Fantasy Football Question: Dexter McCluster

[IrishLax]

I'm in a 12 team league with a short bench that plays 1 RB 2 WR 2 FLEX... so I hedged towards RBs in the draft and have Ray Rice, Peyton Hillis, Tim Hightower, Ben Tate and Reggie Bush. My WRs I thought were solid in Hakeem Nicks and Brandon Lloyd but both have had injuries so far. My backups there are Nate Burleson (love him for this season) and Julio Jones (holding on for upside).

My question is... is it worth dropping any of my current players in favor of Dexter McCluster? Right now I'm leaning towards dropping Reggie Bush because Daniel Thomas carried the ball way more than I was anticipating last week. But I'm struggling to determine how many touches McCluster is really going to get in a post-Jamaal Charles world and if I am overreacting to one bad game from Bush.

If not dropping Bush, is there anyone else you would drop?

 

[Mr. Larson]

Are you in a PPR league or standard scoring?

 

[IrishLax]

No PPR. 10 yards to 1 point, 1 TD to 6 points rushing or receiving.

 

[Mr. Larson]

Honestly, I don't see ANY player on the Chiefs worth starting..not even Bowe (save for week 5 against the Colts).

McCluster is probably good for 15 touches a game without Charles, but without Berry in the secondary this team will be on the wrong side of a ton of blowouts. Can stop anyone, and can't move the ball. Not worth a roster spot.

I don't think you are overreacting on Bush. He has again proved that he can't be an everydown back. In a PPR league though I feel like he's more valuable than McCluster.

 

[Mr. Larson]

No PPR. 10 yards to 1 point, 1 TD to 6 points rushing or receiving.

Didn't see this before I replied.

Pencil Bush in for 8 carries for 30-35 yards a game, 6 catches for 40...probably not worth a spot.

With McCluster's speed he could have a few massive games...like in Week 5. But I don't see anything more than that.

Really doesn't look like you have anything to worry about at RB. Those are some horses (especially in a 12 man league).

If you want to move Bush out and gamble on one big week from McCluster go for it.

 

[ShakeDown]

Is that the extent of your bench?? I doubt he's ppr or else he would have taken a more balanced attack during the draft, and would likely not be getting rid of Bush.

McCluster isn't an every down back ,and the Chiefs are atrocious overall, but he def has some gamebreaker upside. The question is do you really want to waste a roster spot on a "maybe"... I know I will probably take a stab at him, but I expect DeSean Jackson like results. Also, I have a longer bench. God knows it hurts when you are on the receiving end of DJac on a good week.

In general, I would rather start players that I can count on to score me 10+ pts a week, over a player that occasionally gets me 20, but occasionally scores me 2. Just me.

Lots of injuries this last week. I really like E. Decker on the waiver wire.

I also like DeMarco Murray or T Choice (DM>TC) if Felix Jones doesn't man-up.

I also really like D. Nelson and his 14 touches and 149 yds so far this season... but who knows if the Bills offense is sustainable for the entire season.

Of course all of this is dependent on who is available in your league. In a 12 person standard with a short bench (how many slots? 5??) there should be some quality on the wire... and this is where championships are won my friend.

ps Bush would be the first to go for me on your roster. Again, he's a big upside, volatile style player.

 

[ShakeDown]

No PPR. 10 yards to 1 point, 1 TD to 6 points rushing or receiving.

My bad, I was replying already when this was posted.

 

[IrishLax]

Thanks guys. And yes, 5 position player starters and 6 total bench spots. I'm holding 2 defenses right now (Steelers and Lions) and 2 QBs so that only leaves me room for 4 bench position players. Right now those are Tate, Bush, Burleson and Julio Jones. I don't NEED Bush and that's why I'm really debating taking a flyer on McCluster. I'm struggling to decide who is going to get more touches each week.

A big part of me thinks that because the Chiefs are going to be so bad they're going to be constantly throwing the ball... and McCluster as a 3rd down back type is going to get his fair share of touches each week. Whereas I'm really struggling to figure out what Reggie's role is.

 

[ShakeDown]

Thanks guys. And yes, 5 position player starters and 6 total bench spots. I'm holding 2 defenses right now (Steelers and Lions) and 2 QBs so that only leaves me room for 4 bench position players. Right now those are Tate, Bush, Burleson and Julio Jones. I don't NEED Bush and that's why I'm really debating taking a flyer on McCluster. I'm struggling to decide who is going to get more touches each week.

A big part of me thinks that because the Chiefs are going to be so bad they're going to be constantly throwing the ball... and McCluster as a 3rd down back type is going to get his fair share of touches each week. Whereas I'm really struggling to figure out what Reggie's role is.

I know I know the Lions D scored a lot of pts this week and the Steelers got lit by the Ravens wk 1... But for what it's worth, I never, EVER draft a D or a Kicker till the very end of the draft. I also don't hold either on my bench (except in my 8 man 20 starter, 14 man bench league). During bye weeks if I have a good D I will use them as trade material and pick up a decent match up.

D is all about match-ups, and I'll gladly give away 2-6pts a week (maybe) to pick up another high yield wr or rb option. Specifically because I would rather they rot on my bench than hurt me on the other side of the ball.

Just my philosophy, for what it's worth. I'd trade Bush and the Lions(or Steelers if you have a PBurg fan in your league) to someone for a decent rb2/wr2 and some nobody. Then I'd drop the nobody and take a gamble on McCluster.

 

[Mr. Larson]

Thanks guys. And yes, 5 position player starters and 6 total bench spots. I'm holding 2 defenses right now (Steelers and Lions) and 2 QBs so that only leaves me room for 4 bench position players. Right now those are Tate, Bush, Burleson and Julio Jones. I don't NEED Bush and that's why I'm really debating taking a flyer on McCluster. I'm struggling to decide who is going to get more touches each week.

A big part of me thinks that because the Chiefs are going to be so bad they're going to be constantly throwing the ball... and McCluster as a 3rd down back type is going to get his fair share of touches each week. Whereas I'm really struggling to figure out what Reggie's role is.

Even the Dolphins are still trying to figure out Reggie's role.

Do you have to keep 2 defenses? I would jettison the Lions D in a heartbeat. I can't see owning 2 defenses. Additionally the Lions have Carolina on the Steeler's bye week and Carolina can really move the ball and put up points.

 

[Mr. Larson]

I know I know the Lions D scored a lot of pts this week and the Steelers got lit by the Ravens wk 1... But for what it's worth, I never, EVER draft a D or a Kicker till the very end of the draft. I also don't hold either on my bench (except in my 8 man 20 starter, 14 man bench league). During bye weeks if I have a good D I will use them as trade material and pick up a decent match up.

D is all about match-ups, and I'll gladly give away 2-6pts a week (maybe) to pick up another high yield wr or rb option. Specifically because I would rather they rot on my bench than hurt me on the other side of the ball.

Just my philosophy, for what it's worth. I'd trade Bush and the Lions(or Steelers if you have a PBurg fan in your league) to someone for a decent rb2/wr2 and some nobody. Then I'd drop the nobody and take a gamble on McCluster.

It's like we are sharing a brain with these replies.

 

[ShakeDown]

It's like we are sharing a brain with these replies.

Yeah buddy.

I say sell-em while they're hot, and use the psyche of your opponents against them. Last year I traded post-suspension Big Ben + H. Ward for concussed A Rog + Mario Manningham to a die hard Steelers fan.

Winninggg.

 

[Mr. Larson]

Not to high jack the thread, but I just lost Charles..I'm 10th in waiver priority. Have no chance of landing either of his backups. 2RBs 3 WRS 1 TE PPR format.

I have Rodgers, Hillis, Charles (IR), Jennings, Boldin, Steve Smith (carolina), Jason Witten. Brandon Jacobs is sitting on my bench. I need to pickup a running back and I'm trying to move Matt Schaub (not a bad insurance policy and I felt like the other people in my league weren't looking to get a QB once the top 5 went so I snagged him as trade bait.)

I'm thinking I have a legit chance to land Danny Woodhead (with Hernandez out this week I like his chances of snagging more catches)...but I might be able to get away with starting Jacobs this week.

Thoughts?

 

[ShakeDown]

Not to high jack the thread, but I just lost Charles..I'm 10th in waiver priority. Have no chance of landing either of his backups. 2RBs 3 WRS 1 TE PPR format.

I have Rodgers, Hillis, Charles (IR), Jennings, Boldin, Steve Smith (carolina), Jason Witten. Brandon Jacobs is sitting on my bench. I need to pickup a running back and I'm trying to move Matt Schaub (not a bad insurance policy and I felt like the other people in my league weren't looking to get a QB once the top 5 went so I snagged him as trade bait.)

I'm thinking I have a legit chance to land Danny Woodhead (with Hernandez out this week I like his chances of snagging more catches)...but I might be able to get away with starting Jacobs this week.

Thoughts?

Ouch. PPR I would trade Jennings (Rogers spreads the rock) for a RB1/High end RB2. Ryan Mathews has been killing it in SD and you might be able to get him cheap, don't know if you believe in him like me but I would trade Jennings for Mathews in ppr s/u. Then I would pick up Decker or Nelson like I mentioned above. Those extra 5-10 pts a week from receptions is money, and Mathews is a terror catching passes out of the backfield.

 

[ShakeDown]

Do we have a fantasy only thread? If not, we need one.

 

[IrishLax]

Haha yeah I usually don't draft a defense until the 2nd to last round... and then play matchups off of the FA defenses. But this year we moved to a waiver system that doesn't resolve until Thursday (which scares me late in the season when there are games on Thursday). So invested in the Steelers D the round before people made a run on Ds and then grabbed the Lions in the last round of the draft because they just looked dominant every time I watched them. Also, defenses in our league get 20 points for a shut out... so there is a pretty stark difference between playing a good defense and a bad one.

I like your idea about trying to deal one of my defenses in a package with Bush or just stand alone.

 

[ShakeDown]

Also, defenses in our league get 20 points for a shut out... so there is a pretty stark difference between playing a good defense and a bad one.

Wow that is a great idea. I will definitely be adding that to my League next year... hardly ever happens but when it does that D def deserves a bonus.

 

[Mr. Larson]

Ouch. PPR I would trade Jennings (Rogers spreads the rock) for a RB1/High end RB2. Ryan Mathews has been killing it in SD and you might be able to get him cheap, don't know if you believe in him like me but I would trade Jennings for Mathews in ppr s/u. Then I would pick up Decker or Nelson like I mentioned above. Those extra 5-10 pts a week from receptions is money, and Mathews is a terror catching passes out of the backfield.

Thanks...the guy in my league who owns Matthews is pretty stacked at WR, but starts Kevin Kolb at QB (has Matthews benched in favor of McFadden and Shonn Greene-Jets Homer). I'll put out a feeler to see what he thinks about making a move.

I'll definitely put in claims for Decker and Nelson. Davone Bess and Austin Collie are not worthy of roster spots IMO.

 

[Mr. Larson]

Haha yeah I usually don't draft a defense until the 2nd to last round... and then play matchups off of the FA defenses. But this year we moved to a waiver system that doesn't resolve until Thursday (which scares me late in the season when there are games on Thursday). So invested in the Steelers D the round before people made a run on Ds and then grabbed the Lions in the last round of the draft because they just looked dominant every time I watched them. Also, defenses in our league get 20 points for a shut out... so there is a pretty stark difference between playing a good defense and a bad one.

I like your idea about trying to deal one of my defenses in a package with Bush or just stand alone.

Lax- Who is your QB?

 

[IrishLax]

Lax- Who is your QB?

Schaub and Kolb. Very average-to-weak performances so far but I think they will play better as the year goes on.

 

[ShakeDown]

Thanks...the guy in my league who owns Matthews is pretty stacked at WR, but starts Kevin Kolb at QB (has Matthews benched in favor of McFadden and Shonn Greene-Jets Homer). I'll put out a feeler to see what he thinks about making a move.

I'll definitely put in claims for Decker and Nelson. Davone Bess and Austin Collie are not worthy of roster spots IMO.

Oh yeah I def like that. Trades/waiver pick ups are multi-factorial and really depend on not only your needs, but opponent strengths/needs, league settings, waiver wire availability, injuries, manipulating loyalties, NFL match-ups, league division match-ups and really gut instinct.

For instance I like Decker because this week everyone is looking at rb. So I may slip in and knab him at the 12 spot on the wire. He's scored 32 pts the last two weeks off 8 receptions and 166yds (standard scoring). With Lloyd, Moreno and Royal dinged up I think he is a solid play... not to mention he returns punts.

Would I pick up someone else... let's say Ben Tate, if he was available on the waiver wire and I had a shot? Of course. Even though I really like Decker and Tate may just be a short term option.

I'm probably preaching to the choir, but those are my 2 cents for what it's worth hah

 

[Mr. Larson]

I thnk Schaub has the potential to be a very solid this year. That's goes double with Foster reaggravating his hamstring. His numbers are a bit misleading due to how badly they beat up on the Colts. I think he attempted a grand total of 6 passes in the second half.

He's a must start this week against the Saints. You can possibly package he and Bush/Lions D for a top 5 QB after this week and the gaudy numbers he's about to put up.

 

[Mr. Larson]

Oh yeah I def like that. Trades/waiver pick ups are multi-factorial and really depend on not only your needs, but opponent strengths/needs, league settings, waiver wire availability, injuries, manipulating loyalties, NFL match-ups, league division match-ups and really gut instinct.

For instance I like Decker because this week everyone is looking at rb. So I may slip in and knab him at the 12 spot on the wire. He's scored 32 pts the last two weeks off 8 receptions and 166yds (standard scoring). With Lloyd, Moreno and Royal dinged up I think he is a solid play... not to mention he returns punts.

Would I pick up someone else... let's say Ben Tate, if he was available on the waiver wire and I had a shot? Of course. Even though I really like Decker and Tate may just be a short term option.

I'm probably preaching to the choir, but those are my 2 cents for what it's worth hah

If only Ben Tate were available...

Short term options are really the only shot I have in lieu of a trade. If only Jamal had opted to run over Detriot's mascot and not stop awkwardly. No torn ACL and I'm running away with the league.