Who To Watch: DeAngelo Williams
(Pittsburgh Steelers, Running Back)
Week 9
The most important part of your team in fantasy sports is your bench. Yes, starters are important, but the players on your bench are the ones who win championships. Like in real life, the depth of your roster is very crucial to your team's success. The football season is a long one, and injuries occur every single day; some big and some small, but it can have a huge impact on your fantasy team. There are plenty of players in the NFL that have a ton of potential and could explode in fantasy, if they are given the chance. During the fantasy season, it's smart to roster these high potential players for the "just in case" situations. When the starter goes down with an injury, the back up has to step in. We saw this happen in Pittsburgh at the beginning of the season; when Steelers' star back, LeVeon Bell, had to sit out the first two games, DeAngelo Williams stepped in and proved that he was a true handcuff for Bell and a potential, fantasy star.
University of Memphis star, DeAngelo Williams, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2006. Drafted as the 27th overall pick, the former Tiger was highly drafted because of his running and catching ability. Being able to find the holes, run in between the tackles, and break tackles. In Carolina, DeAngelo shared the snaps with Jonathan Stewart. DeAngelo Williams spent his entire career sharing time with Stewart from '08 to '14. In his career as a Panther, Williams had 1,432 carries, 6,846 rushing yards, and 46 touchdowns. Known more for his ability to run up the gut, Williams developed his catching ability out of the backfield. Totaling 178 receptions for 1,621 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
In fantasy, D-Will was always a mediocre running back. Usually projected high in rankings but producing less than expected. Talked about like an RB3 but more used as a fantasy handcuff to Panthers' RB, Jonathan Stewert. Sports analysts would always say things like, "if DeAngelo got to play for a team that ran the ball more...." Used mostly in pass blocking plays and on special teams in Carolina, Williams was almost forgotten in the fantasy world. But, finally, hope came for DeAngelo in March of 2015, when he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With "Big" Ben Roethlisberger as their franchise and clubhouse leader, he sets a tone for the rest of the team, especially the offense. Opposite side of the ball, Pittsburgh's defense has often been called the "Steel Curtain", but their offense is also known for being very physical and tough. It is a grit and grind offensive scheme. With DeAngelo's ability to fight for yards and break tackles, it made him a perfect third down back. Hoping to use the 10 year veteran as a way to give LeVeon Bell a break without slowing down the offense, which is similar to the way Carolina used DeAngelo.
Entering into the 2015 season, D-Will looked to revive his career as a Steeler. Due to LeVeon Bell's 2 game suspension by the NFL, DeAngelo would get his chance of redemption right from the start. Keeping in mind that the Steelers knew that DeAngelo would be a perfect fit for their offensive style as a short yardage back, they were unsure how he would do as an every down player. With LeVeon's suspension, Martavius Bryant's suspension, Arian Foster's return from his injury the previous year, Adrian Peterson's return, and Brady's suspension overturned, all the talk and focus was distracted. Adding all of the preseason injuries, no one was thinking about DeAngelo Williams starting for Pittsburgh.
In the first two games, D-Will ranked as the overall, number 1 player in fantasy football. Getting 41 carries, 204 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Not drafted in many standard leagues, Williams became a steal for tons of folks who snatched him up on waivers after the first week. In week 3, LeVeon returned to the team, which forced DeAngelo back to his role as the short yard back. Frustrated with Williams' return to his unproductive role, he was dropped in over 60% of leagues. From weeks 3 through 7, D-Will only had 13 carries for 35 yards and no touchdowns. During the first half of the game against Cincinnati last week, LeVeon suffered a MCL injury in his right knee. D-Will stepped right in to fill the starting role. Not even playing a full game, Williams put up a great performance. Getting 9 carries, running for 71 yards, and recording 4 receptions for 39 yards.
Coming into week 9, the Steelers take on the Oakland Raiders. With LeVeon out, this time not knowing when he'll return, DeAngelo Williams will be the starting back. In fact, the Steelers have reported that they have a lot of confidence in DeAngelo leading the way. Also, other reports have come out stating that DeAngelo should be getting the same number of touches per game as LeVeon Bell did. With dominating performances so far, Williams should be owned in all leagues. Priced at $5,500 in DFS, D-Will is a great start for Daily Fantasy.
-Who Else To Watch in Week 9-
Derek Carr (OAK • QB) - The Raiders' QB has proven to be a solid streamer this season. Throwing for 622 yards, 7 touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last two starts, Carr has begun to trust his offense more. Throwing to other players besides Amari Cooper, he has thrown more completions for more yards. In fact, he has targeted Michael Crabtree more than Amari Cooper through 8 weeks. Using the run game more often with Latavius Murray, Derek Carr has been able to use play-action to open up receivers down field. Still available in most leagues (62% owned), the Oakland gunslinger is a great streamer this week against the Steelers. Currently priced at $5,500 makes Derek Carr a strong DFS start.
Jameis Winston (TB • QB) - Struggling in the beginning of the season, Jameis Winston was dropped by many fantasy owners that were frustrated with his performance. Coming into the season with a lot of hype, Winston was expected to perform like Cam Newton did in his rookie season. Owned in only 25% of standard leagues, Winston has actually performed well in his past few games; recording 20+ fantasy points in each of his last two games. Throwing 37/58 completions for 474 yards and 3 passing (including 1 rushing) TDs. Entering into the a favoring matchup this week against the New York Giants. Winston is a good BYE week fill in and streamer. A solid late week pickup; priced at $5,200, the Bucs QB is a boom or bust start.
Jay Cutler (CHI • QB) - Continuing to play great, Jay Cutler has proven himself as a trustworthy QB start (matchup depending). Last week against the Minnesota Vikings, he threw 22/33 for 211 yards and 1 touchdown. Going up against a shaky defense in San Diego this week, look for Cutler to continue his hot streak. Especially with Matt Forte's injury, Cutler will be forced to throw the ball down field, which should excite Alshon Jeffery owners. Currently owned in 40% of leagues, Cutler is a fine play for a BYE week fill in. Priced at $5,200 in DFS, Jay Cutler is a boom or bust for Daily Fantasy rosters.
Jeremy Langford (CHI • RB) - Injuries can give a young man many opportunities; for rookies, it is one of the most important moments in their NFL career. This is where a man can make a name for himself, prove that he can play, and, most importantly, become a fantasy phenomenon. The Chicago Bears' offense has always revolved around their ability to run the ball effectively. With Matt Forte's knee injury, the Bears turn to rookie running back, Jeremy Langford. With Forte possibly missing multiple weeks, the Bears have told reporters that they look for Langford to get 20+ carries this week against the horrible run defense of the Chargers. Currently owned in 65% of leagues and rising, the rookie back is the hot pickup this week for his NFL debut. Priced at $4,000, Langford is a RB2 with a ton of upside.
Antonio Andrews (TEN • RB) - The Tennessee backfield has not been kind to fantasy owners. With McCluster struggling and Mariota's return, the Titans are hoping to start running the ball more. In fact, the new coach of the Titans, Mike Mularkey, has been preaching that they will focus their offense around their running game. Keeping in mind that rookie, David Cobb, is most likely coming back from injury next week, this is Antonio Andrews last week to prove something to the Titans' coaching staff. If Andrews wants to continue to get snaps, he'll need to have a productive week. This makes him an interesting pickup in deeper leagues and start for Daily Sports. Currently owned in 40% of leagues and priced in DFS at $3,600.
Malcolm Floyd (SD • WR) - Injuries have become a common occurrence these past few weeks in the NFL. San Diego's No. 1 wide receiver, Keenan Allen, suffered a shoulder injury last week against the Ravens. This has made Malcolm Floyd become very popular during the waiver wire this week. Now owned in 70% of standard leagues, Floyd is surprisingly still out there in many leagues. With Allen's injury ending his season, Stevie Johnson and Floyd are great adds for the rest of season and WR2s against the Chicago Bears in Daily; Floyd priced cheaply at $3,900.
Nate Washington (HOU • WR) - There is no question that Nate Washington is the No. 2 receiver in Houston, alongside DeAndre Hopkins. He has totaled 23 receptions for 411 yards and 3 TDs, with his number of targets per game growing. With Brian Hoyer's continuous success at throwing the ball and the recent injury of Arian Foster, Nate Washington's stock is going up. During this week, watch the waiver wire and quickly pick up the WR, if he becomes available due to the Texans' BYE week. Nate is currently owned in 26% of leagues.
Kamar Aiken (BAL • WR) - Aiken is, without question, the No. 1 wideout in Baltimore. As one of Joe Flacco's main targets, Aiken is one of the Ravens' only offensive weapons; totaling 25 receptions for 333 yards and 2 touchdowns for the season. In an offense that has been playing from behind, Aiken is a must add for any league and an interesting start in Daily Fantasy in the weeks to come. Entering the Ravens' BYE week, Kamar Aiken is owned in only 41% of leagues.
Jacob Tamme (ATL • TE) - Julio Jones and DeVonta Freeman are Matt Ryan's favorite weapons on offense. We are entering week 9, and guess what? Everyone knows it. Freeman is getting covered out of the backfield, and Julio is getting double, sometimes triple, coverage down field. This, along with Leonard Hankerson's injury, has opened the door for Jacob Tamme to step up and shine. In the last game against the Buccs, Tamme had 10 receptions for 103 yards and 1 touchdown. Look for him to put up the same dominating numbers in the coming weeks, while the Falcons try to really force red zone completions. Only owned in 18% of standard leagues, the tight end is an easy pickup. Priced at $3,000 in DFS, could make him a cheap TE start with a lot of upside.
Vernon Davis (DEN • TE) - From the waste land to the holy land. Vernon Davis has gone from worst to first (teams that is). Peyton Manning loves throwing to his TEs; he just hasn't had a talented tight end to throw to. Vernon is one of the leagues best receiving tight ends - Peyton knows this! Look for Vernon to have a great rest of season. Currently owned in only 27% of leagues, means he's available and a great pickup. Add/Claim him now; he will not be available at the end of the week. Priced at $2,800 in DFS, but I'd advise you to wait and see how Peyton uses him this week.
Blair Walsh (MIN • K) - I normally don't talk about kickers, but this one is a jewel in the rough. Blair Walsh is a complete must add. Kickers can win your week, believe it or not. Minnesota kicks the ball more than most teams in the NFL. He is completely overlooked; he is a top 10 kicker this year and is only owned in 37% of leagues. If he is available, drop your mediocre kicker for Walsh.
By: Cameron Black
@GBCam_Black
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