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Every Wednesday during the season NFL Network and NFL.com Senior Fantasy Analyst Michael Fabiano joins Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat to share his insight on building and developing your fantasy team for success.
Here are some hi-lights from our most recent conversation (October 7th) with the Fantasy Sports Writer’s Association Hall of Famer.
Should fantasy owners be concerned about DeMarco Murray’s workload? “I think the Cowboys are going to have to dial it back a little bit but Brad, we’ve been doing this segment for years and you’ve probably heard me use the term ‘magical season.’ Peyton Manning had the magical season last year. This year DeMarco Murray’s having it and I really think when a player’s having a magical season, all bets are off. He’s going to be the guy. I really think he’s going to put up a very, very good number at the end of the year. He’s in a contract year remember. The Cowboys’ offensive line is awesome…if you’re worried about DeMarco Murray and you want to trade him don’t get anything less than elite return players because he is the best player in fantasy at the most valuable position right now…the Cowboys are just going to keep pounding the ball.”
Do you view Branden Oliver as a one-week fantasy wonder in San Diego? “Boy, he came out of nowhere last week. Over 30 fantasy points. The Chargers backfield is just ravaged by injuries right now…but Oliver showed that he could be a playmaker and any small running back who wears [number] 43 is automatically going to be compared to Darren Sproles…with a matchup against the Raiders this week I think you pick him up and you play him if you need backfield depth. There’s no doubt about that. Very versatile. A guy who can catch the ball out of the backfield and the Raiders’ run defense has not been good this year.”
How about Antone Smith in Atlanta? “Unreal! This guy has had nine or more fantasy points in four of five games and Brad he does it with one play every single week. 45-yard catch, 70-yard run whatever it is and the guy just scores touchdowns. He’s unreal. He’s risk-reward though because that backfield in Atlanta is crowded and again, his success is predicated on making that one big play. He’s done it for four of the five games this year so his percentages are pretty good but he’s not someone I’m going to pick up and automatically put in my starting lineup. He’s a guy if I need backfield depth then maybe when we get back to the times when we have six teams on a bye he’s someone you use as a flex starter but he has been explosive to say the least.”
Who else is hot on the waiver wire this week? “Listen, there are plenty of guys right now that you can be picking up off the waiver wire and play right now…Dwayne Allen in Indianapolis. I don’t know why this guy isn’t picked up in more leagues but right now he’s still a free-agent in over 60% of NFL.com leagues. Travis Kelce. He’s on bye this week but if you need another tight end pick him up and sit on him. Teddy Bridgewater if you need a quarterback in two-QB leagues. I wouldn’t start him this week but he’s worth a look off the waiver wire …Matt Prater. He got signed by Detroit. He’s been one of the elite kickers in fantasy football. I know he’s going from Denver to Detroit but maybe that’s a good thing. Detroit’s offense is pretty darn good, too and he’s going to be playing more games on turf so Prater’s a guy, if you don’t have a great kicker, go out and get him.”
Who is a must-start in Week Six who is owned in all leagues but may be flying under-the-radar a bit? “How about Andre Ellington. Let’s talk about the Cardinals…I love this kid and I liked him in the pre-season. If you remember, I had him as a must-start last week. Over 20 fantasy points. The Redskins were gashed by Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch in the running game this past week so Ellington’s a guy who I really like. He’s going to start stepping up. He’s going to start moving up, especially with that Cardinals’ quarterback situation being a little bit questionable…they’re going to use Ellington and he’s versatile. There’s no one behind him on the depth chart that’s taking his role so Ellington’s a really good play.”
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Eric Sorenson
A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.