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 6. All roster percentages are courtesy of the NFL.
Quarterbacks
Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts
Roster Percentage: .1
About: We’ve been here before. Anthony Richardson was injured earlier this season, causing him to miss Week 3. Minshew filled in admirably, finishing as QB23 and leading the Colts to a win. Richardson got hurt again on Sunday and could miss time with a right shoulder injury. Minshew stepped in to help the Colts secure a win and would be in line to start if Richardson is out. Given the style of play and these first five weeks, I’d be rostering Minshew, especially if I rostered Richardson.
Bailey Zappe, New England Patriots
Roster Percentage: 0
About: For the second week in a row, the Patriots were blown out. For the second week in a row, starter Mac Jones was given the hook, and Zappe replaced him. Bill Belichick continues to state that Jones is the starter, but it’s fair to wonder how long the leash is for him. There aren’t a lot of options in New England, and we’ve seen Zappe fill in well before. At this point, he’s a great speculative add.
Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Taylor also got into the game on Sunday as Daniel Jones left with an injury. Taylor is one of the better, more experienced backup options in the NFL. The Giants’ offense hasn’t been great, but as we move into bye weeks and the heart of the season, all the starting quarterbacks matter, especially in Superflex. Taylor should be rostered at this point.
Running Backs
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
Roster Percentage: 9.7
About: Hubbard is one of the more highly rostered players on this list, but he’s here because we haven’t seen great production from starter Miles Sanders. Through five games, Sanders has 190 yards and a touchdown. Hubbard, meanwhile, has 154 yards on 25 fewer carries. In Sunday’s game, the two practically split the backfield work. Hubbard should be rostered.
D’Onta Foreman, Chicago Bears
Roster Percentage: 2.1
About: I know, Foreman was a healthy scratch in Week 5. In fact, he only has five carries for 16 yards all season. But he might be in high demand this week. Week 5 was rough for Chicago runners. Khalil Herbert was injured and could well miss some time. Roschon Johnson left with a concussion, and even Travis Homer came out injured. That leaves Foreman as a healthy option for a team with need. He should be a trendy pickup this week.
Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals
Roster Percentage: 0
About: You’re probably looking at the name going who? I get it. But when James Conner was injured on Sunday, Demercado filled in at running back. It wasn’t flashy, but he had 10 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown. Given the injury, Demercado should be rostered, especially in deep leagues.
Wide Receivers
Chase Claypool, Miami Dolphins
Roster Percentage: 2.9
About: Claypool has not had a good season. In fact, he hasn’t had a good couple of seasons. He wore out his welcome with the Steelers and got traded to Chicago last season. Then, this season, he wore out his welcome in Chicago and got dealt for pennies on the dollar to the Dolphins. But he’s a deep threat on a team that loves to throw deep. For that reason, he’s worth a speculative add at this point.
Trenton Irwin, Cincinnati Bengals
Roster Percentage: .1
About: Tee Higgins missed the game for the Bengals on Sunday, and Irwin filled in. He turned that into eight receptions for 60 yards. Irwin isn’t a weekly option, but he’s the kind of speculative add that’s good as a reserve in case one or more of the Bengals’ receivers misses time. It’s a robust passing game that’s starting to come back into form, so you want to be sure to have a piece of it.
Tight Ends
Jonnu Smith, Atlanta Falcons
Roster Percentage: 4.1
About: Yes, Kyle Pitts had a great day in Week 5. But Smith has seen six or more targets in each game since Week 2. He’s also had at least four receptions in each game since Week 2. He doesn’t have the upside of Pitts or Drake London, but he’s got a more stable floor, and he’s been a fixture in the passing game for Desmond Ridder. You could do worse at tight end.
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets
Roster Percentage: 4.1
About: Conklin was a player who formed a connection with Zach Wilson last season. He finished as TE16 and was a consistent part of the passing attack. With Wilson back at the helm, it looks like Conklin again is being used as an outlet receiver. He’s seen at least five targets in each game since Week 5 and looks like a great deep league option.
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.
