With players melting under the hot summer sun in training camp and the exhibition season officially here, The Gaming Juice’s resident daytrader Brad Evans, examines various player values. Who’s trending UP? Should you buy the hype? Check out this week’s portfolio below.
Rome Odunze, Bears, WR (ADP: 65.61, WR33) -- Looking to build an empire in your fantasy league? It’s only appropriate to invest in Rome.
This Bears enthusiast is convinced he will be THE breakout candidate in Chicago’s revamped offense. The evidence continues to mount. Ben Johnson talked up the former Huskies star in late July describing his skill set as “unique,” talents “we’re going to look to capitalize on.” Chicago’s head coach also hyped the wideout’s expansive route tree, commenting he “will win most matchups.” High praise.
Understandably, there have been growing pains at Halas Hall this summer. It’s taken time for Johnson’s offense to soak in. Caleb Williams, though, is confident in his grasp of the scheme. With Johnson pushing the former No. 1 pick to complete at least 70% of his passes this season, his comfortability and knowledge base are critical.
If Williams’ accuracy sharply improves, Odunze will blow away his mid-60s ADP. Remember, he finished No. 2 in unrealized air yards last year and ranked appreciably in total red-zone targets (18, WR10), average depth of target (13.8, WR11), total route wins (178, WR32) and contested catch rate (54.5%, WR13). As clear as department store windows along the Magnificent Mile, a quantum leap is quite possible in his second year.
D.J. Moore shouldn’t be going some two full rounds ahead of him in 12-team leagues. The mid-draft marvel is a likely 75-1100-7 contributor -- and that could be underselling it.
Evan Engram, Broncos, TE (ADP: 97.74, TE8) -- Maybe it’s the unusual buzz from the Celsius cans consumed, but Engram is in the running to finish top three at the tight end position. Yes, you read that correctly.
Expected to record a multitude of snaps in Sean Payton’s “Joker” role, the former Jag could have Denver fans and fantasy backs grinning from ear to ear. Just ask the tight end himself. As The Athletic recently reported, his strengths are being “used at the highest level.” The probability of Engram catching 80+ passes in his first season with the Broncos grows.
As it pertains to any player participating in a violent sport, remaining upright is his utmost priority. However, if Engram plays at or near the entire season unscathed, he’s destined to turn a significant profit based on his slashed ADP. Bo Nix’s Year 2 growth along with the seventh-easiest projected TE strength of schedule only add a zero to the minus odds.
Undeniably, he’s on this raging nincompoop’s ‘must draft’ list.
Braelon Allen, NYJ (ADP: 168.66, RB55) -- Lost in the hoopla of baseball’s frenetic trade deadline and the always comical NFL Hall of Fame exhibition was the bombshell dropped by The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt. The Jets beat man noted the backfield pecking order between Breece Hall and Allen may be “more 1a to 1b,” adding the sophomore rusher has been “one of the stars of camp.”
Rosenblatt's reporting should send seismic waves through the fantasy community. Remember, the organization has emitted somewhat cool signals about Hall all offseason. When weighing that along with Allen’s still tender age (21) and sporadically impressive runs displayed in his rookie year, a possible 60-40 Hall-to-Allen backfield split comes into view.
A bout of knee soreness temporarily sidelined Allen, but back at practice, he's a late-round lottery ticket worth scratching. Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has repeatedly remarked that running the ball will be emphasized. Given Justin Fields’ dangerous duality, the former Badger could dig in as a valuable near weekly FLEX play in 12-team and deeper formats.
Going roughly 130 picks after Hall in average 0.5 PPR drafts, Allen is someone to triple star as a genuine sleeper on cheat sheets.
DJ Giddens, Ind, RB (ADP: 214.97, RB65) -- Without question, Jonathan Taylor is Indy head coach Shane Steichen’s preferred stallion. Giddens, however, is a pretty pony even horse enthusiast Nikola Jokic would proudly showcase.
As reports have clearly indicated, the rookie rusher has practically sewn up the RB2 gig. According to Steichen, the former K-State standout has repeatedly displayed “good” vision, burst and cutting ability on zone runs. The Colts’ primary decision maker has also sung the young back’s praises as a receiver. As his impressive top standings in YAC per attempt and missed tackles forced last season at the FBS level suggest, he's graduated to the next level with eye-opening skills.
Taylor totaled 88.4% of the team’s opportunity share last year, the highest workload of any NFL back. He’ll again crank the volume, but Giddens could spell him occasionally this year, possibly tallying 6-8 touches per game.
On draft day, don’t forget a pair of fuzzy handcuffs, Taylor investors. Giddens is one snapped tendon away from regular RB2 numbers.