If you are anything like me, you are staring at the tattered remains of a once-promising fantasy team that now has a laundry list of players on injured reserve. It’s rough, but that’s the way this season has gone.
But maybe there are still a few players you are on the fence about when it comes to buying or selling. Let’s break them down.
Sell: Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts
There’s really no need to hold onto Andrew Luck at this point.
Here’s what we know: Despite participating in some drills Wednesday, Luck won’t play in Week 15, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, and the team is hoping he’ll be back in Week 16. In other words, Luck may not return in time for your championship week.
And even if he does return, are you going to start a player who has been sidelined for so long in your championship or semifinal round?
I wouldn’t recommend doing so. For fantasy purposes, consider Luck’s season over.
Sell: Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos
I’ve been saying this for weeks, but I’ll reiterate it again: Peyton Manning wasn’t worth starting in fantasy before he was injured. That won’t change if he returns to action as Denver’s starter down the stretch.
Buy: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
Yes, Jonathan Stewart is out for Week 15, as head coach Ron Rivera confirmed Wednesday, per the team’s official Twitter account. But the sheer possibility that he might be able to play in Week 16 means that you should either hold onto him or pick him up on waivers if he becomes available.
Running back is a mess, folks. The position is absurdly weak after another week of injuries to starters and quality options. You can’t afford to lose a guy like Stewart in Week 16. You basically have no choice but to keep him on your bench.
Sell: Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks
On the other hand, we’ve never been given much of an indication that Marshawn Lynch would return for the regular season, so it still feels pretty safe to sell on Lynch. In fact, head coach Pete Carroll has somehow managed to get more vague with each passing week, including his comments on the player Wednesday, per Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR:
That sure sounds like Carroll is saying Lynch might be back for the playoffs, though even that is in doubt.
Abandon ship, everyone.
Sell: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Yeldon is a tough call. He’s probably not going to play this week after revealing that he had a strained MCL and was gunning to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, per Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union.
Sprained MCLs aren’t something that players are generally able to play through immediately, as former NFL physician David J. Chao tweeted:
I’d monitor Yeldon closely—and if you are able to pick up Denard Robinson, I’d stash Yeldon in case he returns—but I’d be surprised if he played before Week 17.
Buy: Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
The Patriots have been decimated by injuries on offense this season, but help could be on the way, as Julian Edelman was limited at practice Wednesday, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, and could return to action this week.
Edelman was excellent when he was healthy and is a legitimate WR2, so if he is somehow available in your league, snatch him up immediately.
Sell: Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s time to wave goodbye to Vincent Jackson after this report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:
To be fair, Jackson has been a middling fantasy option all season long anyway, so this shouldn’t be a major blow to your team. But at this point, there is simply no reason to roster him.
Buy: Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
Like running back, the tight end position is incredibly thin. That means you can’t afford to drop Tyler Eifert unless it is confirmed he’ll be out through Week 16. Until then, you have to hold onto him and hope he can start in the championship round of your league. He’s too good to bail on.
All fantasy stats, ownership percentages and points-against totals via ESPN standard leagues.
Read more Fantasy Football news on NerdyFootball.com
