Week 11 NFL Moneyline Underdogs
Mike Randle
Every week, from now till the end of the season I will break down a few moves to make to help you build the ultimate dynasty roster and rule your fantasy football leagues.
With Week 2 behind us, the key to finding long-term success is not to overreact. As dynasty managers, this is key, too many of us sell the farm after a disappointing first couple of weeks. As a result, we fall behind in years to come, however, some players are worth making a move to acquire, no matter the state of your roster.
Rebuilding Moves
Even amid a rebuild, there are in-season moves that can help you set yourself up for success. Additionally, they don’t have to be massive trades either, the key to rebuilding is obtaining assets.
Target Young Underperforming WRs
Two weeks into the season, it is hard to make moves, but sometimes you can cash in on some early-season panic. So far this year there have been a few very talented young wide receivers underperforming, these players could be the perfect trade target.
Darnell Mooney is a good example. In the first two games, the Bears offense has looked anemic. They are only averaging 216 total yards per game, worst in the NFL. Additionally, they have only averaged a league-low 76.5 yards passing per game, 82.5 yards behind the second-worst team. This lack of production comes from a lack of passing attempts, as the team has only attempted 28 passes so far. As a result, Mooney is struggling to produce — he only has 2 receptions for 4 yards. This lack of production may have his manager itching for a change.
George Pickens is another name that may have his managers itching for more. Pickens gained a lot of hype through the preseason, but he has two duds on the field to start the season so far. He has seen 6 targets and only caught 2 for 26 yards – 23 of them on one reception this past week. However, he has been out on the field for 77.8% of the Steelers’ snaps through two weeks. Additionally, he has run a route on 92% of Mitch Trubisky’s dropbacks. This is encouraging usage — if that keeps up, it’s only a matter of time before he has a big week. Check in and see if his current manager has been scared off of the rookie and see if there’s a deal to be made.
Contending Rosters
As a contender, we know by now that the name of the game is – What can you do for me now? This is the mindset you should have as we head into Week 3. The waiver wire can be your best friend, but a rebuilding roster could be your soul mate.
Go Get Christian Kirk
In the first two games, it is clear Christian Kirk is the guy for the Jaguars, leading the team in receiving yards with 195 yards. Additionally, he has been on the field for 90% of the team’s snaps and has been targeted on 25% of Trevor Lawrence’s targets. He’s seen 18 targets, catching 12 for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He’s been a top-20 receiver both weeks so far, including finishing as the WR7 in Week 2 with 25.8 PPR points. He also ranks seventh in yards per route run so far, at 2.79 (per PFF). But Kirk still has the reputation as a secondary guy who was overpaid this offseason. Believe in what he has shown so far and see if you can pry him away from his current roster before his price climbs even higher.
David Montgomery Could Shore Up Your Roster
There was a ton of noise in Chicago this offseason about how Khalil Herbert would see increased usage, maybe work his way into a timeshare with David Montgomery or even more. So far, that isn’t close to true. Over the first two weeks, the Bears have been very run heavy, averaging 139.5 rushing yards per game. And most of that has gone through Montgomery — he has seen 50% of the team’s total carries (32), including 15 Sunday that he took for 122 yards against the Packers. He hasn’t found the end zone yet, but it’s only a matter of time, because this offense almost has to improve. Herbert did notch a touchdown in Week 1, keeping their overall fantasy totals comparable, and maybe that disguises how much more work Montgomery is getting. That makes this a perfect player to target for contending rosters — a safe-floor back with RB1 upside who current managers might be down on so far.
