Fantasy football mailbag: Thoughts on Puka Nacua, Rhamondre Stevenson and more

May 20, 2024

The Athletic has live fantasy football advice for NFL Week 5.

This week, Gene Clemons checks in to answer questions from the fantasy football mailbag regarding Zack Moss, Puka Nacua, Rhamondre Stevenson and more.

Let’s get to it!

How should Zack Moss managers assess his value going forward with Jonathan Taylor’s return, both on the trade market and as a ROS contributor? — John S.

Fantasy managers should always assess value constantly but in this case, we need to see what this looks like for Moss. Everyone just assumes that Taylor will get back to business as usual but the truth is that this coach is different, this quarterback is extremely different and there is no need for him to carry the load as he once did. If Taylor is truly back and ready to go, there is no reason why Moss and Taylor can’t coexist in a backfield that should have plenty of carries. However, we do not truly know what to expect and so Moss managers should be on a wait-and-see approach unless he is a luxury in your backfield stable — if he is, it is definitely time to look into flipping him for a player at a position of need.

What players are you cutting your losses and selling low on? — Chris M.

Javonte Williams is a player who I would sell while he’s low. His production has been disappointing in all of his games so far this season. Now he is dealing with injury so who knows how effective he will be. There is also the presence of Jaleel McLaughlin, who had an impressive performance against the Bears in Soldier Field and finished Week 4 as RB10 in PPR leagues. I have never been that impressed with Williams’ ceiling and it feels like his floor has lowered as well.

I cursed myself and have Nico Collins and Tank Dell — how do you decide which guy to play each week? — Mark H.

Three of the four weeks this season, Collins has received a heavy amount of targets. That includes nine targets against Pittsburgh in their 30-6 victory in Week 4. He finished that game with seven receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns, as well as a WR3 ranking in standard and in PPR leagues. So he is clearly the play-each-week guy, but depending on the matchup you may want to play both. In Week 2, Dell finished WR20 and the next week he finished WR5. Some fantasy managers have no other choice but to start Dell and they are not mad at that. If your WR unit is flush with talented pass catchers you might look to sell high on Dell and strengthen another area of your roster, but if Dell is “one of them ones” for you as well, relax. Both players are getting more comfortable in the offense and are building rapport with QB C.J. Stroud. The shift already seems to be happening. Veteran receiver Robert Woods garnered 19 targets over the first two game. The last two games it has been reduced to 12. Keep them both locked and loaded!

Joshua Dobbs or Danny Dimes ROS? (SuperFlex league, most start 2 QBs) — Robert G.

I am not a fan of either option if we are being honest, but you clearly have no other options. ROS is difficult for Dobbs because Kyler Murray is being paid a ton of money to play, so when he is healthy, he is going to get out there. Dobbs is a great story and has played good football, but the investment in Daniel Jones will force decent fantasy performances out of him. The offensive line is not as bad as some would believe and when Saquon Barkley returns that should give Jones another weapon to deal with. I would go with Jones but I wouldn’t be excited about it.

Is Jeff Wilson Jr. alive? He’s ostensibly coming off IR this week but there seems to be no news regarding his availability. — Ryan M.

I am sure he is alive but I am not sure how active he will be. The emergence of De’Von Achane has definitely muddied the waters for Wilson Jr. I don’t know if they can get three backs significant touches in order to be factors in fantasy. I was surprised that Achane received the goal line touches against Buffalo but, if that is the case, his home-run hitting ability will likely vault him to RB1 and Raheem Mostert to RB2. Can Wilson Jr. have fantasy value as the RB3 on the team? That is the question. It is a wait-and-see, for sure, but many fantasy managers may not have the luxury of waiting.

“Everybody *Doesn’t* Love Rhamondre” is my least favorite show on TV. Do I start Khalil Herbert over him this Week? Hopefully I have JT coming back, but likely won’t know if he’s active before Herbert suits up on Thursday. — Charlie P.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a victim of what every New England running back is without Tom Brady — a sketchy offense. You can’t rely on anything. I have always believed that Stevenson was valued too high, there is just nothing special about his game. I would roll the dice with Herbert because it seems to be a clear and consistent role for him in the offense.

QUICK HITS!

Is now the time to trade Puka Nacua? I have him and Cooper Kupp in one league — who would be best to try and trade? — David R.

Yes, it is. Trade now before Kupp comes back. We do not know what his role will be when Kupp returns but know that it will not be the same. Targets will drop, production will drop and it is not like Nacua has been a touchdown maker — he only has one this season.

Can we really trust Joshua Dobbs the rest of season as QB2 in SuperFlex? — Daniel R.

You can trust him as long as Kyler Murray is out.

In a 6-pt. TD PPR league, I was offered Josh Jacobs for CeeDee Lamb. I have Stefon Diggs, Chris Olave, Puka Nacua, Raheem Mostert, Alvin Kamara, Rachaad White, Rhamondre Stevenson and Zack Moss. Trade or hold? — Nicholas W.

I would hold for at least another week and see what the landscape will be with Moss and Nacua.

Being offered Kupp for Ja’Marr Chase in a league where I have Tee Higgins as well. Fair trade ? — George B.

Both have big questions. The trade is definitely for the future in the case of both players. However, I would hold on to Kupp because you know he is going to get targeted heavily when he returns.

What is a realistic trade for Justin Jefferson? I’m in a four-player keeper league, so I want someone I can keep long term. The latest offer was Saquon Barkley and Jaylen Waddle for Jefferson. Thoughts? — Tim K.

I would not trade Justin Jefferson, however, that trade request seems to be a reasonable one.

Time to drop Joe Burrow and pick up C.J. Stroud? — Shawn G.

I would definitely pick up Stroud and bench Burrow until we figure out what is up in Cincy.

Is it time to drop Kyle Pitts? I have him on the bench, starting Evan Engram. — Richard L.

Definitely keep starting Engram. Dropping Pitts is not the move, though. Tight ends are so scarce that you can’t afford to let a potential talent be scooped up by a competitor.

Trade high on Puka for a high upside RB who has disappointed thus far (Rhamondre Stevenson, Breece Hall, etc.)? — Albert T.

I definitely would not trade Puka for anyone who has disappointed thus far. I am trading him for someone who will make my team better for the season right now.

I’m stuck with Daniel Jones at quarterback and have Matthew Stafford on my bench. Should I try flipping Achane for a better QB such as Jalen Hurts? My other RBs are Kamara, Stevenson, Dameon Pierce, and Zach Charbonnet. — Michael K.

If you can flip Achane for Hurts, definitely do it because Hurts is going to go for 40-50 at some point this season. If not, keep him because he is scoring like a Top 5 fantasy back.

What to do with George Kittle? I have Sam LaPorta and both have byes in Week 9. — Steven S.

Go to the waiver wire in Week 9 and pray. There is also the option to trade one of them and bring back a different tight end and another player who can bolster your roster. I would probably trade Kittle because of the volatility of his statistical production.

In a 2QB league, should I trade away CeeDee Lamb for Anthony Richardson? My QBs are Kirk Cousins, Geno Smith, and Sam Howell. My other WRs are Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Zay Flowers, Adam Thielen, and Tank Dell. — Zack R.

Cousins and Geno will normally score well for you in fantasy. They typically throw the ball a lot and their teams are usually in shootouts. However, your receiving unit seems to be in great shape and Richardson would definitely be an upgrade. Pull that trigger!

(Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports)

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