As any fantasy football manager will agree, this time of year is the worst for injuries.
If you lose a player early in the season, you have many weeks to recoup through trades or shrewd plays on the waiver wire. If you lose a key player in Week 13, your fantasy season might be ruined. Just ask the fantasy football managers whose postseason dreams have been hampered by Lamar Jackson and Jimmy Garoppolo’s injuries. If you can hear them above their deep tears.
A foot injury has already caused Garoppolo to lose time, and maybe the entire season. As for Jackson, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh delivered us the bad news in the form of a “not a season-ending issue” silver lining, but reading between the lines reveals that it is a knee injury that will sideline him for many weeks. The worst possible moment to replace your quarterback in fantasy football is now.
On December 4, 2022, Broncos defensive end Jonathon Cooper (53) sacks Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The natural tendency is to consider the immediate replacements for both players. Tyler Huntley replaced Lamar Jackson and led the Baltimore Ravens to a 10-9 victory over the Denver Broncos, despite throwing for only 187 yards and one interception. Although he rushed for 41 yards and a score, the offense was as stagnant as ever. The 49ers defeated Miami 33-17 under the direction of Brock Purdy. He was pretty effective, but can we trust the former seventh-round draft pick?
This week, when you reach your waiver wire, it will be as empty as Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard. You could tell if Russell Wilson was cut, but will he contribute? At this moment, Denver is beyond dreadful.
Mike White may be available. Unless the Jets go back to Zach Wilson, he appears to be a solid fantasy option. Alternatively, you might choose the Sam Darnold path. His throwing skill is at most average, but he enjoys stealing goal-line carries
There are also Kyle Allen and John Wolford. Unfortunately, neither generates much excitement or even the possibility of double-digit fantasy points.
However, as victory is impossible without a quarterback, decisions must be taken. As unfortunate as it may seem, Darnold is your best option based on Week 14 matchups, unless you play in a league where no one picked up Deshaun Watson for personal reasons. If so, set aside personal sentiments and utilize him. If not, select Darnold, hope for the best against Seattle, and review this decision-making process the following week.
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