FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKUP WATCH (WEEK 4)
RotoExperts.com managing director Scott Engel discusses who’s hot, who’s not and who’s hurt in fantasy football.
Scott’s full analysis can be found at RotoExperts.com.
QUARTERBACK
Baker Mayfield, Browns: Set for his first start after throwing for 201 yards as he put a halt to the Browns’ winless days. Next up is Oakland, which ranks near the bottom in pass defense at 8.7 yards per attempt. Not that this figures to be a short-term move.
Scott says: “The caveat is that we’ve only seen him in preseason and relief so far. But the kid’s got quick setup, quick release, crisp mechanics, has playmakers, can throw on the run. If you lost Jimmy Garoppolo … the one guy that can possibly be the solution is Baker Mayfield.”
RUNNING BACK
Chris Ivory, Bills: After racking up 126 yards from scrimmage in Buffalo’s upset of Minnesota, the Bills have a veteran replacement when LeSean McCoy’s not available. A rib injury could keep McCoy down another week, too.
Scott says: “This might not be the last time you need a guy like Chris Ivory. LeSean McCoy has a lot of wear on his body at this point with all the carries he’s accumulated over the years. And we still don’t know what’s going to happen with his off-field issues.”
WIDE RECEIVER
Geronimo Allison, Packers: The third-year pro has 13 catches in 18 targets through three games, including a pair of TDs. Though he can still disappear for stretches, he’s a rising playmaker whose window is closing for owners to acquire cheaply.
Scott says: “He’s had 60 yards every week – he hasn’t hit 80 yet, but he got in the end zone in two of three games. This team is still going to be pass-first. As long as Aaron Rodgers is running onto the field, they’ll be throwing a lot.”
TIGHT END
Vance McDonald, Steelers: His 75-yard catch-and-run for a TD vs. Tampa Bay made all the highlight tapes for his stiff-arm of Chris Conte. It was part of a 112-yard outing by McDonald, who has seven catches in 10 targets since missing the opener.
Scott says: “The thing is he’s had a very checkered history of injuries. We’ve seen what he can do when he’s healthy, but he’s often not healthy. … If he stays healthy, more big plays are possible. But you’ve got to be concerned about his health.”
DEFENSE
Lions: After that disastrous opening act vs. the Jets – fueled more by four Matthew Stafford interceptions than anything else – the Lions surrendered just 339 passing yards and three TDs in the past two weeks to Jimmy Garoppolo and Tom Brady. Dallas is next.
Scott says: “The Lions have actually allowed the least passing yards in the NFL and now they face Dak Prescott. They’ll keep the score down.”