Welcome to Week 10 of the 2022 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. Topics are now split into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- Go Big Or Go Home? (see below)
- Faith Or Fear?
- Rebound Or Refried?
- Playoff Prep
Go Big Or Go Home?
Matt Waldman: These players have shown fantasy upside but may not have week-to-week staying power.
Which ONE player are you choosing to say, "Don't Risk It, No Biscuit!" and which ONE player are you telling to stay where they are on the waiver wire or your bench unless there's a desperation situation?
Phil Alexander: Go big on Campbell. It's been four long years waiting for Cambell to achieve fantasy relevance, but he's finally arrived. With 31 total targets over Matt Ryan's last three starts, Campbell is getting by on volume and touchdown efficiency. If he continues to operate as Ryan's first read, expect Campbell's trademark speed to result in more plays like last week's 35-yard score.
Waldman: I like your style. Who is going home?
Alexander: Pacheco. The rookie doesn't look ready for primetime. Last week's game script against Jacksonville was the best Pacheco could hope for, and he only mustered 8.2 fantasy points. He's not breaking tackles, busting big runs, catching passes, or scoring touchdowns. The three-way backfield committee in Kansas City is here to stay.
Waldman: I agree as well. Pacheco is winning from good blocking, but he's not doing much extra beyond what his speed and quickness can get him past whatever we'd see in a similar situation from the other backs in the rotation.
Settle: The Buccaneers' rushing attack has been anemic the majority of the season but looked entirely different with White leading the way. Fournette is dealing with a hip injury and was outplayed by his rookie counterpart last week.
White took the start and over 75% of the snaps. Fournette has rushed the ball 135 times for 462 yards, with White taking it 60 times for 222 yards. The results may not seem major, but White had the ball moving against Seattle and could have tacked on a touchdown on the final drive but instead chose to slide on a breakaway play so Brady could kneel and kill the clock for the win.
White is smart, can catch the ball out of the backfield, and has better speed than Fournette. Look for his share of playing time to continue to increase.
The Chiefs have a high-powered offense that can score from almost anywhere. With that said, they do not tend to run the ball consistently, and Pacheco belongs on the bench or waiver wire for the rest of the season. Clyde Edwards Helaire has some early season success due to his share of touchdowns, but that ship has since sailed. Jerrick McKinnon has taken most of the pass-catching duties, and Pacheco has not been able to break the big play or find the endzone. The three-way split between running backs is a situation to avoid in Kansas City.
Bischoff: White is a very capable pass catcher, making him an intriguing play in the Tampa Bay offense. Tom Brady has always gotten his running backs involved, and if you are playing in PPR leagues, you know how valuable these dual-threat running backs can be. Time looks to be catching up with Fournette, and if White can hold him off, he will be a very solid option for the remainder of the year.
I am not buying rookie running back Pacheco. As others mentioned, the three-headed running back situation appears here to stay in Kansas City, and it is tough to project that situation. Pacheco is not making the kind of plays necessary to challenge the other backs, and I am not interested in buying into that timeshare.
Adam Wilde: Watson's Week 10 performance was impressive, but he had some mental errors even in that game that he has been having all year. I believe he will put it all together eventually, and I believe in his talent, but I don't believe 2022 is the season he is relevant consistently. Maybe he shouldn't be on waiver wires, but he certainly can't be relied on as a weekly starter.
White should not be on any waiver wires at this point simply because of the offense he's attached to. Tampa Bay appears to be turning it around just as White is starting to get more opportunities. We've seen how well pass-catching backs can produce in Tom Brady offenses, but White could be even more than that. Is there a clear indication that White can win leagues? No. But does he have the upside to warrant a roster spot? Absolutely.
Waldman: I've been listening to the White Lovefest carry-over to multiple Roundtable topics. So I have to say it because I can't stand it any longer...