It took me a while to finally get to a point where I could write about the waiver wire this week.
In case you hadn’t heard, Steelers star running back Le’Veon Bell is done for the 2015 season. Taking with him the fantasy hopes of many, the excitement of those who love to watch him play, and, selfishly again, that production (556 yards and three touchdowns through six games).
I know I kid, but I was legitimately bummed out by his injury. At first I didn’t believe it was as bad as it looked (denial). I didn’t want to look at the replay and actually believe an ACL/MCL injury had happened. Then, once I realized I couldn’t deny it, I got mad (anger). At the Bengals, at the Steelers, at Bishop Sankey. Yeah, I even got mad at Bishop Sankey. The football Gods are cruel taking Bell while he gets to be an option. I wish no ill-will, but at this point release him and put us all out of our misery (bargaining).
Then I looked at my fantasy roster, finally starting to click and setting up beautifully down the stretch with Todd Gurley and Le’Veon Bell. Realizing that wasn’t going to happen anymore this season made me sad (depression).
But the show must go on, right?
So I guess this is the acceptance part of it. Understanding that the NFL, as Sammy Watkins so ‘eloquently’ put it, is a sport that comes with 100% risk of injury. Le’Veon Bell wasn’t the only star to go down Sunday as the Bears lost Matt Forte, the Chargers lost Keenan Allen, the Ravens lost Steve Smith, and the 49ers lost Reggie Bush. Playing fantasy football I hope we all don’t want players to get hurt for more than just fantasy points, but we all need to know it can happen at any time to any player.
Deangelo Williams, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Obviously he’s the next man up for the Steelers. Filled in admirably to begin the season and will look to do it again with Bell out. Should be on everyone’s radar.
Jeremy Langford, RB, Chicago Bears
Somewhat of a ‘Wild Card’ player in the Matt Forte aftermath. I had Langford on my Dynasty team so now I’ll get to see if he’s worth the stash. Metrics tell me he is, but we will know soon enough. One more note, while Forte’s injury isn’t season-ending, this injury will give them the opportunity to see what they have in the fourth-round pick out of Michigan State.
Malcolm Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers
With Keenan Allen done for the year I expect Malcolm Floyd to take on a larger role in the offense opposite Stevie Johnson. Put up 92 yards and two touchdowns Sunday so if you’re looking for help at the position wouldn’t be a bad pickup given who his Quarterback is and the offense he plays in.
Cincinnati Bengals, D/ST
I’ve become a believer in the “Stream Your Defense/Special Team” strategy and I have to say I was pretty shocked to see that the Bengals were owned in only 35% of leagues on Yahoo!. Great match up this week against Cleveland got even better with the news that Johnny Manziel is preparing to start on Thursday.
Kamar Aiken, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Steve Smith’s injury is unfortunate because at this point there aren’t too many weapons for Joe Flacco to get excited for. Kamar Aiken, however, is one to get excited for. He’s already amassed over 300 yards and two touchdowns so if you’re looking for a guy on a team that will throw a lot, he’s your number one option.
Pierre Thomas, RB, San Francisco 49ers
With Carlos Hyde nursing injuries and Jarryd Hayne sent back to Rugby, consider this an intrigue move, for me. Thomas has always played well, and his pass-catching ability should play well with the 49ers. if Hyde is unable to go and Thomas is in shape, why couldn’t he approach RB2/FLEX numbers for you in a pinch?
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