Welcome to The Undroppables weekly “Flex” play article, honing in on solid options to start at the flex in your league. Before we get to business, I would like to point out this article is written in hopes to help with the tough start options. If you boast a very strong team full of star caliber players, do not overthink it and switch. Lock in your studs and go with the safe points. For those not as lucky, strap in.
We will be breaking this down into 3 unique sections. First, my Flex plays for leagues of varying sizes (shallow, standard, and deep). Second, I’ll take a look at three solid flex options that are more touchdown dependent. These options hold more risk aka our boom or bust flex plays. Lastly, I’ll be taking tweets I’ve received during the week and gathering a consensus opinion from a panel of Undroppables to help you make the final say. To send your questions for future weeks, you can tag me @FantasyInAFew on Twitter.
Let’s jump in!
Flex Plays of the Week:
Shallow League Flex Options (10 or fewer teams)
DJ Chark vs Indianapolis Colts
We were already talking about the Jaguars being a poor team in 2020. Fournette’s departure emphasizes that prediction tenfold. With negative game scripts looming, Chark and Minshew’s established connection will prove useful. Especially in the red zone. That chemistry should be stronger with a full offseason together. Chark will likely be squaring off against Xavier Rhodes who showed last season that he has lost a step. In the first meeting with Indianapolis last year, Chark lit the Colts up for 146 yards & a TD. The second meeting Chark had 34 yards, yet he was recovering from an ankle injury. I expect more of the former.
Diontae Johnson @ New York Giants
Johnson is a play I really like in Week 1 against the Giants. With Juju likely seeing most of the James Bradberry coverage, the only viable corner rostered, I really like Johnson’s outlook. The 2019 rookie was a league leader in separation. With a healthy Big Ben at quarterback, Johnson could see some solid numbers in Week 1 on Monday night prime time match-up. As his QB stated in reports this week “The Sky is the Limit”.
Standard League Flex Options (12 teams)
Jamison Crowder @ Buffalo Bills
I have been on the Crowder sleeper train all offseason. Week 1 looks to be a solid flex in all PPR formats. Crowder serves as a security blanket for Darnold and I don’t anticipate that role changing. With an improved offensive line (6 new linemen added); I expect Darnold to have a bit more time to get the ball out. Crowder saw great success in his two games vs Buffalo bringing in 22 receptions on 27 targets for 165 yards and a TD. Don’t let Gase scare you away; Gase loves the slot role.
Bryan Edwards @ Denver Broncos
I am typically one to sit a rookie WR until I see some real game action. That being said, both the Raiders starting WRs are rookies and we’re hearing from all sources Edwards is a stud. The Coach, OC, Carr, Ruggs, reporters, etc. are singing his praises. With his college production and all that positivity, I am seeing the McLaurin situation all over again. The only skepticism I have is what corner he is seeing the most, but contested catches seem to be Edwards’ forte, so I am willing to give him a shot here in the final game of the week.
Deeper League Flex Options (14 or more teams)
Steven Sims vs Philadelphia Eagles
Sims is a sneaky play with high upside for deep leagues. Serving as the WR2 for Washington, Sims closed 2019 on fire. Now after securing the WR2 role again with a new coaching staff, I believe Sims could see similar opportunities. Sims closed the season with 16 receptions on 29 targets for 190 yards and 4 TDs over the final 3 games. With Slay likely shadowing McLaurin, I expect Sims Jr to be a key piece in Washington’s ability to remain competitive in Week 1.
Kendrick Bourne vs Arizona Cardinals
As of Wednesday, both Deebo Samuel & Brandon Aiyuk have not been seen practicing with the team. We are inching towards neither being available for Week 1. Enter Bourne who is listed as a starter and looks to keep the pass game afloat. This isn’t a player to rely on all season but if you need a quick start this is a deeper play. Bourne’s upside comes from his TD ability, which transitions well to our next section.
Boom or Bust Flex Options:
Marvin Jones vs Chicago Bears
Jones is familiar to Boom or Bust conversations. If Stafford is the QB, then he always remains a threat to find the end zone. Golladay will likely draw focus from the Chicago defense which helps his cause. Yet with only 2 TDs in his last 7 games against CHI the floor could be low.
Zack Moss vs New York Jets
Moss is likely to see the lower number snaps within the Buffalo split. Yet the snaps he does see will likely be in key moments. This flex will need a TD to pull through but likely playing from ahead helps his cause. I anticipate this game will be closer than most think.
AJ Green vs Los Angels Chargers
Normally a solid option but coming off minimal practice from the hamstring injury limits upside. Then you add in the fact that he is taking on the Chargers DBs that are solid with Hayward, Harris, and Desmond King. The ceiling could is high but the floor could be poor.
The Undroppables Survey Says:
I posed a question asking for your hardest decisions for Week 1. Below are 4 of those options we received with a panel of 5 Undroppables bringing you our consensus votes for Week 1:
PPR. Crowder, R. Jones, Mack, J. Taylor, or Cohen.
— Sit Ubu Sit (@floydianship) September 8, 2020
The Undroppables Consensus: Crowder (3 votes) (Cohen & JT each had 1 vote)
Reason: Game script means they’re most likely going to have to pass it a lot because they’re touchdown underdogs. He is already established with Darnold and I see Darnold leaning heavily on him in the first few games. –@BpoFSU
The Undroppables Consensus: Marvin Jones (5 votes)
Reason: Standard gotta go TD upside. –@PauliesSleepers
The Undroppables Consensus: Anthony Miller
Reason: Miller takes over the slot role and is a safer play to me than the dart throw of maybe getting the hot hand on Shanahan’s wheel of the day. –@Jeoff66
The Undroppables Consensus: Jonathan Taylor
Reason: Sony is coming off an injury, and the Pats are expected to ‘ease him into the lineup’. On the other side you have one of the best running back prospects of all time going against one of the most depleted defenses in the NFL. –@DynoGameTheory
In Summary:
To be featured and get your flex questions answered each week feel free to tag or DM @FantasyInAFew throughout the week.
See you next week! May the odds be in your favor.
