Scott Engel of RotoExperts.com has more than 20 years of experience in the Fantasy industry and is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. This is his seventh season providing Fantasy Football coverage and advice on Seahawks.com.
Whether you have drafted already, or you are about to pick your players this weekend, you'll always be looking to improve your team once your initial roster is set. For the most part, you should be content with the squad you initially assembled, but there are still spots where you can upgrade or keep a watch on some players who make more Fantasy noise as the season progresses. Here are some guys to buy low on now or acquire at some point soon. These are Fantasy types who should emerge as more viable options very soon, and can also plug some eventual holes that could spring open on your roster.
D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina: The rookie will shape up to be a missing piece in the Carolina passing game. He is a good possession type who can gain quality yardage after the catch. Moore will give Cam Newton a more reliable option on key passing downs, something that has been much needed in the Panthers WR corps.
Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati: He has often been regarded as an up-and-down backup Fantasy quarterback. But the pass protection looks improved this season and there should be good enough support from the running game. A.J. Green looks poised for his best season since 2015 and former University of Washington standout John Ross looks like an exciting downfield playmaker. Dalton could be a nice fill-in if your starting QB disappoints.
Tyrod Taylor, QB, Cleveland: Frequently undervalued, Taylor is a dual threat that has flirted with Fantasy QB1 status in the past when he was with Buffalo. In 2016, for instance, he bolstered his output with 580 rushing yards and six scores. Now with his best supporting cast ever with the revamped Browns, Taylor could be in for his best all-around Fantasy season ever.
Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland: The rookie has been inconsistent this preseason, but did show some of his potential with an 11 carry, 53-yard outing with a TD in his second preseason game. Carlos Hyde has dealt with injuries in the past, and at 5-11, 227 pounds with good vision and quick feet, Chubb will be a useful Fantasy contributor who can score frequently in a respectable offense if he gets the chances.
Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay: Allison is set to open the season as Green Bay's No. 3 WR, and if Randall Cobb does not stay healthy, he could move into a starting role at some point. Allison has spent two seasons as an understudy in the Packers receiver corps and now could be ready to move into a more primary role with Aaron Rodgers.
Robert Turbin, RB, Indianapolis Colts: The former Seahawk, who spent the first three seasons of his pro career learning behind Marshawn Lynch, could claim the starting running back job when he returns from a suspension. Turbin scored seven rushing TDs two years ago and may become the lead RB for Indy if no one else steps forward in a significant way while he is out.
Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville: Marquise Lee is now out for the season with a knee injury, and while Donte Moncrief could be the first guy to take on a more expanded role, Westbrook is widely regarded as the most dynamic pass-catching talent on the roster. With more opportunities, Westbrook could enjoy a breakthrough season, and he is a nifty later-round pick that is stirring increased buzz among savvy Fantasy Football players.
Jeremy Hill RB, New England: Hill is a proven goal-line force, with 29 TD runs in his first three NFL seasons. The Patriots backfield always drives Fantasy owners crazy, but Hill may have a definite role as a drive finisher, and if Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel have trouble staying healthy, there could eventually be a larger role for him.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia: Rookie tight ends don't often make much of a Fantasy impact, but even with Zach Ertz ahead of him on the depth chart, Goedert may be needed to play a bigger part in the Eagles passing game than initially expected. The WR crew is looking shaky, so Goedert, who caught seven passes for 123 yards and a TD in his first two preseason games, may continue to produce for Fantasy purposes early in the season.
Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks: The first-round pick of the Seahawks will soon be back in the RB mix and will be a big part of solving last year's issues near the goal line. The Seahawks only had one rushing score from a running back last year, but Penny will help put that stat in the rear-view mirror very soon. He should at least be able to help your Fantasy team as a flex option quite quickly. The offensive line is certainly looking improved, and it won't be long before Penny re-ignites some excitement for both Seahawks fans and Fantasy players.
O.J. Howard, TE, Buccaneers: We saw glimpses of the tremendous promise last year, when Howard caught six passes for 98 yards and two TDs in Week 7, and he scored twice in the final two games of the season. Howard is immensely talented and should emerge as a more consistent playmaker in 2018.
Dion Lewis, RB, Titans: While he will share some work with Derrick Henry, Lewis can emerge as possibly the best Fantasy player in the Tennessee offense this season. He has outstanding versatility and will be a dangerous playmaker for the Titans. Lewis' arrival in Tennessee was a signal that the Titans want to add more of a spark on offense this season.
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