Fantasy Frenzy: Trades and suspension shake up Fantasy outlook for key players

By John Manuel

In a span of about an hour the fantasy world was rocked by three moves. One by the NFL and the others by NFL squads. What should this mean? Two fantasy big names lead the way.

Some leagues could see Zeke Elliott be the first player taken and now that is clearly in doubt. Elliott was hit with a 6 game suspension by the league and will be about half of the fantasy season. He will appeal but the league may stay strong since it has had issues with domestic violence. So it if pretty tough to take Elliott top three you would think? But I think if you have confidence in your drafting you can still grab Elliott high. I don’t see him going in the 3rd or 4th round. The question is if you grab him in the top 10 when you do grab one of the other Cowboy backs? Tough call since they have two veterans who can put up good numbers behind the Boys line. McFadden is probably the odds on favorite to be the guy but he likes to get banged up. And Alfred Morris could take the job for his easily. Both of their values rose on Friday.

The other big name switching teams is Sammy Watkins going from the Bills to the Rams. Shaky passing attack to shakier passing attack. Watkins can be impressive and a factor if he can stay on the field, but can he really be counted on for 16 games? Maybe a change from the cold to the sun will spark Watkins. Sean McVay likes his QBs to put the ball in the air so I think Watkins may be slightly be more attractive. But the risk is still there and more importantly there is the frustration.

Finally we have Jordan Matthews. It feels like the Eagles have been trying to move him since the end of last season and now its happened. I think in the Bills offense he can put up the 70-80 catch range he did in Philly. Like Watkins, Matthews is playing for a contract. That always should be considered. I like Zay Jones as a rookie to be a factor in Buffalo. Matthews would be a 4th or 5th WR on most fantasy squads.