Every week has been wild this year, but nothing prepared us for Week 4.
Tennessee-Pittsburgh was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. This was a crushing blow to many teams across fantasy. But by the end of the week, a sense of normalcy had returned and fantasy teams were rolling with the punches. Teams had adjusted the best they could and plugged in replacements for their missing starters.
Friday was a fairly normal fantasy day which actually had more productive injury updates than destructive ones.
Saturday morning’s are usually a slow-time for fantasy news; occasionally we get an injury update, but not much. The fantasy world is rarely even rattled on Saturdays, but this weekend, everything was practically turned upside down. Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19, and ended up on IR as a result. This was also a potential devastating blow to all of fantasy football as the New England-Kansas City game is now up in the air (tentatively moved to Monday).
Leaning on underutilized players is likely in play now, more than ever.
Week 3 was another successful week for the Dumpster Dive: Rex Burkhead had a 3 score game, Cole Beasley hit 100-yards, Mo Alie-Cox found the end zone, and Andy Isabella scored twice. All four went from the dumpster to waiver wire considerations.
As always our threshold is players rostered in 10 percent or less of Yahoo! leagues.
WR Andy Isabella, Arizona (10%)
Last week was Isabella’s most productive day as a pro with two touchdowns. Not only did he find the end zone twice, but he looked great doing so. His snaps and targets were not high but he was extremely productive. Christian Kirk should be back and DeAndre Hopkins should play, but both are not sure things and neither are healthy. Isabella showed a connection with Kyler Murray already; do not be scared to use him if you are in a bind again this week. If you do not need him and he is available then try and add him as he also makes for a great stash.
TE Adam Trautman, New Orleans (0%)
Jared Cook is out this week; Trautman was my favorite rookie TE in this draft class. The Saints traded four draft picks to move up and take Trautman in the 3rd round.
All training camp we heard how impressive he looked, but he was mostly a dynasty target and looked at as someone who would make a large impact in year two with Cook firmly entrenched as a starter. Trautman now has a perfect storm for his first start. Not only is Cook out, but star WR Michael Thomas is out as well. Add to that, the Saints’ secondary is decimated. This game has all the makings of a shootout. Trautman will get his opportunities; I am very excited to see how he does.
QB Nick Mullens, San Francisco (7%)
It is very rare that we see a quarterback on the Dumpster Dive. With Newton, Roethlisberger and Tannehill already missing for the week, and adding the possibility that the GOAT, Patrick Mahomes, may miss, many teams are now scrambling for a signal-caller.
Enter Mullens.
Last week, Mullens filled in admirably for Jimmy Garropolo, passing for 343 yards and a score on the road at the Giants. This week, Mullens gets another start against an Eagles team that has allowed top-12 QB finishes the last two weeks. George Kittle is also is back and ready to go; Mullens is in the streamer discussion.
WR Zac Pascal, Indianapolis (4%)
Pascal played more snaps than any Colts wide receiver last week. This week, he should play a very high number of snaps and essentially never leave the field. Chicago has been dominant versus wideouts this year, but Pascal can be used if you are in a bind.
Best of luck this week to everyone in the wildest week of fantasy we have seen all season.