Week 10 is critical for fantasy football owners. Playoff spots can be won and lost in the blink of an eye, four teams are on a bye, numerous holes are created in our lineups, and finding replacements, especially at running back, is causing issues across the board.
Sifting through backfields has truly become an exercise in futility. Here in the time of COVID, beat writers lack the team access to feed us the necessary practice information, and coaches are keeping their decisions close to the vest. With maybe 10 of the 32 teams having a clear-cut starter, fantasy owners are left guessing as to who to pick up to fill their weekly lineup holes. Some situations are less complex, but take a look at this week’s Chargers-Dolphins game and try to name the player who will see the most touches. We dare you.
Last week, we thought Justin Jackson was the play for Los Angeles. Rookie Joshua Kelley had been relegated to third-string while Troymaine Pope was out with a concussion. But on the first play of the game, Jackson got hurt and fantasy owners watched Kalen Ballage take center stage. Ballage has since been sent back to the practice squad, but the question looms as to who will lead the charge this week in Miami.
The Dolphins are battling a similar situation. With both Myles Gaskin and Matt Breida injured, Miami relied on a disappointing Jordan Howard and undrafted free agents Patrick Laird and Salvon Ahmed last week. None shined too bright. They had made a trade for DeAndre Washington, but COVID protocols kept him on the sidelines. Washington is now available and Breida is expected back, but who to pick of these five?
For the time being, the leans are Jackson and Breida, but health is still an issue. If Jackson is out, expect Ballage to return with a side of Pope. In Miami, should Breida not be available, Ahmed is the dark horse. None of these players are game-winners, but when every point counts, you have to take your best shot.
Howard Bender is the VP of operations and head of content at Fantasy-Alarm.com. Follow him on Twitter @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football advice.
