It’s the return of the Fantasy section on DNA of Sports, every Saturday find our tips, our favorites, and the pitfalls to avoid.
Break-in is complete. You are now set on the waiver to find the player who will help you make the break or the one who will allow you to revive after a failed start to the campaign.
The absents
Hecatomb in the Buccaneers-Packers duel where most receivers should miss the match. Mike Evans is suspended, and all the others are uncertain or already forfeited. An evening that should not be ideal to express the talents of Rodgers and Brady. For Kyler Murray also the targets will miss with another absence of Rondale Moore.
Dak Prescott (QB, Cowboys) is progressing but will miss another meeting, as will Zach Wilson (QB, Jets).
Quarterbacks
The safe bet: Joe Burrow. Yes the Bengals are 0-2, yes Burrow has already been 13 times, but despite that, his point records aren’t that bad. Faced with the Jets who have grounded the opposing quarterback only 3 times since the start of the season, Burrow could have time to deploy his game and find his targets. And inevitably if it touches Chase and Higgins, the points could quickly accumulate.
The bet: Jared Goff. Supported by an Amon Ra St Brown on fire, Goff has already compiled 6 touchdowns in 2 games. Well protected, well surrounded, the quarterback lives again and establishes itself as an interesting safe haven. Faced with the 29th defense, he could easily exceed the 20 point mark.
Avoid: Tua Tagovailoa. Beware of the temptation to be intoxicated by the performance of the young quarterback against the Ravens. If Tagovailoa mistreated the Ravens’ backfield, doing the same against the Bills could be a whole different challenge. The defensive line should harass him and give him a whole new challenge to find his targets.
Running back
The safe bet: David Montgomery. We won’t make the same mistake twice. After underestimating the runner in his match up against the Packers defense, he is in the spotlight this week. With a quarterback who has only attempted 28 passes in two games, his role is unlikely to diminish. And neither is its efficiency.
The bet: Dameon Pierce. We try the Pierce bet again. More seen in week 2 with 43% of carries and 4.6 yards per race, he took the ascendancy in the backfield. Faced with a Bears defense that took on water on the ground last week, the rookie could find an ideal playground.
Avoid: Aaron Jones. Twirling against the Bears last week, the duel against the Buccs’ should be of another caliber for Aaron Jones. Only 13 points conceded in 2 matches, they limited the best opposing runners to 52 and 58 yards. The current best offensive player of the Packers has not kept very good memories of the last meetings against Tampa with in particular a costly fumble in the conference final in 2020.
Receivers
The safe bet: Drake London. Drake London: His agreement with Marcus Mariota is the main reason for hope at the start of the Falcons season. The young receiver has taken up so much space in the attack that Kyle Pitts, revelation of last year, has only crumbs left. Tall, sure-handed, fast, London has what it takes to be a decisive receiver of possession in the red zone. A recipe often effective in fantasy. Against the Seahawks, he will be the key to a possible first victory for his team.
The bet: Treylon Burks. The highest-rated rookie by Pro Football Focus for the first two weeks of competition, Burks showed up despite the rout against the Bills. Faced with the perfectible defense of the Raiders, he could be even more in the spotlight and find the end zone for the first time in his young career.
Avoid: DJ Moore. 3 receptions 43 yards. This is the record of each of Moore’s two outings in 2022. His connection with Baker Mayfield is struggling to form and his impact on the Panthers’ attack is modest for the moment. Faced with rival New Orleans and its solid defense, the match up does not seem ideal for scoring points.
Tight-end
The safe bet: Tyler Higbee. Targeted 20 times in two matches, Higbee confirmed he was a reliable safety valve for Stafford. All he needs is a touchdown. Faced with a Cardinals team that has suffered against the tights so far, the weekend could be sunny for the Los Angeles player.
The bet: Irv Smith Jr. Invisible against the Packers, effective against the Eagles, Irv Smith remains a fairly volatile value both on the field and in fantasy. His coach has warned he will be more involved after returning from a thumb injury. Against the Lions, he could do well.
Avoid: Albert Okwuegbunam. Russell Wilson is not yet like a fish in water under his new colors. His performance remains below expectations for a player of his caliber. It is quite logical that he focuses above all on his receivers, like Courtaud Sutton rather than his young tights end. Little targeted so far, the prospect of facing one of the best linebacker squads, led by Fred Warner should not be favorable to Okwuegbunam.
Top 5 waivers of the week
1. Garrett Wilson – WR
2. Russell Gage – WR
3. Jimmy Garoppolo – QB
4. Tyler Allgeier – RB
5. Hayden Hurst – TE
The Griz’League
The Griz’LeagueBarely two weeks, but already two groups are emerging. Five teams are 2-0 while 5 others are 0-2. Mathieu is the card of the week by distancing Grégory by 50 points. Antoine continues despite the premature loss of his starting quarterback in the person of Trey Lance. Nick Chubb’s (very) strong performance carried him to a clear victory against a Xavier handicapped by unproductive runners.
Despite his 140 points, Victor lost to Alain, who took the lead in the league with the most points scored. Marco won narrowly thanks to the stratospheric performance of Jaylen Waddle. Tiffany offers the scalp of the champion Romain despite the zero point of DJ Chark. The other great animator of week 2, Amon Ra St Brown carried Brice to victory and a balanced balance sheet.
