Loyal Razzballers and deep leaguers, we’re changing the format of the Deep Impact series from here on out. Rather than plug some under-owned options to consider for Week 7, instead, we will talk about all the ins and outs of wedding planning. Who says that planning a wedding should only be handled by the bride-to-be? Men, close your fantasy football apps and be an active part of the process… *answers call from Jay* I’ve been informed that the format of the article is actually staying the same, and also to beg all of you to never, ever stop paying attention to fantasy football for any reason. Don’t go anywhere! Please? You still there? Great! As we’ve been doing every week, let’s take a look at some guys below 10% owned in Yahoo that are worth using for Week 7. If you haven’t been reading every week, well, congrats! You’re probably doing pretty well so far this season.
Start:
Dwayne Washington (RB, Detroit Lions, 9% owned) – If you’re desperate at running back, this week offered plenty of opportunity to stock up with lottery tickets at the position (Mike Gillislee, Mike Davis, Don Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers (in shallower leagues (wait, are these parentheses within parentheses? (oh no I can’t escape!!!)))). Phew, made it out. Anyways, the flip side of that coin is those of you with Carlos Hyde, LeSean McCoy, Doug Martin, and Eddie Lacy may be without running backs if you didn’t land your handcuffs (pay more attention to Mike Maher’s weekly handcuff piece, if that’s the case). Anyways, if you’re left hunting for scraps, Washington’s ownership has dipped below our 10% threshold. Reports are that he’s going to be back this week and with a heavy workload, assuming Theo Riddick doesn’t suit up. I know I plugged backfield mate Zach Zenner last week, who put up playable deep league flex numbers, but I’d prefer a healthy Washington and I think the Lions do as well. And speaking of Washington, this week offers a tasty matchup against the Redskins, who allow the most yards per carry in the league. Monitor the injury status of the backfield during the week. If Washington plays, he’s worth a start. If he doesn’t, Zenner (3% owned) should be the play instead. And no matter what happens, feel free to ignore Justin Forsett.
Chester Rogers (WR, Indianapolis Colts, 0% owned) – Rogers is in line to start if Phillip Dorsett can’t go, which would be the biggest win of Rogers’ life since being voted “Most Likely To Receive An Atomic Wedgie” by his 7th grade class based solely on his name. Chuck Pagano says Dorsett is day-to-day, but he hasn’t practiced yet this week, so this is another situation to keep an eye on up until game day. It’s worth pointing out that even with both players available over the past two weeks, Rogers has two more targets, three more catches, and 49 more yards. If Dorsett is on the field, both guys aren’t very fantasy relevant except for the deepest of leagues. If he isn’t, Rogers will get the opportunity to snatch the second spot on the depth chart, and take some of the targets left by both Dorsett and Dwayne Allen (week to week with an ankle injury).
C.J. Fiedorowicz (TE, Houston Texans, 7% owned) – Who has more yards over the past three weeks: Fiedorowicz or DeAndre Hopkins? The answer is Hopkins, but not by as many as you would think (116 vs 109). Or by as many as you would hope, if burned an early pick on Hopkins this year (maybe because some idiot “expert” told you to pick him over Ezekiel Elliott). As disappointing as Hopkins has been, at least CJ has provided a silver lining for the Texans passing game. The blocking tight end has shown some growth in his third year and already has more yards than his previous two seasons combined. I wouldn’t expect big numbers from the Texans this week with a tough matchup against the Broncos, but if you don’t have any other options thanks to injuries and bye weeks, you can at least bank on him getting a healthy dose of targets.
Stash:
Ka’Deem Carey (RB, Chicago Bears, 2% owned) – This is one that won’t be actionable in most leagues until next Tuesday, but based on usage in tonight’s game, Carey is the back to own in Chicago. This is the second week in a row that he’s out-gained Jordan Howard, and this week he got more touches as well. The best decision is to ignore everyone on the Bears as much as possible, like all the Cubs fans that are too busy enjoying their postseason baseball to be concerned with this catastrophe of a team. But, running backs getting 10-15 touches are mandatory owns in deep leagues regardless of how much fire is raging in the Dumpster that running back resides in.
Drop:
DeVante Parker (WR, Miami Dolphins, 71% owned) – I never thought I’d say this sentence before: Miko Grimes had some good points. Specifically on her stance that Ryan Tannehill is not a very good quarterback. Not sure I side with her on her stance about the Dolphins keeping Mike Tannenbaum employed because he’s “Jew buddies” with owner Stephen Ross, but hey even a broken Hitler is right twice a day. Anyways, the bar for Tannehill is so low that last week was hailed as a “bounce back” game for him despite having 250 yards and no touchdowns simply because he didn’t look like the team started a fan as part of the Make-A-Wish program. I’m not interested in anyone aside from Jarvis Landry in this offense, and Parker’s 45 yards per game is easily replaced on the wire. Of course, since I advocated dropping Golden Tate in the last article, this week will probably bring a breakout performance for Parker. Set your lineups accordingly.