The Patriots took a chance on Josh Gordon and it could pay off big time. New England traded for the troubled wide receiver on Tuesday after Cleveland decided it had dealt with Gordon long enough. Flash fits the mold for New England’s blueprint of turning players cast off by their previous teams into super stars. If he can put his past behind him and stay on the field Gordon will thrive in New England. His departure opens the door for Browns rookie receiver Antonio Callaway, who made an immediate impact against the Saints.
Say Hello
Wide Receiver
Antonio Callaway, Cleveland (6% owned). Conventional wisdom told us Jarvis Landry would benefit most from Josh Gordon’s exit, but it might be Callaway. The rookie led Cleveland in receiving (3-81-1) and hauled in a 47-yard touchdown on four targets. He might not see Landry’s volume, but Callaway’s big-play ability figures to keep him in the mix.
John Brown, Baltimore (25% owed). Smokey, listed as an add last week, showed why he should supplant Michael Crabtree as the Ravens’ top option. While he and Crabtree each saw a team-high 10 targets, Brown did more with his (4-92-1). He is a big play waiting to happen and has scored in back-to-back games.
Running Back
Javorius Allen, Baltimore (8% owned). What is up with Baltimore’s backfield? Instead of clarity with Kenneth Dixon out of the picture, Allen further muddied the murky waters. Allen ate into Alex Collins’ workload and vultured a touchdown. He also saw seven targets to Collins’ five and appears to be the goal-line back of choice. His rushing output was paltry, but his role is now secure. This will be a tough backfield timeshare to predict but Allen is well worth an add.
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati (27% owned). Joe Mixon just had minor arthroscopic knee surgery and Bernard is the lead dog in his absence. While not really a between-the-tackles guy, Bernard is a capable receiving back who will pay higher dividends in PPR formats. There’s no one else to challenge Bernard in this backfield, although we might see rookie Mark Walton make his debut.
Tight End
Jesse James, Pittsburgh (10% owned). James has seen five targets and had 60-plus yards receiving in each of his first two games. He went nuts against the Chiefs (5-138-1) and is a part of one of the most prolific offense in the league. He’s not going to be a weekly play but he’s a good streaming option with upside.
Quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay (22% owned). Apparently folks aren’t sold on Fitzmagic yet and frankly I’m baffled. The Bucs’ offense is legit and Fitzpatrick has weapons galore. He’s thrown four touchdowns in each of the first two games and added a rushing touchdown. He was QB1 for Week 1 with 45-plus points and topped 30 fantasy points in Week 2 against a solid Philly defense. His floor is safe and his ceiling is high.
Waive Goodbye
Wide Receiver
Jordy Nelson, Oakland (71% owned). The ownership percentage for Nelson is ridiculous. Are people actually playing him!? He’s totaled 55 yards on five targets over two games and is an afterthought in Oakland’s offense. Amari Cooper’s big game further dampens Nelson’s outlook.
Mike Wallace, Philadelphia (75% owned). He fractured his fibula (ouch!) and is out for the foreseeable future. However, the Eagles did not place him on injured reserve, suggesting he might return this season.
Running Back
Kenneth Dixon, Baltimore (1% owned). Whether it’s due to his use of performance-enhancing drugs or his well-documented injury history, Dixon simply can’t stay on the field.
Quarterback
Nick Foles, Philadelphia (9% owned). Carson Wentz has been cleared to play and will start for the Eagles in Week 3. Foles wasn’t even a good streaming option in Wentz’s absence.
Sam Bradford, Arizona (3% owned). He’s thrown two picks and as many touchdowns as I have this season. The Cardinals are embarrassingly bad and it’s ruining David Johnson.
