Wk 8- Who To Watch: Stefon Diggs

         Who To Watch: Stefon Diggs

     (Minnesota Vikings, Wide Receiver)

                         Week 8

In the game of football, players are given the chance to show their talent at different times in their careers. It is up to those players to prove themselves as a starter or not. It is very seldom that an individual steps up from a nobody into the No. 1 role of the offense. Most of the time these players fail to perform at the expected level; some perfect examples of this are: San Diego's Melvin Gordon, Dallas' Christine Michael. We've seen this happen a few times in the NFL; the best and most recent example is DeVanta Freeman with the Atlanta Falcons. For the second time this season, Stefon Diggs has gone from an unknown fantasy player to a fantasy starter and one of the most exciting playmakers in the league.

The Minnesota Vikings drafted Stefon Diggs in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL Draft, as the 146th overall pick. At the Rookie Combine, Diggs ran a 4.46 forty and impressed everyone with his raw talent as a pass catcher. In an NFL Combine article written by Lance Zierlein, Diggs is called a "fluid, flexible athlete", "dynamic and dangerous with the ball in his hands", and "can be immediate kick returner in the league". Excited about his speed and receiving ability, the Vikings took the former Maryland Terrapin in hopes that he'd become one of their offensive and special teams playmakers. 

The Vikings offense has always been dominate running the football, which had been led by the future Hall of Fame running back, Adrian Peterson. Starting with veteran wide-outs, Mike Wallace and Greg Jennings, they've struggled to ignite any type of excitement in the passing game. In week 4, the Vikings took a chance and turned to their young receiver, Stefon Diggs, to try to jolt their passing-offense against the run-stopping defense of the Denver Broncos. Diggs has turned into one of the best receivers in fantasy. During Minnesota's bye week (5), Vikings' veteran receiver, Mike Wallace, spoke positively about his teammate, Diggs, calling him a young Antonio Brown. This is a great compliment for a player that has not spent much time in the league. 

In the past two weeks, Stefon Diggs has quickly become the best receiver on the Vikings' roster. Recording 13 receptions of 18 targets for 237 yards and only 1 touchdown, which is outstanding for not playing in the first three games of the season. In fact, he's averaging 18.2 yards per catch. 

Diggs is owned in only 75% of standard leagues. He is a great pickup, a must start in standard, and a definite PPR start this week against the Detroit Lions. Stefon Diggs is going to continue to perform at a high level. He's cheaply priced at $4,800, which is extremely low for the Vikings' No. 1 wide-out. He is a fantasy WR2 with tremendous upside

     -Who Else To Watch in Week 8-

Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ • QB) - The Quarterback of the New York Jets has become a solid fantasy QB; throwing for 1,472 yards, 61.4% completion, and 11 touchdowns. There is no question that he has the right weapons in Ivory, Decker, and Marshall. The only concern for fantasy owners is if he will continue to produce. Only 28% owned, Fitzpatrick is a great streamer and BYE week fill in for his week 8 matchup against the Oakland Raiders. Currently priced at $5,200 for DFS.

Derek Carr (OAK • QB) - Oakland has really turned their game around this year. Last week against the Chargers, he threw 24/31 for 239 yards and 3 TDs. Derek Carr has become a great streaming quarterback and will remain a streamer for week 8 against the New York Jets. Only 35% owned, Carr is available in many standard leagues. He can be a boom or bust start in DFS, currently priced at $5,300.

Jay Cutler (CHI • QB) - Cutler was overlooked in the beginning of the year because of offensive injuries. The loss of Alshon Jeffery took the Bears' QB off the draft list for almost all fantasy teams. But entering week 8 with a healthy Alshon and against a mediocre pass D of the Vikings, Cutler is a great QB stream and BYE week fill in for this week. Only 30% owned, he is available in most leagues. Jay Cutler is currently priced at $5,200. 

James Starks (GB • RB) - If you didn't pick up Starks last week during the Packers' BYE week, you may want to now. Starks sat out of practice on Monday, which is something to keep your eye on. Going up against a strong run defense in Denver, look for Rodgers to throw to his half backs more. This week, Coach McCarthy will continue to play the hot hand, which makes Starks the more interesting back for PPR in Green Bay. Only 52% owned in most leagues and priced at $4,300 in DFS, James Starks is an available, high-end RB3 and strong FLEX entering week 8.

Charcandrick West (KC • RB) - Has Charcandrick West settled into the starting role to fill in for the injured Jamaal Charles? I believe he has. Three weeks in practicing along with 2 starts under his belt as the Chiefs' RB1, West is steadily improving as the lead back. Getting 22 carries last week against the Steelers, West ran for 110 yards and recorded a touchdown. Owned in 62% of standard leagues, he is a great pickup and start coming into a week 8 matchup against a shaky Detroit defense. Currently priced at $4,700, Charcandrick West is a high-end RB2 in DFS.

Darren McFadden (DAL • RB) - First it was Joseph Randle; then it was Lance Dunbar, then Christine Michael. Now, the named starter for Dallas is the 52% owned RB, Darren McFadden. The Cowboys change their running back starters like they do with their head coaches. Now, if McFadden gets the carries he should, as the Cowboys' RB1, then he will be a great start this week against Seattle. With the focus on Dez Bryant's comeback, McFadden could have a fantastic fantasy week. Darren McFadden is priced at $3,800 on DFS, making him very affordable. 

52% vs SEA

Michael Crabtree (OAK • WR) - In a young, fast-moving offense, there has been one veteran that has remained successful - Michael Crabtree. He has grown into a dependable WR2 for Derek Carr. Getting more targets (8) than Amari Cooper (6) last week, and both receivers getting a touchdown, Crabtree has become a solid WR2 for all fantasy leagues. Ranked a little higher in PPR than in Standard, Crabtree is only 54% owned. He is a sneaky mid season pickup that could carry your team in the playoffs. Currently priced at $4,700, is a great start against the Jets this week; with Revis shadowing Cooper, look for Crabtree to have a big week. Michael Crabtree will be a high-end WR2 the remainder of the season.

Ted Ginn Jr. (CAR • WR) - At the beginning of the year, everyone thought Devin Funchess was going to be the No. 1 wide-out in Carolina. Well, everyone was wrong; its Ted Ginn Jr. He has become the lone, outside target (alongside Greg Olsen, of course) for Cam Newton. Last week Ginn Jr. was targeted 8 times; he caught 5 passes for 59 yards. No touchdowns for the young receiver so far this year, but it won't be much longer. Only 33% owned, the wide-out is a fantastic pickup, especially in PPR. Priced at $3,400, Ted Ginn Jr. is a great play in DFS against a struggling Colts pass defense.

Michael Floyd (ARZ • WR) - The Arizona receiving core is one of the best in the league. To go alongside Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown, Michael Floyd, who's only 46% owned in standard leagues, has become a favorite target for Carson Palmer. In the past two weeks, Floyd has become a great slot receiver. Catching 5 of 8 targets for 50 yards and 1 TD in week 6 vs Pittsburgh; then catching 3 of 4 targets for 59 yards and another touchdown in week 7 vs Baltimore. Floyd looks to have another promising week against Cleveland. Only priced at $3,500, Michael Floyd is a boom or bust WR3. 

Ladarius Green (SD • TE) - With a strong quarterback in Philip Rivers, Green has become a top 10 fantasy tight end. Playing alongside Antonio Gates last week, Green had 4 receptions of 9 targets, 45 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, and two 2-pt conversion touchdowns. Green is a no question start at TE. Owned in 52% of leagues, Green is still available in many leagues. With a nagging injury, Gates will likely be out this week against Baltimore. This will open the door for Ladarius to go crazy in the end zone. Currently priced at $3,000, Ladarius Green is a cheap TE1.

Eric Ebron (DET • TE) - Matthew Stafford has struggled to throw the long ball. Instead, the Lions' QB has been focusing his targets in the short game. While Calvin's production has slowed down, Eric Ebron has jolted as a high-end TE. Targeted a ton in the red zone, Ebron is very likely to get many more touchdowns. This week against a good secondary in Kansas City, Ebron is a great pickup at only 22% owned. Priced at $3,100, Eric Ebron is a great choice for TE in DFS.

By: Cameron Black

@GBCam_Black