Weekly Hail Mary: Week 3
Each week, HMF will provide you with at least one “Hail Mary” at RB, WR, and TE - a guy who is not generally regarded as a starter for the week, but who has the potential to pay off big. These are lottery tickets that are not likely to hit, but if they do, you’ll be thrilled.
In other words, if you’re desperate, we’re giving you a prayer. The Hail Marys for Week 3:
Running Backs
Buck Allen, Ravens. Allen made the list last week. He got nearly 50% of the snaps in Week 2, including a goal line touchdown. Remember, the Ravens placed Kenneth Dixon on IR, so that’s one less player he has to fight for touches. His role on the team is as the pass-catcher and goal line back - two areas traditionally associated with fantasy production. Pick him up off your waiver wire.
Giovani Bernard, Bengals. This might be an obvious add. But just in case the other owners in your league are asleep at the wheel, Joe Mixon is having knee surgery and is expected to be out for 2-4 weeks. Bernard already got nearly 50% of the snaps on Thursday night. He’s a plug and play RB2 or flex for the next few weeks.
Corey Grant, Jaguars. Grant was hardly used in Week 1, but saw the field often in Week 2. He was used frequently against the Patriots (10 touches) and played 42% of the Jaguars snaps. Expect a similar 60-40 split with TJ Yeldon as long as Leonard Fournette is out.
Phillip Lindsay, Broncos. The UDFA is not quite “the man” yet for the Broncos, but he’s certainly stealing more work from Royce Freeman than anyone anticipated. He put up more than 100 yards on the ground against the Raiders on Sunday.
Aaron Jones, Packers. Just in case you forgot about him, he comes off suspension for Week 3 and is the best running back on the Packers roster.
Wide Receivers
Antonio Callaway, Browns. Thrust into a starring role after Josh Gordon decided to be a knucklehead again, Callaway responded. He played 4 out of every 5 offensive snaps, and caught 3 balls for 81 yards and a touchdown. Not bad for a rookie. The starting role is all his now that Gordon has been traded to the Patriots.
Keelan Cole, Jaguars. Cole was one of my favorite sleepers coming into the season. He didn’t do much in Week 1, but really turned it on in Week 2 against the Patriots. Cole is playing more snaps than any other Jags’ receiver, and he has produced. He has at least 99 yards and/or a score in 5 of Jacksonville’s last 7 regular season games. He has the potential to finish the year as a high-end WR2.
Josh Doctson, Washington. This is probably my most tepid endorsement of the week. It has nothing to do with the player, and everything to do with the opportunity. Doctson is a starting WR playing for a decent offensive mind (Jay Gruden) with an established quarterback. Getting 96% of the snaps means he surely has to luck into some touchdowns, doesn’t it? I’ve never been impressed with Doctson as a pro, but he’s certainly going to get chances to produce.
Quincy Enunwa, Jets. Meh. He’s a floor play, because I’ve seen the Quincy Enunwa movie before. The thing is, he’s getting crazy usage this time around. He’s one of only a handful of players in the NFL to see double digit targets the first two weeks. Targets lead to opportunities, and opportunities lead to production. I like him better in PPR than standard.
Devin Funchess, Panthers. Going into the season, he was probably viewed as a WR3. I am including him on this list only because I think people have soured on him and no longer view him as start-worthy. The numbers haven’t been there yet, but Funchess is THE red zone threat in the passing game for this offense. That alone means he should be a lock for 6-7 touchdowns. I doubt it happens this week, given how good the Bengals defense is, but maybe the Panthers can do something creative with him in the red zone to get him a favorable matchup. For example, Jessie Bates has shown an inability to be a consistent tackler, so maybe they want to get those two matched up. Could result in an easy score. Could also be a goose egg for Funchess.
Zay Jones, Bills. Jones hasn’t shown much in his time as a pro, but he’s probably the best the Bills have. Playing with Josh Allen is surely an upgrade from Nathan Peterman. Remember, this is the guy who set the record for receptions by a Division I college player (399), so he’s got some talent. He’s playing more than 80% of the snaps - and more snaps than Kelvin Benjamin - so if someone is going to produce in Buffalo’s passing game, my money is on him.
James Washington, Steelers. LOVE this cat. (And I hate the Steelers.) Dude can flat out ball. If you haven’t yet watched the Biletnikoff winner, do yourself a favor and check out this YouTube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG8CmfxRouw. Jimmy W. went from playing less than 15% of the snaps in Week 1 to 80% in Week 2. Antonio Brown didn’t show up for work on Monday. Could an even greater role be in store for the rookie phenom? He gets the Bucs horrendous pass D on Monday night.
Tight Ends
Ricky Seals-Jones, Cardinals. Not much production yet, but the former five-star recruit is out on the field. He’s seeing 98% of the snaps. I like him a lot better once the Cardinals make the inevitable switch from Sam Bradford to Josh Rosen.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jaguars. The former second-round pick can play. Now that he’s sober and has his life together, he’s producing. He’s playing 85% of the snaps for the Jaguars and delivered a touchdown on Sunday.
Jonnu Smith, Titans. This endorsement is lukewarm as well, as I don’t trust any player in an offense with Blaine Gabbert at the helm. But once Marcus Mariota returns, yes, I do like Jonnu Smith - the only tight end in the NFL who saw 100% of the snaps in Week 2.
Geoff Swaim, Cowboys. He’s playing 94% of the snaps for the Cowboys, who are STILL starved for pass-catchers. He’s bound to produce sooner or later.