A quarter through the NFL season and the fantasy football world appears to be sorting itself out. There is enough of a sample size now to properly evaluate the most effective fantasy players and to also project outputs going forward. There are still a few gems on the waiver wire, but every week that we go without major injuries, dwindles that pool of gems down. This week is an important week to add quality depth to your roster and to also pivot on certain positions you may have had from the preseason, like Tom Brady being a fantasy relevant QB. Don’t be the owner who holds on to under-performing players too long, and scared to shake up your roster with more productive players.
Quarterbacks to Add
1. Eli Manning, Giants: Manning was ranked 1st on this same list last week with an ownership percentage of 36.5% in ESPN leagues, and now is only up to 42.7%, which is still grossly under owned. Eli Manning is going into week 5 as the 6th ranked QB in fantasy football, and I see his production as being sustainable for the season. The Giants offense looks competent with a stable running back in the backfield and a few options in the passing game including breakout Tight End Larry Donnell. Do not expect 4 TDs from Eli every week, but do get used to him outperforming many QBs that were drafted in front of him. If you are a rightfully disgruntled Tom Brady owner, you should drop him immediately for Eli.
2. Joe Flacco, Ravens: Flacco is only owned in 18.2% of leagues and while he does not have the same upside potential of an Eli Manning, he can provide a high-ceiling replacement option for future bye weeks or even an outright starter if you are unhappy with your current QB play. In the new Gary Kubiak offense, Baltimore seems more willing to let Flacco run the offense than in years pass. Flacco has 38.5 pass attmpts per game and Steve Smith on a warpath, two things that bode very well for his future fantasy prospectus.
3. Kyle Orton, Bills: Orton is a wily veteran who should prove to be much more accurate of a passer than former first round pick EJ Manuel. Orton Is purely a speculative add in really deep leagues or 2 QB leagues.
Running Backs to Add
1. Jerrick McKinnon, Vikings: McKinnon finally flashed the rare talent that had been reported coming out of the pre-draft process and Vikings training camp. McKinnon has all of the physical tools to be an elite RB in the NFL, and now all he needs is the opportunity. Matt Asiata is clearly the #1 option in the Vikings offense currently, but do not be surprised to see MckInnon take over for Asiata in the future. McKinnon has received more and more snaps as the weeks go along, and he finally broke out for 135 yards on 18 carries Sunday against the Falcons.
2. Justin Forsett, Ravens: Forsett’s role in Baltimore has been established as the change of pace back in a pass happy offense. Forsett leads the Ravens in rushing with 255 yards on the season, and is also very active in the passing game averaging 4 catches a game. No need to worry about Bernard Pierce and Lorenzo Taliaferro, who appear to be embattled in the early downs/goal line back competition. Forsett is available in your league as he is only owned in 9.2% of ESPN leagues.
3. Antone Smith, Falcons: Smith has scored double digit fantasy points in 3 out of 4 weeks and appears to be the most explosive runner in the crowded Falcons backfield. Smith’s carry numbers are low thus far in the season, but he makes the most of them averaging 11.9 yard per carry. In the event that Steven Jackson was to suffer an injury (he always does) Smith could volt to top 20 RB status with a larger workload.
Wide Receivers to Add
1. Eddie Royal, Chargers: Royal does this to fantasy owners almost every year, he goes on a major 2 or 3 week scoring binge and then falls all the way off. For some reason I think this year’s production might be sustainable. The Chargers running game is in shambles right now without Ryan Matthews in the lineup, so San Diego has leaned heavily on the arm of Phillip Rivers, and he’s been outstanding. Eddie Royal has emerged as the short to intermediate passing threat and has seen an uptick in snaps since Danny Woodhead (who plays in the slot a lot) has been lost for the season. The Chargers will continue to try to get Royal the ball in space, making him worth an add for your fantasy team, especially in PPR leagues.
2. Miles Austin, Browns: Miles Austin has made it through the first quarter of the season healthy, and as long as that continues he will remain fantasy relevant. Austin has a knack for finding the end zone, and has scored in his last 2 games. He is currently owned in only 4% of ESPN leagues, so he will definitely be available in your league. Add him and play him if you need help at the WR spot.
3. Marvin Jones, Bengals: This is a purely speculative add since Marvin Jones has yet to play a down of football in the 2014 season, but if you are a fantasy football sharp, you’ve heard the name before. Jones was highly touted coming into this season but broke his foot and has been sidelined for the last few weeks, but coming off of their bye, the Bengals intend to incorporate Jones into the offense as the #2 WR. Pick him up, stash him on your bench as a potential lottery ticket for the second half of the season
Tight Ends to Add
1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs: I’ve written about Kelce in previous weeks and after watching him perform on Monday Night Football, I am more convinced than ever that he is a potential pro-bowl caliber Tight End. Kelce is only owned in 37.3% of leagues and that should be up to 100% by week’s end. Alex Smith is the check down king, and Kelce is good enough of an athlete to take advantage of that. Kelce should be added and started if you are an unhappy Jason Witten or Jordan Cameron owner.
2. Larry Donnell, Giants: Also have written on Donnell in multiple past weeks, and his ownership is still at 26.7%. I was ready to have Donnell as one of the adds of the week until I saw Kelce play on Monday Night. Donnell is a decent athlete with a huge catch radius and sure hands. Eli will continue to target him in the red zone, and Donnell will continue to produce.