9 GREAT Fantasy Football Players Your Idiot Leaguemates Are NOT Drafting

Ian Hartitz identifies Alec Pierce as a player returning from an ankle injury, making him a target for opposing defenses in Week 1.

Ian Hartitz views Chris Bell as a first-round rookie draft talent if not for injury concerns. He was ranked higher than Omar Cooper and considered a strong prospect compared to Stenzo Boston. With an empty depth chart and high-end efficiency potential from Malik Willis, Bell is a high-upside target who is essentially free in fantasy drafts (sub-5% rostered).

Ian Hartitz identifies Daniel Jones as a favorable matchup for opposing defenses in Week 1, specifically noting that he is returning from an Achilles injury.

Ian Hartitz suggests Devaughn Vele as a viable deep-league wide receiver option, particularly in 14-team leagues with three flex spots. While not expected to be a league-winner, Vele could realistically finish as a WR3 (around WR35 overall) after the first four weeks of the season.

Jordan Tyson is currently on IR and will be out, but Ian Hartitz recommends stashing him in IR or keeper leagues. Despite concerns regarding a hamstring injury that has dampened his rookie season outlook, Tyson remains a high-upside target for next year's keeper value, especially given his high draft pedigree.

Malik Davis has secured the primary handcuff role for the Cowboys over Jaden Blue and Phil Mafa. Hartitz notes that the Cowboys' offense frequently utilizes a single running back for 75% or more of snaps, giving Davis significant bellcow upside if he were to step into the starting role.

Ian Hartitz highlights that Malik Willis has ranked number one in several efficiency metrics—including EPA per drop back, completion percentage over expected, and passer rating—over the past two seasons, suggesting he could be a viable quarterback for Chris Bell.

Ian Hartitz notes that he had Chris Bell ranked higher than Omar Cooper in his rookie draft evaluations.

Ian Hartitz identifies Ray Davis as the clear backup to James Cook in the Bills' offense. With limited ownership (14% on Yahoo, 10% on ESPN), he is a recommended target for managers looking for high-value handcuffs. In two games where he saw significant opportunity (Week 16 2024, Week 18 2025), he recorded 23 touches in each and finished as the RB12 and RB3, respectively. Hartitz suggests starting Davis over Rashad White in Week 1.

Ian Hartitz identifies Samaje Perine as a deep-league handcuff option. While there is some concern regarding competition for early-down work from players like Trey Benson, Perine remains a viable target in deep formats if Chase Brown were to miss time.

Ian Hartitz identifies Tank Bigsby as a high-upside handcuff to Saquon Barkley, noting he is rostered in under 35% of leagues. Bigsby benefits from playing behind the NFL's second-ranked offensive line per RotoWire and Establish The Run. Hartitz ranks Bigsby as the RB3 in a hypothetical scenario where every starting RB1 misses time, making him a priority stash for fantasy managers. Hartitz also notes that Ray Davis is ranked one spot behind Bigsby in his personal evaluation of backup running backs.

Ian Hartitz highlights Ferguson as a talented rising second-year player in a high-production tight end offense. While the Rams' depth chart is crowded, Hartitz notes that the Rams were the second-highest scoring team for tight ends last year. If Ferguson secures a route rate north of 70% in Week 1, Hartitz believes he will be a top-10 tight end by Week 2 and has the potential to emerge as a starting fantasy TE1.

Ty Johnson is not on IR and has resumed sprinting, giving him a chance to play in Week 1. His absence would slightly benefit both James Cook and Ray Davis, though he is not expected to have a long-term injury issue.