The deeper we get into the 2023 season, the tougher it gets for fantasy football managers.
Everyone’s primary focus is the loss of Justin Jefferson and the subsequent question marks surrounding the rest of the Vikings receivers, but we also know the running back disasters that have affected the Cardinals and even the Dolphins.
Injuries have left a number of holes in people’s rosters, so for many, finding a deep-dive for your Flex or even your third WR slot is paramount to survival.
If you’re 5-0 or 4-1, you can withstand some of these injuries, but if you’re 0-5, 1-4 or even 2-3, you need depth plays to help you for right now.
Though those who lost Anthony Richardson are still crying, those looking for deep receiver help know the return of Gardner Minshew means the rise of Josh Downs.
When Minshew took over for a concussed Richardson in Week 3, Downs received a team-high and season-high 12 targets and finished the day with eight catches for 57 yards.
Last week, after Minshew took over again, Downs finished the day with six catches for 97 yards.
Finding the end zone will come in time, but the important takeaway here, especially in full-point PPR formats, is that Minshew is locked onto his slot receiver and routinely leans on him to move the chains. Picking up 12-15 points per week from a guy who costs nothing to roster is fantasy gold.
If Downs isn’t available, key in on Commanders receiver Curtis Samuel. The overall upside isn’t huge, but Samuel has averaged roughly 12 fantasy points per game in PPR formats the past two weeks. More importantly, he also has at least one red-zone target in each of his past three games and found the end zone last week.
Betting on the NFL?
The Falcons rank 28th in DVIA against the opposing slot receiver, and they’ve allowed an average of 50 receiving yards per game to them. With top corners A.J. Terrell and Jeffrey Okudah focused on Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, quarterback Sam Howell is going to key in on Samuel to move the ball downfield.
Injuries are always a big part of football, and in fantasy you need to know how to steer things in your favor. Whether it’s a new opportunity, a change at quarterback or even just a really tough matchup for the marquee players, you always know there is a value play opening up. Find it and you’ll find plenty of success.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to Fantasy-Alarm.com for all your fantasy football advice.
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