By Caleb Luketic // Contributing Writer
The first week is in the books and Fantasy owners are looking to bolster their team with unexpected talent. Here are a few players that may be worth the late addition to your seasons roster.
QB Marcus Mariota – Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota made his NFL debut Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the showdown between the top two draft picks in this year’s draft. Mariota went 13/16 for 209 yards with four touchdowns all in the first half. Coach Ken Whisenhunt pulled him in the third quarter to protect Mariota and to give backup Zach Mettenberger some reps in a game. Mariota is owned in 36 percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues, so if you have an extra spot on your bench, I would stash Mariota because he could have some major fantasy value in a few weeks.
RB Danny Woodhead – San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers drafted Melvin Gordon to become their number one running back. Gordon will be a first and second down back, but Danny Woodhead is their third down back and their pass catching back. Woodhead ended the day on Sunday with 12 rushes for 42 yards and two touchdowns and four receptions for 20 yards. Woodhead is owned in 68.6 percent of leagues, but he needs to be owned in every league, especially PPR leagues because of his pass catching abilities.
RB Ronnie Hillman – Denver Broncos
C.J. Anderson is Denver’s number one running back on the depth chart, but Ronnie Hillman had more carries and more yards than Anderson. Hillman had 12 carries for 42 yards. Hillman is owned in 46.5 percent of leagues, so I would look to pick him up in your league because he may take over the starting job without an injury occurring to Anderson. Hillman is Anderson’s handcuff, so if you’re an Anderson owner, I would look to pickup Hillman.
WR Tyler Lockett – Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have plenty of fantasy options on offense, but one you may not have heard of is Tyler Lockett. Lockett is Seattle’s number two receiver, but he has tremendous upside. Lockett had four receptions for 34 yards in Sunday’s loss to the St. Louis Rams. Lockett is only owned in 20.1% of leagues, so I would look to pick him up before he has a monster game. Lockett could turn into Russell Wilson’s favorite wide receiver before the season is over.
WR Donte Moncrief – Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts took a beating in Buffalo on Sunday. During the game, T.Y. Hilton bruised his knee, and he is now week to week. Donte Moncrief had six receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, and Moncrief looks to see an increased role in week two with the potential absence of Hilton. Moncrief is only owned in 31.1 percent of leagues, so his availability shouldn’t be in question. He could have a breakout season if Hilton is plagued with injuries this season.
WR Cole Beasley – Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys were able to pull out the victory late in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football, but they lost their top wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant has a fractured bone in his foot, and he will be out 4-6 weeks, which means Tony Romo’s favorite target is lost. Cole Beasley was the Cowboys third wide receiver coming into 2015, but he will see an increased workload in the coming weeks. Beasley is only owned in 7.3 percent of leagues, and he could be a potential flex play in week two and beyond.
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