A Deep Dive into the NFL’s Fantasy Football Landscape

Breaking Down the NFL’s ‘Next Man Up’ Doctrine

As the NFL season progresses, so must your fantasy football strategy. The players you chose during the pre-season draft are merely the starting point; the real game begins as the season progresses. Each week presents a group of players, available in over 50% of fantasy football leagues, who are poised to increase in value. Adding these players to your roster could be the difference between a playoff berth or an early offseason.

Never Too Late to Start

The 2024 season is upon us, but it’s not too late to dive into the world of fantasy football. Whether you’re creating a league with friends and family or joining a public one, your championship journey can start today.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco’s Fibula Injury

News broke Monday morning that Kansas City Chiefs’ RB Isiah Pacheco might be sidelined due to a fibula injury sustained during Week 2’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This potential setback has grabbed the attention of fantasy managers, especially given the sight of Pacheco leaving the stadium in a walking boot and on crutches. His absence could extend beyond the minimum four weeks.

Navigating the Waiver Wire: Opportunities in the Chiefs’ Backfield

With Pacheco’s possible absence in mind, let’s delve into this week’s waiver wire possibilities, focusing on the running backs who could fill the void left by Pacheco. The consistency of the Chiefs’ RB rotation has been notable. Pacheco has been handling most of the early-down snaps, while Samaje Perine has been the preferred choice on third downs. Carson Steele is the top candidate to take over the Chiefs’ backfield while Pacheco is absent.

Assessing Steele’s Potential

Steele, a UCLA undrafted free agent, has demonstrated solid receiving skills out of the backfield and the strength to maximize every rush attempt. His workload is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

Other RB Options

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Bucky Irving

Despite a limited roster percentage, Bucky Irving might have a considerable fantasy impact before season’s end.

Dallas Cowboys’ Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys’ Rico Dowdle has proven to be a more productive back than Ezekiel Elliott, with higher yards per touch and after the catch.

New England Patriots’ Antonio Gibson

Antonio Gibson, despite having fewer touches, has been making the most of his opportunities and could be a valuable stash if Patriots’ primary back Rhamondre Stevenson is sidelined.

Houston Texans’ Dameon Pierce

Dameon Pierce could be a valuable replacement if Joe Mixon misses time due to injury.

Other Positional Considerations

Quarterbacks: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Justin Fields, New Orleans Saints’ Derek Carr, Seattle Seahawks’ Geno Smith

Wide Receivers: Los Angeles Rams’ Demarcus Robinson, Green Bay Packers’ Romeo Doubs, New York Giants’ Wan’Dale Robinson, Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce, Los Angeles Chargers’ Quentin Johnston, Minnesota Vikings’ Jalen Nailor

Tight ends: New England Patriots’ Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Rams’ Colby Parkinson, Washington Commanders’ Zach Ertz

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of the NFL and fantasy football can be daunting, but with the right insights and strategic moves, you can set your team up for success.