Recognizing Fantasy Football Trends for Playoff Success
As the fantasy football playoffs loom on the horizon, strategic decision-making becomes paramount. The time for waiting on underperformers or hoping for injured stars to recover has passed. Instead, it’s essential to identify players whose trajectories are rising and those whose performances are declining. This analysis will focus on key players to target for your roster, as well as those to consider moving on from, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the critical weeks ahead.
Identifying Players on the Rise
Evan Engram’s Promising Role
Evan Engram of the Jacksonville Jaguars stands out as a tight end whose value is on the upswing. The Jaguars are struggling at 2-7, and with key wide receiver injuries, including Christian Kirk’s season-ending injury, Engram has become a focal point in the Jaguars’ offense.
Since returning from a hamstring injury, Engram has averaged six catches for 54 yards per game and has finished as a Top 12 tight end in three out of four games. His rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence is crucial, especially given Lawrence’s recent struggles with a 62% completion rate. As the Jaguars lean on a pass-heavy game script to compensate for their defensive issues, Engram is a prime target for fantasy managers looking to bolster their tight end position.
Cade Otton’s Ascendancy
Another tight end to consider is Cade Otton from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With injuries affecting the wide receiver corps, including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Otton has stepped up significantly. Over the last three games, he has received 10 or more targets and has scored four touchdowns in that span.
Otton’s consistent involvement in the passing game, combined with his first-place ranking in end zone targets among tight ends, makes him a valuable asset. As the season progresses, his role in the Buccaneers’ offense seems likely to expand, making him a wise acquisition for fantasy teams in need of tight end production.
Ray Davis: A Rising Star in Buffalo
In Buffalo, running back Ray Davis is another player trending upward. While James Cook remains the main back, Davis has shown he can contribute significantly. His performance against the Jets, where he scored 19 fantasy points, and a recent touchdown against Miami highlight his potential.
Davis is currently rostered in only 21% of Yahoo leagues and has finished as a Top 25 running back in three of the last four weeks. His ability to score and become a goal-line option is particularly valuable as the weather turns colder and running games become more critical.
Assessing Declining Performances
C.J. Stroud’s Struggles
On the other side of the spectrum, C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans is experiencing a significant downturn. Once considered an MVP candidate, Stroud has faced relentless pressure, being the most-harassed quarterback in the league with 130 pressures. His performance has suffered, with only one game exceeding 195 passing yards in the past four weeks.
Stroud’s recent struggles, including completing less than half of his passes in two of his last three games, indicate a downward trend that fantasy managers should recognize. As the Texans lean more on their run game, Stroud’s value is diminishing, making him a candidate to bench or trade.
Jordan Mason’s Declining Stock
Jordan Mason’s promising start to the season has also hit a snag. Despite ranking second in rushing yards earlier in the season, Mason is now sidelined with a shoulder injury and hasn’t surpassed 60 rushing yards since Week 6. With the anticipated return of Christian McCaffrey, Mason’s role in the 49ers’ offense is likely to diminish significantly.
For fantasy managers, this may be the time to cut ties with Mason or gauge his trade value before McCaffrey’s return further complicates his situation.
Dontayvion Wicks: A Fading Option
Finally, Dontayvion Wicks of the Green Bay Packers is another player whose stock is falling. Despite having four touchdowns this season, Wicks’ recent performance has been lackluster, as he has consistently finished outside the Top 70 wide receivers in recent weeks. With other receiving options like Christian Watson returning to health, Wicks is becoming more of an afterthought in the Packers’ offense.
As the winter weather sets in and the run game becomes more vital, Wicks’ fantasy relevance is likely to continue its decline. Exploring trade opportunities or waiving him for more promising options could be beneficial for fantasy teams.
Navigating the final stretch of the fantasy football season requires keen awareness of player trends. By targeting rising stars like Evan Engram, Cade Otton, and Ray Davis, while reevaluating the value of underperformers like C.J. Stroud, Jordan Mason, and Dontayvion Wicks, you can position your fantasy team for a successful playoff run. Keeping a pulse on these developments will enhance your chances of securing a championship title.