Expert analyst previews less-known prospects, suggesting acquisitions to strengthen your team’s lineup before they emerge as sought-after free agent additions in the upcoming weeks.
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The general idea remains consistent: focusing on players available in the vast majority of Yahoo leagues, typically those rostered in 15% or fewer.
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Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers (10% rostered)
Coker was mentioned here previously as a proactive acquisition, a player to potentially stash on the injured list until his return. That moment has arrived. The player participated fully in practice recently and seems likely to play, provided he can convince the coach he is capable of handling a full game.
The receiver is also greatly needed as a secondary offensive option after the team’s primary receiving threat. Had he not experienced an injury during preseason workouts, he may already be a starter on fantasy rosters.
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A player favored by many analysts, Coker demonstrated promise in limited appearances during his initial season. Factoring out his first game, where he participated in only a fraction of the plays, he projected to accumulate significant yardage over a full season.
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Now healthy, he is expected to immediately assume a substantial role in the team’s offensive scheme. While significant receiver breakouts during the season are uncommon, Coker possesses the potential to become a relevant fantasy player and possibly a WR3/flex option for the remainder of the season.
Honorable mention: Luther Burden III, Bears (10% rostered), Christian Watson, Packers (8% rostered), Tory Horton, Seahawks (7% rostered), Isaiah Bond, Browns (5% rostered), Isaac TeSlaa, Lions (4% rostered), Ryan Flournoy, Cowboys (3% rostered)
Emanuel Wilson, RB, Packers (2% rostered)
This selection is a deep dive, but consider the rationale. While another player began the season as Green Bay’s second running back, Wilson has since claimed that role in recent weeks.
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Wilson has participated in a significant percentage of the team’s offensive plays in those games, exhibiting productivity with a notable number of rushing yards and receiving yards.
Following a week off, the team prepares for one of its most favorable matchups of the year against a defense that allows considerable fantasy points to running backs. Additionally, this defense has been known to allow strong performances from secondary running backs.
With another player still sidelined, Wilson is, at a minimum, a player to keep in mind should the primary running back be unavailable. However, this week, he might be an option to insert into your lineup as a flex player if necessary.
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Honorable mention: Brashard Smith, Chiefs (11% rostered), Kyle Monangai, Bears (5% rostered), Isaiah Davis, Jets (4% rostered), DJ Giddens, Colts (2% rostered), Keaton Mitchell, Ravens (1% rostered)
AJ Barner, TE, Seahawks (10% rostered)
Attention may have been focused on the long-term potential of a different player, potentially overlooking Barner as a developing fantasy prospect.
Barner performed effectively in limited appearances previously and is now making a significant impact this season with a series of touchdowns in recent games.
In the most recent game, the player received multiple targets, catching all of them for a notable number of yards and multiple touchdowns. He has also been involved in a large percentage of the team’s plays in recent games.
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Barner might be more than a player to keep on the radar; he could be considered a viable option at tight end this week. The upcoming opponent has allowed opposing tight ends to achieve top fantasy performances in recent weeks.
Honorable mention: Isaiah Likely, Ravens (9% rostered), Michael Mayer, Raiders (1% rostered), Oronde Gadsden II, Chargers (1% rostered), Taysom Hill, Saints (9% rostered)
Joe Flacco, QB, Bengals (6% rostered)
Are you prepared for the quarterback’s tenure in Cincinnati? This period should be engaging for its duration.
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The player possesses considerable experience that the team’s other quarterback lacks, which will be crucial given the team’s vulnerable offensive line. He will endure significant pressure with his new team, potentially leading to injury, but he also offers hope for the team’s offensive weapons.
While the quarterback’s earlier starts for another team were uninspiring, he was not supported by this collection of talent.
In the previous year, the player achieved top fantasy quarterback status in most of the games where he participated for the majority of the plays.
Reviewing his impressive run with his former team, the player earned an award due to strong performances, averaging a significant amount of passing yards and touchdowns per game. This output made him one of the highest-scoring fantasy quarterbacks during that period.
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There are no assurances the player can remain healthy enough to transform this team’s offense, but there is optimism that the results will exceed those of the prior quarterback. Consider the player as a secondary quarterback option in deeper leagues, hoping he can restore fantasy value for the team’s offensive stars.
Honorable mention: Mac Jones, 49ers (7% rostered), Dillon Gabriel, Browns (5% rostered), Spencer Rattler, Saints (6% rostered), Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals (0% rostered)
