The 2024 ZeroRB nightmare season continued in Week 8. Stefon Diggs and Christian Kirk joined the growing list of wide receivers with season-ending injuries. Meanwhile, replacement production from running backs is non-existent. In Dynasty, multiple young wide receivers now have a chance, given the shifts at the position.
This article will discuss deep league waiver additions, focusing on Dynasty league formats.
Players will fall into four primary categories:
- Short-term Starters - Players capable of providing immediate production in deep leagues.
- Proactive Pickups - Players who need the depth chart to be clear before them but are more available than other players in a similar role.
- Deep Darts - Speculative players who have a chance at value.
- Dynasty Buys - Players whose values have changed, and the market may not have caught up.
Quarterback
Short Term Starters
Joe Flacco, Indianapolis (65% Sleeper rostered)
The Colts made the rumored change and inserted Flacco into the starting lineup ahead of Week 9 against Minnesota. Flacco was QB11 in his previous stint, replacing Anthony Richardson from Week 4 through Week 6.
The Colts have a brutal stretch ahead. Week 9's opponent, Minnesota, has been able to pressure inexperienced quarterbacks, but Matthew Stafford got the ball out quickly and picked it apart in Week 8. Buffalo (6th fewest) and (5th fewest) are following, and both rank in the top six in fewest quarterback fantasy points against. Flacco should be added in all Superflex formats if Richardson's return caused him to hit the wire.
Malik Willis, Green Bay (45% Sleeper rostered)
Our Adam Hutchison projects optimism about Jordan Love's groin injury. Love is a tough player who surprised many with his return timeline early this season. The Week 9 game against Detroit has significant NFC North ramifications, and the Packers have a bye in Week 10 to rest Love.
If he cannot go, Willis could keep the offense afloat, particularly in Week 3 against Tennessee, where he threw for 200 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 73 and another score.
Detroit would be a difficult matchup. The Lions have been an excellent run-stopping unit under Dan Campbell, and the Packers' game plan with Willis relied heavily on that aspect. As we watch this situation, Willis's running ability puts him on the radar in Superflex formats.
Proactive Pickups
Drew Lock, NY Giants (27% Sleeper rostered)
Last week's column dove into the Daniel Jones Doomsday Clock. After another loss in Week 8, it moved closer to midnight.
Lock is a "when," not an "if."
Dynasty Buy
Justin Herbert, LA Chargers (96% Sleeper rostered)
Time to play a game. I will say a name; you tell if you think Herbert has averaged more or fewer fantasy points per game since returning from his bye over the last three weeks:
The answer to all seven is more.
Herbert was a disaster the first month of the season, ranking QB32 in points per game. Since the bye, he has been QB16.
Herbert's schedule opens up down the stretch. He will see Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Atlanta, all of which rank inside the Top 8 in fantasy points allowed to the quarterback. The book is also out on the Chargers' run game; J.K. Dobbins's efficiency has fallen off after two big games to start the year.
Herbert's dynasty value has been in free fall since sitting at QB5 in February. He has bottomed out at QB13, his lowest value since midway through the 2020 season. The big performance in Week 8 could be the turning point to reap future value while also allowing your league mate not to believe they are selling low.
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