FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKUP WATCH (WEEK 5)
Ourlads’ Football Network host Greg DePalma and RotoExperts.com managing director Scott Engel get together each week to discuss who’s hot, who’s not and who’s hurt in fantasy football, as Scott offers his top targets for pickup.
Listen to Tuesday’s OFN Today for their full exchange. Scott’s full analysis can be found at RotoExperts.com.
QUARTERBACK
Jameis Winston, Buccaneers: The mercurial former No.1 overall pick already has been elevated back to starting status when the Bucs return from their bye week. With the personnel on hand, Winston isn’t going to be asked to throw any less than Ryan Fitzpatrick did.
Scott says: “With no running game and no defense and them playing from behind a lot – and the wide receivers and pass catchers they have – (passing situations) are going be in his favor a lot.”
RUNNING BACK
Mike Davis, Seahawks: Davis wasn’t supposed to be in uniform vs. Arizona last Sunday, but wound up starting ahead of rookie Rashaad Penny when Chris Carson’s ankle couldn’t go. The result: 101 yards and two TDs. For now, he might be the most dependable of the three.
Scott says: “Chris Carson has had a lot of trouble staying healthy. They obviously don’t trust Penny right now. ... I like him as a short-term solution, but his touches could get scaled back at any time.”
WIDE RECEIVER
Keke Coutee, Texans: Finally over his hamstring problems, the rookie from Texas Tech stepped in and tied a modern NFL record with 11 catches for 109 yards. He was targeted 15 times in all. With Will Fuller similarly hurt now, Coutee might not see a quick dropoff.
Scott says: “Will Fuller’s been terrific with Deshaun Watson ... but he’s very injury-prone, so here's an opportunity for Coutee. But you have to remember he's a rookie. (Defenses) didn’t prepare for him last week. Now they'll see film on him, so it becomes a little tougher.”
TIGHT END
Tyler Kroft, Bengals: With Tyler Eifert’s gruesome injury ending his season, Kroft has a chance to show last year’s production in Eifert’s absence wasn’t a fluke. He caught seven TD passes in Eifert’s place last year, so there’s already chemistry between him and Andy Dalton.
Scott says: “I think Tyler Kroft is the real thing. There’s going to be a lot of competition for him on the waiver wire because the guy caught seven touchdowns last year when Eifert was out. Look, Andy Dalton loves to throw to his tight ends, so I think it’s a real thing.”
DEFENSE
Cardinals: Arizona’s offensive woes are well documented, but the Cardinals’ defense has kept things close to the finish in each of the past two outings. Take away the complete egg laid vs. the Rams, and the Cards are respectable. Plus, they draw the Garoppolo-less 49ers this week.