Eric Karabell is a senior writer for ESPN, covering fantasy baseball, football and basketball. Millions of fantasy sports aficionados count on Michael for imaginative and candid analysis and recommendations. His book, The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments Further, he is a charter member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. As fantasy football season kicks off his expertise in deciphering player performances will be critical. His strategic recommendations provide a key to that success for anyone looking to plan their competitive advantage.
With the NFL season in high gear, here are a few stars on the rise. Some are tremendously impactful, serving as key cogs on playoff-bound squads. Perhaps most remarkably of all, Jalen Hurts has established himself as the clear long-term future at starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. His steady production has made him the foundation of fantasy squads all over the league.
Player Highlights
So far this season, you can’t find a bigger dark horse than San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. He averaged 17.8 points per game last season, proving his ability to put up big time gaudy numbers. During that Week 11 game, Purdy put on a show—throwing three touchdown passes to beat the Arizona Cardinals. His dominant outing even more firmly placed him into fantasy lineups. His play regressed in Week 12 when he tossed three picks vs. the Carolina Panthers. This moment was symbolic of the unpredictable—yet thrilling—nature of fantasy football.
As clubs steer through the waters of their rosters, it’s guys like Purdy that make the difference between winning and losing week to week. His ability to bounce back from absolutely terrible performances can make or break fantasy outcomes. Managers will need to evaluate whether Purdy remains a reliable starter or if they should seek alternatives.
Key Recommendations
Beyond judging quarterbacks, Karabell says it is vital to pick the right skill position players. Among tight ends, Darren Waller stands out as a solid choice to plug into the lineup. With his athleticism and havoc-wreaking, mismatch-defeating ability, he’s an elite asset for any fantasy team. As injuries and bye weeks keep ravaging rosters, Waller might just be the difference-maker you need.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle becomes an easy option to start. Using his elite speed and elite route-running ability, Waddle has delivered explosive play after explosive play for his squad. Every week, managers have to weigh their hard choices. Waddle’s big-play potential should make him an option for any lineup.
Michael Wilson of the Arizona Cardinals has been busy making a name for himself as fantasy’s WR1 these last four weeks. He’s absolutely crushing it with a whopping 24.7 fantasy points on just 14 targets per game. For owners looking to upgrade their receiving corps, this performance solidifies him as a must-start option down the stretch. As fantasy squads aim to make a late-season push in the standings, his emergence has the potential to offer a huge boost.
Strategic Insights and Future Prospects
As the fantasy football landscape continues to evolve, knowing each player’s schedule is important to plan for success on the field. Jakobi Meyers has settled into a WR2 look with a juicy chronological order ahead. As we move through the season, the matchups will become increasingly important. Meyers may have the ability to become a true difference-maker for teams craving reliable offensive production.
Chase Brown, Illinois’ superlative all-purpose back, has been turning heads! Otherwise, he has been a top ten running back scorer this year. His dependability makes him a fantasy roster MVP. He gives fantasy managers the perfect antidote when bye weeks and injury-riddled stretches abound.
As fantasy managers head into the most critical stretch of the season, Eric Karabell’s advice is always a smart play. Due to player performances, injuries and matchups that affect a slate, fantasy rosters are constantly changing. To be successful, hobbyists need to be informed and willing to adjust.
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