The fantasy football season is almost halfway done. As the season continues, it is time to begin thinking about the playoffs and having the best team possible. One way to make your team better is to stash players that are injured. Here are some players to stash that could wind up winning your league over the second half of the season.
Players to Stash as Fantasy Football Approaches Mid-Season
Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson has yet to play this season due to his desire to be traded from the Houston Texans as well as his ongoing investigation by the NFL. It was recently reported this week that trade talks between the Miami Dolphins and Texans had intensified. While there is a good chance Watson doesn’t get moved before the November 2nd trade deadline, it is absolutely worth it to stash him on your bench. Many forget, but Watson is coming off a season where he completed 70 percent of his passes for 4,823 yards and a 33-7 touchdown to interception ratio. If you have an open roster spot, Watson is worth stashing until the trade deadline. He is currently rostered in less than 20 percent of ESPN leagues.
Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas is another player that has yet to play a snap this season. After having a historic 2019 season, Thomas struggled to stay healthy in 2020 and was a fantasy bust. This season, Thomas was considered a high-quality stash due to his upside upon his return from offseason ankle surgery. While some managers thought he might return after the New Orleans Saints week six bye, it was reported last Monday that he could be out for a few more weeks. Now is the time to throw out an offer to an impatient owner of Thomas. Remember, Thomas has WR1 upside when he eventually plays. There is still risk involved with Thomas, but if you can get him at a discount it is absolutely worth it. If you have been stashing Thomas this whole season, now is not the time to cut him loose.
Kadarius Toney
After a tremendous week five, Kadarius Toney came into week six with an ankle injury and left the game early on. He is now expected to miss the New York Giants‘ week seven game against the Carolina Panthers. Some managers might not think it’s worth it to stash Toney, but it definitely is. Just from an eye test, Toney is arguably the Giants’ most talented receiver. When he returns from injury, he can easily become the number one option on this team. The Giants’ receiving core has also been decimated by injuries, so he should have a high target share upon his return. Toney is currently rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues. He should be owned in all leagues as a receiver with league-winning upside when healthy.
Dawson Knox
One of the breakout tight ends in fantasy football this season has been Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills. He currently leads all tight ends in touchdowns (5) through six weeks. Knox broke his hand in week six against the Tennessee Titans and had surgery during this week. There is no clear timetable for his return but it has been said to only be a few weeks. With the tight end position being so shallow, Knox is definitely worth keeping stashed on your bench. If you were lucky enough to pick up Knox as your second tight end, trying to trade him isn’t the worst idea either. However, it may be better to wait until he comes back before doing so. He was a favorite to target in the red zone for Josh Allen and that should continue once he returns.
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