Roundtable Week 11: Waiver-Wire Prospecting

Photo: Imagn Images

Welcome to Week 11 of the 2023 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.

This week's roundtable features these four topics:

• Faith/Fear: Players We Trust-Players Who Scare Us
• Waiver-Wire Prospecting: Most-Least Likely to Add (see below)
• QB Perception Game: Who Is Better/Worse Than Their Perceived Value
• Either/Or: The TE Edition

Let's roll.

Faith/Fear: Players we Trust, Players who Scare Us

Matt Waldman: In a 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, and 2 Flex PPR format, which two players are you most likely adding? Which two are you least likely to add?

• Rico Dowdle
• Keaton Mitchell
• Ty Chandler
• Kyle Phillips
• Noah Brown
• Jayden Reed

Let's begin with Whom You Would Most Likely Add...

Corey Spala: Rico Dowdle is the type of asset I want to take my chances on. Tony Pollard has been underwhelming throughout the season. He has only scored more than 10 PPR points in one of the last six games, so it is time for Dallas to give Dowdle more touches. This is why we are having the conversation: Dowdle is coming off a career-high 12 touches.

Furthermore, he has been consistent in the Dallas offense, averaging 5.4 opportunities (carries + targets) per game prior to Week 10. I am not trying to glorify 5.4 opportunities, more so to capitalize on a potential Tony Pollard role Dallas is familiar with. The Pollard complementary role to Ezekiel Elliott, which now could be Pollard, resulting in Dowdle being Pollard. Sorry for any confusion.

Ty Chandler may have found himself in a unique role Minnesota has coveted all season: the RB2 role. I know Alexander Mattison suffered a concussion during the game, but Chandler had 58% of his touches following. Being a career backup never bodes well, I understand. Immediate future indicates Chandler having a sizable role, and this starts with a favorable matchup against Denver. He has the opportunity to solidify himself in the offense and earn touches when Mattison returns from his concussion. Chandler is a pivot when your league mates drop their budget on Keaton Mitchell and Dowdle or if you are the lower priority in the pecking order.

Joseph Haggan: Keaton Mitchell is one I will definitely be adding. The guy is a homerun waiting to happen. He has averaged 13.2 yards per carry on 12 attempts over the past two games, scoring in both. With the Ravens' Propensity to run the ball, Mitchell will get touches and always seems to make the most of them.

I like Noah Brown here as well. The Texans obviously have faith in C.J. Stroud throwing the ball, and Brown has looked like Stroud's favorite deep target over the last two games. He has 325 receiving yards over that span, as well as a touchdown. Stroud is legit, and Brown has big-play potential and is a legitimate WR3 or Flex play.

Sean Settle: Keaton Mitchell was one of the top adds last week and had an explosive performance against a stout Browns defense. The Ravens look a lot like the early 2000s Broncos, and any running back seems to be able to plug in and score. Mitchell has the most speed in that running back room and will easily take carries from Gus Edwards. The only downside is the rushing ability of Lamar Jackson. Otherwise, Mitchell could be an RB1 down the stretch.

The Vikings are starting to move away from Alexander Mattison, especially in the red zone. They let the very expensive Dalvin Cook go and thought they would easily replace him with the cheaper Mattison. That has not been the case this year, as the offensive line has struggled mightily in run blocking. The Vikings need a ground attack to keep the defense honest, and the dual threat of Josh Dobbs and the power running of Chandler gives them the best chance. Look for his opportunities to increase in the coming weeks.