A Sleeper RB For The Home Stretch
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by BetMGM, we identify a potential sleeper to consider at RB for the playoff run, Mike Evans outlook, and more.
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by BetMGM:
By the time you are reading this, it’s safe to assume that Isaac Guerendo is no longer available in your league.
Hopefully you snagged him—it’s rare to get a potential league-winning waiver add this late into the season—but if not, I have a consolation prize for you.
And it’s the guy behind the guy …
His name is Izzy Abanikanda and the Niners just signed him in an effort to shore up their depleted RB room.
Guerendo will obviously get the first crack to lead the backfield down the stretch for San Francisco, but I think it’s wise to add Izzy for a couple of reasons …
1) Contingent upside. At the very least, Izzy is now one Guerendo injury away from being the lead back on the Niners. A premium handcuff RB should always be rostered and Abanikanda now fits that bill.
2) Ambiguity. Guerendo is a very exciting player (and one of the most athletic RBs in the league), but Izzy is not too far behind him despite the Jets discarding him. He tallied 1500 yards in his final season at Pitt. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at 216 lbs. He was selected in a similar range of the draft.
Because all of the active backs on this roster (including Patrick Taylor) are largely unproven, I think it would be a mistake to assume one of them is going to vacuum up 100% of the touches.
Instead, embrace the uncertainty and take some stabs on the new guy behind the guy (and Taylor if you are in a super deep league).
Lord knows it wouldn’t be the first time a backup Niners RB made an impact …
What else is in today’s newsletter?
- Stat of the Day: This Veteran WR is so back, baby.
- Watercooler: Rest-of-Season Rankings Updates
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Mike Evans is so back, baby
- By Matt LaMarca
Evans technically returned to the lineup in Week 12, but he was limited to just a 66% route participation in his first game back from injury. Part of that was that the Buccaneers blew the Giants out of the water, but it’s also possible they were just easing him back into action.
However, the Buccaneers took the training wheels off Evans in Week 13. They needed him to secure a win in a game that was closer than expected vs. the Panthers, and he ultimately delivered eight catches, 118 yards, and a touchdown. His 25.8 PPR points ranked second among receivers in Week 13 heading into Monday Night Football, trailing only Terry McLaurin.
Evans’ underlying utilization was also excellent. He had a 35% target share and a massive 64% air yards share, and he has the potential to thrive in both areas with Chris Godwin out of the picture. He’s also been one of the busiest receivers in football around the goal line this season, racking up 50% of the team’s endzone targets.
He won't get to face the Panthers every week…but he does get to face them again in Week 17. You can’t do much better with a fantasy championship on the line. He also gets a favorable matchup vs. the Raiders in Week 14, so Evans should do his part to get you into the playoffs if you haven’t already clinched.
Ultimately, there aren’t a ton of receivers I’d rather have at the moment than Evans. He was a Tier Two option—and WR7 overall—in our Week 13 ranks, but don’t be surprised if he joins the top tier moving forward.
The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds:
👀 Week 14 Start/Sit Analysis … surviving bye-mageddon 2.
💸 Diontae gets suspended one game … for not wanting to play?
📊 Rest-of-Season rankings update. Waz has you covered.
🤔 Deebo Samuel has been a massive disappointment … confidence meter heading into Week 14.
📝 Lions/Packers game preview. Freedman breaks it down.
🔒️ No more DeVito for now … the Giants announce their Week 14 starter.
🎁 Fantasy Life’s 2024 Holiday gift guide. Lots of good ideas in here.
📣 Tomlin coaching Pickens. Good stuff here.
⚔️ We got you covered tonight … projections for DET/GB.
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Your league is unique. Your advice should be too. Get personalized tools, rankings, and projections tailored to your fantasy football league settings.