We caught news yesterday that Green tore ligaments in his left ankle, putting him on the shelf 6-8 weeks. The veteran WR could miss more time and who knows how long it will take him to come back to full strength. With AJ unfortunately suffering this injury he has impacted his teammates fantasy value.
Tyler Boyd broke out last year in a big way. He gave the Bengals a killer 1-2 punch at the receiver position. His performance didn’t translate when Green missed time last year though. When Green was on the field Boyd was ranked in that time as the 16th best fantasy WR. When Green wasn’t on the field? His stats warranted him as the 24th, averaging 3.5 points less per game.
Many people will value this as Boyd can’t handle the top cornerback options or he needs Green to take the pressure off of him. I’m here to tell you your wrong. What the haters are forgetting to tell you in the time Green went down, so did the red headed wonder Mr Dalton. The QB that stepped in was Jeff Driskel. Woof. While some might be hesitant to snatch Boyd I’m here to tell you draft with confidence.
The other big name on offense is Joe Mixon. Mixon coming into the year has his eyes on jumping to the elite level. He is now the cowbell back and is ready for his stardom. With Green out l all eyes will be on Mixon. In that same window that Green was out last year explained above for Boyd, Mixon provided similar numbers as when he was on the field. Defenses might favor the run game but Mixon is talented enough to overcome that. His first 4 games are against teams who rank right in the middle for rushing defenses, something he will be able to manage
John Ross is a name you must keep an eye on. I’m sure his ADP will rise after this injury. Don’t reach for him but he’s worth a late round pick. Ross scores 5 TDs the final 8 games of the season with Green sidelined. There may be some value. Don’t forget he was drafted 9th overall in the 2017 draft.
The individual most effected in fantasy by this is AJ Green himself. He was seem as one of the best values going into this years draft being selected in the 3rd round. How he comes back from this injury is to be determined. If he comes back to be AJ Green and you snatch him in the 5th or 6th round you got yourself a steal. Fantasy Football is a game of chance and risks, so if you like dancing with the devil and playing with fire, snatch him in those rounds.