this improved group!

QB Josh Allen: Low-QB1, 3% auction, round 10, massive arm and rushing upside makes him a very intriguing player. New weapon, Stefon Diggs should contribute to his passing efficiency increasing. Big upside!

RBs Devin Singletary: (low-RB2, ideal RB3, 11-12% auction, round 6) and Zack Moss (RB4, 4% auction, round 9) are a nice hound duo is an offense that is trending up. Good defensive play is typical so there should be plenty of opportunity for touches.

I see Singletary as more of the volume play, with Moss getting the pass catching and potentially the goal line role. Upside can be capped by Allen rushing ability. Both are very talented, it will be very interesting to see how this situation plays out.

WR Stefon Diggs: Low-WR2 (robust RB with elite TE), high WR3, 9-10% auction, round 7, Diggs finds a new home in Buffalo. I think Diggs is a tremendous addition to this offense, he could be an amazing value! Bills paid a big price for him as they build around their franchise QB.

WR John Brown: “Ladder Pick” WR5, 3-4% auction, round 12, the Diggs-Brown duo is an underrated one! Diggs will attract the tougher defensive matchup which will help make life easier on John Brown. Everything to gain and nothing with a player at his value! Perfect sleeper!

WR Cole Beasley: priority FA, PPR target, in the mood of Julian Edelman, this scrappy WR is incredibly underrated and often forgotten about. He should be rostered in all leagues if Diggs or Brown were to miss time!

TE Dawson Knox: Low-TE2, priority FA, TE is so deep this year that he undraftable in standard rule 12 team leagues. This breakout candidate could benefit from Stefon Diggs presence the most! Add him to your watch list!

Diving Into The Deep End

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Diving Into The Deep End

By Matt Kelley

It is without a doubt startup dynasty season amongst the fantasy community. The NFL looks like a go from the standpoint of COVID-19, clearing most of the uncertainty about forging into a fresh dynasty league. 

Everyone generally knows about the players inside of the top 100 picks, but in a dynasty format where starting lineups and rosters are likely to be much deeper, you have to know where to look for rising stars, values, and opportunity. Here we’ll take a look at some guys going outside of the top 100 in ADP (we’ll assume 12 teams, single QB, PPR settings). 

Jamison Crowder, Pick 109 Overall: 

Crowder spent the first four seasons of his NFL career in Washington. In the first three, he compiled 280 targets, 192 receptions, and 12 touchdowns. All of this production came with Kirk Cousins as quarterback. We’ll forgo Crowder’s last season in Washington, as he only played in nine games, and the QB situation was in flux (Alex Smith, Josh Johnson, Colt McCoy, and even a Mark Sanchez appearance). 

Last season, his first season as a New York Jet, Crowder had a career high 122 targets in 12 games started. Crowder saw at least eight targets in 50% of his games. He became a consistent target for Sam Darnold, who took a pretty decent step forward in his own right, despite a bad offensive line and dealing with Mononucleosis a few weeks into the season. 

Crowder will be in the starting lineup out of the gate this season and will be a PPR machine. You can snag Crowder as a WR4 or WR5 in some cases and feel great about plugging him in as a flex option or during your bye weeks. 

Boston Scott, Pick 134 Overall: 

Regardless if you’re a Miles Sanders truther or not, you should know the name Boston Scott. Scott came into the Philadelphia Eagles lineup out of necessity last season. However, over the last month of the season, Scott saw an uptick in his opportunity and showed he’s got some chops to contribute to this team. 

Scott saw 24 targets to Sanders’ 22 over the last four games (Sanders did injure his knee week 17). I don’t necessarily expect Scott to see that split over the entirety of the season, but there is a possibility Scott sees low-end double digit touches each week. 

The Eagles didn’t bring in another RB over the offseason, so Scott is second in line to Sanders for touches. It also isn’t likely that Sanders will be on the field for 90% of snaps all season. 

Scott evaded 26 tackles in limited action last season, so he’s shifty enough to make guys miss and create space for himself. Scott can provide weekly upside in your flex spot and should be handcuffed for anyone drafting Miles Sanders. 

Drew Lock, Pick 166 Overall: 

Finding a long term QB has been quite the quest for the Denver Broncos. Have they found that in Drew Lock? Well, maybe. 

Lock started from week 13 on and led the Broncos to a 4-1 record over that stretch. He averaged a mere 204 passing yards per game, which was largely propped up by a 309 yard performance against the Houston Texans. He was also on pace to rush for 200 plus yards which aren’t Lamar Jackson numbers, but it doesn’t hurt. 

To be fantasy relevant in single QB leagues, Lock has to take a pretty big step forward. Luckily for him, the Broncos tried to surround him with better options for the 2020 season. They acquired Melvin Gordon in free agency, drafted WR’s Jerry Jeudy (who is projected to contribute immediately) and KJ Hamler. Both Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant are ready to prove they’re top options at their respective positions. 

The truth is, Lock is still facing an uphill battle. Gordon will need to acclimate to the offense, while the rookie pair of WR’s will need to acclimate themselves to NFL competition. Expect a bumpy start while the team finds chemistry and works through a tough first five weeks of the schedule (TEN, @PIT, TB, @NYJ, @NE).  Greener pastures are ahead, though, as the season wears on into the fall. Lock will have an opportunity to finish as a high-end QB2 if his surrounding cast develops with him. 

Damien Harris, Pick 199 Overall: 

I know 2020 is weird when I’m advocating for a Patriots RB. The Pats are notorious for going with a RBBC (running back by committee) approach...and by RBBC approach I mean good luck predicting who is going to get the most usage on a weekly basis. I don’t expect that to change in 2020, but with that said there’s opportunity to be had in this backfield. 

Damien Harris was selected in the third round of the 2019 draft and saw a total of four...FOUR...carries all season. Why? Well, I don’t have a good reason for you. The Patriots featured James White, Sony Michel, and Rex Burkhead last season, all of whom are still projected to be with the Patriots this season. 

So why Harris now? 

Well, he’s being taken very late, and there is a chance...albeit small...he starts the season as the lead back. Sony Michel, who saw the bulk of carries for New England last season, had offseason foot surgery and has had a number of lower body injuries dating all the way back to highschool. Given his most recent foot procedure was in May, there’s a chance he lands on the PUP when camp starts. 

With the NFL announcing limited camp and most likely no pre season, it’ll be difficult to evaluate Harris’ chances to start, and we know better than to just listen to head coach Bill Belichick. Harris produced in his time at Alabama, and he’s definitely fresh considering his very limited usage last season. At this range of a draft, it’s worth the shot to see if Harris comes out with a more significant workload this season as this backfield is pretty wide open. 

Tyrod Taylor, Pick 248 Overall: 

It’s pretty hard to find a starting QB this late, but insert Tyrod Taylor and you’ve got one...at least for a bit. Taylor is going to enter the 2020 season as the starting QB for the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of first round pick Justin Herbert. The Chargers are unlikely to rush Herbert for playing time due to the lack of camps, preseason, and offensive line problems. 

Taylor last started games for the Cleveland Browns, but his most meaningful stint as a starter was in Buffalo for the Bills from 2015-2017. What’s great about Taylor is he’s unlikely to throw himself out of the starting role. While he isn’t the yardage monster that Philip Rivers was, he doesn't turn the ball over. Taylor had six or fewer interceptions in each of his three seasons in Buffalo. 

Where Taylor really provides value though, is on the ground. Taylor rushed for 568 yards in 2015, 580 yards in 2016, and 427 yards in 2016. I’ll take that all day long from a QB. Especially one that is being drafted as the 30th QB off the board or later. 

Will he start all season? Well, no promises there, but the Chargers open their season with some fantasy friendly match-ups (@CIN, KC, CAR, @TB, @NO, NYJ, @MIA). You could easily get seven or eight games out of a QB or have an alternate to turn to from injury. If the Chargers stay in the playoff hunt you could conceivably get a full season from Taylor.

 

 

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