Doug Martin, Ideal Buy Low Candidate?!

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

In a surprising move the Buccaneers placed Charles Sims on the IR, leaving a significant void in their backfield. While Jacquizz Rodgers will be the short-term beneficiary, Martin is expected to return to the lineup following the team’s Week 6 bye. That could easily create an opportunity for Martin.

We know he’s going to get the early down work, despite just 85 yards on 25 carries prior to the injury. The question is going to be if there is upside of an every down back in his future?

It’s not like Rodgers has ever proven to be much more than a mediocre backup, and while he racked up the yardage last night he needed 30 carries to cross the 100 yard barrier (101 yards, yielding a 3.4 YPC).  The team will need someone to step in and fill a pass catching void and it’s easy to forget that ‘Martin could be a viable alternative there.

In his rookie year (2012), Martin turned 71 targets into 49 catches and 472 yards. Prior to being drafted Walter Football described him by saying:

“He is a dynamic runner, a good receiver, a functional blocker and a special-teams contributor. Entering the NFL, Martin looks like a jack-of-all-trades back who should be able to help his team immediately.”

While he’s had his issues at times, we all know that opportunity is often the biggest issue when it comes to fantasy football players. It’s clear that Martin has a tremendous chance coming to him, and there’s a good chance that many don’t realize just how good it could be (especially after Rodgers totaled 129 yards yesterday, on 35 touches). That makes now the perfect time to try buy low in hopes of cashing in and trying to obtain Martin on a low-ball offer.

Sources – ESPN, Walter Football