Welcome to the Dynasty Watch. For those of you playing in deep dynasty leagues, this is where we’ll help you keep track of some bench stashes. These are players who have a small chance of becoming regular contributors, but for the few that do, we’ll try and help you beat your league-mates to the punch.
We’ll chronicle any upticks in usage or production each week, so be sure to read the previous Dynasty Watch articles to get a season-long picture.
Quarterbacks
Jalen Hurts (Phi) — As our Joe Dolan points out HERE, the Eagles are a mess. With Carson Wentz and the whole offense struggling (their defense has been solid, if not dominating at times), the team may consider using their 2nd-round pick more in the offense. I mean, it can’t Hurts, right? So far, the rookie QB is a perfect 3-for-3 on pass attempts this season (of course that’s just 3 more passes than Dolan himself has thrown this season), and plays just 2-3 snaps per game. But on a team that desperately needs a change of pace, Hurts is worth a stash on a team that could be overhauled dramatically if they don’t turn things around.
Running Backs
None of note.
Wide Receivers
Keke Coutee (Hou) — Just when Coutee was on his way back to obscurity, Will Fuller was suspended for six games. The Texans just waived Kenny Stills and Randall Cobb is still on IR, so Coutee will be thrust back into a starting job across from Brandin Cooks. Fuller is a free agent at the end of this season, so Coutee has a legit chance to solidify a starting role going forward. Coutee posted 4/27/1 on 7 targets over Weeks 11 and 12.
Andy Isabella (Ari) — Ever the shot-play threat for the Arizona Air Raid offense, Isabella saw his usual 2-3 targets per game jump up to 6 on a 60% snap share with Larry Fitzgerald out. He parlayed that increased usage into 4/33. Isabella mostly filled in for Fitz in the slot, so this may be a peek into the future once Fitzgerald finally hangs up his Hall-of-Fame cleats.
Olabisi Johnson (Min) — Johnson has been largely overshadowed by rookie sensation Justin Jefferson, but with Adam Thielen sidelined on the COVID/Reserve list, Johnson caught all 7 of his targets for 74 yards.
Collin Johnson (Jax) — Johnson’s role shot through the roof with D.J. Chark and Chris Conley out. The 5th-rounder out of Texas caught 4/96 and a TD on 8 targets. With a new GM coming, Johnson made the most of his likely 1-week audition for a 2021 job.
Tight Ends
Cole Kmet (Chi) — The fantasy world was largely heartbroken over Chicago’s signing of veteran Jimmy Graham, as it blocked the 43rd overall pick’s path to production. But after hovering around 30% usage for much of the season, Kmet’s snaps have jumped up to 70% and 79% over the last two games. Kmet started over Graham last week, which is significant because it comes fresh off their Week 11 bye, which is an indication that they made an adjustment during the bye week. Although the rookie TE only saw 3 targets (tied for his season-high), he did run 36 routes which was a massive uptick to his previous usage.
