The Way This Works...
Late-week injuries, suspensions, and unexpected coaching decisions with personnel can upend a fantasy lineup.
We developed this feature to give you resources to navigate potential player losses and stay ahead in free-agent bidding wars by securing an early look at the week's future fantasy flavor.
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 update this piece over the weekend, but you'll get the goods on players worth considering, and over the past three years, this column has offered plenty 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 Rico Dowdle, Kyle Monangai, Christian Watson, Parker Washington, Michael Wilson, and Colby Parkinson last year. What about Jordan Mason the year before? 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
This is where I will have a running list with brief thoughts. I update how I have them categorized as the season unfolds.
Week 2 Recommendations
Add Now WR Rashod Bateman (Ravens)
The Skinny on Bateman: Zay Flowers may need a few weeks to feel right, or he may need a few weeks to recover from an aggravation if he has one while playing in Week 2. Either way, if you're desperate for a receiver, Bateman is the most redundant option to Flowers on the Ravens depth chart.
Ja'Kobi Lane is hurt. Elijah Sarratt is a Joshua Palmer type but with work ahead to reach that level of play. Devontez Walker? Deep threat with so-so hands.
Bateman is the only receiver on the roster with the speed, skills after the catch, and route running with a chance to deliver competently in the WR1 role.
Recommendation: Add if you have Flowers and if you can't get Jaylin Noel.