With Week 10 on the horizon—not to mention an extra week of fantasy football this year—players in ESPN leagues are full throttle in pursuit of the best possible roster. At the same time, a number of young positives and surprising developments have piqued the interest of GMs trying to stock up for their own playoff runs. Included in these selections are Jacoby Brissett, Luke Musgrave, and Olamide Zaccheaus, who provide varying assets for a long campaign ahead.
With many teams facing injuries and bye weeks, understanding who to target can make a significant difference in a manager’s success. Here’s your guide for who to watch out for and who to look out for in your fantasy lineups. We’ll take a look at how their performances thus far and recent cramps and bruises will affect the teams moving forward.
Player Spotlight: Jacoby Brissett
Speaking of underrated QBs, Jacoby Brissett has become a great 2022 option for fantasy managers, now rostered in 15.5% of ESPNs leagues. In each of the last two games he has further proved his mobility, with at least five rushing attempts in each game. This dual-threat capability helps his overall fantasy value. It transforms him into the clear top QB on the board for any team hoping to upgrade at the position.
Brissett’s recent performances have been commendable, particularly in terms of his ability to navigate the field both through the air and on the ground. His talent level and versatility make him extremely valuable to any fantasy team. That’s particularly vital right now as injuries begin to take their toll on other quarterback options around the league. Contingency managers looking for depth, or just a reliable injury replacement or fill-in should absolutely look to get Brissett onto their rosters. He’s steadily showing himself in his new role at the top.
Plus, with a favorable schedule on the horizon, Brissett may be able to build on his scoring success for even more value. There’s nothing bad about fantasy managers flocking to a productive fantasy player if Mims continues to shine. They are looking for some level of assurance when it comes to their QB1.
Rising Tight End: Luke Musgrave
Tucker Kraft’s tragic injury has paved the way for Luke Musgrave. Finally, now he looks ready to assuming the top tight end role in Green Bay. Rostered in only 12.2% of leagues on ESPN, Musgrave’s opportunity arrives at an important time for fantasy managers. With Kraft likely out for the foreseeable future, Hendershot, as the current starting TE, will be in line for a notable uptick in target share.
Musgrave’s upside is heightened by his excellent athleticism and field-stretching ability. He’s gained the necessary skills to become a focal point of the Packers’ passing attack. Given the tight end position’s scarcity in fantasy football, managers looking for an upgrade should seriously consider Musgrave as he adjusts to his new responsibilities.
Tight ends tend to need a little more time in developing chemistry with their quarterbacks. Once Musgrave settles into his role, his production will certainly skyrocket. This latest jump would indeed make him a hot commodity and an attractive addition for squads looking to bolster their rosters.
Emerging Wide Receiver Options
A few wide receivers have emerged as reliable options for this week. Darius Slayton, rostered in 26.1% of ESPN leagues, has shown flashes of brilliance this season and could be a solid addition for teams seeking depth at the position. Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts has a 30.1% rostered percentage. He is a player that has scored 14 or more points in two of his last four games, making him a less risky and increasingly reliable option on his offensive end.
Each of these players brings distinct strengths to the table, allowing them to pair with a variety of team needs. Slayton’s speed and ability to stretch the field can create big-play opportunities, while Pierce’s consistent production makes him a safer choice for teams needing steadiness in their lineup.
As teams navigate injuries and inconsistent performances from star players, targeting these emerging receivers could provide much-needed depth heading into the latter half of the season. Fantasy managers need to be diligent with their matchups and make these guys priority pickups for any pre-game waivers or last-minute pickups.
Unlikely Stars: Olamide Zaccheaus and Colston Loveland
In a surprising twist of fate, the Atlanta Falcons Olamide Zaccheaus has been the one to steal the show as a breakout player. He put up a dazzling 17.8 points in Week 9 against the Bengals. With a roster percentage of just 4.9% right now, he presents a thrilling chance for upside. He’s a low-risk, high-reward option for any club looking to add depth to their rotation. His recent performances indicate that he’s taking a larger role in his team’s offensive game plans.
Both Zaccheaus and Loveland serve as prime reminders of how fantasy football is frequently about taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. Managers should be vigilant in tracking player performances and considering these lesser-known players who might become key contributors as the season progresses.
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