In the seventh of an eight-part series, I make an argument for the best value fantasy player in the AFC South (check out last week’s AFC North here). All ADPs were averaged between current FantasyPros, Sleeper, and Underdog rankings.
Houston Texans – Dameon Pierce
Cheap doesn’t equal value, but it’s a good place to look and there’s no cheaper roster than the one in Houston. Brandin Cooks is the only player you’ll have to pay anything for, and while I really like him at his sixth-round ADP, I’m going to take a chance on Dameon Pierce here. Even though the rookie running back buzz is singing Breece Hall’s praises, Pierce, the fourth-round draft pick out of Florida could be very underrated. Averaging 5.7 yards per carry in college, Pierce has the opportunity to beat out Marlon Mack for the starting role in Houston. The Texans have had one of the worst running games over the last five years, something that has to change if they intend to win more than four games this season. Lovie Smith and Pep Hamilton should bring a fresh approach to the offense and balance the game plan appropriately for the young quarterback Davis Mills.Â
Indianapolis Colts – Mo Alie-Cox
The big names in Indianapolis are not exactly values, so the sleeper on this offense is pretty obvious. Matt Ryan’s tight end, Mo Alie-Cox, ranks between TE 29-35. There’s one fact I’d like to highlight in making this argument and that is that Ryan has had his starting tight end finish in the top 12 in fantasy scoring for the last five years. And that includes ho-hum names like Austin Hooper and Hayden Hurst. Alie-Cox has not been fantasy relevant in his career, not because he lacks talent, but because he’s an amazing run blocker and has lacked opportunity. The Colts now introduce Ryan to their run-first offense, who has not ranked beyond the top 12 in passing attempts among quarterbacks since 2009! Of course, Ryan is past his prime and the star there will still be Jonathan Taylor, but the receivers are going to get more action than they have in a while. I think Alie-Cox has a shot at surprising fantasy season with Ryan’s history.Â
Tennessee Titans – Robert Woods
Embed from Getty ImagesThe no-brainer value pick in the AFC South has to be Tennessee’s Robert Woods. This is only a question because of his ACL injury last November and the possibility that he could not be ready Week One (although Woods is confident he will be). Woods was a highly sought-after fantasy receiver opposite Cooper Kupp for the Rams even when Jared Goff was their quarterback. He was a top 20 fantasy scoring wide receiver for four straight years before his injury last season. Now he’s the starting wideout for the Titans. Yes, they have Derek Henry. Yes, Ryan Tannehill has been a disaster at times. But does that put really place Woods in the WR42-46 area? Uh, yeah, if Woods is there beyond the eighth round (ADP 105), that’s value.Â
Jacksonville Jaguars – Marvin Jones Jr.
You can grab Marvin Jones Jr. for free in most leagues and he’ll probably end up being a solid flex play at his floor, as he usually is (and yet no one ever pays attention to him). I’m picking him up in every league I can. Trevor Lawrence has to get better (right?). If anyone is looking to see touchdown progression, it’s got to be him. Jones was the WR1 in Jacksonville last season and ranked 28th in total receptions among wide receivers even with Lawrences’ sub-par play. A measly four touchdowns marred Jones’ fantasy value last season. Jacksonville brought in Christian Kirk to be their star receiver, but Jones is still going to put up solid numbers far beyond his ADP this year. The running game is not dependable and neither is the tight end situation. Kirk and Jones are the only certainties.
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