By Jacob Koehler
Will These Fantasy Breakout Players Keep it Up?
As always, the first few weeks of the NFL football season were highly unpredictable when it came to individual player performances. It makes it tough to set your fantasy lineups, as well as betting on NFL games. There are a handful of under-the-radar players who have severely outperformed their fantasy draft value. While we won’t have a great read on whether these outings were the norm until later in the season, it’s time to evaluate which players carry value through the rest of the fantasy season, and which are not likely to keep it up.
Jordan Mason – Best handcuff to have
JP Mason showcased his hard-running style in front of the nation on Monday night, and again against the Vikings. As a 49ers fan, I have been calling for him to get touches ever since he made the roster as an undrafted free agent. Obviously, CMC will be by far the lead back in SF. However, I expect Mason to maintain a decent workload in hopes of preserving McCaffrey for the playoffs. Also, he is playing behind a notably injury-prone player who is starting the season on IR. Mason won’t be worth a start with CMC healthy, but if McCaffrey misses extended time, Jordan Mason can remain the most valuable handcuff this season.
Jameson Williams – Proceed with restrained enthusiasm
The former first-round draft pick is now playing like one. Coming into his rookie season post ACL surgery, and missing games due to the gambling policy last season, Williams is finally at full strength and is showing he is more than just a big play threat. However, the Lions’ offense may not continue to target him as much. Tight end Sam LePorta has been missing this season so far, but I expect the Lions to make an effort to get him involved. I see those targets being taken from Williams rather than St. Brown. Jameson could continue to shine, and the good news is there is always an upside to his explosive play potential. However, we need to see more consistency before starting him over high-end wide receivers.
Alan Lazard – Not sold yet
Alan Lazard is averaging almost 15 points in PPR leagues, but I wouldn’t consider starting him yet. Don’t just look at the stats and run to the waivers, you have to look at the bigger picture so far. As Rodgers returns to form, I expect him to rely less on his familiar target in Lazard, and start looking for more talented players like Garret Wilson and Mike Williams. Williams will surpass Lazard and be their WR2 while Wilson will break out as the clear WR1. For now, Lazard should not crack any starting lineups.
JK Dobbins – Potential league winner
Jk Dobbins has shown all the makings of a top-10 running back in his career thus far. His only struggle has been staying healthy. This season, he has shown he still has the explosiveness to take the Chargers RB1 spot outright. I expect him to take more carries from Edwards every game. He leads the NFL in rush yards on just 27 carries. If he stays healthy and increases his workload as the season goes on, the Chargers’ running back could be a difference-maker in your league. He is looking like the steal of the fantasy draft, going usually in rounds 10-12.
Rasheed Shaheed – Not ready to board the hype train
The speedster for the Saints has put together a couple of big games in a row. Last season he showed potential but was extremely boom or bust. Like Jameson, Shaheed has big play potential, but I expect Chris Olave to comfortably surpass Shaheed as the main target for Derek Carr as the season progresses. However, if this Saints’ offense is legit, then they could have 2 wide receivers worthy of a fantasy start.
Baker Mayfield – The perfect pickup for QB-needy teams
I was only going to list 5 players, but Baker Mayfield deserves a shoutout. Last year was a redemption year for Baker, earning himself a new contract. Now, he is no longer a comeback story but a legit top quarterback. The Bucs’ run game looks very shaky with Rashaad White continuing to lack in YPC, so the offensive workload will be in the hands of Baker. If your QB goes down at any point, Baker should be the first QB taken off waivers.
All 6 of these players are top players at their position thus far, but only some will hold. Only
time will tell, but I believe a few of these guys could be difference-makers in your league.
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