Unheralded athletes in fantasy football making significant impacts by the season's halfway mark
In a season filled with surprises, several undrafted and overlooked players have made a significant impact on fantasy football leagues. Here are some standout performers who have proven their worth despite not being highly touted at the start of the year.
The Rising Stars
TJ Yeldon and James Conner
TJ Yeldon, the backup running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been a valuable addition for fantasy managers, especially during Leonard Fournette's missed time. Yeldon went largely ignored by fantasy managers due to Fournette's rookie season missed time, but his value as a backup has become apparent this season.
Similarly, James Conner of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been nearly as productive as Le'Veon Bell, the player for whom he's filling in. Conner is currently ranked 4th in PPR scoring among running backs, a remarkable achievement for a backup.
QB Andy Dalton and WR Tyler Boyd
Quarterback Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals is the 14th-highest scoring quarterback in terms of points this season. Drafted later than Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford, who are currently lower-ranked quarterbacks, Dalton's consistent performance has been a pleasant surprise.
Wide receiver Tyler Boyd, often overlooked behind A.J. Green and John Ross, ranks 12th in PPR scoring among wide receivers, ahead of players like Julio Jones. Boyd has had five 20-plus scoring games, making him a risk worth taking.
RB Phillip Lindsay
Undrafted in both NFL and fantasy, RB Phillip Lindsay is tied for 15th in PPR scoring among running backs, with as many points as top-20 draft pick Kenyan Drake. Lindsay's only single-digit game was due to an ejection in Week 3, and he has been gaining steam lately.
The Reliable Options
Vance McDonald
TE Vance McDonald is the 14th-best tight end in PPR leagues. Despite not approaching his Week 3 scoring, he has been a reliable target for Ben Roethlisberger and has been useful most weeks.
Dede Westbrook
WR Dede Westbrook is currently 33rd in PPR scoring among wide receivers, which equates to a WR3 level. He should be owned in more leagues, especially considering his consistent double-digit scoring.
In conclusion, these unsung heroes of the NFL season have proven that they belong in the limelight. Whether you're a fantasy manager or a football fan, keep an eye on these players as they continue to make their mark.
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