It is never too early in dynasty football formats to look to the future. While you may feel comfortable with your roster build currently, filling out those fringe spots with stash options is exactly how to tie up any loose ends.
Playing the long game is exactly how players like Joshua Palmer, Khalil Herbert, and more options have gone from an afterthought to holding solid value, both now and in the future. Here are a few targets that you should stash now before they disappear off of your league’s waiver wire.
Kyren Williams, RB LAR
With all of the issues surrounding the future of Cam Akers, plus the depth behind Darrell Henderson looking quite barren, Williams is a perfect stash option at running back. Granted, he was one of the hotter waiver wire pickups this past week, but he should still be available for you.
Williams earned hefty praise from the LA coaching staff earlier this year (before his injury hit), so this staff at least has provided some lip service for their expectations for the Notre Dame product. When the Rams decide to trust Williams after he returns from his IR stint, make sure you are there on the ground floor – because he has a huge potential opportunity.
Cade Otton, TE TBB
Sixteen targets across his first five career games is a fairly healthy start to Otton’s career, and catching passes from Tom Brady certainly is not a bad thing either.
With Cameron Brate and Kyle Rudolph not being looked at as long-term options for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their tight end position, Otton has already begun his first few steps into becoming the top TE on the roster.
Brate, unfortunately, is going to take the majority of starter snaps as long as he is healthy. But a neck injury has opened up a higher snap opportunity for Otton, something he will likely slide into as the season progresses. His real value is for next season, as he should become the top TE for Brady or whoever is leading this team at QB.
Tyquan Thornton, WR NEP
Sunday’s two-TD outburst against the Cleveland Browns is a perfect example of what Thornton brings to the table as a bonafide speed threat and field splitter.
Thornton’s ceiling will naturally be higher if Mac Jones is back under center, but if the team can scheme him open more, he will get the looks he needs to be relevant. Being a wide receiver for the New England Patriots can be a bit of a hopeless path, but Thornton has the tools to help change that narrative.
Sam Howell, QB WAS
Not many things are going right for the Washington Commanders, and even with Carson Wentz’s fast start to the season, the writing is on the wall to swift away from Wentz.
With Taylor Heinicke stepping in for the injured Wentz, beginning this week against the Packers, that elevates Howell into a game-day role, serving as the team’s backup QB. The coaching staff knows what they are getting from Heinicke, and Howell could be the spark plug a struggling offense may need.
Howell threw for over 3,000 yards in each of his three years as a starter with the Tar Heels and never threw more than nine interceptions in a campaign. He had 24 or more TDs in all three seasons, and a completion percentage above 62% paints a good picture of what he brings to the NFL.
If the Commanders are looking to usher in more youth into their offense, giving Howell a chance to lead this team is the perfect way to do it. He profiles as a solid option to be this team’s starter next year, which gives you a great opportunity to stash him now.
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