Join the Footballguys Daily Update
Start your morning with our roundup of the most important stories in football - with the fantasy insight you need to make league-winning decisions. Delivered straight to your inbox, 100% free.
Welcome to "Money Talks". The general purpose of this column will be to give you some advice for one of the more popular methods of adding new fantasy players each week – the Free Agency Acquisition Budget, or "FAAB". What this is in a nutshell is a budget of money that every team is given to bid on free agents each week, much like in an auction. Usually this is done via blind bids, meaning that no other owner knows how much you have bid on a given player – unless you announce your bid in some sort of a poker-like bluff move. Some leagues do reveal all bids after the bidding is closed and waivers are processed, while other leagues just show winning bids. It can be fun to see if several teams bid on a given player or if an owner spent a ton of money on a guy no one else even wanted.
Enough of that for now. I will give both general advice and also some weekly assistance for this advanced waiver process in this column. I hope you enjoy and get the player(s) you want every week. Here we go.
ASSUMPTIONS
As with anything in fantasy football, not all leagues are the same. Some are big, some are small. Such is the way with FAAB waivers. Some leagues use a big budget of $1,000 per owner or more, while others use $100 or less. I will assume $1,000 for the purposes of this article and let you, the reader, do the math to adjust to your league. Another difference is that in some leagues the FAAB process is the ONLY way to get new players. Other leagues have the FAAB process first and then allow free transactions for that week on any player not getting a bid (so you can cover your kicker's bye, for example, for free). I will assume that is NOT the case here and think that every transaction will cost you something. If it does not, great – but at least you know why I might say to grab a kicker now for a buck.
Now let's talk about bidding in general. For many more experienced leagues, round numbers are the kiss of death. Even older leagues (and owners) start to see bidding trends over time ("Jeff loves to end in a 7"), which can be dangerous when you are trying to outbid everyone. The natural assumption is to bid in large round numbers – please avoid that temptation. $53 vs. $50 may seem like a trivial difference, but many more people bid $50 instead of adding a few extra bucks that can change who wins.
Another generally accepted rule – do not be stingy early in the year. Sure it is nice to hold on to extra "cash" in case a stud RB goes down for the year, but look around your league and count how many NFL backups are even available on the waiver wire. Not many? Right. Go big early on players who seem to come out of nowhere, like Victor Cruz last year. Most fantasy studs appear on the scene in September instead of weeks later.
There is a "ying" to the "yang" of the last rule – which is to not excessively churn your roster. While it may not seem like much, but if you drop 5-10% of your bankroll each week on bench players that never see the light of day in your lineup, then you are just wasting money. Think about it this way – if you save for a rainy day, you can be prepared to go all out for when you need that money to go "all in" on a player you really want. Of course the trick is figuring out which player is worthy of such a big bid.
Last comment for now – it is far better to bid on a player a week or two early instead of a week late. That can be the difference between a $3 player and a $300 player. If you really want Frank Gore’s understudy, get him now before he pulls that hammy and everyone gets in on the action.
Now, on to some specific players to target here in NFL Week 2 of the 2015 season:
BIG BUCKS
Big Bucks are reserved for immediate starter potential players (QB1, RB1/2, WR1/2/3, Flex, TE1) in most league formats.
Honestly – I don’t see any “Must haves” for Week 2 pickups. Some players are nice to haves, but there is no real absolute consensus #1 pickup this week.
MEDIUM MONEY
Medium Money is reserved for players who could be bye week starters or that have upside potential on good matchups in most league formats.
- Will Fuller, WR, Titans ($197): If Fuller is somehow available in your league, he is one of the top receivers to target. Five catches on 11 targets, 107 yards and a touchdown screams WR2 value for the rookie, and he has big upside in that offense. He has speed to burn, and to burn defenses, which Houston used to their advantage on a WR screen that allowed Fuller to score in the red zone against Chicago. I like him quite a bit going forward and he is near a must pickup level.
- Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons ($177): The top of the waiver wire list this week starts with Coleman, who had nearly as many snaps (32) as Devonta Freeman (36). Coleman had more production (22 yards rushing, 5-95 receiving) than Freeman on two less touches (13-15). Coleman was explosive and could make good on the rumblings that Atlanta may become a backfield timeshare.
- Theo Riddick, RB, Lions ($153): Riddick looked just as explosive as starter Ameer Abdullah, and QB Matthew Stafford got the ball in Riddick’s hands nearly every time he saw the field. Riddick had impressive numbers as a rusher (7-45-1) and receiver (5-63-1), picking up over 100 total yards and two scores with 12 touches despite only seeing action on 24 snaps. Riddick should continue to see lots of action going forwards and Detroit will need to score to compensate for a below average defense.
- Tajae Sharpe, WR, Titans ($147): Rookie Tajae Sharpe was a preseason darling, and he continued in Week 1 with a 7-76 day on 11 targets to lead Tennessee in both categories. He is a solid WR3 pickup, especially in PPR leagues.
- Eric Ebron, TE, Lions ($147, $185 in TE PPR-bonus leagues): Ebron caught 100% of his targets and scored in Week 1, but he only saw five chances despite being on the field nearly every snap for Detroit. Ebron represents high TE2 value with TE1 upside given the need for the Lions to throw a lot this year.
- Jesse James, TE, Steelers ($128, $165 in TE PPR-bonus leagues): The Steelers need viable targets in the passing game, especially over the middle. With the retirement of Heath Miller and Ladarius Green sidelined with injuries (PUP list), James is the clear starting tight end now in Pittsburgh. He stepped right up in Week 1 with a solid 5-31 performance on seven targets in Washington.
- Eli Rogers, WR, Steelers ($125): Pittsburgh needed someone else besides Antonio Brown to be a target for Ben Roethlisberger, and Rogers stepped up (along with TE Jesse James). Rogers converted six of seven targets for 59 yards and a score off a deflected pass, making up for a poor route that led to an interception. Rogers is a solid WR3 with upside and strong PPR value.
- Mohamed Sanu, WR, Falcons ($123): Atlanta has been looking for a second wide receiver to complement Julio Jones, and Sanu may be just what they were seeking. Sanu capped Week 1 with impressive numbers (5-80-1) on eight targets and appears to be a favorite already for Matt Ryan.
- Travis Benjamin, WR, Chargers ($121): On the one hand, Benjamin is going to be the WR1 now after Keenan Allen (ACL) was lost for the season, but his weak Week 1 numbers (7-32 on eight targets) does not scream value.
- Brock Osweiler, QB, Texans ($117): I came into this season thinking that Houston’s addition of Osweiler was a “win win” situation, and Week 1 confirmed that I was right – at least so far. Osweiler connected with DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller for a combined 10 catches, 161 yards and a touchdown each, and the quarterback throwing to those two receivers definitely has fantasy value. Osweiler is worth a QB2 spot in fantasy leagues.
- Mike Wallace, WR, Ravens ($112): Baltimore is still working on their offensive identity with issues at running back, but Joe Flacco is starting to settle in with his new receiving corps. While Steve Smith had the most targets with nine, Mike Wallace had six looks and converted three for 91 yards, highlighted by a 66-yard touchdown. Wallace has WR3/flex value with some upside if Baltimore has to rely on the pass attack this year.
- Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens ($111): Flacco’s numbers may not have been spectacular in Week 1, but he was efficient (23-34-258-1-0) and found the end zone once, which was enough to get the victory over Buffalo. Flacco will need to throw more if the Ravens cannot establish a ground game this year, making Flacco a solid QB2 with upside in favorable matchups this season.
- Alex Smith, QB, Chiefs ($110): Never flashy or sexy, Alex Smith got the job done for a Kansas City team that trailed early and were tested all game at home by the Chargers. Smith threw a ton in Week 1, dropping back for 48 pass attempts which led to 363 yards and two touchdowns in the comeback at home. Smith is a solid QB2 with very good QB1 upside in matchups like he saw in Week 1 – the hard part is predicting which games he will post 300+ yards.
- Phillip Dorsett, WR, Colts ($109): The Colts defense is terrible, while Andrew Luck is elite. I will take any and all targets in that passing game for some fantasy value.
- Trevor Siemian, QB, Broncos ($107): Siemian looked a lot more like a true starter learning the ropes on the job in Week 1 instead of just a guy keeping the seat warm until rookie Paxton Lynch is ready. Siemian moved the offense and was an efficient passer Thursday against Carolina, and he is worth a QB2 spot in fantasy leagues.
- Michael Thomas, WR, Saints ($104): Similar story to the Colts for Saints targets here. Drew Brees is good, while the New Orleans defense is not. Picking up receivers for the Saints is a very good fantasy plan.
- Jacob Tamme, TE, Falcons ($103, $117 in TE PPR-bonus leagues): Tamme was on the field quite a bit for Atlanta in Week 1, far outpacing rookie Austin Hooper (50 snaps to nine). The veteran converted six of eight targets into catches and picked up a few key first downs with his 51 yards receiving. Tamme is a decent depth pickup at tight end, especially in PPR leagues.
CHUMP CHANGE
Chump Change is reserved for players who are relatively considered to be a good flier pick to stash on a fantasy bench in case he blows up over the next few weeks and becomes a potential immediate or spot starter.
- Jalen Richard, RB, Raiders ($97): Richard looked to be the RB2 in Week 1 for Oakland, but are we sure? He was on the field for just 10 snaps on offense, converting three rushes for 84 yards and a score thanks to his first ever NFL carry that went up the gut for 75 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Richard also lost a 26-yard punt return due to penalty. How much of his production was playing for fans who drove from his home in Mississippi? We will find out over the coming weeks, but I like getting DeAndre Washington and Richard both or just Washington for less.
- Nelson Agholor, WR, Eagles ($96): Agholor was a darling pick last year as a first round pick for Philadelphia in 2015, but his value fell off a cliff in just 12 months. He rekindled some value in Week 1 with a 4-57-1 performance as he was on the field practically every offensive snap for the Eagles. If TE Zach Ertz misses time with a rib injury, Agholor could get even more action.
- Jamison Crowder, WR, Washington ($95): Crowder is the PPR slot receiver for Washington, and he helped move the chains all night against Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football. Crowder finished with six catches and 58 yards on 10 targets.
- Quincy Enunwa, WR, Jets ($94): Enunwa was the slot receiver for the Jets in Week 1, playing nearly every snap and converting seven of eight targets for 54 yards and a short touchdown. He is worth a WR3 valuation, especially in PPR leagues, going forwards.
- Tyrell Williams, WR, Chargers ($93): With the injury to Keenan Allen, Williams is going to be a sexy, sneaky pickup this week despite just two catches in Week 1. He has WR3 upside if he starts going forwards, so he is worth a gamble here.
- Chris Hogan, WR, Patriots ($88): Chris Hogan got open for a 37-yard touchdown against Arizona after a rookie cornerback blew single coverage. The rest of his night was just two catches and three targets for 23 yards. I am still not sure how much value he will have for New England going forward, especially once Brady comes back.
- Dennis Pitta, TE, Ravens ($86, $97 in TE PPR-bonus leagues): Well, he's back. Joe Flacco's favorite tight end is back in the mix, and the two former roommates connected three times for 39 yards on four targets. Baltimore has been a valuable tight end spot in the past, so grabbing Pitta here as a backup with upside (he is a former Pro Bowler, after all) feels like a solid move.
- Jack Doyle, TE, Colts ($85, $95 in TE PPR-bonus leagues): Doyle’s value is going to be pumped up this week because two of his three catches went for scores against Detroit in Week 1. Yes, he was on the field a lot (39 snaps), but the Colts use two tight ends a lot (Dwayne Allen had 49 snaps). Doyle has value, but not excessive value. As I mentioned elsewhere, however, all Colts receivers have fantasy life this year.
- Jeremy Kerley, WR, 49ers ($77): Kerley looked like a solid slot wide receiver option for San Francisco, turning 11 targets into seven catches and 61 yards against the Rams. Plus side of volume, but negative of against Los Angeles.
- Victor Cruz, WR, Giants ($73): It was good to see that touchdown salsa once again for Cruz, but how relevant is he in that New York offense? The Giants are using Cruz as their third wide receiver, and right now the targets (four) do not match the snap counts (50). He can be stashed, but not sure he is more than a gamble flex player.
- Cole Beasley, WR, Cowboys ($71): Need a PPR wide receiver that is being overlooked? Consider Beasley, who was the main target for Dak Prescott in Week 1. Beasley turned 12 targets into an 8-65 day, which is more respectable in PPR leagues as a WR3/flex option.
- DaVante Adams, WR, Packers ($63): Adams is such a tempting pickup, because all the tools are there for success – strong offense and quarterback, talent and playing time even as the third wide receiver. Yet Adams cannot produce consistently enough, so he is barely worth a bench spot.
- Terrance West, RB, Ravens ($58): If you think that West is the running back for the future in Baltimore, then he is worth a cursory bid in your league – but I caution you that it could be a full committee or the job could go to Kenneth Dixon when he is ready to go.
- DeAndre Washington, RB, Raiders ($57): Cheaper than Jalen Richard, but both were rarely on the field and used in Week 1. Washington could have more longer term upside as Richard could have been pumped for his first ever big game and home town fans.
- Travaris Cadet, RB, Saints ($55): Drew Brees needs receivers, and C.J. Spiller was not active in Week 1. Cadet had just three catches but he did get seven targets, plus he did find the end zone. He is a decent stash on a deep bench.
- Chris Thompson, RB, Washington ($47): Matt Jones was not impressive, and Washington is showing the signs of needing receivers and playmakers to play some catch up offense this year. Thompson is not high on my “buy” list, but he is worth a consideration.
- Brandon LaFell, WR, Bengals ($45): LaFell looks like the WR2”A” for the Bengals (Tyler Boyd being WR2”B”). LaFell was in on 55 plays, converting all four targets to a 4-91 day. Boyd had just 44 snaps, turning three targets into a 2-24 afternoon. Not in love with LaFell, but a case can be made for some value here.
- Kenneth Dixon, RB, Ravens ($33): Questions surrounded Baltimore’s ground game as we entered the weekend, and few if any were answered. The long term solution may be Dixon, who is worth stashing now for later in the season if you have roster room.
- Terrelle Pryor, WR, Browns ($21): Pryor is a tough sell as a pickup this week. The third wide receiver on a bad offensive team that just lost his quarterback, and he only caught three of seven targets. Pass for me.
As always, questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to pasquino@footballguys.com.