Our RB King is Here
Kenneth Walker is a gift from the fantasy football gods. For teams that swung and missed at the RB position (which seems like the vast majority), Walker is the answer you are looking for. Spend up significant FAAB to acquire this player, as a running back with this pedigree and potential rarely comes available during the season.
(Remember, we list players available in at least 50% of ESPN Leagues.)
Running Back
Kenneth Walker Rostered in 47.5% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (50%+ FAAB)
The RB we were all looking for has dropped into our laps. We saw Walker’s explosive ability on the 69-yard house call he made Sunday against New Orleans, one of the best defenses in the NFL. Walker steps into the perfect situation. There is minimal competition, and the Seahawks have one of the best offenses in the NFL. The 14.8 PPR points from Walker were more points than either Najee Harris, James Conner, or Ezekiel Elliott have scored in any game this season. You could make the case to spend up to 100% of your FAAB if you prefer, as Walker should be a top 20 RB rest of the season with upside.
Brian Robinson Rostered in 44.8% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (15% FAAB)
Robinson, less than two months removed from gunshot wounds, was able to play in an NFL game. It’s a remarkable story that should have you cheering for Mr. Robinson on a football field. He also dramatically cut into Gibson’s role; out carrying him 9 to 3. The team believes in Robinson. He reportedly won the job this offseason, and will allow him to earn more work. Robinson needs to be on rosters ASAP. Also, check out the coldest entrance of all time.
Brian Robinson was introduced to “Many Men” after returning from being shot twice in the leg 6 weeks ago pic.twitter.com/G8XiroCrST
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 10, 2022
Eno Benjamin Rostered in 6.8% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (20% FAAB)
We got the answer to the question of which Cardinals backup running back to roster; and it was unequivocally Eno Benjamin. Benjamin stepped in, and the offense did not miss a beat. The injury for James Conner is TBD; so if he does miss time, Benjamin will jump ahead of Robinson as he would immediately go into starting lineups as long as Conner is out. He is third in my rankings because Benjamin is strictly a handcuff when Conner does come back. If news tells us Conner will play in week 6, drop the FAAB bid to 2%.
Wide Receiver
Rondale Moore Rostered in 19.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (5% FAAB)
I was skeptical of Rondale this season; and the early season injury had me wondering how his season would play out. However, with Moore receiving an 80%+ snap share in back-to-back weeks, that removes my concern for him. Add in 5+ receptions in those games, and we have a second-year player showing promise in an offense desperate for wide receiver help outside of Hollywood Brown. Arizona currently leads the NFL in pass plays per game with 43.8. With Rondale Moore as the primary slot WR, there is enough opportunity for him to continue fantasy relevance moving forward.
Zay Jones Rostered in 34.9% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (2% FAAB)
The Jaguars offense has taken a step back the past few weeks, but Zay Jones was again a focal point. The uncertainty of the WR room has opened up the potential for Jones to secure an even more prominent role moving forward. The production may be more boom-bust with Jones; depending on the matchup and how defenses scheme the offense. Jones will still be on the field garnering targets due to the lack of a true alpha WR in the room. While he does not have the name cache of others, Jones is an undervalued fantasy asset who will provide fantasy points.
Tight End
Evan Engram Rostered in 20.2% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (2% FAAB)
Let me get this out of the way. The tight end position has been a disaster. At this point, if you are still streaming tight ends, you are hoping for a decent floor play. Engram continues to see heavy usage in the Jacksonville offense. That production has been hit or miss; but given how often he is on the field, Engram is bound to produce some fantasy points. Add in the Colts, a bottom-six defense against tight ends this season, and you can raise the floor and level up with Engram this week.
Taysom Hill Rostered in 12.1% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (2% FAAB)
Taysom Hill has been the efficiency king in the NFL. That has never been his concern; the problem is lack of usage. Picking up Hill correlates directly to however long Jameis Winston will be out. As long as The Red Rifle Andy Dalton is the starting quarterback for the Saints, Hill will see a more significant role in the offense. We all saw Hill shred the Seattle defense last week on only ten touches. If you tell me that Hill gets ten touches weekly, he’s easily inside my top 12 TE.
Quarterback
Geno Smith Rostered in 32.36% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (8% FAAB)
I honestly have no idea how to explain the dominant play we have seen from Geno Smith. He’s legitimately been the best quarterback in the NFL; replicating peak Russell Wilson seasons. Smith carved up a Saints defense that is one of the most talented in the NFL to the tune of 24 fantasy points on only 25 attempts. His efficiency is off the charts; and now that we are five weeks in, it’s time to trust in Geno and start him each week moving forward. For the rest of the season, Geno has broken inside my top 12 quarterbacks.
🟢 Geno Smith this season
🔥 118/157
🔥 1,305 YDS
🔥 9 TD
🔥 74.6 QBR🟠 Russell Wilson this season
– 101/170
– 1,254 YDS
– 4 TD
– 36.5 QBR pic.twitter.com/tiIlNfze2z— PFF SEA Seahawks (@PFF_Seahawks) October 10, 2022
Carson Wentz Rostered in 47.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (2% FAAB)
We are again seeing Carson Wentz put up borderline top-12 numbers at the QB position, and it’s like no one even cares. The guy simply, year in and year out, produces for fantasy. With the talent around Wentz in Washington, he should be able to push consistently within the top 15 at the position. In the right matchup, he can finish as a high-end QB1 for your fantasy team. Everyone seems burnt out with Wentz, but grab him, and you can start him if you cannot get Geno Smith.