Fantasy Buy Low, Sell High: The Best of OBJ?

Week 4 brought us some blow-up performances and impressive highlights. As fantasy managers, it is important to evaluate whether these performances are sustainable or if they are outliers. There are several factors to consider when making these decisions and depending on what they are, could determine the rest of your season.

Buy Low:

Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts, Running Back

Mack’s injury has not resulted in the production we expected from Taylor going forward. After recording six receptions in week 1, he hasn’t posted more than two receptions in a game. Week 1 was also one of the few times this season the Colts were in a competitive matchup. Although the Colts do have a great defense, they have had the luxury of facing some favorable offenses, allowing for positive game scripts. Wilkin’s involvement in the past few weeks could have simply been the result of preserving their starters. With some tougher upcoming matchups, Taylor could see increased touches and more involvement in the passing game.

David Johnson, Houston Texans, Running Back

The Texans had perhaps the toughest schedule to begin the first three weeks of the season. Although Johson is coming off of what was considered a favorable matchup last Sunday, his defense put the team in a hole, going down early and setting up for a more pass-heavy game script. It’s too early to speculate what the firing of head coach Bill O’Brien means for the offense, but his schemes have typically not targeted running backs, something that could change given Johnson’s elite receiving ability. This Sunday he faces a Jaguars defense that surrendered 181 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns to Joe Mixon. This team has the potential to be a high scoring offense and with an easier schedule moving forward, Johnson should be more productive and see more scoring opportunities.

DJ Moore, Carolina Panthers, Wide Receiver

Through four weeks, this was not the DJ Moore we were expecting. After breaking out last season, Moore was projected to be an elite fantasy receiver, but that has simply not been the case. It is important to remember that this was a shortened offseason, with a new head coach and quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. Moore is coming off some tough cornerback matchups and had he not dropped a touchdown pass in week 1, his outlook for the season would look a lot different. This Sunday he has a favorable matchup against arguably the worst secondary in the league, dealing with significant injuries. This is the perfect opportunity for DJ Moore to bounce back with a huge game and as long as he continues to see targets, his chemistry with Bridgewater should improve making him a more reliable option.

Sell High:

Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos, Running Back

Coming off a huge prime time performance against the Jets with 118 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, now is the time to capitalize. With no Philip Lindsay in the lineup to take away touches, in perhaps his easiest matchup of the season, Gordon was able to take full advantage of a favorable situation. Unfortunately for Gordon, playing in a struggling offense dealing with injuries, it’s hard to see many scoring opportunities and with Lindsay set to return, his production could decrease significantly.

Odell Beckam Jr., Cleveland Browns, Wide Receiver

Finally, we got the OBJ break out game we’ve all been waiting for. Most of his production on the day came off of a 30-yard receiving score and a 50-yard rushing touchdown, something that isn’t sustainable. Even in a high scoring game where the Browns scored 49 points against a terrible defense, Odell only saw eight targets. In a run-heavy scheme, it’s hard to rely on OBJ to have many repeat performances with limited targets and tougher defenses.

DJ Chark Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars, Wide Receiver

After missing week 3 with a chest injury, Chark was able to bounce back with a monster game against the Bengals, finishing with eight receptions for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Although Chark has only played three games, this was the first time he’s led the team in targets, and only has one incompletion all season. With Minshew spreading the ball and tough upcoming cornerback matchups, it’s hard to see Chark continue his efficiency. Coming off a big performance in one of his easiest matchups, now is the time to sell him high.

Writer

-By: Sunny Choudhury