We all walked into the Kenneth Gainwell honey pot last week. With Miles Sanders sidelined, reports, coaches and experts alike talked up Gainwell as the Eagles new lead back. But it was Boston Scott who took control of Philly's backfield in Week 8.
The real question here may not be just about targeting Scott on the waiver wire — as our experts break down below — but whether you're willing to trust Nick Sirianni and your ability to start the right committee member while Sanders remains out.
So, if you're ready to perhaps get hurt again, how aggressively should you target Scott?
Our analysts break down his potential value and how much of your Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) to bid in order to roster him.
Target Boston Scott On Fantasy Waiver Wire?
Samantha Previte
Please redirect your Kenny Gainwell-related anger at Nick Sirianni.
I deeply apologize for suggesting Gainwell would be the heir apparent with Miles Sanders ruled out for Week 8. Gainwell, Scott and Jordan Howard ended the game with nearly the same amount of touches, though almost all of Gainwell's work came very late in the game — well after it had gotten out of hand. He ended with 13 carries for 27 yards and just three fantasy points, while Scott and Howard each found the end zone two times.
I would rather avoid this backfield altogether, though we have seen Scott become a usable fantasy asset in a pinch. He is the preferred add over Howard for me this week.
Scott is a medium-priority RB add in my Week 9 breakdown of the waiver wire market.
Sean Koerner
I would consider Scott a one- or two-week rental for your fantasy squad and wouldn’t go overboard to roster him.
He is coming off a great performance against the Lions in which rushed for 60 yards and found the end zone twice, but the Eagles backfield is just too volatile with Jordan Howard and Kenneth Gainwell also in the mix.
A good matchup against the Chargers — who have the 32nd rush defense, per Football Outsiders’ DVOA — makes Scott a low-end RB2, but Miles Sanders could return in two to three weeks, capping his upside.
It depends on your record, how desperate you are at RB and how much you think your league will bid on Scott, but I'd look at bidding around 20-30% of your FAAB to roster him if you are in need of a short-term rental.
