Fantasy Football 2018: Evaluating wide receivers on new teams

Multiple star wide receivers changed teams at the trade deadline, throwing Fantasy Football 2018 into turmoil. Which players should be added immediately, and who is likely an afterthought?

The 2018 NFL Trade Deadline was not without excitement. A number of teams made moves to acquire potential difference-making pieces for the latter half of the season. Clinton-Dixes and Fowlers notwithstanding, the main players that moved who impact fantasy football 2018 were wide receivers. This puts us in a tricky spot.

Wide receivers are legendarily hard to incorporate smoothly into an offense right from the jump. Rookie wide receivers normally take a long time to acclimate. Veterans who join new systems need time to learn the lingo, but also to grow a rapport with their new quarterback. It takes endless reps to get on the same page for back shoulder throws, timing routes, and mid-route adjustments.

For Fantasy Football Week 9 specifically, it will be hard to trust any of these guys in new places. But where do you handicap the three receivers in new homes compared to some type of replacement-level player? We evaluate them and rank them so you can win Fantasy Football 2018.

Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, debate Fantasy Football 2018 in today’s NFL Sports Debate.

Amari Cooper – Dallas Cowboys

Todd Salem: Dallas had a bye in Week 8, so Cooper has yet to take the field for the Cowboys. That gives him one week of practice as a leg up. He also comes in as a savior to the fan base who saw how cheap those other receivers were on deadline day. Cooper needs to come through in a major way. He is Dallas’ only hope at this point. Unfortunately, he has never been consistently good.

Dan Salem: Since the Dallas Cowboys only have slot receivers to speak of, Cooper provides an instant weapon for their offense. The only question is whether Dak Prescott will have time to get him the ball. Considering Dallas fired their offensive line coach, they are thinking the same thing. I like Cooper in Dallas, mainly because they have a running game to open up the field for him. It won’t be instant dynamite, but the risk is worth the reward.

Golden Tate – Philadelphia Eagles

Todd Salem: Tate is probably the best receiver to change teams. Like Cooper, he too immediately becomes the best receiver on his new squad. Philly has a Week 9 bye, so he can’t be used out of the gate, but he feels like he should have the highest ceiling moving forward. The Eagles have talent on offense but were lacking skill players outside of Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery. Tate steps into that void.

Dan Salem: The Eagles desperately needed a player like Tate, who was already doing well for a hapless team in Detroit. Philadelphia wants to play balanced offense and now they can. The only caveat of note is that the Eagles are not as good as last season and must find a running game quickly. Tate has major upside as long as the Eagles are playing good football.

Demaryius Thomas – Houston Texans

Todd Salem: From a bad quarterback and a team on the downswing to a much improved situation. Thomas was personally having a bad year too, accumulating far too many drops. He now slots in behind DeAndre Hopkins as a second weapon for a high-powered attack. He also faces his old team in Week 9 for some added encouragement.

Dan Salem: Houston started the season 0-3 and is 5-0 since. Perhaps it was a slow start, but I’m leaning towards the law of averages taking over. Luckily, the Texans are in a bad division once again. Thomas is going to garner respect from opposing defenses, but I’m hesitant to believe in him for fantasy football. Houston’s offense is not wowing people to begin with. Name value alone is not worth a place on your starting roster.

Nameless, generic fill-in wide receiver — probably playing Thursday Night

Todd Salem: Someone like Jordy Nelson or Marquise Goodwin is available in many standard leagues. These are guys who could have a breakout any given week, yet rank outside the top 30 at their position. Nelson has one really good game this season and two adequate games. The rest has been crap. Goodwin has had the same. There are a number of other players who fit the same bill: untrustworthy but possess potential.

Dan Salem: Unless you’re desperate, avoid them. You will most likely be disappointed.

Final Verdict:

Todd Salem: Moving forward, here is my order of preference for the new faces in new places. The closest competition, in my mind, is between second and third. If Thomas doesn’t catch on quickly, he becomes replacement-level and droppable.

1. Tate 2. Thomas 3. Nameless, generic fill-in 4. Cooper

Dan Salem: I have high hopes for Cooper, but a short leash. Tate will likely do well, unless the Eagles completely fall apart. Thomas scares me.

1. Tate 2. Cooper 3. Thomas 4. Nameless, generic fill-in