Dollar Free Agents 2018 Week 3

By Matthew Cherrin
Matthew Cherrin

Willie Snead IV- WR- Ravens
Former Saints wide receiver Willie Snead IV has some potential to put up big games with the Ravens this year. So far on the season, he has nine receptions for 103 yards and score. Last week he saw eight targets and managed to catch five of them for 54 yards. The Ravens’ passing offense looks improved compared to the last few years. Part of the reason is that Joe Flacco is healthy and the Ravens added three new wide receivers that have been successful in the past. The Ravens face the Broncos on Sunday, whose defense ranks 21 in the league in passing yards allowed per game. Pick up Snead this week for a buck and start him if you are in need of a wide out for a week.

Jesse James- TE- Steelers
Pittsburg tight end Jesse James had a productive game last week against the Chiefs. Even with Vance McDonald making his 2018 debut, James was able to rack up five receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown. With JuJu Smith-Schuster and Antonio Brown being the primary focus for defenses, James seems to be the forgotten man who can put up big weeks occasionally. He was left completely open all game and made the most of it, catching all five of his targets. James might not be a player you want to start each week, but the Steelers face the Buccaneers this Monday night, whose defense has allowed the third most fantasy points to tight ends so far this year. Pick up James and start him this week for a buck.

Tyler Boyd- WR- Bengals
Bengals’ wide receiver Tyler Boyd might be a player fantasy owners should consider picking up this week for a buck. He had a breakout game last Thursday against the Ravens, recording six receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. He seems to be the clear cut number two receiver in Cincinnati. With an improved offensive line, Andy Dalton is getting the time he needs to find receivers down the field, unlike his 2017 year. Boyd has 14 targets in the first two weeks of the season and should get plenty more this week against the Panthers. With A.J. Green being the focus of the Panthers secondary, Boyd should see plenty of opportunities. Pick up Boyd for a buck this week.

Malcolm Brown- RB- Rams
When Todd Gurley left last week’s matchup against the Cardinals with cramps, Malcom Brown came in to finish the game. He had 12 rushes for 46 yards in the fourth quarter. Brown might be a player Gurley owners want to consider picking up this week. If anything happens to Gurley, Brown will be the guy ahead of rookie running back John Kelly to get the start. The Rams look like an unstoppable force, and when they are beating teams by multiple touchdowns heading into the fourth quarter, Brown could be the beneficiary of garbage time fantasy points. Gurley owners should pick up Brown for a dollar this week.

Ito Smith- RB- Falcons
With Devonta Freeman out of the lineup for an unknown amount of time, the Falcons will use rookie running back Ito Smith more in the backfield. In last Sunday’s game against the Panthers, Smith had nine rushes for 46 yards, and also caught one ball for eight yards. Although Tevin Coleman should get the majority of the paying time until Freeman comes back, the Falcons like to use two running backs in their offensive scheme. Smith will get plenty of opportunities until Freeman returns, which was supposedly only 2-3 weeks, but now there are reports of it being closer to a month. Smith might be a good player to pick up in keeper and dynasty leagues. With Freeman getting a solid contract two off seasons ago, they are unlikely going to pay Coleman as well. Smith will more than likely be the number two running back after Coleman leaves to free agency. Pick up Smith if you are in desperate need of a running back.

Josh Rosen- QB- Cardinals
After Sam Bradford’s embarrassing performance against the Rams last Sunday, it’s only a matter of time before the Cardinals turn to their first round rookie quarterback Josh Rosen. The former UCLA standout may get his shot sooner than expected since the Cardinals look atrocious on offense in the first two weeks of the season. He may not be a player you want to pick up in a normal league, but he should definitely be considered in keeper and dynasty leagues. The Cardinals face the Bears this Sunday, which I’m predicting will be Bradford’s last start for the Cardinals this year. Pick Rosen up now for a buck before someone snags him in the upcoming weeks.