You could argue that calling Week 3 “midseason” is too early for the fantasy football calendar. But those who stay in midseason form, are those who don’t have to sit at a Waffle House for 24 hours in January. Here are four players to stash for the fall grind.
Kimani Vidal
This is risky and week 3 is probably too early to pounce on it. But it does feel as though Kimani Vidal will get a shot at being the Chargers’ RB2 at some point this season. Vidal, a rookie sixth-round draft pick out of Troy, gained attention before the draft as a workhorse back with good vision and balance between the tackles. He only played in one preseason game for Los Angeles but he impressed in his limited action. Vidal had 11 carries for 49 yards in week 2 of the preseason and 28 of his 49 rushing yards were gained after contact (via Jacob Gibbs).
This pick is also about the disappointing play of current Chargers RB2, Gus Edwards. While J.K. Dobbins is enjoying an early-season career resurgence in the City of Angels, Edwards is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry on 29 attempts through two weeks. That’s two more carries than Dobbins who’s averaging an astonishing 9.9 yards per carry. And the concerning numbers go deeper than that for Edwards.
According to The Ringer’s Austin Gayle, “Gus Edwards ranks dead last in yards after contact per attempt among RBs with 20+ carries this season. He’s also the only running back in that group (of 31) without a forced missed tackle.” How long before the Gus Bus becomes the Gus Bench(rider)?
Xavier Legette
With the news that Andy Dalton is replacing Bryce Young at QB, you have to imagine that Panthers receivers as a whole will benefit from having an NFL-level point guard. While Legette did not have a single target versus the Chargers in week 2, the first-round rookie had a promising week 1. Seven targets, four receptions, 35 yards. Head Coach David Canales should look for more crossers and jet sweep opportunities that let Legette create as a ball carrier.
However, there is concern about Legette as a route runner. Per Fantasy Points Data, he has struggled with separation, achieving just a 5.3% win rate through two weeks. That’s 12th out of this rookie receiving class. However, his measurables are still off-the-board impressive and you hope Andy Dalton and co. can find ways to get him the ball.
Alec Pierce
Despite being WR8 (PPR) through two weeks, Alec Pierce is still rostered in just 33% of ESPN leagues. There’s a consensus that Pierce won’t be able to keep up this production through the grind of a fantasy season. But it feels clear right now that Richardson is comfortable with Pierce as he garners 20.3% of all Richardson targets. The knock on him is that a lot of his production has come from deep-ball receptions as well as two touchdowns through two weeks. And with Josh Downs re-entering the lineup, the target share number will likely go down.
But it’s also important to remember that this is Pierce’s first year in the league with a deep-ball-throwing quarterback. Plus, he has an 80% catch rate. So even when target shares decrease, I still see him edging out Adonai Mitchell in production throughout the season. If the first games proved anything about the Colts, we know the defense is bad and Anthony Richardson enjoys throwing the ball to Alec Pierce. Trust what you see.
Quentin Johnston
Somehow, someway, Quentin Johnston is the Los Angeles Chargers WR1. A sentence that was unthinkable nine months ago. Is that a trustworthy position for Johnston? No. But he looks much improved and Gregg Roman has put him in more advantageous positions than the last Chargers staff. Crossers where he can pick up yards after the catch, go-routes that utilize his straight-line speed. It’s what you’re hoping to see out of Legette in Carolina. Plus, and this really can’t be overrated for a player who struggles with his hands, Harbaugh and staff have made it a point to prop up Johnston from the start of camp. Building his confidence knowing he’s a player who can get in his own head.
It does feel probable that Ladd McConkey will continue to command a larger role, and Joshua Palmer has been dealing with some injuries through the first two weeks. But Quentin Johnston is having a real awakening and is a viable bench option.
For more in-depth analysis on the overreactions from week 2 in fantasy football, check out this video