As we approach the playoffs, now is the perfect time to start stashing upside players on your bench. Whether you’re in the playoffs yourself or not, drop that dead-weight RB you’ve been holding onto and pick up one of these guys that might have more potential value. Look ahead to next year, even if you’re dominating your league, and it will be easier for you to win it all again. Here are six players I’m trying to stash where possible before their values go through the roof!
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I know that Drew Lock isn’t exactly flashy or fun to roster right now. Geno Smith is crushing it and should continue to do so into next season at this pace as well. The fun part is that I’m not 100% sure that Smith will be playing for Seattle next year. He’s a 32-year-old free agent after the 2022 season. He’s got a $3.5 million cap number this year, so he’ll likely be asking for more based on how well he’s done. The Seahawks could decide to let him walk and find a job elsewhere.
Enter Lock as a potential stopgap. I know it’s not ideal, but there’s always a chance that the Seahawks don’t get a QB in the 2023 draft, and Lock is the answer again. Lock is also a free agent in 2023, but he’s 26, and the team traded for him just a year ago when they shipped Russel Wilson to the Broncos. I’m not saying Lock is talented, qualified, or starter-worthy. That’s not the point here. I’m saying that Lock is basically free right now and could see a value bump in the next six months that would allow you to flip him for a small profit if things break the right way. If they don’t, you drop him, no harm, no foul.
Derrick Henry can’t keep this up forever, can he? The Titans sure seem intent on running Henry into the ground this year, but at some point, the wheels will come off. That’s where Hassan Haskins could play a part. The team seems to prefer Dontrell Hilliard right now, but if Henry were to get hurt, God forbid, then I think Haskins would slide into that 1A role over Hilliard. He’s basically free in most formats but could be someone with a big boost of value in 2023 and beyond. His talent is pretty solid; all he needs is that opportunity, which could come at any minute now. Stash him before the boom happens, and laugh your way to the bank when you trade him away for a future 2nd round pick or better in a few months.
The Cardinals spent a 6th-round rookie pick to acquire Keaontay Ingram in the 2022 draft. Most dynasty managers spent a 3rd or 4th round rookie pick on him as well. I know in some leagues, he’s been dropped due to lack of touches, although I doubt he’s on waivers right now. That being said, Ingram could be in line for many more touches as soon as James Conner gets hurt. In Week 11’s blowout to the 49ers, Ingram got 5 carries for 19 yards. Nothing crazy, but he’s the clear back to own behind Conner and is likely still available for a later-round future rookie pick. You might even be able to trade a young WR with upside for Ingram and a late pick coming back as well. Worth the risk, in my opinion.
Ah, what might have been? Wan’Dale Robinson had a terrific Week 11 before leaving with an ACL injury. He goes to IR and is likely out for most of mini-camp and even some of the 2023 preseason due to the timing. That being said, the current Robinson manager might be fed up enough already to get rid of him on the cheap. ACL injuries aren’t always something players come back from, especially in a single year. If you can find a panicking Robinson manager, you might get him for a 2nd round pick a few years out if your league allows it. As risky as he is, those rookie picks are risky too, and I think Robinson showed enough talent for me to prefer banking on him than whoever I would take in a couple of years at that pick. He’s the priciest name on the list this week, but I’m kicking tires on him in most leagues just to check.
We go from the priciest stash to what I’m guessing is the cheapest in Kendall Hinton. In Week 11, With Jerry Jeudy out, Hinton put up a meager three catches for 57 yards. In Week 10, he caught four of five for 62. Neither of these performances is newsworthy on their own, but it shows me that the team, and Russel Wilson, trust him to get the job done when asked. Receivers are a dime a dozen. There are probably 10 on waivers in your league that could be considered for your final roster spot. Depending on the depth of your team and how badly you need points this season, Hinton should be near the top of that list. He’s caught passes of 32 and 35 yards over these last two weeks. He’s getting open. It’s just a matter of time before he breaks off a big touchdown and vaults himself to dynasty relevance. Add him for free or cheap before that happens.
With Kyle Pitts heading to IR, it’s the next man up in the Falcons’ tight end room. That means more looks for MyCole Pruitt and potentially more for the new TE2: Anthony Firkser. The five-year veteran has been very quiet thus far this year, but dynasty managers are likely familiar with the name from his time in Tennessee. In each of his previous four years, he’s scored over 10 PPR points at least once a season. I know the Falcons aren’t great right now for fantasy, but Firkser could be a name that wins people titles down the stretch. I expect Hooper to be rostered, as he should be, but you should be able to stash Firkser and see how things play out with him on your bench. If he has another great week, flip him for something more reliable, or hold and enjoy the ride. At his current price, it’s worth the risk.
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Andrew Hall is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Andrew, follow him @AndrewHallFF.
