We are coming down the stretch run. At this point in the year, fantasy football managers should be willing to spend up for players if they have a feeling they will perform. We all know how disappointing it is to finish a season and have leftover FAAB. Yet, we only have four weeks before the playoffs; so make those moves to get the next League Winner. As always we select from players rostered in less than 50% of ESPN leagues.
Running Back
Isiah Pacheco – Rostered in 23.3% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (20% FAAB)
Sayonara to CEH. He was a complete nonfactor and replaced by Pacheco, as Kansas City finally admitted they made a mistake drafting Edwards-Helaire in the first round. Pacheco is the biggest beneficiary for Mahomes and company, as he will see most of the work on the ground; and, on Sunday, split the routes with McKinnon (16-18). Next, Kansas City gets the Chargers’ defense, which is bottom of the league in points allowed to running backs. Pick up Pacecho and start him.
Rachaad White – Rostered in 24.4% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (15% FAAB)
Hello, potential late-season league-winning running back. Rachaad White was seeing more snaps than Leonard Fournette in Germany before the hip injury took Fournette out of the game on Sunday. You will have to wait one week as Tampa Bay is on a bye in Week 11, but it could be all systems go beginning in Week 12. Fournette, even with the injury-shortened game, is the RB13 with 15.6 PPG this year.
Kyren Williams – Rostered in 15.4% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (2% FAAB)
Kyren Williams, in his first career NFL game, came in and led running backs in targets. Williams has the best receiving skill set in the backfield and should earn a more prominent role with the offense moving forward. But, remember, he is more of a slow burn, as that was his first NFL game action. Still, Williams is the type of player you want to get out in front of the masses, as he has a path to being the team’s RB1.
Wide Receiver
Christian Watson – Rostered in 5.8% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (15% FAAB)
Finally healthy, Watson showed off his freaky athleticism to a national audience and had a monster three-touchdown game. He is the type of player Green Bay has been searching for; as he brings an explosive element to an offense in desperate need of turning things around. Watson out-targeted Alan Lazard and was a focal point of the offense on Sunday. He also has a superb schedule for the fantasy playoffs.
Kadarius Toney – Rostered in 47.5% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (10% FAAB)
Young Joka is back, folks!! After being kept under lock and key in New York, Toney showed up in Kansas City. In his second week with Mahomes, he made a showstopping play, scored a touchdown, and even got a couple of carries! Something we love to see, as Andy Reid wants Toney to be his Tyreek 2.0. Add an injury for JuJu (I hope he is ok). The path is wide open for Toney to step into a larger role as he led the WRs in targets.
Treylon Burks – Rostered in 23.8% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (8% FAAB)
I just cannot quit you, sir. Back from injury, Burks immediately stepped into a significant role with the offense, finishing the day with six targets. The Titans are near the bottom in the league of 20+ yards plays as the offense lacks difference-making wide receivers. Here is where Burks comes in and should boost the offense. Add in the fact rookies begin to take on a greater role as teams enter the second half of the season.
Quarterback
Marcus Mariota – Rostered in 37.6% of ESPN Leagues (5% FAAB)
Mariota is on this list for what feels like the 20th time. Maybe at some point, he will get above 50% rostered on ESPN. Mariota gets the Chicago Bears defense, which falls directly under the turrible. Chicago is 31st in EPA/pass attempt, only besting Las Vegas. Kyle Pitts and Drake London must be licking their chops with the Week 11 matchup. Given Atlanta’s defense, Mariota and company will have no choice but to keep up with Chicago’s offense. It would not surprise me to see Mariota surpass 20+ fantasy points for the 3rd time this year.
Deshaun Watson – Rostered in 28.2% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (5% FAAB)
Another quarterback I have pounded the table for weekly. Unlike Mariota, who is an ideal steaming option, Watson can be a top 5 fantasy quarterback. For teams looking to get a playoff boost, the answer is directly in front of you. So grab Watson and stash him for the playoffs.
Taylor Heinicke – Rostered in 13.8% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (1% FAAB)
I know what you are thinking, but hear me out. Heinicke gets Atlanta and Houston in the next two weeks. Hello, fantasy points! As we have seen in the right matchup, Heinicke can boost your team. Heinicke would be my number-one streaming option for those in deeper leagues.
Tight End
Foster Moreau – Rostered in 12.3% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (5% FAAB)
With Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow on the short-term IR, Moreau will have the path to show how well he can step in for Waller. Outside of Davante Adams, the Raiders are desperately looking for another receiving option. With how bad the Raiders’ defense is, the game scripts will be ripe for Moreau to take hold of in the receiving game. Take advantage of the uncertainty and grab the Raiders potential second option in the passing game.
Cole Kmet – Rostered in 38.8% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (5% FAAB)
Look who is back to being the player numerous fantasy managers had hoped he would be. Kmet led the Bears in targets and was the only valuable fantasy asset outside of Fields. Unfortunately, the issue for Kmet is a bit treacherous due to how much of a black hole Fields is and the limited routes the offense currently allows.
Trey McBride – Rostered in 0.3% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (2% FAAB)
Zach Ertz, the TE5 on the season, is done for the year. So, in steps the rookie TE1, Trey McBride. He has a legit prospect pedigree and didn’t come off the field once Ertz was injured. So, until Hollywood Brown returns, McBride can fill Ertz’s shoes without the offense missing a beat.
Jesse Moeller
Jesse Moeller is a fascinating character. By day, he's a restaurant manager, but during his free time, he transforms into a fantasy football analyst. He's been playing fantasy football since 1999, which means he's been around the block a few times. But his passion for the game has never waned. Jesse is a devoted husband to his wife Andrea, whom he's been married to for five years. They have a lovely daughter Cecilia, who is now four years old. Jesse's journey into content creation began with The League Winners in 2021, and he hasn't looked back since. Dynasty is his passion, and his love for the game is infectious. Jesse is a true degenerate who loves the fantasy football and the community that supports it.