Storyline: A number of NFL players are facing suspensions this year. Here’s how Fantasy players can take advantage of otherwise negative situations.
Suspensions are being handed out to some of the most dominate players in the NFL. Some of you will be angry that your team has lost a key player; and others will find that their Fantasy plans have taken a big hit. Nonetheless, these unexpected player breaks will effect you.
Let’s break down the situations and recommend how you can capitalize on these Fantasy advantages.
Courtesy: zimbio.com
Antonio Gates (Chargers), TE Suspension: 4 games (Lions, Bengals, Vikings, Browns)
Luckily for the Chargers they don’t play any of their division rivals during this span. For Fantasy owners this could be a great opportunity to get a man at a bargain—a player who had 821 receiving yards/12 touchdowns last season. After Gates serves his four-game suspension he’ll be ready to go back to work and get his Fantasy owners an average of 9 points a week–just like he did last season. Don’t worry if Gates goes too early or if you picked him up and don’t know what to do at TE for the first four weeks. Ladarius Green is set to fill Gates shoes. Green will get a chance to prove himself — and his 6’ 6” frame will certainly help in the Red Zone. The 6’2” Gates will watch from the sidelines, seeing if Green can capitalize on his averaged 6 targets a game.
Le’Veon Bell (Steelers), RB Suspension: 3 games (Patriots, 49ers, Rams)
The Steelers have a strong offensive force and that should make up for their star RB’s leave. The Steelers have the toughest schedule this season but, luckily, they don’t have to face division rivals without Bell. Fantasy owners are going to face a dilemma when it comes to drafting Bell. Bell is most likely to miss the first three games, but he’ll still go in the 1st Round over other big-name RBs. Bell averaged a pick of 4.70, which is better than Lynch’s 5.93, Forte’s 6.66, and Foster’s 8.09. I don’t think anybody will get “a steal” picking him around the 5th pick … unless his suspension is revoked. The best thing an owner can do (when they see Bell picked) is to take DeAngelo Williams later in the draft. This back-up knows how to fill a starting RB role. If you snag him from an owner who has Bell, then it’ll be fun to watch them struggle to find a solid replacement during those four weeks. If the draft goes poorly, don’t be afraid to pick Williams to buy yourself time. Injuries happen and unknown players become known throughout the season. Having those four weeks to plan may enable good trades or waiver pick-ups.
Courtesy: Getty Images
Tom Brady (Patriots): QB Suspension: 4 games (Steelers, Bills, Jaguars, BYE)
I don’t think that the suspension will stick but, if it does, then Garapollo will get a chance to play QB. The Patriots start the season with two tough games and that will test this 2nd Year rookie. He faces another 2nd Year QB, Black Bortles, of the Jaguars on Week Three. The Pats were able to get an early bye-week during Brady’s suspension, which will be an important factor later in the season. Tom Brady may come at a cheap price and Fantasy owners won’t have to worry about having a bye week after the suspension is served. Jimmy Garapollo will fill-in for Brady if the suspension is upheld. He may be a good option for your roster while other NFL teams around the league figure out their QB situations. Consider this: Sanchez and Bradford will be fighting for the starting spot on the Eagles; the Cardinals QB, Palmer, is coming back from a bad injury; and Nick Foles, after being traded from the Eagles, is working with a new system with the Rams.
Other Considerations
Courtesy: Deadspin
Greg Hardy (Cowboys) Suspension: 4 games (Giants, Eagles, Falcons, Saints)
The Cowboys’ defense will be lacking pressure with Hardy out of the lineup. Eli Manning, Sanchez-Bradford, Matt Ryan, and Drew Brees may be getting extra time in the pocket. Plugging in QBs against this defense may be a good strategy–if you have one of those QBs or can pick one up one off the Waiver Wire. The defense may be a good pick-up when Hardy gets to work for the Cowboys and records the sacks that he’s capable of.
Josh Gordon (Browns) Suspension: Entire Season
Gordon will be back selling cars for this season. But if you’re in a league that allows keepers, then maybe he’ll be a good risk for the 2016 season. HAIL MARY!
Last Word: Keep in mind the advantages that suspensions might give you. Don’t regret sabotaging your co-workers, friends, or family if they take a risk on one of these players early in the draft. Steal the replacements and watch other players struggle when they have no one to plug-in.
