Covid-19 is still a thing

First - thank you to all the new subscribers joining the Morning Huddle from Reddit. Not only do I appreciate the support, but your tips for improving the newsletter are great: see if you can spot your suggestion.

For those new, welcome and thank you! As usual, you can click the links below for the linked articles/tweets.

Giants & Chargers deal with Covid-positive tests

Several Giants offensive lineman and coaches were sent home after some players tested positive for Covid-19. The next day or two will determine the likelihood their game against the Bucs is played.

The Chargers moved to all-virtual meetings yesterday after a player tested positive. That player and all close-contacts are self-isolating. All we can do is hope both cases are contained and no games are rescheduled.

Will the Bears ever have a decent QB?

Since as long as I can remember, the Bears QB situation has been a disaster. It’s particularly difficult this year, as neither Nick (Big D***) Foles or Mitch (Big Mist****) Trubisky are competent: yet their WRs are talented as f***!

• Allen Robinson leads the league in targets without a drop. Can we get him one decent QB?

• Here’s a video of rookie WR Darnell Mooney absolutely burning top CB Jalen Ramsey, then getting overthrown. Sorry Bears fans.

WR/CB matchups to avoid and exploit

From industry expert Scott Barrett: “Legitimately one of the best fantasy articles I've ever read. Truly elite-levels of fantasy analysis here from @DFS_Biologist”. This weekly article free this week, for the first time all-season: go see for yourself.

Calvin, we were just getting to know each-other

Calvin Ridley, the Falcons star WR2, was injured in last night’s matchup against the Panthers. Here’s an update on the injury and what it could mean for his season. Dr. Chao thinks Ridley can avoid surgery, but it is certainly sprained. As a major fan and shareholder of Ridley fantasy football stock, this tweet is accurate:

Next week’s top waiver pickups

Knowing who to pick-up a week before they are obvious (i.e. Chase Edmonds this week) is valuable. It spares you blowing your FAAB load (lol) on a certain player by picking them up before anyone realizes the potential value. Sure, sometimes you’ll miss. But it’s worth the few times you’ll be right.

I hope the paragraph above makes sense.

Anyways, here are the players who, if they - play well/stay healthy/an opportunity opens/receive more volume - will be future waiver targets (ESPN ownership in brackets):

• QB: Ben DiNucci (0.5%) - In 2016, unheralded rookie Dak Prescott was named the Cowboys starter after the top starter - Tony Romo - and the top backup - Kellen Moore - both went down with injuries. After injuries to the starter and backup, DiNucci has an opportunity with (arguably) the best supporting cast in the league. If he is half as good as Dak was in Weeks 1-4, the Nooch would avg 15 ppg.

• TE: Albert Okwuegbunam (0.4%) - Albert O was targeted on (a crazy high) 39% of his routes the previous two weeks. Evan Silva breaks Albert O down perfectly here.

• WR: Denzel Mims (3.9%) - The second-rounder made his season debut last week, finishing with a respectable 42 yards on 7 targets. Look, I know it’s the J-E-T-S, but Crowder and Perriman both might be out. Darnold has to throw to someone when trailing the Chiefs all-game.

• RB: DeeJay Dallas (4.6%) - There might not be a single other RB active for the Seahawks in Week 8. Chris Carson, Travis Homer, and Carlos Hyde did not practice yesterday. We should know more later today.

BONUS:

A short-list of players who missed practice here. Also:

• Mike Davis is like, really good.

• Michael Thomas is back practicing.

• 90 seconds of James Robinson showing how great he is.

• Eagles WR Jalen Reagor will play against the Cowboys.

NOW… if you enjoyed this newsletter and think some friends/acquaintances of yours would too, I’d appreciate any sharing you can offer to help a brother out. Cheers!

Question of the day: Who is YOUR low-owned waiver pickup of the week?