USA TODAY International Edition
Rewards can be worth taking calculated risks
To celebrate Fantasy Football Week in America Presented by Courtyard Marriott, USA TODAY Sports is providing daily tips to help make 2013 your championship season. For rankings, chats, videos, analysis and more, go to fantasyweek.usatoday.com. Today’s tips are by Cory Bonini of KFFL.com, a USA TODAY Sports Digital Property.
Calling a player risky doesn’t necessarily mean he will end up being a bust. Every strong fantasy team is built with risk assessment in mind. As long as you make smart gambles, one of these players could end up being the key to a fantasy championship.
WR Danny Amendola, New England Patriots:
Do not automatically assume he is the next Wes Welker. If healthy, Amendola should see a lot of passes come his way. Sure, Amendola could be a point-per- reception ( PPR) stalwart in 2013. He could even live up to his draft placement. But if that sounds like a lot of praying, remember you can’t spell Amendola without “amen.”
RB Arian Foster, Houston Texans:
A massive workload — the league’s most touches over the last three seasons — might be contributing to a recent string of nagging injuries. Foster’s value is largely dependent on his touchdown totals, since his peripheral stats have been on the decline. He should still be a top- five running back if he plays every game, but you’ll have to invest heavily to find out.
RB Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Martin’s sophomore season needs to be more consistent in order for him to live up to his current draft position. He is a headto- head lineup nightmare — and not for your opponent. Martin is being picked inside the top three in all formats, but he managed 45.3% of his rushing yards last season in four games, one of which was a meaningless Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, who were resting their regulars for the playoffs. Six of Martin’s 11 touchdowns came in two games.
TE Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots:
It doesn’t get any riskier than four surgeries, including a back operation, at a physically demanding position such as tight end. Gronkowski is unlikely to play a full season, so don’t think he will be 100% ready to go even if he is active for Week 1. When he is on the field, Gronkowski is arguably the best in the business at his position. For now, he’s exceptionally risky as a top- three tight end.