Snatch ‘Em Up Now
If they weren’t already drafted in your league, these guys will be hot commodities on the wire this week.
Quarterbacks:
Anthony Richardson, Florida – If it wasn’t evident last week, it is now that the end is near for Emory Jones as the QB1 for Florida. Dan Mullen won’t admit it, but its coming. If you were savvy as an Emory Jones owner, you’d already have Richardson on your roster as a cuff. Not sure either player will have much success this week against Bama, but if Richardson upstages Jones again, I suspect Mullen will be forced to make the switch. Only downside here is if Mullen continues to play roulette for the entirety of the season to keep both player satisfied and out of the portal.
Seth Henigan, Memphis – Grant Gunnell, we hardly knew ye. The true FR threw for 412 yards and five touchdowns against Arkansas State and early on, looks to be the future of the program after just two games. Might be a tough go of it next week vs. Mississippi State, not insurmountable, but should be smooth sailing the rest of the way in AAC play.
Running Backs:
Treyson Potts, Minnesota – Minnesota backfield is in good hands now, and looking into the future with Trey Potts who rushed 34 times for 181 yards and two TDs vs. Miami (Ohio). Guess folks were waiting to see what transpired here as he’s owned in only 18 percent of leagues currently. No other running back received more than three carries which enhances Potts’ value moving forward.
Brandon Thomas, Memphis – Thomas is now averaging over 10 yards a carry with three rushing touchdowns after surpassing the 150+ rushing mark for the second time in two games. Final opportunity to add him on waivers at just 17 percent ownership currently on Fantrax.
Harrison Waylee, Northern Illinois – Last chance at Waylee who is dominating the volume share in the NIU backfield with 27 carries vs. Georgia Tech and 26 carries vs. Wyoming, rushing for 100+ yards in both games and three total touchdowns. That’s an ACC opponent and a projected Top 20 defense by some coming into the year. Waylee is going to eat vs. MAC opponents.
Evan Hull, Northwestern – This has more to do with the upcoming schedule than Hull himself. Duke, Ohio, Nebraska and Rutgers in the next four games. Woo boy. I’m not sure this backfield is 100 percent settled with Anthony Tyus still see considerable time on the field, but Hull was the lead man vs. Indiana State with 126 yards and two touchdowns on 22 attempts. The Dookies have been doo doo (yes I just said that) on defense to begin 2021, coming off allowing 208 yards on the ground to North Carolina A&T.
Brad Roberts, Air Force – We haven’t seen this in quite some time with the Air Force backfield as ALL the carries are going to one runner in fullback Brad Roberts who attempted 28 rushes for 100 yards and two scores vs. Navy. That’s 53 attempts in two games, and it appears only QB Haaziq Daniels is a threat to dip into that volume.
Cam’Ron Harris, Miami – Head coach Manny Diaz said after the game that the lower-body injury to Don Chaney Jr. does not look good, and sounds as though he will miss considerable time. Harris rushed for 91 yards on 18 carries with a TD vs. Appalachian State and should control that backfield if Chaney is out for an extended period.
Blake Corum / Hassan Haskins, Michigan – It’s clear by Cade McNamara’s 15 passing attempts that the Wolverines don’t want to put it in the air at all if they don’t have to. And they don’t with the way this offensive line is mauling right now. Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins will continue to split reps, but didn’t matter on Saturday, combining for 326 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 48 attempts. Take advantage with both players in the next two weeks facing Northern Illinois and Rutgers.
Wide Receivers:
Roderic Burns, North Texas – All offseason we thought that it would be a different North Texas offense last year where we would not see a target hog like Jaelon Darden. Apparently, we were mistaken with junior Roderic Burns who now has 18 receptions on 25 targets and back-to-back 100-yard receiving performances. This looks to be a two-man show in the passing game with Burns and Jyaire Shorter dominating the target tree. Burns is arguably the top add of the week on the WW.
Deven Thompkins, Utah State – Still at just 12 percent ownership on Fantrax, Thompkins has been the clear-cut WR1 for the Aggies through two games, with eight catches and one touchdown against both Washington State and North Dakota. Tough stretch upcoming here for Utah State with Air Force, Boise State and BYU in the next three games, but we definitely want to have the WR1 in a Blake Anderson offense rostered.
Jacob Cowing, UTEP – Three touchdowns in three games for the UTEP WR1 with two 100-yard performances, averaging seven targets per contest. The schedule has been extremely soft to start the year, but the Miners get New Mexico this week and then its onto Conference USA play after that so its smooth sailing from here on out.
Western Kentucky Receivers – Same message here as it was last week. Based on snap counts, the Top 4 have separated themselves here with Jerreth Sterns, Daewood Davis, Malachi Corley and Mitchell Tinsley. Sterns won’t be around but you still have ample chances at the other three who combined for 13 catches on 19 targets vs. Army.
Nathaniel Dell, Houston – It would be nice to see Clayton Tune be more consistent from a week-to-week basis, but his affinity for Dell is unwavering. 15 catches on 21 targets in the first two games yet owned in just 18 percent of leagues. Jump on him.
Te’Vailance Hunt / Jeff Foreman, Arkansas State – The run game is obsolete with Arkansas State and it doesn’t matter which QB is slinging it, yards are piling up. Foreman was the star vs. Memphis with 8-198-1. Hunt has been a monster in place of the injured (shocker) Dahu Green with 13 receptions on 20 targets and 216 yards in two games. Starting all three Arkansas State receivers in a given week for your lineup isn’t out of the question honestly.
Tight Ends:
Trae Barry, Boston College – Two touchdowns in two weeks for the Jacksonville State transfer, catching all five of his targets vs. UMass. This offense system has clearly shown the last 13 games that it will throw to the tight ends regularly.
Worth A Look
If you have the roster room, these prospects are worth a look.
Quarterbacks:
Logan Bonner, Utah State – I’d say the Utah State quarterback competition is over as Bonner threw for 390 yards and four touchdowns vs. North Dakota, with Andrew Peasley seeing minimal snaps in garbage time. As mentioned with Thompkins, tough stretch on the schedule upcoming, but we have clarity at the QB spot here.
Terry Wilson, New Mexico – 30+ fantasy points in each of the first two weeks. Not entirely surprising given the level of competition but the biggest shock is seeing it done through the air with six passing touchdowns. Didn’t think Wilson was capable of that, even at the G5 level. Colorado up next so we might not be starting Wilson, but it’s into conference play after that where Wilson should thrive.
Jaren Hall, BYU – Excellent start to the year for Jaren Hall, completing 61 percent of his throws with five touchdowns and zero interceptions against two Pac-12 opponents. Hall gives you the added benefit of being a terrific athlete as well, with 128 yards rushing on 13 carries through two weeks. Tough matchup next week against Arizona State, but gets South Florida and Utah State in the following weeks.
Running Backs:
Rasheen Ali, Marshall – So I have good and bad news here. It was a blowout so can’t rush to judgements, but it looks like we do still have somewhat of a committee here with Ali, Sheldon Evans and Knowledge McDaniel all getting work. The good news is that Ali showed us another dimension to his game with nine receptions on 10 targets and a touchdown. Definitely worthy of a roster spot in all formats, but I caution against thinking he will get the lion’s share of the work here.
Damien Moore, California – The sophomore RB continues to dominate the touches in the Cal backfield, and found the end-zone twice with 71 yards in the loss to TCU. Should be able to replicate this success next week against Sacramento State, and a positive sign that no other back had more than one attempt on Saturday.
Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech – We’ll see again what the status of Sa’Rodorick Thompson vs. Florida International, a weekly endeavor it seems, but he may not get his job back with Tahj Brooks rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns in each of the first two games. Should be another favorable matchup for him against FIU with the passing game struggling behind future No. 1 overall pick Tyler Shough (giggles).
Tayon Fleet-Davis, Maryland – TFD wasn’t needed in the romp over Howard, but managed 66 yards and a TD on just eight carries, this after a 100-yard performance last week. Love the upcoming schedule for TFD to keep this going against Illinois and Kent State.
Micah Bernard, Utah – Funny how one play can change the dynamic of a situation entirely. A Tavion Thomas fumble led to increase reps for Micah Bernard, and he ran with the opportunity, rushing for 146 yards and a TD on 12 carries. Bernard, an excellent pass-catcher, added four receptions on four targets. I’m not 100 percent sold that this situation is settled, but Bernard should get the start next week.
Wide Receivers:
Devin Maddox, Toledo – We were off most of the Toledo receivers this year as everyone was back and having nobody with over 17 percent of the target share in 2020. Devin Maddox might be emerging as the team’s big-play threat with 11 receptions on 12 targets in the first two games, including nine catches vs. Notre Dame. Just two receptions in the opener vs. Norfolk but that included an 80-yard touchdown.
Brandon Johnson, UCF – Looks as though there will be enough passing volume from the Gus Malzahn offense this year where three receivers will be viable in CFF. Tennessee transfer Brandon Johnson has shined through two games with 12 catches on 16 targets and a touchdown vs. both Boise State and Bethune Cookman.
Calvin Jackson Jr., Washington State – The Washington State offense, and program, is a mess right now. One constant is the slot receivers continuing to thrive in the run-and-shoot offense where Jackson Jr. has taken well to the position change moving inside. Nine receptions on 12 targets in two games, and found the end-zone vs. Portland State. Only to be considered in PPR formats.
Mario Williams, Oklahoma – Still trying to figure out the WR rotation here for Oklahoma, but the top four seem to be established with Marvin Mims, Jadon Haselwood, Mike Woods and 4-star FR Mario Williams who now has a TD in each of his first two games. Still think we could see sporadic production from him, as we do with all of the Oklahoma wideouts, but he’s clearly the second-most talented option here from my vantage point aside from Mims.
Marcell Barbee, Texas State – Confusing to me as to why Barbee is owned in just 21 percent of leagues. Found the end-zone on three receptions in Week 1 vs. Baylor. Posted 8-72-0 on 11 targets this week against FIU. Clear WR1 for Texas State.
Tight Ends:
Brock Bowers, Georgia – Back-to-back productive weeks for the freshman tight end with two touchdown receptions vs. UAB following six catches on six targets in the opener vs. Clemson. Don’t think Darnell Washington will be getting his starting job back anytime soon once he returns from injury.
Longshots
Need to see more from these guys before pulling the trigger, unless you are in the deepest of leagues.
Quarterbacks:
Jason Bean, Kansas – It’s going to be an adventure rostering any players from this Kansas offense in 2021 as they sort out the backfield and WR rotations. I’m not sure Jason Bean is the long-term answer for Lance Leipold at quarterback, but if you’re in need of a quarterback over the next two weeks, he might be a decent filler with Baylor and Duke on the horizon. The Bears are allowing just four yards per play on the young season by have played Texas State and Texas Southern – not exactly a gauntlet. And we know how bad the Blue Devils defense has been.
Hendon Hooker, Tennessee – Don’t think there will be any debate as to who will start next week vs. Tennessee Tech with Hooker replacing the ineffective Joe Milton against Pittsburgh, completing 15-of-21 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Long-term, I’m not sure I want to invest here with SEC play on the horizon, but for one week, Hooker could be a streaming option vs. an FCS opponent.
N’Kosi Perry, Florida Atlantic – Strong start to the season for the former Miami transfer as he threw for 334 yards and four touchdowns in a blowout win over Georgia Southern. FAU might look to get their run game going next week in what should be another blowout over Fordham, but Perry should be able to get you 20+ points if in need of a streamer.
Gerry Bohanon, Baylor – I’d say we have one more opportunity to possibly start Gerry Bohanon this week against a very poor Kansas defense. Stunning how the Baylor staff isn’t utilizing Bohanon’s best skillset with his legs with just seven carries in two games, but junior QB compiled five touchdowns against Texas Southern and is completing 67 percent of his throws. I think he’s just a streaming option this week, and cut bait as the Bears enter conference play.
Dennis Grosel, Boston College – Will need to monitor the status of Phil Jurkovec this week who left the contest with a wrist/hand injury on his throwing arm. Grosel came on in relief, throwing for 181 yards and a TD. Does BC play things safe as a likely heavy favorite next week vs. Temple. Grosel has played well in the past with a 500-yard passing performance on his resume last year vs. Virginia.
Will Howard, Kansas State – Not sure if official yet, but Skylar Thompson looked to have suffered a season-ending non-contact injury vs. Southern Illinois. We saw plenty of Will Howard last year to know he’s not a must-add, but is a tremendous runner in a system that likes to give carries to their QBs.
Chance Nolan, Oregon State – After stepping in during the second half in Week 1, Nolan got the nod on Saturday night and completed 72 percent of his throws for 302 yards and two TDs vs. Hawaii. Nolan does have some wheels as well which adds to his value, rushing for 46 yards on five attempts. Favorable matchup against Idaho next week.
Running Backs:
Calvin Tyler, Utah State – The Oregon State transfer has assumed the top spot in the Aggies backfield and now has a rushing touchdown in each of the first two games. Still splitting carries in a pass-happy offense so you won’t see heavy volume, but the production’s been there thus far.
Deneric Prince, Tulsa – If you have the roster space and patience with Ohio State coming up next week, I still think you should add Deneric Prince if you can. Had the lead in snaps and carries for the second straight week over Shamari Brooks so he appears, on the surface right now, to be the preferred option. After the Buckeyes, its Arkansas State who just allowed 263 yards to Memphis on the ground and then conference play where Prince will be most valuable.
Abram Smith, Baylor – I’m hesitant that the Baylor offense can continue in this direction given the level of competition, but you can’t ignore four touchdowns in two games from running back, turned linebacker, turned running back again Abram Smith. As shown last year with Tyler Allgeier, this staff prefers a bigger back as the lead-man, and Abram runs with power at 221 pounds.
B.J. Baylor, Oregon State – This situation was unsettled as of Saturday afternoon. Doesn’t appear to be unsettled any longer after Baylor rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries against a terrible Hawaii defense. We’ll see if Baylor can continue the forward momentum against more formidable opponents, but he’s the clear-cut RB1 now.
Wide Receivers:
Jake Bobo, Duke – For someone that is 6-foot-5, I’m still stunned that Jake Bobo has just two career touchdown receptions in four seasons. Been a contributor on the Duke offense over the years, but is off to his best start yet with 16 catches on 19 targets in two games. Northwestern and Kansas coming up so he has a good chance to continue this.
Quian Williams, Buffalo – 90+ receiving yards in back-to-back games for the former Eastern Michigan transfer with 13 catches on 17 targets. With Buffalo likely playing catchup as an underdog vs. Coastal Carolina next week, I’d assume this Bulls offense will have to take to the air more than they’d like which will benefit Williams’ production.
Michael Mathison, Akron – Won’t invest much in any Akron players, but that’s 15 catches on 20 targets in just two games for the 5-foot-10 slot receiver who could bring some value to you in full-point PPR formats where the Zips will be trailing in most contests.
Caullin Lacy, South Alabama – The offense hasn’t jelled the way we thought it would coming out of the gates, but redshirt FR Caullin Lacy has established himself as the WR2 behind Jalen Tolbert after two games with 13 receptions on 14 targets. An aDOT of 4.9 means we probably shouldn’t expect a ton of big plays, but Lacy could help your roster in full-point PPR settings.
Tyquan Thornton, Baylor – Again, grain of salt for Baylor players as they head into their difficult portion of the schedule after the matchup with Kansas this week. But maybe we’re seeing a new and improved Tyquan Thornton who now has 10 catches on 18 targets in the first two games. aDOT of 19.3 means we don’t even need that kind of volume potentially for Thornton to be productive.
Trey Palmer, LSU – Over the course of the season, we expect to see some of the young stud recruits getting more and more playing time. Through two games, Trey Palmer has emerged as the WR2 behind Kayshon Boutte with 10 targets in the opener vs. UCLA, followed up by three catches and a TD against McNeese State.
Stanley Berryhill, Arizona – This is effectively Year 0 for what is going to be a terrible Arizona team that got trashed by San Diego State. But as is the case with a terrible team, they’ll be throwing it a lot, and Stanley Berryhill is usually on the receiving end, now with 16 receptions on 21 targets in two games.
Nick Mardner, Hawaii – Is Mardner becoming the WR1 for Hawaii? Back-to-back weeks with a receiving touchdown, and 242 receiving yards through three games. Has the size to be a major factor in the red-zone at 6-foot-6.
Dynasty:
Ke’Shawn Williams, Wake Forest – The freshman receiver continues to play substantial snaps in the slot alongside Jaquarii Roberson with six catches on 10 targets in two games. Probably not an option in redraft this year with the targets being spread out amongst several wideouts, but Williams could be THE guy in the middle of the field in 2022 when Roberson eventually leaves for the NFL. I’ve added him in a few leagues already looking towards next year.
Jadan Bray, Oklahoma State – If you’ve been subbed to us for the entire offseason, you likely already have Bray on your dynasty roster as we touted him following his spring game performance. Bray benefitted from the Cowboys being without Tay Martin this week so I’m not sure what his production will look like once he’s back in the lineup but had 65 yards and a TD vs. Tulsa. That, after 52 yards on two catches in the opener. He will be a key cog in the Oklahoma State WR corps in the coming seasons it appears.
Justin Lynch, Temple – Trying not to overreact to a performance against Akron, but the bloodlines being the younger brother of Jordan Lynch enhances my interest here. Outstanding performance in his debut start, completing 77 percent of his throws for 251 yards and two touchdowns, and 34 yards and another score on the ground. D’Wan Mathis’ time as the starter didn’t last long, and may not get his job back either.
Alton McCaskill, Houston – We’re at the point now where we know what Mulbah Car is, and that should be a backup. 3-star FR Alton McCaskill saw extended run vs. Rice and rushed for 40 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns, and added 52 yards and another score on four receptions. Time to hand over the reins.
Montrell Johnson, Louisiana – Chris Smith has been a disappointment and true FR Montrell Johnson out-carried Emani Bailey vs. Nicholls, perhaps taking over the RB2 role that has been profitable in this system. Long-term, he’s an add in dynasty, but I question whether Billy Napier will be around for another season as he’ll be sought after by P5 programs.
Corey Kiner / Armoni Goodwin, LSU – If I were Ed Orgeron, I’d be more than ready to get my true freshman some run in the backfield because we can all agree that John Emery and Tyrion Davis-Price ain’t it. Kiner rushed for 55 yards and a TD, while Goodwin averaged 11.5 yards per carry on two attempts. Differing opinions on who is the better back, but I think they’ll both be in the rotation more as the season goes along.