Trades always seem to release the most dopamine in my brain of any fantasy football action. The anticipation of finding out whether I made a brilliant move or a big mistake is a reward in itself, and each trade creates a storyline to follow. But what if you are in a league where people are reluctant to make trades? Another fun risk/reward move is the "sabotage drop", a term coined by my friend Paul Charchian.
What is a "Sabotage Drop"?
A Sabotage Drop is a player with:
- Strong name value/ADP
- Fantasy value that is dim/inconsistent enough to make you not want to consider them in any given week
That makes them a drop, but where does the sabotage part come in?
- Another team will spend significant FAAB or waiver priority
- Drop another potentially useful player and clog a roster spot
- Use that player in their lineup and find out why you were willing to drop them
- Maybe even in a matchup against you!
In other words, "sabotage drops" are players who have more value than the lower-end waiver pickups of the week, but are more likely to cause aggravation than help your fantasy team in the long run. The fantasy football conventional wisdom has been to hold this type of player on your bench to see if they come around, but by being decisive, we can create new ways to entertain ourselves in the context of our leagues! Now let's figure out who our sabotage drop of the week will be. We will also track how the previous sabotage drops are going each week as we take on this topic.
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." - Maya Angelou (RIP)
Previous SDotW Picks
Week 2: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR-HOU) - 3 targets, 2 catches, 20 yards
Week 3: J.K. Dobbins (RB-DEN) - 4 carries, 18 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards
Week 4: Jadarian Price (RB-SEA) - 9 carries, 24 yards, 4 targets, 4 catches, 54 yards
Week 5: Jalen Hurts (QB-PHI) - Placed on injured reserve (blood clots)
Week 6: Cam Skattebo (RB-NYG) - Out (hamstring)
Week 7: TreVeyon Henderson (RB-NE) - Out (illness)
Week 8: Woody Marks (RB-HOU) - 18 carries, 70 yards, 4 targets, 1 catch, 4 yards
Week 9: DK Metcalf (WR-PIT) - BYE
Nothing to give us pangs of regret here, although Price has ended up being a productive receiver after barely being used in the passing game. Skattebo will get the start on Thursday as the Giants didn't add a running back at the trade deadline. Jonah Coleman has left Dobbins in his dust as expected, and the Broncos also did not add a back at the deadline. Rhamondre Stevenson went down with a knee injury that will sideline him for a few weeks, but Henderson is out indefinitely with a neurological/physical mysterious health problem. Harrison was the only Texans wide receiver to not catch a touchdown in Week 9. Marks just about as unexciting (except for Devin Singletary) as a lead back can be once again as we await David Montgomery's return.
On Sabotage Drop Watch
Saquon Barkley (RB-PHI) - If he gets dinged up after the bye, the Eagles could shut him down. Hopefully he gets healthier during the bye and can work up to a larger role on a defense-led team playing for pride.
Tyler Warren (TE-IND) - With Allen and Downs gone, Warren could be a great "PPR scam" tight end as the only established pass-catcher in the offense. Or he could get blanketed every week as the only established pass-catcher in the offense.
Jaylen Waddle (WR-DEN) - Worth considering as a drop with the Broncos going into a bye. The team does have an easy second-half schedule, and the pass offense could click with Pat Bryant back, so it's a tough call.
Makai Lemon (WR-PHI) - Are you really afraid of missing out on anything Lemon is going to do with Joe Milton III or Tanner McKee at quarterback? DeVonta Smith could be back after the bye, and Dallas Goedert didn't get traded at the deadline.