We are getting to the point in the NFL season where injuries and bye weeks will force us to change our starting lineups on a consistent basis. Starting next week, fantasy football owners will have to pick up the pieces from what could be injury-riddled and bye-week laden rosters and find some solid under-the-radar options.
Today's slate of NFL action features some big-time injuries that could impact how you set your lineup. The term "game-time" decision also forces us to wait until the last possible moment to set our lineups.
Fret not, eDraft is here to help. Here are some of our possible injury replacements for Week 3.
Bernard Pierce, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens
With Ray Rice unlikely to play in this one, Pierce goes from a solid FLEX option to a decent RB2 in PPR leagues. He's going to see 20-plus touches in this one, which shoudl result in triple-digit yards. While going up against a stout Houston Texans run defense isn't a cake walk, Joe Flacco will have to rely on his backup running back to provide some sense of balance this week. Houston's defense may rank fourth in the NFL against fantasy running backs, but the touches will be there for Pierce in this one.
Joique Bell, Running Back, Detroit Lions
Even if Reggie Bush is good to go in this one, which is highly unlikely, Bell would be a solid FLEX guy in standard and PPR leagues. Bell is averaging nearly seven yards per touch this season and has 10 receptions in two games. Detroit is also going up against a Washington Redskins defense that has yielded over 1,000 total yards in two games. If Bell gets the start in lieu of Bush here, he could put up top-tier RB1 numbers.
Pierre Thomas, Running Back, New Orleans Saints
Far be it from me to recommend that you start a Saints' running back, but with Mark Ingram out due to injury, Thomas will get a bulk of the Saints' rushing attempts against the Arizona Cardinals today. If you are in a tricky position due to other injuries at running back, Thomas could help you survive Week 3. Arizona is yielding an average of 150 total yards and 0.8 scores against opposing fantasy running backs this season.
Brandon Gibson, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
Groin injuries are tricky. Mike Wallace will be ready to go against the Atlanta Falcons today, but there is no telling exactly what type of impact he'll make in this one. If Wallace is slowed down, which is a real possibility, Gibson offers you solid upside from the WR3 or FLEX positions. He has caught eight passes through two games and could end up being an under-the-radar PPR stud in this one. Atlanta has given up four touchdowns to opposing receivers this season.
Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers
With Malcom Floyd out indefinitely, someone will have to step up for the Chargers this week. Allen saw more action Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles than he saw versus the Houston Texans in his NFL debut. He responded by catching two passes for 34 yards on three targets. Expect those numbers to be doubled against a lackluster Tennessee Titans pass defense today. 70 yards and a possible score could make him a decent FLEX option.
Vance McDonald, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers
I fully expect Vernon Davis to start today against the Indianapolis Colts, but if he is slowed down McDonald could be someone to look at. Even if Davis is good to go, the rookie second-round pick from Rice offers a tremendous amount of upside against a Colts defense that will be without Pat Angerer and LaRon Landry in this one. McDonald has caught just two passes in four targets this season, but has been seeing increased playing time. I expect a breakout game from him here.