Breakout Performances, Injuries, and Waiver Wire Gems: Your Fantasy Football Roundup

It’s been a dramatic few days in the world of fantasy football as listeners look for every bit of news to get a leg up on their competition. One of the most talked-about risers is Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who put in a breakout performance and is now starting to get compared with backs like Quinshon Judkins for rest-of-season value. According to FantasyLand Football, there’s been a lot of chatter whether Croskey-Merritt should be prioritized on waiver wires after showing off his explosiveness recently. In the same conversation, the ongoing mystery of Jameson Williams continues, as his usage has left fantasy managers frustrated. Injuries have created chaos for both NFL teams and fantasy squads. Chuba Hubbard, the Panthers running back, picked up a calf injury but early reports from FantasyPros say it’s hopefully not severe. Regardless, backup Rico Dowdle seized the moment and delivered a huge 23-carry, 206-yard, one-touchdown game, racking up over 32 fantasy points. Fantasy Pros is suggesting that Dowdle is now one of the hottest waiver wire targets, even for teams that don’t roster Hubbard. The Panthers are looking at a very favorable schedule, which could make Dowdle a difference-maker in the coming weeks. At quarterback, the big surprise was Sam Darnold, who, according to FantasyPros Heat Index, posted career fantasy numbers with 341 passing yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception for Seattle. He’s now ranked as the QB2 for the week, and his connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tory Horton, and tight end AJ Barner has fantasy managers considering Darnold as a potential streamer in quarterback-needy situations moving forward. The injury bug didn’t just bite Carolina. Antonio Gibson of the Patriots hurt his knee and might miss serious time, but most fantasy analysts, including Fantasy Six Pack, don’t see this as a huge blow given Treyveon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson should pick up the slack. Meanwhile, in New York, Darius Slayton looked poised for more targets, then suffered a hamstring injury that will likely sideline him for a week or two. In his absence, Wan’Dale Robinson becomes a serviceable flex play, and tight end Theo Johnson’s role is expanding. Other injuries that listeners should factor into their rankings and weekly decisions include Michael Pittman Jr., who is now questionable after picking up a quad issue, and Bucky Irving, who’s dealing with an ankle and shoulder problem, both highlighted in the latest Fantasy Pros injury report. These situations are worth monitoring up to game time. Buy and sell action has also heated up after an eventful weekend. Matthew Stafford continues to climb up the quarterback ranks after another strong outing, and with the Rams’ favorable schedule, he’s now considered a top trade target according to FantasyPros. There’s also increased scrutiny on star quarterbacks Dak Prescott versus Jalen Hurts, as managers must decide whether to ride recent hot hands or sell high. For fantasy managers This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.