Thanks as always Chaka! -- standard scoring
1) Who to grab to replace TE Schultz? Assuming he doesn't play this week.
- OJ Howard
- L. Thomas
- I. Smith
- M. Gesecki
- J. Johnson
- E. Engram
2) Need one for flex:
- D. London
- T. Pollard
- R. Stevenson
- E. Moore
At this point I can't see recommending Howard & Gesicki.
I know Juwan Johnson is kind of a TE darling ATM but I would wait on a status on Kamara before he becomes an option in my book. Even then with the three WRs in front of him he's fourth on the team in targets and fourth in receptions. Throw in a road game against an uninspiring offense and a QB with a broken back and I think you roll the dice on other options.
Logan Thomas is probably what we have seen him as the first two weeks. 4-5 targets, low yardage and TD dependent, which isn't great because he hasn't received a look inside the 10 yard line so far this season (he has two targets inside the 20). He's fourth on the team in targets with 11 but six players have at least 10 targets in Washington and Thomas is fifth in receptions. He feels like a low floor, low ceiling option IMO.
Irv Smith is certainly an option but I wonder how much of his production had to do with the good job the Eagles did on the Viking WRs. Detroit won't cause nearly as big a problem for them, but it's Detroit and that defense gives up a lot of points. Irv is definitely an option, I just don't know how much confidence you should have in him.
Evan Engram is the most interesting option in my book. He is in on about 70% of snaps, is third on the team in targets with 12 (Zay Jones has 13) and 2nd in receptions (11). the Chargers have given up some yards to TEs and, unless Herbert sits the Jags offense should (highly unpredictable) have to throw the ball a little bit.
Non elite TEs are always a bit of a crap shoot but, IMO:
Engram>Irv>throw a dart
For your flex I don't think you can go with Moore considering your other options.
I was happy to be wrong about Tony Pollard last week and I hope it's a sign of things to come. He wasn't on the field nearly as much as Zeke but when was the Cowboys went to him 2/3 of the time (16 opportunities on 24 snaps). He got one fewer opportunity than Zeke on half as many snaps. I hope this means the Cowboys realize that they if they feed both backs they can be effective on offense. I don't know what to expect from the Giants, they are better than the Bengals ATM (we all doubt that lasts) but this is definitely a winnable game.
How about Drake London? He is second on the Falcons pass catchers for snap count but is dominating the others in targets and receptions. 19 targets for 13-160-1 is not too shabby. Not sure if Ramsey was on him last week but who cares? He looks like the real deal. Mariota is being efficient if not effective and he is keeping plays alive with his legs. This is a winnable game for the Falcons but, I hate them being on the road particularly in Seattle who will focus on making this a low scoring affair.
Unless we hear some news about Damien Harris not playing I can't endorse Rhamondre ATM.
@Anarchy99 knows all things Patriots and Bill Belichick. He thinks if Harris were truly injured BB wouldn't have let him speak with the media last week. He spoke so I'm inclined to believe the Patriots anticipate him being in the lineup. Rhamondre was on the field for 15 more snaps than Harris this week but Harris still out opportunitied him 17-11. The week before Harris had 8 more snaps and still out opportunitied him 12-10. Throw in that Harris seems to be the clear goal line option I am going to continue to be down on Rhamondre. Mind you, like most, I think this guy has real upside week-over-week but I hate trying to predict that kind of upside.
For me its a very close one between London & Pollard, because I like a roadie in Seattle less than a roadie in New York I'm going with:
Pollard>London
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