Last week, the Dumpster Dive had one of our biggest hits of the season in Jakobi Meyers. We also had usable play out of K.J. Hamler; it was a good week, but Week 9 is officially in the rear-view and our focus shifts to Week 10.
As usual, there will be a lot of players missing: Christian McCaffrey came back, predictably crushed, and then sustained a new (less severe) injury that will keep him out this week. David Montgomery was announced out with a concussion. Chris Carson will miss another week. Joe Mixon, off of his bye week, was announced out this week. Justin Jackson headed to the IR. David Johnson was a surprise IR add on Saturday. And that’s just the running back news.
Add in the bye week and fantasy managers are no doubt scrambling. With only four weeks left, let’s attempt to identify a few players who can help teams in a pinch.
As always, our threshold is players rostered on less than 10% of Yahoo! rosters.
Troymaine Pope RB LA Chargers (8%)
Playing a Chargers running back this week is a bit of a gamble itself, but Dumpster Diving is about taking calculated risks:
Last week, Justin Jackson got hurt and Kallen Ballage produced well with Joshua Kelley also seeing work. Pope, who was just cleared from the league’s concussion protocol, ran ahead of Kelley in Week 8 with 95 total yards (Ballage was inactive). This could be a situation where all three runners see time, but if you are desperate at RB, Pope is a decent dart throw.
Jakeem Grant WR Miami (4%)
Preston Williams was sent to the IR and Isiah Ford was traded. Grant should see the field a lot on on Sunday. He is shifty and explosive. As a bonus, Grant is one of the league’s best return men. If you are in need at WR or desperation FLEX, take a look at Grant.
Josh Reynolds LA Rams (4%)
This is a very strong match-up-based stream. Seattle has given up sixteen (1) WR1 performances this year. They are also banged-up, and the total is over 50 points. Reynolds has scored two touchdowns his last three games. He has a chance to find the end zone again in a huge divisional game.
Danny Amendola Detroit (3%)
If you are in need of a floor-play, take a look at Amendola.
Last week he led the Lions in targets and receptions. This week, with Kenny Golladay out, it could be more of the same. This is a low-ceiling play, but Amendola could catch a number of passes.
Richie James San Francisco WR (6%)
Last week, with Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne missing, James went off for 9 catches for 184 yards and 1 score. Bourne and Aiyuk make their returns, but James will have another chance at some targets in a difficult match-up at New Orleans.