Fantasy football playoff push: Trade targets and what to expect from murky RB rotations

As we enter week 9 fantasy Football In the offseason, now is the time to build the roster and prepare hard to reach the playoffs.

Let’s take a look around the league and look at some recent observations I made after watching game tape. It’s really about trends and what I’m seeing in terms of player usage and deployment. This affects your fantasy lineups.

We’re going to start with a rising rookie tight end who is being employed — and producing — in a versatile role. There are also several backfield rotations worthy of your attention, and I even see an emerging wide receiver worth adding to the roster.

Fannin is averaging 13.1 PPG over the past four games, but I still see more upside here for the rookie tight end due to his versatility in coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive tackle. cleveland brownsin week 8 against new England PatriotsFannin caught six of eight targets for 62 yards and a touchdown and also had a carry for two yards (18.4 points). Fannin scored a touchdown on a deep sail concept – from a backfield (fullback) alignment. He’s a “trick” player in this system, and the numbers support his alignment versatility.

Over the past four games, Fannin has run 60 routes from the slot, 24 from the traditional tight end alignment, 18 from out wide and two routes from the backfield set. Now, combine that type of deployment with Fannin’s savvy route running and catch-and-run ability. That’s how you create production.

The Browns are on the bye this week, but if I need a tough shot to make a fantasy playoff run (or get back into the playoff discussion), Fannin will be on my trade target list. He is an emerging player.

How to evaluate the Chargers’ WR trio

lad mcconkey The last three games have seen his volume increase, scoring at least nine goals in each, with 25 in the last two. An easy splitter in the route tree who is now playing at the level we expected over the summer, McConkey averaged 19.9 ppg on this stretch. He’s a fringe WR1 for me this week vs. tennessee titans,

But this leap for McConkey, as well as the emergence of the rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II (22 targets over their last three games), making an impact on the Chargers’ wide receiver room. Yes, keenan allen Will continue to be a reliable flex/WR3 due to his coverage awareness and ability to make himself available to the quarterback Justin HerbertHe’s a chain mover, an isolation goal.

But quentin johnsonJoe, who had at least 23 points in two of his first four games this season, suffered a setback. Johnson’s voice has declined during work due to a hamstring injury. win over in week 8 minnesota vikingsJohnston rushed 22 routes but did not have a single target. He still brings a much-needed vertical element to the Chargers’ offense, but without the consistent volume, he should be viewed as a big-play WR3.

I understand the concerns of Montgomery managers (and I am one of them). Montgomery has scored less than 10 points in three of his last four games. Meanwhile, teammates Jahmir Gibbs but fell only 36.80 points tampa bay buccaneers Defense in Week 7. And he looks hot on tape, too.

But despite Montgomery’s decline in production, he is still getting opportunities. Montgomery has averaged 11.0 carries in his past four, with at least one attempt inside the 5-yard line in two of those starts. And his next three games (at Minnesota, Washington, Philadelphia) are against defenses that rank outside the top 10 against opposing running backs.

Remember, we’re betting on volume and red zone touches with Montgomery – in one of the league’s most explosive offenses. And we should achieve that this week against the Vikings, which is why Montgomery will start in my flex spot.

Understanding the Panthers’ RB Rotation

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Could Rico Dowdle become a fantasy RB2?

Field Yates explains why Rico Dowdle taking over the Panthers’ starting running back duties could impact his fantasy outlook.

It’s hard for me because I loved the tape so much Rico Dowdle back in 5 and 6 weeks Chuba Hubbard Was out due to injury. Dowdle posted back-to-back games of 32 or more points and looked explosive, decisive and fast. Since then? The backfield timeshare with Hubbard has greatly diminished Dowdle’s value.

It made a loss last week buffalo billHubbard outshot Dowdall 12-8, but it was Dowdall who averaged 6.8 YPC. We can see Dowdle bring more juice to this Panthers run game, but unless the club makes a change in Dowdle’s favor, he may not be played on more than a flex. And that’s where I have Dowdle ranked for the Week 9 game green Bay Packers,

effect of Aaron Jones Sr.return to minnesota

Jones returned to the lineup in Week 8 after missing four consecutive games due to a hamstring injury, but his return did not produce big numbers or spectacular play. Negative play flow against the Chargers limited Jones to just seven touches for 30 yards against the No. 2 running back Jordan Mason Finished with four touchdowns.

So, how do we see this Vikings backfield moving forward?

I lean toward Jones here because of his pass-catching upside and screen concepts in coach Kevin O’Connell’s system. Additionally, Jones can serve as an outlet for the quarterback. JJ McCarthy (ankle), who is expected to return for Sunday’s game at Detroit. Yes, Mason will still get his share of touches. And given Jones’ injury history, Mason is extremely valuable insurance for the second half of the season. Keep him on the roster. But for now, Jones is in contention to play for the Vikings, and I’d put him in flex range against the Lions.

Franklin caught six of eight targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns in the Broncos’ Week 8 win. dallas cowboysAnd his 26.9 points led all wide receivers. Sure, the Cowboys’ defense is a zone-heavy unit that lacks impact players, and Dallas has given up a league-high 20 touchdown receptions this season. But Franklin has touchdown catches in back-to-back games and at least eight targets in each, and has a clear connection with the quarterback. bo nixHis college teammates at Oregon. Franklin is also a glider, with the ability to throw the deep ball and the speed skills to move through pursuit angles after the catch.

The way I see it, the surge in Franklin’s volume tells a story. And we have to accept it. He’s getting the ball for a reason. And if you have room in a shallow league, I would target Franklin as a potential roster add. But with a strong fight against it houston texans On defense on Sunday, Franklin only holds value in deep formations this week.

Desire woody marks Play a starring role in Houston?

Marks passes the eye test when watching the Texans’ backfield, right? It’s the jump in game speed, as well as the upside aspect of pass-catching that is noticeable compared to the experienced Nick ChubbMarks had over 100 total yards in Week 8 san francisco 49ersHe also has seven receptions for 69 yards and a score in his last two games.

While Chubb outshot Marks 19-15 against the 49ers, the veteran is simply a volume grinder at this stage of his career. But Marks can create more scoring upside in your lineup, including increased PPR value due to his dual-threat attributes. That’s why I’ve slotted Marks as the flex starter for this week’s matchup against Denver. He is Houston’s first back on the roster.