As trade season is approaching it’s end in fantasy leagues, so too is this post in it’s current iteration. For the next two weeks, I am going to focus on players to buy in preparation for the playoffs. Now is the time to get your rosters set. Looking at who you will want to have moving forward is a big key to success in the playoffs. Let’s take a look at a few of those players who could help you reach the final goal. The goal of winning that cash or bragging rights.
Austin Ekeler| RB| Los Angeles Chargers
With Melvin Gordon returning to the lineup, everyone was worried about the effect this would have on Austin Ekeler. So far, we have seen that it has had quite an effect, But not one we may have projected.
Melvin Gordon is getting most of the rushing work. In fact, Ekeler only had three rushes for three yards on Sunday. But whereas Gordon was being used in the pass game in recent years, this has become the domain of Ekeler.
This week notwithstanding, Ekeler is on an almost historic pace for receptions by a running back. He only had two receptions for 19 yards and one touchdown against the Bears. But just last week, he had nine receptions for over 100 receiving yards. Even if Gordon continues to be used as the main back, Anthony Lynn is not going to take the pass work away from Ekeler. Especially playing as well as he is. This means he is still a startable asset for your team. Whether it be as a RB2 or a flex, he will continue to get you double-digit points each and every week. Especially with matchups against the secondaries of the Chiefs and Raiders still ahead this season.
Darrell Henderson| RB| Los Angeles Rams
Darrell Henderson out-rushed Todd Gurley on Sunday 11 to 10. This obviously means he is going to take over the entire backfield before long.
Ok, not really. But with Malcolm Brown injured, it has given the backup role to Henderson. A role which, in previous seasons would not mean much. But with the Rams monitoring and limiting the work given to Gurley, it becomes extremely valuable late in the season. The Rams are 5-3 and in the thick of the playoff hunt in the NFC. They will likely not catch the red-hot 49ers, but they will be fighting it out with the Vikings or Packers and the Eagles or Cowboys for wild card berths. To do this, they will need to have Gurley healthy. Last season, the Rams brought in C.J. Anderson to give him some rest. This season, they are content to use the roster they already have in place. Darrell Henderson then becomes an extremely valuable handcuff and possible weekly flex play.
If you have an owner in your league who is mad, they spent a sixth-round pick on him, offer something. It may not cost a lot, and he could be one of those late season league winners. Especially if the expected injury to Gurley who no one expects happens.
D.K. Metcalf| WR| Seattle Seahawks
Well, after his explosion against Atlanta this week, it might be harder to get him for a good price. But, if you can convince the owner of the Seahawks propensity to run first, you might still be able to do it. Other than this week, Metcalf has not been a big numbers guy this season. He has some long touchdown catches, but he does his damage on relatively low reception numbers overall. This makes his floor extremely low. He could easily be taken out of games. Especially if the team is ahead. Which they could be with games left against Arizona and Tampa Bay.
If this is the case, Metcalf could have a bust week. But with games also left against the actually good 49ers and the Rams in division, there will be plenty of chances for him to prove his worth for your team. If you can acquire the rookie for cheap, grab him and start him. If the owner wants too much, back off and go after the next man listed instead.
Allen Robinson| WR| Chicago Bears– One word comes to mind when talking about Robinson this season: consistency. Allen Robinson has had at least six targets in each game this season. This is on a bad offense with a worse quarterback.
This Bears team wants to run the ball, any idiot knows that. Robinson is the only reliable weapon in the pass game. Trey Burton has been a bust since signing with Chicago last season and Taylor Gabriel is a boom play at best. And that boom was one week. Against the Redskins. So, yeah.
Robinson is going to continue to get fed as the Bears try to make a playoff push in the toughest division in the NFL. The Packers and Vikings are going to be there all season and the Lions are a pesky, if not good team. David Montgomery and company have left a lot to be desired in the run game. So, as scary as it is for everyone, including Bears fans, it will fall to Trubisky to get things done. The only person this can be good for is Allen Robinson. And knowing he is on such a bad team; he might be cheaper than you think to nab him.
