We are nearly 1/3 of the way through the fantasy football regular season, and things are going exactly like we expected. The Detroit Lions are the fantasy offense we should have been targeting this offseason. Through four weeks, they have scored the most points in the NFL. Jared Goff is QB5, Jamaal Williams is the RB3, Amon-Ra St. Brown is WR6, and T.J. Hockenson is the TE3.
At the other end of the spectrum we have the Los Angeles Rams. They currently rank 29th in points for, with just 70 on the season. Players like Matthew Stafford, Allen Robinson, and Cam Akers are all vastly underperforming. They will definitely have better days, but for now it’s almost impossible to start any Rams player. This has turned many of the Rams into Roster Cloggers; some in this article.
If you are 0-4 it is still not too late to turn things around. And if you are 4-0 there is still a lot of season left. So make sure to stick with the League Winners this entire year. Make sure to check out Jesse‘s weekly Waiver Wire article, Hunter‘s DST Streamers, and our weekly Start Sit articles as well as all of the other articles on the site.
Late Week Additions
This section of the article has been used to highlight some players that are rostered in very few fantasy football leagues that could have big jumps in rostership in the coming weeks. It has featured Tyler Allgeier and Jamaal Williams in weeks prior to the starter for their team getting injured. Allgeier is still rostered in very few leagues and has the potential to be the lead back for the Falcons this week. His snaps and touches have been trending nicely and I am looking forward to a nice week out of the young RB.
This week I want to highlight a player that I was really high on this offseason. Unfortunately, due to an off the field incident we have not been able to see him take the field. Brian Robinson was just activated by the Washington Commanders and is potentially going to be on the field as early as Week 5.
Don't be surprised if Murray is the most valuable Broncos back in FF in a few weeks. Don't overspend on any of them. This is a good week to miss on the DEN/ATL backs because you're outbid and get a Pacheco or Brian Robinson cheaper instead https://t.co/rgbEEtOnkd
— Sigmund Bloom (@SigmundBloom) October 4, 2022
So far this season, the Commanders have really used the running back by committee approach. Over the past few weeks they have been shifting touches from Antonio Gibson over to J.D. McKissic. With Brian Robinson getting into the mix soon, things are likely going to get even messier. But in that mess, Robinson will be getting carries. If he shows flashes he is likely to cut into the workload for both backs. If there is an injury to either of the top backs, Robinson could easily carve out a fantasy relevant work load.
Fantasy Football Roster Cloggers
QB – Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams, 87.9% Rostered
After winning the 2021 Super Bowl, the Rams were able to bring back the majority of their offensive weapons; and fantasy football managers had very high expectations. In 2021, the Rams finished 8th in total touchdowns with 52. That was an average of just over 3 touchdowns per game.
But through four weeks, the Rams have scored just 7 offensive touchdowns – averaging 1.75 touchdowns per week. They are one of only nine teams to have 7 or less offensive touchdowns on the season. This is just not enough touchdowns to support a fantasy QB, let alone multiple other fantasy relevant players. Through four weeks Stafford has fewer touchdowns thrown than turnovers. Stafford has thrown 4 touchdowns – 3 to Kupp – and 6 interceptions with an additional fumble lost. Until he can protect the ball, Stafford will not be startable in fantasy leagues.
MATT STAFFORD PICK-SIX 😱
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/IepeDEQWNL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 4, 2022
According to ESPN, Stafford is being started in just 35.4% of leagues. Stafford probably should not be dropped today, but we need to monitor the situation moving forward.
RB – Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts, 60.1% Rostered
Yes, you read that correct; and I am aware that Jonathan Taylor is going to miss Week 5. But if you have Hines on your roster and you are not starting him, it is the time to move on. Before you go out and cut him you should absolutely try and trade him for someone who will be valuable to your team for more than just this one week.
Hines could be a decent start in Week 5 if you are in a tricky spot. But he is currently only being started in 4.3% of ESPN fantasy football leagues. I expect this to jump some, but with a matchup against the Broncos who currently rank as the 5th most difficult for fantasy RBs, it might not be the best spot. If you can play someone else you should. With Taylor’s injury not being as severe as it originally appeared, it is likely that we see him back on the field for the Colts Week 6 matchup.
*whispers*
Nyheim Hines is not the Jonathan Taylor handcuff
— Addison Hayes (@amazehayes_) October 3, 2022
So far this season the Colts are one of only 4 teams to score 6 or less offensive touchdowns this season. If they only have 6 touchdowns with Taylor in the lineup it is unlikely that they will do any better with Hines in the lineup. On top of that if you have him on your roster on Thursday and he is sitting on your bench you limit your flexibility moving into the weekend. If you can not justify getting Hines into your lineup while Taylor is inactive he is not worth a roster spot and should be cut or traded if possible.
WR – Allen Robinson, Los Angeles Rams, 84.8% Rostered
Allen Robinson may be one of the most frustrating players in fantasy football right now. After a bad season with the Bears in 2021, a new home with the Superbowl champions seemed like a massive upgrade. This led to a late 5th round ADP during drafts this year.
So far this season he has been on the field for at least 90% of the snaps each week. If you looked at this alone you would assume that he must be a relevant piece of the offense. But this is far from the case. Robinson is currently 3rd on the team in targets behind Tyler Higbee. He also is just ahead of Ben Skowronek who trails by just 2 targets. Skowronek actually ranks ahead of Robinson in receptions and yards.
Allen Robinson is being criminally misused by the Rams. INFURIATING!
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 4, 2022
At this point, Allen Robinson can not be started. If you drafted Robinson, it is time to think about some of the other waiver options. Let one of your leaguemates add Robinson to their bench; or if you are lucky, they will start him and get his single digit points.
TE – Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills, 73.3% Rostered
Tight end is one of the most frustrating positions in fantasy football. Every season it seems like there are only four or five consistent fantasy options. Last season Dawson Knox was one of those options. But his fantasy value was mostly based on touchdowns.
Through the first four weeks of this season, Knox has not found the endzone once. He has caught all of his redzone targets, and targets within the 10 yard line; but that is only 2 total receptions for just 15 yards and no touchdowns.
Touchdowns will come eventually. But in games when Knox does not get a touchdown fantasy managers will be wanting more from the TE position. Knox has a total of 111 yards in 2022 so far; with 5, 41, 25, and 40 receiving yards in each of his games.
Dawson Knox has really been an afterthought in this Dorsey offense through 3 games.. would really like to see him exploit the Ravens struggling LBs
— Greg 🅱️oucher 🐃 (@TheSportsBully1) October 1, 2022
Roster Clogger Watchlist
- WR – Julio Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 55.1% Rostered
- WR – Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers, 72.3% Rostered
- RB – Michael Carter, New York Jets, 79.7% Rostered
- RB – Chase Edmonds, Miami Dolphins, 83.7% Rostered
