RADIO
Many fantasy players overreact to results from the first week of games, and at varying levels. Some experienced competitors know how to remain patient after such a small sample size. Others are too quick to throw underperforming players onto the free-agent list and then regret such moves later on.
You may be thinking of cutting some of the following players, or you already have. That could turn out to a mistake. If you released any of the guys featured here, get them back on your roster if you can. If someone else cut any of them, you should add these players to your roster.
Every name on this rundown could realistically appear on your free agent list this week. There are always the impatient types who will impulsively make a regrettable move. Don't be the one to make these mistakes, be the one to capitalize on them.
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Running Backs
Matt Breida, Miami Dolphins: He should still emerge as the lead running back in Miami. Myles Gaskin may turn out to be a wasted waiver addition. Breida will bounce back from a 22-yard outing in the opener and should be a quality flex option this year as long as he stays healthy.
Mark Ingram II, Baltimore Ravens: He rushed for 29 yards in the opener and J.K. Dobbins was the lead RB. Don’t be surprised if the Ravens work him back into the offensive flow in Week 2. They are not just going to mothball a proven veteran RB who can be very useful.
Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After a five -arry, five-yard offensive debut, in which Ronald Jones II looked like the better RB, you may be down on Fournette. But at the very least, once he becomes more comfortable in the Tampa Bay offense, he will earn his part of a timeshare. The possibility remains that he could still become the Buccaneers’ lead RB over time.
James White, New England Patriots: He caught only three passes in his first game playing with Cam Newton. The new Patriots QB will soon realize that White is his best pass-catching option outside of Julian Edelman.
Le’Veon Bell, New York Jets: Sometimes, Fantasy players make the mistake of cutting a player when he is injured. Bell could return as soon as Week 5 and will likely assume a heavy workload again. You don’t want to release a player who will get a lot of volume when he returns. Bell is no longer a Fantasy superstar under Adam Gase, yet he will continue to be a busy RB when he gets back into New York’s offensive mix.
Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams: Savvy fantasy players will know they have to be patient with Akers. Yet there will certainly be some who overreact to Malcolm Brown outplaying the rookie on Sunday. Don’t be one of those fantasy GMs/coaches, because Akers was drafted to be the lead back and just needs some more time to be eased into the role.
Wide Receivers
Breshad Perriman, New York Jets: It was a tough defensive draw for all of the Jets this week other than Jamison Crowder, who caught seven or more passes for the third consecutive time against Buffalo. Perriman will get more involved in the New York passing game going forward, especially when they get involved in some high-scoring affairs.
Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals: It was clear that Joe Burrow was leaning more heavily on A.J. Green in his pro debut. But as he progresses as a pure passer, Boyd will start to produce more. We all know that we cannot count on Green to stay healthy, so Boyd could become Cincinnati’s No. 1 WR again at any time.
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers: Expectations are certainly lowered for Allen working with Tyrod Taylor. He totaled 37 receiving yards in the season opener. There will be times going forward, though, when Taylor will lean on Allen for quality totals. There does not appear to be much upside with Taylor at the helm, but Allen does not belong on free agency, either.
Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins: He is coming off a major knee injury and only caught two passes at New England. It was a tough matchup in Williams’ return to action. Ryan Fitzpatrick will have some better outings ahead and Williams will benefit. An eventual QB switch could also lead to more steady production.
Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns: This is a prime example that no name in this feature is safe from hitting the waiver wire. I had someone directly ask me early this week if they should cut Beckham.
You can never fully release a player with such tremendous talent who is capable of a big performance at any time based on a disappointing outing. Sure, Beckham has fallen short of expectations since he came to Cleveland, but he is certainly capable of producing much better than just about anyone you would find on free agency. Maybe Beckham is not who he was in New York fantasy-wise, but that does not make him waiver wire fodder, either.
Tight Ends
Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: He was invisible in Tampa Bay’s opener, but he is coming off a long layoff and Tom Brady will have to go to him more in key situations to expand his chances of keeping the offense moving. Exercise some patience with Gronkowski, who missed a year and has changed teams during an unusual offseason and preseason.
Dan Arnold, Arizona Cardinals: Seeing him not do much against the 49ers does not shake my confidence that he remains a super sleeper. The TDs and improved Fantasy output are not far away at all.
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins: He only totaled 30 receiving yards in Miami’s opener, but a breakout season remains very possible.
Chris Herndon, New York Jets: He finished with 37 receiving yards against Jacksonville, but he did catch six passes and TD receptions are coming soon. He is another potential breakthrough candidate who should remain on your roster.
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