FV Fantasy Football: Contenders or Pretenders?
If you’re like most fantasy owners, you’re hitting the part of the season where each win or loss means taking first place or falling to the back of the pack. It’s hard to stay afloat in the standings and this year’s fantasy season has already taken owners on a wild ride.
Players are beginning to show their true potential and gems are out there yet to be uncovered. Let’s take another look at the coveted fantasy free agents who could make your team a contender or expose you as a pretender.
Cooper Kupp WR Los Angeles Rams: Pretender
This year’s crop of wideouts have had some incredible receiving performances as well as plenty of duds. If you’re still searching for that WR2/3, don’t look at Kupp. He is shaping up to be a very good wide receiver and he clearly has chemistry with QB Jared Goff. I know the Rams offense is rolling right now, but avoid making or breaking your team on the back of inconsistent targets and play.
Devin Funchess WR Carolinan Panthers: Pretender
Funchess is coming off the best game of his young career, but don’t get too riled up over the production. With Greg Olsen out until week 10 and Cam Newton seemingly coming out of his slump, all signs appear to be pointing in the right direction. Don’t fall for it. Cam exploited a terrible Patriots defense and Funchess was the beneficiary. I don’t trust the Panthers offense, look elsewhere.
Bilal Powell RB New York Jets: Pretender
The Jets offense is one of the most reliably unreliable units in the NFL. Powell looked great last weekend and we should give the Jets credit for avoiding the air against the top ranked Jaguars pass defense. Sadly, the Jets take on the Browns in week 5 and between the two teams the game’s nearly impossible to project. You can bet on Powell racking up the yards again this week if you’d like to, but I wouldn’t.
Alvin Kamara RB New Orleans Saints: Contender
Running backs are deeper than ever, but with all the injuries and depth chart battles it’s been hard to pick one and stick to them. Kamara is no RB1 in his current situation, but once his coaches realize he’s the best back on the Saints roster he should have no problem running away with the job. As it stands right now, he’s more than serviceable in PPR leagues as a RB2/3. Snatch him up if you can.
Tyler Kroft TE Cincinnati Bengals: Pretender
If you want an idea of how thin the tight end position has been in fantasy football this year, look no further than the story of Tyler Kroft. He scored seven points through the first three weeks, broke out for 25 points against a surprisingly decent Cleveland Browns D, and he now finds himself 14th on the fantasy tight end leaderboard. He’s an interesting option for sure, but he’s no TE1. Don’t start him.
Deshaun Watson QB Houston Texans: Contender
Rookie QBs are not supposed to be this good this soon. Yes, last year at this same time Carson Wentz was drawing similar praise and suffered a steep decline. However, Watson is facing much easier competition and he’s shredding defenses like Wentz never did. He’s going fast in fantasy leagues everywhere so snag the rook while you still can. Kansas City will be a tough matchup, but this is the time for Watson to prove himself.
