As injuries mount, backups paramount
FANTASY gland. Promising rookie Corey Coleman broke his hand in practice this week, and even suspended wideout Josh Gordon battled more off-field issues as Cleveland continues to spiral downward. Isaiah Crowell may have to face stacked fronts, and Gary Barnidge’s appeal has fallen again.
Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill has a very appealing matchup and an emerging DeVante Parker is looking like a viable starter on the rise. RISE OF THE ROOKIE STAR
Ezekiel Elliott was a first-round pick in many leagues, but has yet to break out, with 134 rushing yards in two games. He does have two rushing TDs, but only 5 receiving yards and there were public whispers about his conditioning and focus this week. Elliott would quiet doubters and please those who invested a high pick in him (including the Cowboys) with a strong performance against the Bears.
Chicago has allowed 114.5 rushing yards per game and lost three key members of its defensive front to injuries this week. This is the game for Elliott and an underperforming Dallas offensive line to truly get on track. STILL CHARGING
San Diego lost Danny Woodhead this past week, Keenan Allen is already gone, and Antonio Gates is trying to work through a hamstring problem. Fortunately for San Diego, they draw what appears to be the AFC’s worst defense as they travel to Indianapolis. The resurgent Melvin Gordon already has three rushing scores after not registering any in his rookie year and is a prime start this week with a larger role awaiting with Woodhead out.
Gordon is a terrific daily fanta- sy play, as the Colts have allowed 125 rushing yards per game so far. Newly signed Dexter McCluster should be added as a free agent for point-per-reception depth if still available, and receivers Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams are good starts against a pass defense that has already surrendered nearly 600 passing yards. SEATTLE SLUMP
The Seahawks offense has scored only one TD through its first two games. Russell Wilson has not been himself because of an ankle injury that has limited his mobility and sometimes affected his passing. A home date vs. the 49ers may appear to cure some ills, but divisional games are never easy. Keep Wilson reserved until he shows signs of improving.
Christine Michael is looking better than Thomas Rawls at running back, but neither are ideal starters right now. Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett still have potential to be playmakers even if their game is lower scoring. Also add Jimmy Graham if he is still a free agent, as he is gradually starting to get closer to being a more frequent contributor. TALE OF TWO TAMPAS
Jameis Winston will try to put a terrible Week 2 behind him and regroup against the Rams. Charles Sims takes over for the injured Doug Martin and should get strong starting consideration because of his versatility and expanded role. Winston is too erratic to be trusted yet, but Mike Evans is already flourishing in a lot of leagues and slot receiver Adam Humphries is looking like an interesting add in leagues with 14 teams or more, or even very competitive 12-teamers. This could be the week when Rams running back Todd Gurley shows his 2015 form.