Fantasy Football Buy, Sell, Hold: Ja'Marr Chase Watch
Cooterdoodle uncovers several players who fantasy football managers need to buy, sell, or hold now that the NFL season is about to start.
It’s that time of year again. We’re looking to make mooooves, baby! No one wants a stagnant roster.
Let’s get into some buyin’, sellin’, and holdin’.
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BUY
Psst ... It’s time to buy the hype before the casuals catch on. Once the stats and trends start coming to fruition, it'll be too late. Let’s buy:
RB Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys
Here's a perfect "get him while you still can" candidate. The Cowboys backfield is … crowded, to say the least. An aging Ezekiel Elliott, underwhelming Deuce Vaughn, and vulture-esq Dalvin Cook are all threats to the Rise of Rico. But recent reports have praised Dowdle and even hinted at a possible RB1 trajectory for him in Dallas.
While there's no way to guarantee Dowdle’s RB1 status inside of this jam-packed committee, this may be one of your last chances to get a share before the hype train leaves the station. Many are still (at least for now) skeptical. Risk it for Rico? You betcha.
RB Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
As Fantasy Life’s resident Saints fan (I know only pain), I can vividly remember the days of Sean Payton and his successful RB duos. RBs have been known to flourish under his reign. Unless that RB is going for a 7-TD single-game record. Then, Payton's going to give the ball to Taysom Hill at the 1-yard line. BUT I DIGRESS.
The point is, we could see Denver using a healthy mix of Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin this season. One major upside to McLaughlin is that he’s likely still available on waivers OR at least up for grabs from someone’s bench.
If you don’t take my word for it, our very own Ian Hartitz has claimed McLaughlin as his pick for "the cover athlete of Week 2 Waiver Wire articles across the industry." In other words: Buy now, not later.
SELL
Draft Mistakes
Did you accidentally draft both Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs because you forgot Diggs is a Texan now? Or maybe you got carried away and drafted three QBs.
Whatever the mistake, try to get ahead of it NOW. Sell away your mistakes while you still can (before people notice them and decide they’d rather watch you learn from them).
The players themselves aren't bad, they're just bad for your team. Remember: One man’s QB2 is another man’s QB1.
Week 1 Overreactions
Week 1 is a f*cking temptress. She preys on our biggest insecurities and has us chasing our tails for the “next big thing.”
But not this year. We’re working smarter not harder in 2024. So be wary of your Waiver Wire additions after Week 1 concludes. Don’t believe me? You’d be surprised to see some of last year’s top-ranked players at the end of Week 1:
I’m here to save you from yourself. TAKE WEEK 1 RESULTS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.
Do. Not. Overreact.
HOLD
EVERYBODY CHILL! Stop acting like you've got ants in your pants, and just sit with your team for a second. Breathe. It's too early to sink the ship.
RB Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
*Cris Collinsworth voice* Now here's a guy who people turned on really f*cking quickly.
Last week, the internet was in an uproar over the Rams announcing plans for Kyren Williams to be their primary punt returner. It’s a pretty cupunty move, considering McVay is putting his workhorse in a position that could risk unnecessary injury. But you drafted Williams because Sean McVay gives him the ball… like A LOT. So let’s not pull a heel-turn too fast when we still have one of the few true RB1s in the league on our roster.
But if you're still a little worried about Williams, you might consider buying into the Blake Corum Insurance Policy (at the risk of your leaguemates gouging RB prices, that is).
Oh … One last thing. You should probably know that Corum is the Rams’ primary kick returner. *ducks*
WR Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
At the time of writing, Ja'Marr Chase's Week 1 playing status is still up in the air. He returned to practice Wednesday, but was “limited.” So this 'hold' is necessary to maintain your mental health.
You spent a 1st-round pick on Chase, remember? The cutesy "will he, won't he" trope is only benefiting the ones who are trying to buy. Don't trade him away for pennies on the dollar.
And if Chase does eventually decide to practice and suit up on game day, the sentiment still stands. We’re holding.
Your Damn Horses
That’s right. Hold your horses. I’ve seen way too many people bragging post-draft about their teams.
This isn’t the time to get comfortable, guys! The busts, injuries, and terrible waiver wire whiffs are steadily approaching.
You haven’t won a goddamn thing, yet. Save your lineup hubris for the playoffs.
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