The Fantasy Gridiron

In 2017, fantasy football will be played by 59.3 million people in North America. It has come a long way since being played by eight men in an Oakland hotel room in 1963. Fantasy football can be a serious event between your friends or it can be a lowkey, chill event with random people around the world. Now that it’s October, you should have an idea of how your team is going to progress throughout the rest of the year. Whether you’re still undefeated or you haven’t won yet, there are always things that can be improved.

If your team has done well so far I would suggest to not do anything too drastic. Keep the core of your team together and don’t do anything more than manage your flex spot and defense/special teams on the waiver wire. If you’re struggling a bit, it may be in your best interest to make a somewhat risky trade. Perhaps swapping running backs with another team could energize your team. Maybe trading for an injured superstar could be just what you need (more on that later). Whatever you do don’t be the guy that gives up and trades all of his good players to a friend.

Now let’s get into some major injuries. For all of you that drafted David Johnson number one overall, I send my deepest condolences, and I know how you feel. Although he’s gonna be out until December, it’s not the end of the world. The Cardinals recently re-signed 3 time pro bowler, Chris Johnson. It seems that until David Johnson is healthy, it will be a committee of Kerwynn Williams (new starter), Andre Ellington, and the newly re-signed Chris Johnson. The Cardinals are expecting to stay competitive even without their best offensive player. Don’t be tempted to trade David Johnson. Even though he will be out for half the year, the production you will get when he returns will be unmatched. Also he will come back during your playoff push so his presence could be all the difference. Now if you feel one of the other members is willing to overpay for an injured David Johnson, I would listen, but don’t jump the gun.

The Chiefs defense took a big hit in week 1 when they lost first team All-pro safety, Eric Berry, to an achilles tendon rupture. This is a mighty injury to a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

If you don’t feel like trades in fantasy football are helpful, there are other ways to improve your team via free agency. Unless you play in a 20 team league, there is always going to be someone useful available. One player I’m banking on to make a big splash is Seattle Seahawks rookie running back, Chris Carson. Chris was much more efficient than fellow Seahawk Eddie Lacy. You may think that the return of Thomas Rawls would spoil any hopes of Chris Carson success, but I disagree. Thomas Rawls has had trouble staying healthy the past 2 years, and even when he was healthy, he was unable to perform at a high level. If you need to fill a flex spot, Chris Carson is your guy as he is only owned in 5.7% of ESPN fantasy leagues. Another guy I believe in is Adrian Peterson. He may be 32 years old, but Adrian “All Day” Peterson is no ordinary running back. He may no longer be the 2,000 yard rusher he once was, but I believe he can be productive as a member of the Saints. The Saints do rotate in two other running backs (Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara), but I think that Adrian will get the lion’s share of touches near the goal line. One downside is that Adrian is owned in 100% of ESPN leagues, but you may be able to buy low on him. If you’re having QB troubles, Broncos QB, Trevor Siemian may be able to help. He is only owned in 10.4% of ESPN fantasy leagues, and he has had 2 very strong fantasy performances thus far. Trevor has struggled last year, but it seems that he can now run the Broncos offense.

Fantasy football can be a stressful thing. For me every Thursday night, all day Sunday, and Monday night is spent looking at my computer is see how my team is doing. I read countless articles trying to get a good understanding of what is projected to happen on game day. In the end all you can do is watch and pray that no one on your team gets hurt. I hope your season ends with you holding up your league’s championship trophy.