Luke Basha: The good (or bad) times won’t last
We’re only two weeks into the NFL season, and things are far from over.
You’re at 0-2; don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to right the ship.
You’re at 2-0; that probably won’t last.
For my weekly update, my five teams are at a cumulative 8-2 mark. We’ve got a lot more fantasy football to play, but regardless of your start, hang in there and remember this is all about fun. And winning. But mostly fun... sort of.
Waiver wire targets
Carson Palmer (QB, ARI) – Palmer has proved that he is a capable team leader, and he should have proven to you that he is a viable fantasy starter. Their unstable running game only helps his fantasy stock.
Tyrod Taylor (QB, BUF) – Despite throwing three picks, Taylor still put up a monster day. Yes the Patriots defense is pretty bad, but Taylor proved that he knows how to operate the Bills offense – by both ground and air.
James Starks (RB, GB) – As long as Eddie Lacy misses time, James Starks serves as a great flex option. He looked capable all last season, as well as Sunday night against the Seahawks. Besides, Aaron Rodgers’s presence will always open things up for the running game.
Matt Jones (RB, WAS) – The rookie received one more carry than starter Alfred Morris, and he did a heck of a lot more with those opportunities in a day where he surpassed 100 yards and found the end zone twice. This doesn’t mean the writing is on the wall for Morris, but Jones is certainly on the way to carving out a 40-60 timeshare with his teammate – at a minimum.
David Johnson (RB, ARI) – This is all you need to know about David Johnson. “Each week (his workload) will increase a little bit.” - Cardinals coach Bruce Arians
Travis Benjamin (WR, CLE) – The Manziel-Benjamin connection might not be famous or pretty, but it works. Benjamin is especially valuable in leagues that award points for kickoff/put returns to the individual player rather than the D/ST unit. Take a second look if Cleveland starts Josh McCown at QB.
Michael Crabtree (WR, OAK) – I’m not ready to declare Crabtree a starter, but the Raiders offense looked not only decent, but rather potent against a Ravens defense that held Peyton Manning and company to 19 points.
Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, TEN) – The talent is there, but the only thing holding DGB back was his role and growth in the Titan’s offense. If last week’s TD catch (granted, there was only one catch) is any indication of his growth, he could be a good investment.
Gavin Escobar (TE, DAL) – Escobar should be added in deeper leagues if depth is needed at tight end. The Cowboys will likely deploy Brandon Weeden with a very conservative game-plan that should rely on two tight end sets. The Raven’s Crockett Gilmore also could serve as a solid deep-league addition.
Eric Ebron (TE, DET) – Tight ends usually take a season or two to develop to the NFL level. After struggling mightily last year, Ebron seems to have taken the next step in his career, and QB Matthew Stafford seems to trust him now, allowing Ebron to haul in a TD in each game played thus far.
Fantasy fandom: The All-Clemson Fantasy Football Squad
And just for those of you who want to represent your favorite college team, I’ll draw up a fantasy team from Clemson and South Carolina. By no means will these rosters be great, but no one will ever doubt your fandom.
Charlie Whitehurst (QB, TEN) – By no means would I ever advocate starting Charlie Whitehurst. Hopefully a certain Clemson QB – ahem, Deshaun – will be quite fantasy-relevant in a few years, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Andre Ellington (RB, ARI) – He may not be able to carry a full workload like the Cardinals tried last year, but he is still always a threat to take it to the house.
C.J. Spiller (RB, NO) – Leaving Buffalo for New Orleans should provide a nice opportunity for Spiller to reboot his career after an up-and-down stint in Buffalo. With Mark Ingram as the bruiser, Spiller is an ideal third-down receiving RB. Fantasy-wise, his production range is anywhere from 10-150 yards on any given Sunday.
Sammy Watkins (WR, BUF) – All that talent, but no one to throw the ball to him. Hopefully for Clemson and Buffalo fans, new QB Tyrod Taylor will be able to utilize the star Clemson WR.
Deandre Hopkins (WR, HOU) – Hopkins has been having some quietly dominant games in the past few years. He’s clearly the best player on that Houston offense when Arian Foster is riding the bench.
Dwayne Allen (TE, IND) – Unlike the pass-catchers listed above, Allen actually has an established QB throwing to him. He’s one of Luck’s favorite red-zone targets.
Martavis Bryant (WR, PIT) – Clemson has been putting out some legit receivers these past few years. Pittsburgh’s deep-threat lives and dies off the big plays in what should be an impressive Steeler’s offense. He’s certainly deserving of a FLEX spot.
Chandler Catanzaro (K, ARI) – He’s actually a pretty solid fantasy kicker and should be owned in most leagues.
This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 2:32 PM with the headline "Luke Basha: The good (or bad) times won’t last."