Injuries are everywhere. We are all navigating the tricky situations they create. Like the NFL, the games are going to happen, and these matchups could prove pivotal for playoff seeding. The hype around the 2027 draft class complicates matters. We all want a piece of the next rookie crop. We asked Hutchinson Brown, Matthew Montgomery, Corey Spala, Meng Song, Jeff Blaylock, and Darin Tietgen how to navigate these two potentially conflicting situations.
Question of the Week
My 3-0 team has been hit by short-term injuries. I've heard nothing but good things about the 2027 draft class and do not want to trade my picks. In Superflex, which veteran can I target for immediate production to keep the train rolling?
Dynasty Target: QB Marcus Mariota, Washington
Song - If you just need a bridge starter until Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels returns from injury in a couple of weeks, Mariota is a great, cheap option. He showed competence running Washington's offense in the upset win over Seattle, and Mariota adds some fantasy ceiling with his legs, even at age 32.
The schedule is also set up nicely for him to contribute as a potential top-12 fantasy quarterback against the Colts this week and the Giants next week. Indianapolis ranks just 29th in pass rush win rate and has allowed the 5th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks through three weeks. After that, New York's defense has been middle of the pack so far in 2026, but they just lost premier edge rusher Brian Burns to a season-ending torn ACL last week. Mariota is positioned well to be a usable fantasy option in the short term.
Tietgen - I will second Meng's call on Mariota. The Commanders won't rush Jayden Daniels back after yet another elbow injury. Mariota is a seasoned vet (he's even got the graying hair to prove it) who is more than capable of running this offense. He has a couple of solid options in Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin, and while the run game has been hit or miss, the offense will run through Mariota and the pass game. And even though he's no spring chicken, he can still make plays with his legs.
Against a solid Seahawks defense, he completed just 19 passes for 183 yards, but he threw three touchdowns. We can't rely on three-plus scores every week, but with games against the Colts and Giants coming up, his yardage could swell while he gets you at least one score, maybe two.
Dynasty Target: WR DJ Moore, Buffalo
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