Each week the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week (Scoring thresholds – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points [10 for shockers], WR: 11 fantasy points: TE: 10 fantasy points; .5 PPR).
Tyler Allgeier, Falcons
| Start pct. | 10% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Dolphins |
| BetMGM line | Atl -7 |
| BetMGM total | 44.5 |
| BetAlytics proj. | NA pts |
Sometimes the reliable drummer can strike out on his own and top the charts on an original head-banging jam.
Just call Allgeier the Dave Grohl of fantasy.
Bijan Robinson is Atlanta’s indisputable jewel of the South. The popular No. 1 overall fantasy pick has consistently delivered on all fronts, exploding with conviction via ground and air. He’s the pack leader in total missed tackles forced and RB1 overall in PPR formats. Hoss.
Though Allgeier taps in only on occasion, he’s also proven effective on a per touch basis. Entering Week 8, he’s No. 22 in YAC per attempt and RB12 in total breakaway runs. His RB46 standing in fantasy points per opportunity may not have gamers pelvis pumping in celebration, but with three double-digit fantasy performances to his name this season he’s been FLEX useful in spurts.
This week should be another impactful eruption.
Miami’s defensive schemes are as meandering Mike McDaniels’ disjointed answers to common postgame questions. The Miami Minnows are No. 30 in rush EPA D, conceding 5.19 yards per carry, 128.3 rush yards per game, six touchdowns and the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs.
In what should be another easy Dolphins dismissal, Allgeier grabs the mic 10-14 times and rocks the house en route to solid RB2 number.
In a bye-heavy week, he’s no Pretender.
Fearless Forecast: 12 carries, 48 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 receptions, 8 receiving yards, 12.1 fantasy points
Kimani Vidal, Chargers
| Start pct. | 44% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Vikings |
| BetMGM line | Min -3 |
| BetMGM total | 44.5 |
| BetAlytics proj. | NA pts |
Dude, you got a Vidal.
If you pronounce the RB’s last name correctly, the throwback commercial reference is quite fitting.
Last week against the Colts he may have operated with the sluggishness of a 56K connection, but LAC’s unplugged defense was to blame. With his team falling into a deep deficit, he only received scraps. The pint-sized back, however, continued to out-snap Hassan Haskins, besting him 49-to-25 in the category.
Jim Harbaugh’s ground spark isn’t a high-tech contributor, but he’s at least resourceful. As witnessed two weeks ago in a 138-yard explosion versus the disastrous Dolphins, he can deliver fruitful numbers in a pinch. His solid 2.95 YAC per attempt supports the notion.
Week 8 presents one such opportunity.
This season, Skol has been occasionally skewered in the trenches. Ahead of the main slate, the Vikings rank No. 23 rush EPA D, allowing 4.17 yards per carry, 127.5 total yards per game and three total touchdowns. They have, however, surrendered the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game -- a classic bend-don't-break D.
Yes, the Chargers offensive line is glued together with Elmer’s and their defense is coming unraveled, but given the limited options most managers have, Vidal is highly employable.
Get online.
(UPDATE: Haskins has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Hello, giant snap share.)
Fearless Forecast: 14 carries, 57 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 3 receptions, 12 receiving yards, 14.4 fantasy points
Deep league dish: Kyle Monangai, Bears, (at Ravens, 1% started) - For weeks, this raging nincompoop has yelled at various screens imploring Bears HC Ben Johnson to give the Rutgers product more opportunities. No, a Greg Schiano poster doesn't adorn the bedroom wall, he's just a tremendous one-cut-and-go outside zone runner who fits the scheme perfectly. D'Andre Swift is the primary reason why the rookie's deployment has been gradual. Exceeding this often wrong writer's low expectations, the veteran has tallied the 11th-best fantasy output of any RB in half-point PPR formats. Honestly, his 2.57 YAC per attempt is less than desirable, but Monangai's 28.7 missed tackle percentage and 5.12 yards per touch clearly show he possesses above average wiggle. Bruised Baltimore likely healed during its much needed bye week. Still, the Ravens enter the slate No. 31 in rush EPA D, conceding 4.73 yards per carry, 149.3 total yards per game, nine total touchdowns and the second-most fantasy points to RBs. Bear down in the FLEX.