In this column, I analyze players with some of the most considerable variances (standard deviations) in the individual PPR rankings by my FantasyPros colleagues. Hopefully, these comparative assessments against the rankings will aid with fantasy lineup decisions, and I will try to include less obvious and trending players when possible. If you like my work, please follow me on Twitter.
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Feast
Javonte Williams – (DEN)
ECR: RB22 – STDEV 2.4
Melvin Gordon isn’t going away if he keeps performing at a high level, but Javonte Williams is more of the big-play guy. Williams had a season-high 17 carries for 111 yards against Dallas, including five rushes for 10 yards or more, but was out-touched by Gordon 23-17. Currently, Gordon is the RB15, and Williams is the RB24 in fantasy, but the rookie’s lack of touchdowns essentially separates the two. Williams has only scored twice this season, but with him getting over 45% of the attempts and his explosiveness, he’s a solid weekly fantasy asset who can find the end zone on any given day. With a cupcake matchup on the docket against an Eagles defense that surrenders the fourth-most points to backs, this could be the breakout game we’ve been anticipating.
Mark Ingram – (NO)
ECR: RB29 – STDEV 5.7
Mark Ingram’s ranking would be different if Alvin Kamara‘s availability for the game were clear. Just know if Kamara is out, Ingram will take on a heavy workload against the Tennessee Titans. Ingram still has plenty of juice in the tank and already impacted the team in his first game back. Treat Ingram as a high-end RB2 if Kamara is out.
Noah Fant – (DEN)
ECR: TE12 – STDEV 2.2
The Broncos activated TE Noah Fant from the reserve/COVID-19 list, and he should be good to go. He is coming off his worst game of the season with a line of 4/2/8 against the Washington Football Team. That happened to coincide with the returns of backup Albert Okwuegbunam and wideout Jerry Jeudy from Injured Reserve. Fant is the starter, however, and has been a dependable option at a very shallow position. He should rebound nicely against the Eagles, who give up the most points to tight ends. They just gave up 87 receiving yards and a score to the Chargers’ tight ends, and T.J. Hockenson racked up ten receptions for 89 yards against them the week before. Start your tight ends when they face the Eagles.
Famine
Elijah Moore – (NYJ)
ECR: WR44 – STDEV 3.9
Elijah Moore had his career-best game, racking up 84 yards and two touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts on seven receptions. He’s also seen six or more targets in each of the last three games. That said, he could see his usage decline with the return of Corey Davis. Factor in that Moore will face the league’s stingiest defense at allowing points per game to wide receivers, and his big Week 9 will be hard to match.
Donald Parham Jr – (LAC)
ECR: TE23 – STDEV 4.0
Donald Parham was a star tight end in the XFL league before going to the Los Angeles Chargers. He helped me win my fantasy league, as I had the most wins when the XFL aborted the season. That makes me the champion, right?
Anyway, Parham has three touchdowns this season, and at 6’8″ tall, is a massive threat in the end zone. Unfortunately, Parham has yet to see more than three targets in a single game, and a healthy Jared Cook caps his upside. For now, he’s best left on the bench or waiver wire in a tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this week.
Van Jefferson – (LAR)
ECR: WR37 – STDEV 3.9
Van Jefferson has been flashing lately before falling back to earth in a good matchup against the Titans, with just three grabs for 41 yards. The substandard performance was justifiable, though, as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled against a Tennessee defense playing well of late that seemed to have the Rams’ offense figured out. That said, Jefferson is the third or fourth option in the passing game and needs big plays to come through for fantasy. He draws a more formidable opponent in the San Francisco 49ers this week, and if newly signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is active, it will negatively impact his playing time.
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Bonnie Robinson is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Bonnie, check out her profile and follow her @FantasyQueenB.
