Who’s Daily Fantasy Value Benefits The Most From Antonio Brown’s Absence?
Who’s Daily Fantasy Value Benefits The Most From Antonio Brown’s Absence?
When Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown left the game against the Patriots last week in the second quarter, the hearts of fantasy football players left with him. Every daily fantasy player that spent a significant chunk of their salary cap to acquire him was just sick. He’s already been ruled out for the last two weeks of the regular season with a calf muscle tear.
However, it’s worth noting that several players on the Steelers still had good fantasy days against the Patriots. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns. Le’Veon Bell had a 100+ yard day, and JuJu Smith-Schuster had 100+ yards receiving.
So now what?
Brown may have been down and out, but since the Steelers have a roster full of playmakers, they were still able to generate over 400 yards of offense. Their success brings a question to mind as daily fantasy players prepare their rosters for Week 16.
Who’s daily fantasy value is going to benefit the most from Antonio Brown’s absence?
The candidates
The one person whose value will remain unchanged will be Ben Roethlisberger. He’s likely going to find someone to make up for Brown’s absence, but not replace him. The obvious candidates will be wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant and running back Le’Veon Bell.
If Sunday’s game is any indication, they all may benefit equally from Brown’s absence. Typically, the number of targets are heavily skewed in favor of Brown. Against the Patriots, Roethlisberger spread the ball around evenly. Each was targeted six times.
The right question may be not who will benefit more, but who will do more with their additional touches.
And the winner is…
It’s a toss-up between Bell and Smith-Schuster. Bell is one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. It only makes sense that he’ll be a more significant part of the game plan with Brown out. However, of the wide receivers, both could be excellent choices.
If forced to take one— you want to go with JuJu. He seems to be the more explosive and reliable between him and Bryant. Once he breaks a couple plays open, Big Ben will target him for the rest of the game.
Bryant is still a good choice but if you want a great one—go with JuJu Smith Schuster.
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