With three weeks of actual data it is going to start getting a little easier to make our fantasy football decisions. We are starting to get a good idea of which teams to target when streaming QBs, TEs, and DSTs. We also are finding out which teams we absolutely should not be streaming or even starting players against.
When it comes to streaming QBs, the top 3 teams to avoid have been the Bills, 49ers, and Bengals. Between the three, they have given up a total of just 6 passing touchdowns this season. At the other end of the spectrum are the Ravens, Dolphins, and Lions . Those teams have given up 7, 6, and 5 passing touchdowns respectively. But context also matters when looking at these numbers. For example, the Ravens and Dolphins got into a shootout and were responsible for 9 total passing touchdowns.
So with all the data that is available, it is important to try and dig deeper and look for context when making your roster decisions. When it comes to the roster cloggers featured in this article I am trying to get past the numbers and provide context behind them.
Late Week Additions
I brought up Tyler Allgeier last week as a late week addition. I think it is worth mentioning him again this week. In his Week 2 debut Allgeier was one of four running backs to play for the Falcons. Allgeier split carries with Patterson, but they were mainly on early downs. He barely got any usage on the goal line, or in short yardage or 3rd down situations.
But according to PFF, in Week 3 pretty much all the RB snaps were split between him and Cordarrelle Patterson. Allgeier still primarily played on early downs, but he got a bigger share of the goal line work and third down role. As his role continues to expand he is someone I am going to be watching closely. If you have an extra roster spot to stash him you should. If Patterson gets injured at any point, Allgeier could be in line for a lot of work.
Other guys I would consider stashing on my bench this weekend are Jerick McKinnon, Jaylen Warren, and Sony Michel.
Fantasy Football Roster Cloggers
Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts, 61.3% Rostered
Before you drop Nyheim Hines make sure to check on the status of Jonathan Taylor. Taylor did not practice on Wednesday due to a toe injury. It seems like Taylor should be ready to go for Sunday. But if we do not see Taylor on the practice field on Friday you should not drop Hines, but you should also check waivers in your leagues to make sure you add him where you can. If Taylor is able to log a full practice on Friday he will be ready to go, and Hines will be droppable.
I do not know how the Colts do it. But every season they convince fantasy football managers that Nyheim Hines will be a valuable fantasy asset.
What do we say to the people who tell us Nyheim Hines is in for a high workload next year? pic.twitter.com/Hz4Ov4orqu
— Emerson Beery (@Dynasty_Analyst) September 21, 2022
But after three less than stellar performances I am officially making him a roster clogger. Last week he was on the Watch List after playing less than a third of the offensive snaps in the first two weeks.
There are certainly things to like about Hines. Through three weeks he leads the league in slot snaps at the running back position. He also ranks 3rd in receptions at the running back position. But even with that he still only has 110 yards on the season. An average of just 37 yards per game. With such few yards per game, we need Hines to also be producing in the running game or scoring touchdowns. But without those he just does not present any real fantasy viability. He is the perfect guy to cut. He will most likely get added by another team in your league and rot on their bench instead of yours.
Jarvis Landry, New Orleans Saints, WR
Fantasy football managers may not have had high expectations for Landry, but they were still using their 12th round pick to draft him. He was drafted before Tyler Boyd, Jahan Dotson, and Isaiah McKenzie; who are all currently ranked ahead of him in fantasy points for the season. Aside from that, Landry is currently dealing with an ankle injury that forced him to leave the Saints Week 3 game early.
Did not spot Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas or Ryan Ramczyk today.
Jarvis Landry, Marcus Maye, Andrus Peat were doing work off to the side. Tre’Quan Smith later did the same, but was practicing.
Taysom Hill was working with the QBs from the open portion we saw.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) September 28, 2022
Prior to his departure he was targeted 5 times and had just 22 yards on 2 receptions. Before the season started there may have been hope that Landry could turn into the Saints WR2 as the rookie Chris Olave developed. But that ship has sailed, and Olave is quickly becoming either the WR1 or WR2 for the team bumping Landry to 3rd at best.
With the Saints averaging just 17 points per game, it will be very hard to rely on their 3rd WR to produce any reliable fantasy points.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots, 53.1% Rostered
After two weeks with poor fantasy performances, I put Henry onto the watchlist last week. This week he gets promoted to be a full roster clogger. So far this season Henry only has 3 receptions for 28 yards without any touchdowns. Last season Henry had 9 touchdowns and was one of the favorite red zone targets of Mac Jones.
So far this season, the Patriots only have two passing touchdowns; tied for the lowest number in the league. In addition, the Patriots are averaging just three red zone trips per game. The Patriots offense needs to take a step up before I am comfortable rostering Henry, or any Patriots pass catcher for that matter.
That does not seem like it will happen anytime soon. In the Patriots loss to the Ravens, starting QB Mac Jones suffered a high ankle sprain and his timetable for return is still unknown. It appears that Jones is seeking a second opinion against the Patriots wishes.
The Patriots and Mac Jones are at a disagreement about how to move forward.
Patriots want to get him back as soon as possible and he’s hesitant to their guidance and wants to proceed with caution. 2nd opinion.
Pats timeline is 4 weeks max, he’s comfortable waiting 6-8 if needed. https://t.co/XFeIm07q1t— James Stewart (@IAmJamesStewart) September 26, 2022
Until Jones returns it will be Brian Hoyer under center. I am downgrading all of the Patriots pass catchers until Hoyer shows us what he can do and who he likes to target.
Roster Clogger Watchlist
- Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins, RB
- Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos, RB
- Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears, WR
- Allen Robinson, Los Angeles Rams, WR
- Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills, TE
- Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys, TE
