August 26th, 2019
Late Round Fliers: Favorite Sleepers and Such
NY Jets, Running Back Ty Montgomery
Currently coming off the board (Full PPR) as the RB58 at ADP #157.2 (according to FFC), the Jets back-up running back is a steal. Even with running back Le’Veon Bell in the lead-dog position in New York, Montgomery is going to see action because of his versatility as a runner and pass catcher. At the very least I think he can be a reliable low value flex play with potential upside. If Bell should miss any time, Montgomery would see an increase work-share. Don’t get me wrong, Bell figures to dominate touches in the backfield, but Montgomery has enough talent and skill he could work his way onto the field every week. At the very least he figures to be a great hand-cuff you can snag late and may even offer some stand alone value.
NY Jets, Quarterback Sam Darnold
Let’s not get carried away here, I am not thinking the Jets will have a juggernaut offense in 2019, but I do believe they will be in the upper half. Their young quarterback (Darnold) is a budding star in this league and this offseason he’s been given a few new toys. At the close of 2018, Darnold showed flashes as a top 12 Fantasy QB over his last 3 starts; 5 touchdown passes, no interceptions, and 102.8 passer rating. Add an elite pass catcher out of the backfield like Bell (160 receptions his last two seasons played), wide receiver Jamison Crowder (already showing strong chemistry with his QB) in the slot, and tight end Chris Herndon (suspended for the first four games) when he returns and Darnold will have plenty of weapons in 2019. He’s an absolute heist going as #QB23, ADP 161.7 (FFC). He’s absolutely worth a stash on your bench in deeper leagues and could be a difference maker down the stretch for fantasy owners.
SF 49ers, Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin
In his last 5 games in 2017, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center, Goodwin was number 13 fantasy receiver in full PPR (stat line; 29 catches, 384 yards receiving, 1 touchdown, 43 targets). He’s currently coming off the boards at ADP 164.1, #WR64 (FFC) and he’s projected to be a starter heading into the regular season. There have been plenty of whispers about some of the other receivers in San Francisco, but Goodwin has history with Garoppolo. If Jimmy G can get his legs under him, these two could once again find that chemistry for 2017. Going as deep as Goodwin is in drafts, he’s a must pick up late.
Buffalo Bills, Wide Receiver John Brown
Over the past several seasons, Brown has become kind of a training camp folk hero. Every year it seems, we hear the whispers of how good Brown looks in camp. There’s no question, Brown has big play talent and skill, health has always been his nemesis. Well he’s healthy again this offseason (as he was last season) and once again he’s looking great in camp. The difference this season is the big arm under center in Buffalo (Josh Allen) and the great rapport and connection the two are showing. There’s not another real established receiver in Buffalo ahead of Brown, so another difference this season is “Opportunity.” Brown who is coming off the boards at ADP 145.5, #WR57 (FFC), has a chance to lead this team in receiving. He’s another starter with breakout potential, that you can snag very late in drafts.
Minnesota Vikings, Quarterback Kirk Cousins??
For the money he’s getting paid, he may not be worth, but as a fantasy starting QB, I disagree. Cousins is coming off the boards late #QB18, ADP 138.7 (FFC). He has the weapons in wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph, add the return of running back Dalvin Cook (who looked great in the team’s third preseason game) and Cousins will put up numbers. Last season was a down year for Cousins, but he still finished as the number 12 fantasy QB; this after finishing 6th in 2017 and 5th in 2016. I like his outlook and believe in his ability to produce. Call this a gut feeling, but I got a feeling.
That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega
