Fantasy Football Buy Low, Sell High: Target Texans

Only three weeks into the season, it’s hard to predict how players will perform for the rest of the season. I will be highlighting players I see rising and falling based on their circumstances. Some of these might seem obvious, but every league is different and it is worth mentioning. Leagues are not won at the draft, they are won based on how you adjust throughout the season, with that being said let’s get started.

Buy Low:

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans, Quarterback

The Houston Texans’ 0-3 record can be directly correlated with their tough beginning of the season schedule. The whole offense should be receiving a boost as their schedule begins to lighten up, starting with another winless team, the Minnesota Vikings. In a weak division, with a poor defense, Watson should have plenty of opportunities to put up points. Given his talented group of pass-catchers and his rushing ability, Watson should be able to provide a safe floor and a high ceiling.

Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals, Running Back

An early-round fantasy draft pick, Kenyan Drake has not lived up to expectations. His volume has been encouraging, receiving 18+ touches every week but, he has only found the end zone once. This should change as he faces a Panthers defense that has allowed the most yards and touchdowns to running backs this season. Looking ahead, Drake should be able to return his high draft capital value with a number of favorable upcoming matchups. Get Drake now before he explodes this weekend.

David Montgomery, Chicago Bears, Running Back

Aside from a stand out performance in week 2, Montgomery hasn’t been able to produce much for fantasy. Due to recent events, however, Montgomery could have a different outlook for the rest of the season. Last weekend, the Bears lost running back Tarik Cohen to a season-ending injury and saw quarterback Nick Foles put on an encouraging performance off the bench. Cohen’s injury should allow Montgomery to receive more work in the passing game and Foles’ ability to spread the field should open more running lanes. With increased usage and efficiency, Montgomery should be more productive.

Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles, Tight End

It’s been a disappointing season for the Eagles and it doesn't seem to get any better. Last weekend saw an already banged up Philly team suffer even more injuries. With Goedert and Reagor set to miss multiple weeks, and Desean Jackson’s status in question, Ertz should see his targets increase. Since Wentz has entered the league, Ertz has led the team in receptions and receiving yards every year. This theme should continue as disputes over a potential contract extension should motivate Ertz to take advantage of a favorable situation.

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens, Tight End 

After a blowup performance in week 1, Andrews hasn’t been able to provide much value since. Andrews could have saved his day last Monday night, had it not been for a dropped pass in the end zone. He also managed to lead the team in targets, 8, but overall it was just a down week for a great team. This is a powerful offense and after being humiliated on prime time, Mark Andrews and the Ravens should bounce back with a favorable matchup. This weekend they face a Washington Football Team that has allowed a touchdown to a tight end each week. Buy low on Andrews as the Ravens look to get back on track. 

Sell High:

James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars, Running Back

As much as I’m rooting for the undrafted rookie and believe in the talent, this is more of a knock on the team, not the player. With the Jaguars’ poor defense, this team should be playing from behind more often than not. Unfortunately for Robinson, this game script leads to more passing and less rushing. Although we saw Robinson showcase his receiving ability last Thursday night, with 6 receptions for 83 receiving yards, it is important to note that the Jaguars were missing their star receiver, D.J. Chark. Robinson was able to take advantage of back to back favorable matchups and after a big performance on prime time, now is the time to be selling high.

Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons, Running Back

Sell high might be a bit of a stretch, regardless this is someone that should be avoided. The optimistic outlook on Gurley was that he would receive more work in the passing game and had the backfield to himself. This has not proven to be the case as he only has three receptions on the season and is starting to split time with Brian Hill. Hill’s performance last weekend was enough to take notice and could allow him to see more work. Gurley’s fantasy production has come as a result of touchdowns and considering he was able to find the endzone in his last outing, now is the time to move him.

Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys, Wide Receiver

Through three weeks it seems like Gallup is a boom or bust player and so far, he’s been more of a bust. This last weekend he posted 6 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown against a Seattle defense that has allowed the most receptions and yards in the league. Even Cowboys receiver Cedrick Wilson was able to record 5 receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns, after posting zero catches all season. Unfortunately for Gallup, not all matchups will be as favorable as Seattle. With several other pass catchers in Dallas, it’s difficult to predict how many opportunities Gallup will see. Coming off a monster performance, now is the time to sell high.

Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams, Wide Receiver

In a shootout against a high scoring Bills offense, Kupp was able to deliver with 9 receptions for 107 yards, and a touchdown. Looking ahead of their schedule, however, the Rams should be heavy favorites in their upcoming matchups. This could lead to a run-heavy game script with the Rams leading most of the way. With Robert Woods as the primary receiver and Tyler Higbee getting looks in the endzone, Kupp could struggle to see targets and touchdowns consistently. The Rams run-first approach could result in a lack of volume for Kupp making him a sell-high candidate.

DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks, Wide Receiver

DK Metcalf has managed to record exactly 4 receptions for 90+ yards and a touchdown in his first three games of the year. He has benefited from quarterback Russell Wilson’s incredible touchdown efficiency, connecting with Metcalf for a deep score every game in the process. With limited receptions, these touchdowns have accounted for most of Metcalf’s fantasy production weekly. As great as it is to see Russ cook, we can’t expect him to continue this historic pace all season. It’s only a matter of time when Metcalf fails to find the endzone, sell him now before it happens. 

Writer

-By: Sunny Choudhury