I\u2019ve been married into an insurance family for almost 15 years, which means I\u2019ve spent a significant portion of my adult life surrounded by people who understand risk better than I understand most of my fantasy football decisions.<\/p>\n
My wife, Kendra, has worked in the industry for nearly two decades. Her father retired after 30-plus years. Both specialized in personal lines, while Kendra also has experience with commercial coverage.<\/p>\n
These are people who know what happens when you ignore the fine print.<\/p>\n
Some of that wisdom has rubbed off.<\/p>\n
Drafting Christian McCaffrey without his backup is essentially buying a Ferrari and declining comprehensive coverage.<\/p>\n
Everything\u2019s wonderful until something expensive breaks.<\/p>\n
Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, James Cook, Ashton Jeanty and Kenneth Walker deserve similar protection.<\/p>\n
Kaelon Black, Emmett Johnson, Jonah Coleman, Tank Bigsby, Mike Washington Jr., Ray Davis, Braelon Allen and Brian Robinson Jr. are insurance policies worth considering.<\/p>\n
Blake Corum, although less widely available, might be even more valuable. He could eventually take Kyren Williams\u2019 job without an injury opening the door.<\/p>\n
The best handcuffs aren\u2019t necessarily backups to the best running backs. They\u2019re proven producers or talented young players who could inherit significant workloads if given the opportunity.<\/p>\n
Week 2 reminded us why this matters. Saquon Barkley, J.K. Dobbins and Jadarian Price were among the running backs who emerged with injury concerns.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, those boring insurance policies look considerably more attractive.<\/p>\n
Nobody enjoys paying for insurance.<\/p>\n
But watching your fantasy season go up in flames because you declined coverage is considerably worse.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the waiver wire doesn\u2019t offer accident forgiveness.<\/p>\n
Priority targets<\/p>\n
RB Jonah Coleman, Broncos (ESPN: 22%; Yahoo: 27%): Coleman went from zero touches in Week 1 to 10 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown, plus three receptions for 19 yards. RJ Harvey missed Sunday\u2019s game with a hamstring injury, and J.K. Dobbins left with one, allowing the rookie to score the winning touchdown against Jacksonville. Dobbins could return this week, but Coleman has already demonstrated enough versatility to threaten for early-down, receiving and goal-line work.<\/p>\n
QB Tyler Shough, Saints (ESPN: 50%; Yahoo: 49%): Shough is one of only five quarterbacks to score at least 20 fantasy points in each of the first two weeks, according to FantasyPros, and his 662 passing yards lead the league. The combination of passing volume and occasional rushing production makes him more than a desperation streamer. The Raiders visit New Orleans in Week 3, although the Saints\u2019 offensive line bears watching after left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. suffered an ankle injury.<\/p>\n
WR Dontayvion Wicks, Eagles (ESPN: 26%; Yahoo: 28%): Wicks has produced 147 yards and a touchdown on just 10 targets through two games, including five catches for 74 yards against Tennessee. His 2.8 yards per route run ranked seventh among receivers with at least 50 routes entering Monday, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. His snap share declined from 90.9% in Week 1 to 61.8% in Week 2, so this isn\u2019t a blank check for your FAAB budget. Still, an efficient receiver earning Jalen Hurts\u2019 trust on third downs deserves flex consideration against Chicago.<\/p>\n
TE Dalton Schultz, Texans (ESPN: 21%; Yahoo: 57%): Schultz became Houston\u2019s passing game Sunday with Nico Collins sidelined, catching 12 of 14 targets for a career-high 140 yards. That\u2019s 26 PPR points without a touchdown, and he also drew eight targets in the opener when Collins was healthy. Cincinnati\u2019s generous tight end coverage helped, and eight of his receptions came in the fourth quarter with Houston trailing. Nevertheless, the target floor is real enough to make Schultz a starting option at Indianapolis, with considerably more upside if Collins misses another game.<\/p>\n
D\/ST Chiefs (ESPN: 61%; Yahoo: 34%): Kansas City held Denver to 10 points in Week 1 before Indianapolis scored 30 in Sunday\u2019s overtime thriller, so the early defensive returns have been decidedly uneven. The reason to buy is Miami. The Dolphins have scored 13 points in consecutive games while allowing nine sacks. The Chiefs also get the Raiders in Week 4 before their bye.<\/p>\n
Other top targets<\/p>\n
QB Bryce Young, Panthers (ESPN: 34%; Yahoo: 33%): Young has six passing TDs and a rushing score through two games. Cleveland is next, followed by Detroit\u2019s injury-depleted secondary.<\/p>\n
QB Marcus Mariota, Commanders (ESPN: <1%; Yahoo: <1%): Mariota replaces injured Jayden Daniels against Seattle. His mobility provides a potential rushing floor in superflex formats.<\/p>\n
WR Khalil Shakir, Bills (ESPN: 69%; Yahoo: 46%): Anyone associated with Josh Allen deserves to be universally rostered. Six targets in consecutive games provide a PPR floor for Shakir. DJ Moore\u2019s shoulder injury could increase his involvement.<\/p>\n
WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens (ESPN: 24%; Yahoo: 17%): Bateman led Baltimore with nine targets against New Orleans, converting seven into 88 yards and a TD while Zay Flowers sat with a hamstring injury. Rookie Ja\u2019Kobi Lane is also on injured reserve, concentrating the available receiver opportunities.<\/p>\n
WR Adonai Mitchell, Jets (ESPN: 17%; Yahoo: 16%): Mitchell drew 12 targets against Green Bay, catching six for 63 yards. Detroit\u2019s vulnerable secondary awaits.<\/p>\n
WR Denzel Boston, Browns (ESPN: 26%; Yahoo: 32%): Boston has scored in consecutive games, producing 95 yards on seven targets Sunday. Cleveland\u2019s emerging deep threat deserves flex consideration.<\/p>\n
RB Tank Bigsby, Eagles (ESPN: 15%; Yahoo: 29%): Bigsby handled 13 carries and scored after Saquon Barkley\u2019s injury scare. He\u2019s premium insurance if Barkley\u2019s MRI reveals a problem.<\/p>\n
RB Alvin Kamara, Saints (ESPN: 38%; Yahoo: 29%): Kamara managed only 22 yards in his debut but caught five passes. That receiving role preserves PPR appeal.<\/p>\n
RB Tyjae Spears, Titans (ESPN: 49%; Yahoo: 33%): Spears generated 70 yards on nine touches. His receiving ability provides upside behind Tony Pollard.<\/p>\n
RB Emanuel Wilson, Seahawks (ESPN: <1%; Yahoo: 1%): Wilson rushed for 92 yards on 21 carries after Price suffered a chest injury. He\u2019s an immediate volume play if Price sits.<\/p>\n
TE Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (ESPN: 22%; Yahoo: 13%): Freiermuth has nine catches and a TD through two games. Cincinnati just surrendered 140 yards to Schultz.<\/p>\n
TE Oronde Gadsden II, Chargers (ESPN: 2%; Yahoo: 6%): Injuries to David Njoku and Charlie Kolar could expand Gadsden\u2019s role. He scored Sunday and offers intriguing upside if the Chargers can remember how to play offense.<\/p>\n
D\/ST Packers (ESPN: 20%; Yahoo: 24%): Green Bay has seven sacks through two games. Atlanta\u2019s quarterback uncertainty and short week create streaming appeal.<\/p>\n
More online<\/p>\n
Need help setting your lineup? Look for Eddie Brown\u2019s weekly Fantasy Football Start\/Sit Guide at sandiegouniontribune.com before the first NFL game each week, typically on Thursdays, with matchup-by-matchup advice on who to start, sit and stream.<\/p>\n
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