Invisible Elliott, injuries leveling the playing field
In both of my leagues, and many more I’ve heard about anecdotally, the owner who selected David Johnson with the first overall pick also swung for the fences and took Zeke Elliott with the second or third selection. It was a bold move at the time, as Elliott’s six-game suspension was still in force.
Fast forward a few days, when Elliott was granted his injunction, and it appeared that those of us who weren’t armed with the Johnson/ Elliott duo were destined to play for second place.
Funny how quickly things change. Johnson’s Week 1 injury leveled the playing field overnight. Then Sunday in Denver, Elliott might as well have been serving his suspension. Last year’s leading rusher wasn’t injured; he was just bottled up by a ferocious defense. Suddenly, my owner envy shifted to owner pity.
Sunday’s assorted breaks, pulls and strains have thrown even more fantasy owners into a tizzy.
Greg Olsen’s broken foot leaves a huge hole in countless fantasy rosters and Carolina QB Cam Newton’s stock takes a hit, too.
Rob Gronkowski strained his groin, but declared himself day to day Monday, saying it was “nothing serious.” Jordan Reed left Sunday’s contest with a chest injury and is also considered day to day, but his owners should already have a backup plan in place, given Reed’s lengthy injury history.
Meanwhile, Jordy Nelson’s owners are wondering whether Sunday night’s goose egg is a one-week thing, or if their top wideout will be lost for an extended period. Few fantasy owners hitched their team’s hopes to Sam Bradford in the QB slot, but those banking on consistent production from Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are surely rooting for the rapid healing of Bradford’s bum knee. Catch ’em while you can Javorius “Buck” Allen, RB, Ravens: Allen made a name for himself in the second half of his rookie season two years ago, then he disappeared in 2016. Now he’s back, leading the Ravens in touches and combining for 101 yards and a TD against the Browns. Chris Carson, RB, Seahawks: Seattle’s backfield (and its offense in general) is in low gear at the moment, but the rookie has emerged as its most viable rushing weapon. With 20 carries against the 49ers, versus just five for Thomas Rawls, and with Eddie Lacy a healthy scratch this week, Carson is currently the only Seattle RB worth owning. Samaje Perine, RB, Washington: If Rob Kelley’s rib injury keeps him sidelined for a game or more, Perine’s ascendance to the lead RB gig will accelerate. Chris Thompson has a lock on the changeof-pace role, and he should already be on someone’s roster. Benjamin Watson, TE, Ravens: Given the depletion of the tight end position, healthy options will be in high demand on the waiver wire. After seeing just one target in Week 1, Watson was the busiest receiver on the field against the Browns. The Colts’ Jack Doyle is another decent option, if available. Don’t be fooled Chris Johnson, RB, Cardinals: It was good to see The RB Formerly Known as CJ2K back on the field Sunday, but it’s clear this Johnson is nothing like the one he replaced. Arizona was a terrible rushing team before David Johnson arrived, and it appears they will be so again. Brandon Coleman, WR, Saints: When you play catch with Drew Brees, you’re bound to have the occasional good game. But unless you’re one of his favorites, those performances can be fleeting.