Mack Trucking Through Defenses
Frank Gore has been one of the most consistently productive backs of the last decade, but nobody can play forever. His days are numbered, and the heir apparent is clearly Marlon Mack. Mack is a dynamic, explosive runner who showed just how effective he can be in Week 5, putting up 91 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. Mack should be a top waiver add if he’s available, as at worst he has earned himself a healthier portion of a timeshare in the Indianapolis backfield. He is limited in the passing game, but ultimately that’s not what you’re adding him for. When Andrew Luck returns, defenses will not be able to focus on stopping the run, and both Mack and Gore will have more room to maneuver.
Lewis an Option by Default
The Giants wide receiving corps was absolutely decimated by injuries in Week 5, the most notable of which was Odell Beckham, Jr. The Pro Bowl wideout is done for the season, and with Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard and Dwayne Harris all dealing with injuries of their own, Roger Lewis has suddenly vaulted up the depth chart. Lewis did catch a touchdown in Week 5, and in fantasy football, volume is king. In this case, Lewis will get volume simply from opportunity. He does have the hardest part of the Giants’ schedule coming up, but that means Eli Manning will be forced to throw to keep up. Add Lewis for depth purposes, but don’t expect fireworks of any kind.
Big Ben May Not Have it Anymore
By his own admission, Ben Roethlisberger may be nearing the end of his professional career. Roethlisberger threw a career-high five interceptions in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and produced a tragically low total of fantasy points given the fact that he attempted 55 passes. It’s actually the fewest fantasy points by someone with that many attempts since 1950, so we’re at failure of historic proportions. This all came at home too, where Roethlisberger has been famously terrific for most of his career. Unfortunately we have reached the point of no return–for now, Roethlisberger needs to stay on fantasy owners’ benches, and nobody will judge you for dropping him outright.
NFL Sleepers of the Week
Wayne Gallman, RB, New York Giants — The rookie looked great in Week 5, and Paul Perkins is clearly not the answer for the Giants.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, New York Jets — The big-bodied veteran hauled in six catches for a score last week, and looks to be a fixture in the offense moving forward.
Brandon Tate, WR, Buffalo Bills — With Jordan Matthews and Charles Clay both injured, Tate saw his first action of the season and could be a flex play given the opportunity.
