Welcome to the 2023 season. We all begin the season with optimism for our players and a (mostly) healthy roster. But to win, you have to make moves that keep you ahead of the game. That’s what this weekly post is all about. Here, I’ll be looking at lightly rostered players who could benefit you this season. Here are some players to look for in Week 4. All roster percentages are courtesy of the NFL.
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
Roster Percentage: .1
About: This comes up for two reasons. First, Derek Carr left Week 3 with a shoulder injury. It’s not serious, but it’s also possible that he misses some time. Winston is one of the more appealing backup quarterbacks in the league. With Carr possibly out, that opens the door for Winston, a player some think would be a better starting option. I’m picking him up.
Joshua Dobbs, Arizona Cardinals
Roster Percentage: .2
About: Technically, Kyler Murray could be activated in a few weeks, but no one knows. For now, Dobbs is holding it down as the starter in Arizona, and he’s actually been decent. He’s QB18 through three weeks, posting 25 points in Week 2 and 17 points in Week 3. He’s become a decent option in Superflex, especially as we approach bye weeks.
Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals
Roster Percentage: .1
About: This comes up because of the health of Joe Burrow. His calf issue is lingering, and there continues to be talk about shutting him down. Even if that doesn’t happen, it’s possible it gets worse, and he misses time. After the touch-and-go situation leading into Monday night, it’s not a terrible idea to roster Burrow’s backup, Browning.
Running Backs
Latavius Murray, Buffalo Bills
Roster Percentage: 2.0
About: Murray only has 45 yards on 13 carries and four receptions for 24 yards. But he also has two touchdowns. He’s getting Red Zone work as the Bills try to preserve Josh Allen. That gives him some appeal, especially since his workload could increase if anything happened to James Cook. If you’re looking for a deep-league flex throw, Murray has some TD upside.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys
Roster Percentage: .3
About: Dowdle is the second back in Dallas. Is he a threat to Tony Pollard? No, he’s not. But he is getting work mixed into the backfield. He has 71 yards rushing and 42 yards receiving, with a touchdown, through three weeks. Again, this is about rostering players that could be a deep league option or could work into a bigger role, and Dowdle offers the appeal of both as part of the Cowboys’ offense.
Ronnie Rivers, Los Angeles Rams
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Could Zach Evans develop into a viable player? Sure, but we haven’t seen it. It’s also clear that Kyren Williams is getting a majority of the touches. But Cam Akers is gone now, and Rivers is part of the backfield that suddenly got a role promotion. At the very least, he should be rostered.
Wide Receivers
Parris Campbell, New York Giants
Roster Percentage: .3
About: Someone has to catch passes for the Giants. At least, that’s the working theory. Campbell was the most significant free agent added to the wide receiver room. While the Giants’ passing game remains an enigma, we’ve seen an uptick in usage for Campbell. He’s caught eleven passes so far, including ten in the past two weeks, as he’s seen twelve targets. At this point, I’m intrigued.
Nelson Agholor, Baltimore Ravens
Roster Percentage: .4
About: Another passing game that has plenty of questions. We’re waiting to see who is going to be a factor for Lamar Jackson. For the past two weeks, it’s been Agholor, a free agent added this off-season. He has seen ten targets, catching nine passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. That makes him appealing enough that he should be rostered.
Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Roster Percentage: 6.9
About: It was fair to wonder how the Cowboys’ passing game would shake out, particularly at tight end, after Dalton Schultz left for the Texans. So far, we’re seeing Ferguson play an active role. He’s seen 18 targets in three weeks, an average of six a game. That’s decent volume at an uneven position. He should be rostered.
Jonnu Smith, Atlanta Falcons
Roster Percentage: .2
About: Kyle Pitts is great. He’s the top tight end for the Falcons. But, for the second week in a row, Smith played a big role. He has 14 targets and has caught nine passes for 84 yards. Given the offense, that’s decent volume. He should be rostered.
Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints
Roster Percentage: .2
About: This is more of a long-shot add, but Graham is a player the Saints have looked for in the Red Zone. He’s older and well past his consistent prime, but he can still snag a touchdown, like he did in Week 3. He’s the ultimate Hail Mary, but that feels about right for the tight end position.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
