WAIVERS MAY BE BEST OPTION FOR CMC CURE
FANTASY manager: Hi, Dr. Madman. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I have developed a distressing problem.
Dr. Madman: Certainly, Mr. Fantasy Patient. What is the problem?
Patient: Well, Christian McCaffrey got hurt Thursday and could miss, quoteunquote, a few weeks. I mean, I‘ve got several teams. I’m already dealing with having to replace J.K. Dobbins, then Gus Edwards, and there is Raheem Mostert, and Josh Jacobs isn’t playing. Mike Davis has been a stiff, Myles Gaskin, Jonathan Taylor ... I just ... I just ...
Doc: OK, OK. Calm down. Now tell me, have you checked your waiver wire?
Patient: Yeah, but the only players there are guys like David Johnson and Carlos Hyde and Malcolm Brown ...
Doc: Let me interrupt you for a moment. We don’t recommend you use these types of treatments. They can be more harmful than good. Did you see any Chuba Hubbard? Patient: What? Like the bubble gum.
Doc: No, that’s Hubba Bubba. But I understand the confusion since it is pronounced like “Chewba.” He’s the backup who is likely to absorb most of McCaffrey’s workload, sort of like Mike Davis did last year.
Patient: Oh, right. But could there be any Royce Freeman side effects?
Doc: We don’t think so. Hubbard got 11 carries to Freeman’s five on Thursday, and also outgained him 52-17.
Patient: I see. So should I break the bank to get him in free-agent bidding?
Doc: Well, before making such an investment, understand the risks. McCaffrey is likely to return in a few weeks, at which point Hubbard is not useful anymore. And if McCaffrey stays healthy for an extended period after his return, all you’ve done is secure a very expensive handcuff. But all the other waiver options outside of Hubbard are less effective.
Patient: So I should or shouldn’t bid high for the bubble gum guy?
Doc: We’re just making sure you know all the risks of this procedure. But if you want to alleviate your symptoms using waivers, that is the best solution. However, if you are concerned about long-term problems, like CMC getting re-injured, a trade might be more effective.
Patient: How would that work?
Doc: Well, there’s risks here, too. First you would have to pick a player on your roster whom other fantasy managers would pay highly to acquire. Ideally, this is a player you expect to have a steep drop-off in future production, like a Tyler Lockett or Deebo Samuel. But chances are, in return, the best you’ll be able to do is get an underperforming player. If you’re lucky, a Jonathan Taylor or ClydeEdwards Helaire.
Patient: I see. Which method do you think is best?
Doc: It all depends. If you’re comfortable with the waiver options you can acquire, do that first. If that doesn’t work out or you’re still stressed, explore a trade. But there is no guaranteed cure. This is a difficult condition to overcome. When we see you again next week, hopefully you’ll be doing better.