The Way This Works...
Late-week injuries, suspensions, and unexpected coaching decisions with personnel can upend a fantasy lineup.
We've developed this feature to provide you with resources to help navigate potential player losses and stay ahead in free-agent bidding wars by securing an early look at the future fantasy flavor of the week.
As the author of the most comprehensive scouting analysis of skill players since 2006, I'm one of those resources—especially for players at the bottom of depth charts, practice squad hopefuls, and even the occasional case of the guy training at home with dreams of that phone call from an NFL team.
Every week, I'll walk you through the shortlist of players who will get their shot to contribute as replacements for players falling victim to unexpected late-week events.
I won't be updating this piece over the weekend, but you'll get the goods on players worth consideration, and based on the past three years, this column offered a lot of quality short-term and long-term options — many of them as preemptive picks.
This is a partial list, but you get the point.
We'll examine three types of replacements:
- Players who get immediate playing time.
- Preemptive additions from your league's waiver wire.
- Options worth monitoring in case the established backup eventually misses time.
Many of these players are late-round picks and street-free agents. I'm not giving you obvious waiver candidates that will command a large percentage of your FAAB dollars. These are options you'll often find in your First-Come, First-Served section during the latter part of the week before kickoff.
If you think street-free agents won't be factors, talk to Jordan Mason last year. James Robinson would like to tell you about his 2020 campaign. And Raheem Mostert has time on his hands if you need a deeper consultation.
Past Replacements
Here's a running list with brief thoughts. I update how I have them categorized as the season unfolds.
Add Now
- Bhayshul Tuten: The rookie's workload increased last week, and he continues to impress in limited time. Expect more work to come his way, but Travis Etienne Jr. is playing well and remains the lead back.
- Jake Browning: It was a rough week for Browning against a blitz-happy Vikings defense. Expect better weeks ahead if you chose Browning as your emergency QB2 in Super Flex formats.
Preemptive
- Kyle Monangai: The Bears are among the league leaders in yards before contact, but among the worst in yards after contact. Far and away, the only RB with relevant touches has been D'Andre Swift. Monangai's opportunities are coming.
- Malik Washington: Jaylen Waddle seems like walking wounded on a regular basis, who shuffles on and off the field, and he's now a game-time decision for Week 3. Tyreek Hill will likely get himself traded by midseason. With the Dolphins likely out of contention by late October, Washington could earn a starting role. If Miami gets a few more beat-downs and there's a coaching change, Washington will be a must-add rather than a preemptive addition.
- Cam Akers: He'll likely back up Jordan Mason while Aaron Jones Sr. is on IR. If you're desperate for RB help and nothing is available, having Akers on your roster might help you for a few weeks if Mason gets hurt.
Monitor
- Casey Washington: Darnell Mooney is back in the Falcons' lineup. If called upon, Washington's ball-winning skill could make him a worthwhile late-week addition for desperate GMs.
- Sean Tucker: Bucky Irving and Rachaad White are playing well, and there are not enough touches for Tucker at this time. Monitor the health of this backfield committee and consider Tucker a strong preemptive play if Irving or White begin missing practices regularly.
- Isaiah Davis: Monitor the Jets' performance and look for any substantial rumors surrounding a potential trade involving Hall. If there is, consider Davis a luxury-level preemptive addition.
- Zavier Scott: While there's a chance the Vikings give Scott a shot if Mason gets hurt, you're probably wiser to monitor Cam Akers, if not make Akers a preemptive addition. Scott is a well-built back with perimeter rushing skills, size, and burst. He displaced Ty Chandler on the depth chart due to his special teams prowess.
- Brashard Smith: I labeled Smith a preemptive addition last week but upon learning through Cris Collinsworth's conversation with Andy Reid that Reid doesn't believe Smith is big enough to handle the Chiefs' lead role at this time, I'm dropping Smith to Monitor Status.
Ignore
None.
Week 4 Recommendations
This is a busy week with recommendations. I try to limit the number of recommendations to 3-5 players, but last week's injuries dictated that I bump the number to 5-7 options.