He was sent to injury reserve on Sept. 30, and fantasy players are asking, “Should I drop Sammy Watkins?” The answer depends on how deep your bench is and the strength of your starters.
For example, this is one of my teams with Watkins.
This team is 2-1, and even with Thomas Rawls and Watkins being injured, I’m confident in my starters. When Tom Brady returns, it will be even stronger.
If anything happens to Amari Cooper, A.J. Green, or Marvin Jones, I can sub in Steve Smith. Hopefully, Dorial Green-Beckham will start to see more targets, which will make me feel more confident about the receivers on my bench.
Embed from Getty ImagesSo for this team, I can hold on to Watkins.
Below is the second team where I have Watkins, and this team is 1-2.
This team is a little less deep in talent. I would be in a better position if Jamaal Charles was healthy, but this was a team I took a few more chances on than I normally would.
I would normally never draft Carlos Hyde, but I didn’t have him in my other leagues, so I rolled the dice.
Right now, though, I can get by with who I have on my bench. If Robert Woods starts to emerge, I can put him in the lineup until Watkins is healthy.
I also drafted Watkins in a third league (way too much exposure), and this is a league where I would consider dropping him if I see an opportunity on waivers.
I also had Danny Woodhead on this team, so it has been crushed with injuries so far. I’m 1-2 in the league, but a lot less confident in this team than in my other two leagues.
The earliest Watkins can return is in Week 12, so take a good, long look at your roster. Can you make it to Week 12 without him? Or were you relying on him each week and need a replacement immediately?
There’s not a ton of options on waivers, but Terrance Williams, Eddie Royal, and Adam Thielen if you’re in a PPR league and super desperate.
If you have other options and need help deciding, hit me up on Twitter.
Categories: 2016 Fantasy Football, 2016 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, 2016 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers, Fantasy Football
Your Fantasy Football Coach 
Nice article! Someone in my league just dropped Sammy; was looking to find out if i should pick him up.
Thanks Drew! It really depends if you can afford to stash him. Remember, he has to get back in football shape after recovering from the injury. He might not even be effective if he can play until Week 14 orWeek 15. But if he can get healthy, he would be great to have through the playoffs to potentially give your team an edge.