Running back scoring has been down this season, and it’s felt like late-week injury designations are popping up more than ever before. In Week 4, the shoe finally dropped; Javonte Williams managers are scrambling after the worst has been confirmed. Williams will miss the rest of 2022 with a torn ACL. Jonathan Taylor gave managers a scare with an ankle injury that knocked him out of the Colts’ loss to Tennessee, but Tuesday’s negative test results assuaged fears of a high ankle sprain. He’s questionable for Thursday Night Football.
As the title of this series indicates, we’re only looking at players to add who are less than 50% rostered. Brian Robinson Jr. (54% rostered) is designated to return from IR for the Commanders and should definitely be picked up if he’s available in your league. The same goes for Nyheim Hines (62%), who would see more work if Jonathan Taylor can’t play on a short week. You probably missed out on Romeo Doubs (69%), but scoop him up if you can.
Injuries are piling up, and depth charts are getting a little clearer across the league. The first round of byes starts after next week, so it’s crucial to shore up your rosters now.
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*Roster % is based on Yahoo! league data unless specified.
Raheem Mostert– At 50% rostered in Yahoo (49% in Sleeper), Mostert juuuust squeaks into this list. Mostert has seen his rushing attempts climb every week, whereas Chase Edmonds’ opportunities are trending down. Yes, Edmonds has found the end zone the last two weeks, but Mostert commanded a 72% snap share in Week 4. That’s RB1 levels of playing time. At this point, I don’t feel great about starting either one until the high-value opportunities flip, but Mostert needs to be rostered in all formats.
Bid: 5%
George Pickens– In the immortal words of Tim McGraw, it’s the end of an era, the turning of a page. Mitch Trubisky is out; Kenny Pickett is in. With that, hope springs anew in Pittsburgh. Rookie quarterbacks don’t have a strong fantasy history of supporting multiple wide receivers, but the opportunity is worth the roster spot because of the chemistry the two rookies already seem to have. In Week 4, Pickens snagged 6 receptions for 102 yards and was targeted on 31% of his routes run, on par with the likes of Tee Higgins and Justin Jefferson. There will be ups and downs, but boom weeks are on the horizon. Lord, have mercy on those d-backs’ next 30 years…
Bid: 9%
Rachaad White- Despite the preseason hype, Rachaad White had not seen a 30% snap share. On Sunday night, the split was much closer, with White earning nearly 40% of the snaps. Despite losing an earlier fumble, White was trusted again at the goal line and scored his first career touchdown. He’s clearly the backup to Fournette, but he proved capable as a pass-catcher (5 tar, 5 rec, 50 yds) and could earn more playing time as the season progresses. White is a good stash for deeper leagues and Fournette managers.
Bid: 1%
Rondale Moore- In his first game this season after battling a hamstring injury, Rondale Moore didn’t make a major impact on the score sheet, but he was on the field for a career-high 86% of Arizona’s offensive snaps. Moore is best utilized as a slot, but A.J. Green’s absence forced Moore outside for 72% of his routes. Greg Dortch, whom I highlighted in this article last week, will most likely fade from fantasy relevance. Moore is an explosive talent who can also run the ball when the play design calls for a shifty speedster. I expect Moore’s usage to grow as long as he’s healthy, and he should be able to go back to his preferred role in the slot when DeAndre Hopkins is back from suspension.
Bid: 5-7%
Caleb Huntley (and Tyler Allgeier)- You had to see it. Recently called up from the practice squad, Caleb Huntley took over an entire series, rushing 8 times for 54 yards and a touchdown on ONE DRIVE. So I’m rewarding Huntley with my deepest dart throw yet, now that Cordarelle Patterson will miss the next four games. The cons: the Falcons offense isn’t prolific, Huntley will most likely be in a committee with rookie Tyler Allgeier (18% rostered) and even Damien Williams (1%), and the Tampa Bay defense is next on the docket. However, Clyde Edwards-Helaire just put up 92 yards on the Buccaneers, and the Falcons are committed to the run. Huntley earned his spot on the active roster on Sunday, and both he and Allgeier could provide value over the next few weeks.
Bids: 3-5% each
Other Adds:
Jamal Agnew popped back up again this week and has shown a knack for stringing together fantasy performances, DeVante Parker is a flex-worthy play if Jakobi Meyers remains sidelined, and Kyle Phillips should see more opportunities again with Treylon Burks diagnosed with turf toe. Mike Boone is worth a flyer in deeper leagues, but Melvin Gordon should pick up most of the work with Javonte Williams out of the picture.
At quarterback, Kenny Pickett is a high-risk, high-reward option. His ability and eagerness to run the ball add upside that few streaming quarterbacks can claim. If healthy, Jameis Winston remains a good streaming option. In Superflex leagues, Teddy Bridgewater and Bailey Zappe are in line for spot starts in Week 5.
For streaming defenses, last week’s picks of the Giants and Titans came through, so I’m revisiting the well. It’s the Minnesota Vikings’ (41% rostered) turn to face Chicago, so they’re my top pick in a week with plenty of good streaming matchups. Jacksonville’s defense has turned in some decent fantasy performances, and I like them at home against Houston’s 18.5 implied point total.
(Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)