Dynasty Waiver Wire – Deep Stash Edition
I’m changing it up a bit here for week 16! I normally do the rounds looking for those players that will have the most impact for coaches in the near-term, at least during the season, but this week am focusing on, not only those players that may give you an ’emergency’ fill-in start for week 16, but also a few names to consider for 2018 in deeper leagues. Think of these as suggested additions should you have an open spot at the end of your roster. Sometimes as a consideration even if you don’t.
Whether you are a multiple-year winner or in a constant state of rebuilding, the waiver wire is, arguably, your largest source of talent from which you will build your future dynasty. Being first to act and last to react, year over year, will play a huge role in the building and shaping of your team(s). It takes a lot of commitment to stay that engaged, but it’s an activity that will pay dividends every year.
Week 16
Just like that, we’re at the end. For many of us, it’s a blessing to see this injury-riddled season come to a close. For others, it’s a chance to lock up a championship. Maybe both. It’s been an odd year with many big names falling to various injuries. It’s also a year in which this season’s rookie class stepped up and produced like many others haven’t before them. All in all, I hope you’ll admit that, despite the blemishes, trials and tribulations, it’s been a great year.
Without further delay, let’s get to your weekly waiver wire additions. First, players that you don’t want to have to use, but could be pressed into duty if it gets “just that bad”.
Good luck in your championship game!
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Elijhaa Penny, RB ARI
He’s a big back and runs like one. There’s not much wiggle to his game and the Arizona offensive line doesn’t really fit his run-style all that well but with Kerwynn Williams (quad) down with an injury for the time being, Penny is seeing more carries. He rushed for a career-high on Sunday, logging 10 carries for 45 yards. If you have to consider Penny, you’ve likely already lost but it’s better than taking a zero.
Damiere Byrd, WR CAR
The diminutive (5’9″/180 lbs.) Byrd hauled in his first two touchdowns of his career on Sunday on his way to a three reception, 25 yard performance. Last week against the Vikings, Byrd caught all five receptions for 37 yards. He’ only converting at a 8.2 yards per reception clip but we like receivers that can score the football. One of his receptions was a beautiful leaping grab in the back of the end zone that was originally ruled incomplete before the call was overturned following review. The Panthers badly need another receiver to step up across or inside of Devin Funchess and Byrd is certain to have earned more snaps.
Jaydon Mickens, WR JAX
Hello Jaydon Mickens. Much like Byrd above, Mickens secured the first two touchdowns of his career as well. Mickens, a rookie, not only found the end-zone twice, but most all of his Sunday production, including five receptions on seven targets for 61 yards and those two touchdowns, were the first of his career. I say “most all” because Mickens did convert a target earlier in the season for 11 yards. It could be argued that the Jaguars have one of the best young receiving groups in the NFL what with Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook and now Jaydon Mickens finding production as rookies. No telling what will happen when Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson return in 2018, but Mickens is a desperation last-flex play if you’ve got nothing else to fall back on in week 16.
Kendrick Bourne, WR SF
At 6’1″ and 203 lbs., Bourne is no small receiver. The rookie secured four receptions on six targets for 85 yards vs. Tennessee on Sunday and has likely earned a greater role heading into the end of the year as the 49’ers look for difference-making receivers, one of their greatest needs. Bourne has yet to score but does have 217 yards on the year with 13 receptions. He’s a long-shot but I like taking shots with players whose team has a great need at his position.
2018 Stash Considerations
A.J. McCarron, QB CIN
In one of the most entertaining stories of 2017 came the botched trade deadline debacle between Cincinnati and Cleveland for A.J. McCarron that saw an agreed-upon swap fall through because Cleveland brass didn’t file the paperwork on time, as it was reported. You can’t make this stuff up and fans of the Bengals and Browns have stopped trying to as they live it on an annual basis. Fast forward to 2018 and McCarron is certain to be a target of the Browns but as a restricted free agent, but you can expect he Bengals to slap a first round tender on the quarterback. What will follow, should that occur, is a game of chess between how much Cincinnati wants McCarron into just how many draft picks the Browns are willing to give up for the rights to him. In a deep quarterback class, I won’t be surprised if McCarron is still a Bengal when the draft dust clears.
Davis Webb, QB NYG
No one can say what will happen in New York but I’ve liked Webb since his days at Cal. Holding the clipboard on the sideline is a perfect start for him and it’s not out of the question that he will see meaningful time by mid year 2018. I may be in the minority here but it’s time for the G-men to move on from Manning.
Trey Burton, TE PHI
As I mentioned previously, prior to the talking heads at a major network began squawking about it like it was breaking news, Burton is a 2018 free agent and has done enough to warrant serious consideration for a starting role in 2018. Dare I say that with the need around the NFL at the position, Burton will be starting somewhere to open the season. He reminds me a lot of Jimmy Graham but plays more like a large wide receiver. Best of all, he’s got serious mitts and is as reliable in traffic as he is uncovered across the middle. Burton is an immediate-add in all formats as he’s about to get a starting contract. In fact, I won’t be surprised should the Seahawks let Graham walk only to sign Burton. But there are multiple teams likely to be bidding for his services, Miami, Houston, Cincinnati and New Orleans just to name a few.
Leonte Carroo, WR MIA
With all that is up in the air in Miami and Jarvis Landry no lock to return, Carroo may get a shot at more field time in 2018. He’ll be a third-year receiver in 2018 and he has doubled his 2016 totals here in 2017. Before getting too excited, that production this year amounts to 69 yards on seven receptions. If you’re looking for deep upside stashes, they don’t come much deeper than Leonte Carroo and at least there’s the potential of movement on the depth chart that could provide opportunity.
Geronimo Allison, WR GB
Davante Adams is a free agent and while Aaron Rodgers may feel Jordy Nelson has “a lot of juice left”, he’s playing more like a prune and is old enough to start eating them. There’s certain to be unrest at the position and Allison is one of my favorite upside plays into 2018. He possesses the size I look for in my receivers, exists in pass-first offense and with a veteran quarterback at the helm. He’s already likely off your waiver wire but if he’s available, it’s time to take the plunge.
Noah Brown, WR DAL
6’2″ and 225 lbs., a rookie and only 21 years old, I like Brown’s chances of securing a great role in 2018. Dez Bryant isn’t a free agent until 2020 and the Cowboys bewilderingly resigned Terrence Williams to a four year contract before the 2017 season, both of which have failed to impress at any level this year. In fact, Bryant is about to log his third straight season with less than 1,000 yards receiving. Brown is a development-level talent with the size to be a difference-maker if the Boys can find a way to get him on the field. He’ll be fighting with the likes of Brice Butler, Cole Beasley and Ryan Switzer for WR3 duties but I like Brown over all of them to eventually secure a role and develop into 2019.
Jake Butt, TE DEN
One of my favorite tight ends in 2017’s rookie class, but he suffered a knee injury to wrap up his collegiate career and wouldn’t log a snap in the NFL as a rookie. The Broncos have major needs at the position and Butt will be favored to open 2018 as the starter. He’s got fantastic hands, is a ‘move’ tight end and has the size, dynamic and attitude that I like to see at the position. He may alreadybe rostered now in your league but it’s worth checking.
Kevin White, WR CHI
I’ve largely given up on White due to a continual series of injuries such that I’ve lost patience but if you have the patience left, feel free to add him with the hope that he returns healthy. Little doubt that there’s a spot waiting for him as the Bears have virtually nothing at the position. Truth be told, injury concerns were enough to dampen my spirits for White but it’s also been written that he suffered from major confidence issues which, ultimately, sealed the deal for me.
Cameron Meredith, WR CHI
It was a devastating blow to Meredith who was about to cement his role as a starting receiver for a full year, only to have it end before it even began. He’ll return with White next year to attempt a comeback. Between the two, I’d put my money on Meredith.
Good luck in those championship games!
Follow Jeff on Twitter:Â @DLF_Jeff
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You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff
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