FANTASY PLAYS: Some last tidbits before your football drafts
With Fantasy football drafts and auctions reaching their apex this weekend, here are some tidbits to keep in mind:
— Considering Adrian Peterson with hopes of one last burst of glory? Don't. Over the past three seasons, Peterson has averaged barely over 4 yards per carry and faces a schedule that has the Redskins playing 10 teams who ranked in the top half of the league last year in least fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. He should be crossed off most lists in PPR leagues, and is not worth the gamble in non-PPR formats.
— Ravens running back Alex Collins is quietly on the verge of a breakout season. He's being drafted as a mid-tier RB2 in most leagues, and while Baltimore plans to use Javorius Allen in passing situations, Collins projects to have a workload conducive to an RB1. He's a slight downgrade in PPR formats, but he is worth a reach a round or two early in non-PPR leagues.
— The Allen Robinson of 2018 will look more like the Pro Bowl player who caught 80 passes for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns with the Jaguars in 2015. He's going to be a big reason why Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky takes a big step forward in his second year. Coach Matt Nagy will find ways to get the ball to Robinson, who should have 140-150 targets this season. Consider him in the early portions of Round 3.
— Keep an eye on Randall Cobb with rumors of a transaction heating up in Green Bay. If he moves, receiver-starved teams like the Cowboys and Patriots are potential landing spots. He's an interesting late-round play if either Dak Prescott or Tom Brady is throwing the ball to him.
— Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is worth the risk. Look for him to make Einsteins out of those willing to draft the big-armed youngster who can fire the ball to Pro Bowlers Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, along with Kareem Hunt and free agent-signee Sammy Watkins. Mahomes will have a frustrating game or two, but he has a chance to produce 28-30 total touchdowns.
— The so-called "zero RB" draft plan sounds insane, but fantasy owners picking in the back end of the first round wouldn't be faulted for considering it, especially in PPR formats. There's always going to be a late stage/waiver wire running back or two who emerges as a useful producer.
— While some fantasy pundits suggest drafting just one quarterback, last season's spate of injuries at the position should be a reminder that having a quality QB2 on the roster is better than streaming the likes of Case Keenum and Joe Flacco on a weekly basis.
GREAT WHITE SPOTTED IN H-TOWN
Astros first baseman/designated hitter Tyler White is shaping into a monster waiver wire pickup that can carry a fantasy team to the finish line. White's walk-off home run on Wednesday was his eighth since the All-Star Break, a period where he's had a slash line of .345/.400/.713. Houston will continue to start him, which means White_owned in less than 40 percent of leagues_is a must-grab.
BEANTOWN REVIVAL
Celtics swingman Gordon Hayward is a full-go when training camp opens in late September. Hayward played all of five minutes last season before sustaining a gruesome leg injury that sidelined him the rest of the way.
Fantasy basketball owners shouldn't worry about the risk, as Hayward will be the second option behind guard Kyrie Irving in Boston. He will be a solid top-50 pick who will look like the Hayward who averaged 21.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in his last season with the Jazz in 2016-17.