Andrew Bell
Every summer leading into and throughout the NFL season, Sports Illustrated and SI.com Senior Fantasy Analyst Michael Fabiano joins Sports360AZ.com to share his insight on building and developing your fantasy team for success.
Here are some highlights from our most recent conversation (November 17th) with the Fantasy Sports Writer’s Association Hall of Famer.
Do you consider Antonio Brown a must-start? “No. I don’t think he’s going to be more than a low WR2, high three, flex type of player because the Buccaneers have so many weapons. Brady came out mad after what happened against New Orleans and had a very good game. He played very well and they all did well. AB, Evans, Gronk, all of them. It’s not going to happen every single week, though. They’ve got the Rams this week and that Rams defense is good. I’d say AB is probably a flex starter in most leagues, but matchups are going to determine his value on a week-to-week basis.”
What do you think of Damien Harris and his potential in New England? “For me, he’s like an RB2 flex. He just doesn’t have a high ceiling. He doesn’t catch the ball ever and if you get into a negative game script, he’s screwed because he doesn’t catch the ball. I’d certainly pick him up, he definitely needs to be added across the board. His matchup is good this week against Houston. Harris is certainly worth a look and if they are playing a team that could boat race them, he’s not as attractive. If they are playing a team like Houston, he’s an RB2.”
The Baltimore Ravens, anyone you’re looking at from their backfield? “I don’t want them. I don’t want any of them. I was high on J.K. Dobbins and I was high on Gus Edwards as a flex. Then Mark Ingram came back last Friday and just ruined everything. You can’t play any of them because it is legitimately a three-headed backfield monster and none of them do anything because they are not getting enough touches. I don’t care who they are playing. They could be playing the worst defense in the league. They all completely cancel each other out in fantasy and it stinks. I love Dobbins but unless they give him 15-18 touches a game, he’s not going to do anything.”
With Kyler Murray’s ridiculous fantasy numbers, who does he remind you of? “Kyler Murray is what we wanted Lamar Jackson to be. He’s going bananas. He’s what Lamar was last season. Nobody’s surprised. This kid is good and then you get DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk in there. He’s running the ball like no other quarterback in the league right now. He’s basically their goal line option, too. His touchdown production is insane right now.”
Who are some quality wide receiver waiver wire options this week? “A lot of options. Michael Pittman Jr. has been very good the last two weeks and it looks like he’s the number one wide receiver for the Colts over the last few weeks. He’s got Green Bay this week and if Green Bay’s down their top two corners again, fire him up. If not, pick him up and maybe stash him. Jakobi Meyers – 57 snaps played. He is Cam Newton’s guy and he’s got the Texans this week. He needs to be added. If Allen Lazard is back for the Packers, pick him up. Jalen Reagor, Tim Patrick, K.J. Hamler and Jakeem Grant are also worth an add. Cole Beasley if he’s out there, go get him too. I know they have a bye this week but I don’t care, stash him. John Brown is hurt and Cole Beasley has been one of the most underrated players in fantasy football this season.”
What does Nick Foles’ injury do for fantasy owners with Bears players? “That Bears team is in trouble with Nick Foles being out. I’d be trying to sell my shares of Allen Robinson if I could.”
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