Looking for the best IR stashes for Fantasy Football 2021? Check out our top picks for players who could make a big impact on your team!
Fantasy football is all about getting the right players on your roster, but injuries are the bane of any fantasy owner’s existence. Injuries can derail a season, and it’s essential to have a deep bench to overcome those injuries. That’s where IR stashes come into play.
An IR stash is a player who is injured but has the potential to return during the season. These players are valuable because they won’t take up a roster spot until they’re ready to come back. Once they’re activated, they can be a valuable asset to your team. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best IR stashes for Fantasy Football 2021.
Criteria for Best IR Stashes in Fantasy Football 2021
When considering the best IR stashes for Fantasy Football 2021, we looked at several factors. The first factor is the player’s talent level. A player who is talented and in a good situation is more likely to be a valuable IR stash. We also looked at the severity of the injury. A minor injury is less likely to keep a player out for an extended period, making them a less valuable stash.
Another factor we considered is the player’s schedule. If a player is likely to return during the fantasy playoffs, they are more valuable than a player who will return during the regular season. We also considered the player’s ownership percentage. If a player is owned in a high percentage of leagues, they are less likely to be available as an IR stash.
Top 5 Best IR Stashes for Fantasy Football 2021
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 5 best IR stashes for Fantasy Football 2021.
Player #1: Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season, and he missed the rest of the year. Barkley is a talented running back who has the potential to be a top-five fantasy player when healthy. The New York Giants have a solid offensive line, and Barkley should be the focal point of the offense when he returns.
Barkley is expected to be ready for Week 1, but he could be limited early in the season. However, if he returns to form, he could be a league-winning player down the stretch. Barkley’s ownership percentage is high, but if he’s available in your league, he’s the top IR stash for 2021.
Player #2: Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 11 of the 2020 season, ending his rookie campaign. Burrow showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season, and he has the potential to be a top-10 fantasy quarterback.
Burrow’s schedule is also favorable for fantasy owners. He’s expected to return in Week 1, and he faces several weak defenses during the fantasy playoffs. Burrow’s ownership percentage is relatively low, making him an excellent IR stash for those in deeper leagues.
Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll discuss the other top IR stashes for Fantasy Football 2021.
Top 5 Best IR Stashes for Fantasy Football 2021
Player #3: Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas had a disappointing 2020 season, but he’s still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1 and missed several games before returning. However, he reinjured the ankle in Week 9 and missed the rest of the season.
Thomas is expected to be ready for Week 1, and he has the potential to be a top-five fantasy wide receiver. He’s the clear number one option in the New Orleans Saints’ passing game, and he should see plenty of targets when he returns. Thomas’s ownership percentage is high, but he’s still an excellent IR stash if he’s available in your league.
Player #4: Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5 of the 2020 season. Before his injury, he was on pace for a career year and was a top-five fantasy quarterback. The Dallas Cowboys have a potent offense, and Prescott should pick up where he left off when he returns.
Prescott’s schedule is also favorable for fantasy owners. He’s expected to return in Week 1, and he faces several weak defenses during the fantasy playoffs. Prescott’s ownership percentage is relatively high, but he’s still an excellent IR stash if he’s available in your league.
Player #5: Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season, and he missed the rest of the year. Sutton is a talented wide receiver who has the potential to be a top-20 fantasy player at his position. The Denver Broncos have a young quarterback in Drew Lock, but if he takes a step forward, Sutton could be a valuable asset.
Sutton’s schedule is also favorable for fantasy owners. He’s expected to return in Week 1, and he faces several weak defenses during the fantasy playoffs. Sutton’s ownership percentage is relatively low, making him an excellent IR stash for those in deeper leagues.
Other IR Stashes to Consider
While the top five IR stashes are the cream of the crop, there are several other players to consider stashing on your IR. These players include:
- Odell Beckham Jr.: The Cleveland Browns’ wide receiver suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 of the 2020 season. He’s expected to return in Week 1, but he’s a risky stash due to his inconsistent performance and injury history.
- J.K. Dobbins: The Baltimore Ravens’ running back suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason. He’s expected to miss the entire 2021 season, but he’s an excellent stash for dynasty leagues or those with deep benches.
- Travis Etienne: The Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie running back suffered a season-ending foot injury during the preseason. He’s an excellent stash for dynasty leagues or those with deep benches, as he’s expected to be a key part of the Jaguars’ offense in the future.
While these players didn’t make the top five, they’re still valuable IR stashes for Fantasy Football 2021.