Cut ‘Em or Keep ‘Em Week 13: Is it Love’s time to shine?
Since last week’s article, D.J. Moore proved Sam Darnold is the best Panthers’ QB on the roster for his fantasy prospects, while Isaiah McKenzie had a 22.3-point game and Melvin Gordon was signed to the Kansas City practice squad.
As the fantasy season rolls into Week 13, injuries are providing opportunities for several players who could play key roles in fantasy leagues down the stretch.
Keep ‘Em
Embed from Getty ImagesJames Robinson (NYJ)
Robinson was a healthy scratch after falling to fourth on the depth chart. His absence, however didn’t lead to more playing time for Michael Carter or Ty Johnson.
Robinson’s surprise inactive led to the emergence of undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight. Carter suffered an ankle injury and had to leave the game. Knight played 18 of 22 snaps on first or second down once Carter left the game, according to PFF.
As a result, Knight finished the game with 14 carries for 69 yards. Knight is a popular waiver target regardless of Carter’s health.
Hold on to Robinson until we know the severity of Carter’s injury.
Three of the Jets next five games are against teams in the top 10 allowing fantasy points to running backs.
Samaje Perine (CIN)
Perine filled in for the injured Joe Mixon last week and he didn’t disappoint.
He had 93 total yards and a touchdown, which earned him and RB 10 finish for the week, according to FantasyPros.
The Bengals’ next two matchups are favorable for running backs, so managers should consider holding on to Perine until Mixon is cleared to play again. Even when Mixon is cleared, it’s a good move to hold Perine since he’s shown what he can do with the opportunity and it’s possible Mixon gets hurt again.
Jordan Love (GB)
This is more for two quarterback and superflex leagues.
Love took over for an injured Aaron Rodgers in the team’s Sunday night game against the Eagles. He completed 6-of-9 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
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The touchdown came on a 63-yard play to Christian Watson.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers are conservative with Rodgers’ health, given that they are 4-8 and currently on the outside of the playoff race.
Rodgers said this week that he believes he’ll be able to play Sunday against the Bears. He also said he’d be open to sitting out the rest of the season once the Packers are mathematically eliminated from the playoff contention.
Without Rodgers, Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will likely continue to see a lot of volume, but they might not be as effective if the defenses focus on them.
Even if Rodgers plays this week, the Packers likely won’t make the playoffs so it’s only a matter of time before the team gives Love a chance to show what he’s got.
Cut ‘Em
Embed from Getty ImagesCurtis Samuel (WAS)
It seems like Samuel has been slowly phased out of the passing game the last few weeks.
He didn’t have a target against the Falcons, but he had four carries for 13 yards. Samuel averaged 9.3 targets per game in September, 6.0 in October and 2.2 in November.
The Commanders face the Giants in two of the next three games. New York has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Washington has its bye week in Week 14.
Elijah Mitchell (SF)
Mitchell reportedly suffered a possible MCL sprain and will miss 6-8 weeks. That timeframe means he won’t return for the fantasy season.
It’s been an injury-plagued season for Mitchell, although when he’s played, he’s been productive. Sending Mitchell to the waiver wire is an easy decision in redraft leagues.
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