Fantasy Scrambler: Time to Scramble
As week three comes to an end, it truly is time to “Scramble”. Injuries are piling up and your diligence as an owner and talent evaluator is being put to the test.
Hopefully, you read last week’s Fantasy Scrambler and took my advice on Giovani Bernard and played him. Gio had a nice game as his workload continues to increase. Also, Bernard Pierce did what was expected as he spelled the injured Ray Rice. The other sleeper I was right on this past week was Ryan Tannehill. He guided the Dolphins to a perfect 3-0 record bringing up a huge Monday night tilt with the likewise undefeated New Orleans Saints.
I missed on James Starks, although that was due to injury so I’m gonna give myself a pass on that one. And as for Eddie Royal, I wasn’t the only one saying to play him this week. He utterly disappointed with just 34 yards and no touchdowns, while Philip Rivers unexpectedly came crashing back to earth. Keep Royal on your bench until a favorable match up forces you to play him.
I wanted to bring these examples up to show how important it is to always stay active on the waiver wire and to not get discouraged when you take a gamble on a sleeper. It has been my experience that the most active owners are often the ones hoisting trophies at the end of the season.
Now, let’s dig for some more fantasy gold. It was just a matter of time before Tom Brady made someone other than Edelman a fantasy stud. Kenbrell Thompkins finally showed the talent that fantasy owners have been drooling over since he lit up the preseason. Although he only had 41 yards, he easily made up for it by getting in the end zone twice. I believe that Gronk’s inevitable return will only open up more opportunities for this talented rookie. Keep riding the Thompkins train until it is derailed.
Staying with the Patriots, another guy I told you to keep an eye on this preseason was LeGarrette Blount. Not a ton of production, only 66 yards and no scores, but enough to start him as a flex if your running back depth has been decimated like so many others have. As Brady continues to buoy the Patriot’s offense, it is imperative that you get Blount off of your bench!
Two players I would advise against picking up even though they busted out this week include Donnie Avery and Jason Avant. Avery had a nice game, but most of his production was due to the Eagle’s defense giving Avery cushion while clamping down on Dwayne Bowe. I would not expect these kinds of numbers from Avery on a week in, week out basis, especially when there are so many other options out there for savvy owners. Jason Avant also blew up this week, however, like Avery, the Chiefs were more than happy to let Avant run all over the field as long as they could hold Desean Jackson below his meteoric stats he had been putting up this year.
Two players I picked up for this week were kicker Steven Hauschka from Seattle, and the red hot Chiefs’ Defense/Special Teams. These two transactions may not appear like much, but it seems that every little bit of advantage that can be gained, an extra point here, a return TD there, is what separates the winning owners from the losers. Hauschka had a nice game giving me 9 points from the kicking position. Although I did not play the Chiefs D, opting instead for the Bengals, I am still in a position where I now have two excellent defenses to choose from and I have already had some trade inquiries for the Chiefs.
Hopefully, these instances of waiver wire activity and player research will inspire you to pull the trigger on sleepers and may also help you dig up some hidden gems.
Hit me up on Twitter @MaahsScrambler if you need any line up advice or player recommendations. Good luck Scramblers and keep on Scramblin’.
