The perfect 18th man?
With Matterson suspended for the first 3 rounds, Makatoa looks set for a starting gig for 3 weeks before reverting to the first middle interchange. Will that bring him to fantasy relevance?
In short – most likely, yes. Makatoa should start the year as one of the highest, if not THE highest owned players in Fantasy. With Niukore, Papali’i and Kaufusi off the books, the Cook Islands international will be asked to play massively increased minutes.
A PPM beast, Makatoa pumps out a healthy 0.96PPM in 20+ minute performances, and looks set to play 40-50 minutes per game in the Niukore role from last year. Coming off an average just under 22 points, we will only be looking for about 35 minutes from Makatoa to give him 10 points value, but particularly in the first 3 rounds we should see him get his price moving in a hurry with a likely 45+ minute starting lock role.
Don’t overthink this one, pop him in your 18th man spot and enjoy the price rises.
Amateurs Fantasy Sports 