Fantasy Football Big Doings
Brandon Tate could out bomb Randy Moss, Marshawn Lynch is no C.J. Spiller &Steelers run first
I have a colleague who, when a lot of events are taking place where we work, is inordinately fond of the phrase, “There’s big doings going on." If you ask me, this makes him sound a little like Jed Clampett, but, in truth, that’s the only way I know how to describe the tumultuous events of the last few days of comings and goings in the NFL.
Here are look at three of those “doings” and their impact on the wild and wacky world of fantasy football.
RANDY MOSS GETS TRADED TO THE VIKINGS: As a Vikings fan, I fully realize that the return of Moss means that all the people who hate us for Brett Favre now have another reason to despise us. But what does it all mean for fantasy purposes?
Well, first of all, it should help Favre, who’s been woeful so far this season, at least get to borderline fantasy starter status now that he finally has a big body who can stretch the field. It also should help Percy Harvin, if healthy, get a little more room to be a neat little flex option. Just don’t go expecting the Moss of old; even with the change of scenery, he should perform at a level a little lower than what he was actually drafted. Very good, but no longer elite.
Don’t expect a big drop-off from Tom Brady either now that Moss is no longer a Patriot; he’ll just spread the ball around a little more. Wes Welker will see his targets increase but will also see more defensive scrutiny, so he probably zeroes out as well. Two guys to watch are Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Tate.
The former is a rookie tight end who has already been putting up starter-caliber numbers and could quickly ascend into rarefied air at his position now. The latter takes Moss’ spot in the lineup and should be the recipient of the bombs once meant for Randy, so scoop him up on the waiver wire if you still can.
MARSHAWN LYNCH GETS TRADED TO THE SEAHAWKS: Temper all expectations of Lynch suddenly becoming a top-notch fantasy runner now that he’s cleared for playing time. The Seahawk offensive line is pretty pitiful, and it’s not like he’s going to be a prime position to score a lot of touchdowns in that offense.
You also need to remember that this is the same Lynch who managed to lose his starting job to the singularly uninspiring Fred Jackson, so why he should suddenly become a hero with a change of scenery is beyond me.
In actuality, the hidden beneficiary in this trade is Bills rookie C.J. Spiller. Trading Lynch seems to indicate that Spiller must be progressing well enough to warrant increased playing time. He’s a guy who can get tons of yards with just a few touches, and, even in the Bills’ anemic attack, that can really pay fantasy dividends. Grab him now before his value skyrockets.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER RETURNS TO THE STEELERS: The impact here will be delayed just a bit since the Steelers have a bye this week.
When the Steelers line up next Sunday with Big Ben under center, expect to see a revived passing offense. And, for once, that doesn’t automatically mean that Hines Ward is the biggest beneficiary. Instead, look for a breakout by second-year receiver Mike Wallace. His big-play ability was hamstrung by the Steelers’ backup quarterbacks, but should thrive with Roethlisberger’s big arm.
As for Ben himself, he was likely stashed away on the bench by prudent owners in anticipation of his return. The Steelers are having so much success running the ball early in the season that it’s likely he’ll throw less than in the past few seasons. But that outstanding defense will likely set him up for plenty of touchdown-pass opportunities, meaning he’s a solid option from this point on as a matchup play against weaker defenses.