Last week’s article was about the AFC South. This week we look into the NFC South. This is a division filled with veteran fantasy studs. It was hard to just pick just a couple sells, but some veterans are cheap buys for championship runs. Let’s have a look at a few players and make some decisions on what we should be doing with them on our fantasy football rosters.
Buy
Leonard Fournette – RB – Tampa Buccaneers
Fournette signed a three year contract to return to the Buccaneers. However, there is an out in his contract after next season. Signs are pointing to Tom Brady retiring after the season. I expect the Bucs to bring in a veteran QB to stay competitive. They might not love Fournette as much as Brady does, but if the team stays competitive Fournette would stay fantasy relevant.
He is one of the few “bellcow” running backs that can be had for less than a first. With Brady under center he has RB1 upside in fantasy football. Last year he finished as the RB7 in Half-PPR scoring. He averaged 15.8 points per game. This year he’s RB14, averaging 14.7 points through two games.
If you can move a couple of seconds to acquire Fournette as a contender he gives you a great RB2 with RB1 upside. He might lose passing work next year if Brady retires and Rachaad White develops, but his paycheck will keep him on top of the depth chart.
Honorable Mention
Alvin Kamara – RB – New Orleans Saints
His price on KTC is a bit more than Fournette. He didn’t play in the fourth quarter of Week 1 and was inactive Week 2 against the Bucs. With the way Kamara is used, he is going to continue to produce fantasy points for a few extra years. I wouldn’t hesitate to send a late 2023 1st to acquire him. He is signed through the 2025 season and the dead cap hit is significant the whole way through.
Sell
Marcus Mariota – QB – Atlanta Falcons
Marcus Mariota has looked decent in the first two games. He is currently QB13 in fantasy fotoball, averaging 17.62 points through two games. Surprisingly, he has kept the Falcons competitive against both the Saints and Rams.
Depending on how competitive Mariota keeps the Falcons will depend on how long he keeps his job. If they continue to lose, Desmond Ridder will see the field at some point this year. Mariota was signed to a two year contract, but there is an out after this season.
This might be the time to sell out. Go to the Dak Prescott manager and see what you can get. Maybe the Justin Herbert manager is panicking a bit after his rib injury. See if you can flip a 2023 2nd and Mariota for a 2023 1st.
Honorable Mention
Christian McCaffrey – RB – Carolina Panthers
This seems like an odd one after telling you to buy Fournette and Kamara. However, his price allows you to get multiple assets back for him still. The other two could be had for a late 2023 1st or less. CMC’s price is still at a premium. If you are looking to sell out now is the time.
It is only two weeks in, but he hasn’t had more than five targets with Mayfield under center. He hasn’t surpassed the 20 point mark yet either in fantasy football PPR leagues. If there is another injury, his value will dip significantly.
Hold
Kyle Pitts – TE – Atlanta Falcons
This year has been a big disappointment for Kyle Pitts. He was targeted seven times in Week 1, but in Week 2 he only saw three. Both games he caught two passes for 19 yards. He also only has one red target so far.
As a rookie, Pitts finished with over 1000 receiving yards, but only found the end zone once. He finished as the TE8 in Half-PPR scoring, while averaging 8.4 points per game. However, if you had him you were only happy in a handful of games.
Don’t panic. Instead, go out and buy a cheap starting option until we see more from Pitts. You can pivot to an option like Zach Ertz or Logan Thomas for cheap. You might be making a big mistake selling out now.
Honorable Mention
Juwan Johnson – TE – New Orleans Saints
Back to back games with 5+ targets. Many expected Adam Trautmen to breakout in year three, but it has been Johnson getting the looks at TE. He already has three red zone targets through two weeks as well.
His price would be cheap to acquire, if he’s not just sitting on waivers in your fantasy football league. Keep an eye on the situation, if he has one more week of similar production he might be worth seeking as a depth add.
Sheldon Hand
Sheldon Hand is an elementary school teacher. He started writing in 2019, and started working with The League Winners in 2021. He has been playing fantasy football for fifteen years, got into dynasty seven years ago and have become a bit obsessed.