The fantasy football playoffs will begin in Week 14 for the vast majority of leagues, meaning the competition for free agents is more intense, but the pool of owners trying to add players is shallower. Even during the playoffs waiver wire additions can make or break a title run.
All ownership percentages are courtesy of Yahoo.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets (44% Owned): Fitzpatrick did it again on Sunday, winging the ball 50 times for 390 yards and two scores vs. a meek Giants defense. Fitzpatrick also ran for 22 yards, the second consecutive week in which he had some value on the ground. The next three games are all must-win affairs for Gang Green, and they’re against the Titans, Cowboys and Patriots. After six touchdowns and no picks in two weeks, feel free to play Fitz if you don’t have a total stud in your QB slot.
Tyrod Taylor, Bills (36% Owned): Taylor threw three touchdown passes for the second straight week, and has not been intercepted since Week 4 against the Giants. Taylor’s yardage is inconsistent -- last week he only threw for 211 yards -- but he has great chemistry with Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods, and he’s a threat at all times to break a big play on the ground.
Great Gifts To Improve All Man Caves
Running Backs
Ryan Mathews, Eagles (46% Owned): Keep tabs on his battle with a concussion suffered in Week 10, but if Mathews is able to get back on the field, expect him to have a sizable role. The Eagles potentially saved their season with a big win against the Patriots on Sunday, which featured another impotent performance from DeMarco Murray. Mathews is the best back for Philadelphia right now, so if Mathews can go, expect Chip Kelly to ride him and try to save his job.
Bilal Powell, Jets (7% Owned): Owning Powell is not sexy whatsoever, but the Jets change-of-pace back has quietly been their most effective rusher for a few weeks. Powell has been valuable as a pass-catcher lately, and he went off for 91 yards and a touchdown vs. the Giants. Powell isn’t going to win you a week on his own, but if you’re slammed with injuries, you can sleep easy knowing Powell’s going to get work.
James White, Patriots (26% Owned): Be careful! White was extremely impressive doing a Shane Vereen/Dion Lewis impression, but the Pats have a way of completely ignoring RBs who do well the week before. That said, White is one of the better options the Patriots have with their slew of injuries, so he should continue to see a lot of targets.
Wide Receivers
Dorial Green-Beckham, Titans (19% Owned): DGB finally exploded during Marcus Mariota’s huge game against the Jaguars, picking up 119 yards and a touchdown. With the season winding down, expect Tennessee to keep running the big rookie out there and seeing what he can put together. He’s as gifted athletically as any wide receiver in the entire league, so it’s a matter of him honing the craft.
DeVante Parker, Dolphins (30% Owned): Parker had Odell Beckham Jr. buzz coming into the season because of his penchant for the spectacular. We’ve seen none of it this year as he battled injury and stiff competition at his own position, but with Rishard Matthews hurt Parker’s getting a chance. He made an insane touchdown grab on Sunday vs. the Ravens, and Miami would be foolish to not give him the rest of the season to prove he’s star-caliber. Anyone who saw his leaping catch would consider him a viable FLEX option.
Markus Wheaton, Steelers (26% Owned): Wheaton is not a great receiver, but he’s suddenly one of Ben Roethlisberger’s most-targeted pass-catchers. Wheaton has seen 19 looks in the last two games, and vs. Seattle he put up more than 200 yards. After scoring in back-to-back games, Wheaton can not be ignored.
Tight Ends
Richard Rodgers, Packers (42% Owned): This is a no-brainer, and his ownership will likely skyrocket this week. Picking him up isn’t based off his famous Hail Mary catch, although that will bolster his stock. Rodgers has been a consistently targeted player for several weeks and he’s proven he has red zone chops.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Buccaneers (36% Owned): ASJ is FINALLY back, and should be treated as a start-worthy TE. He has tremendous physical tools, and a high-powered offense led by rookie Jameis Winston. With Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson back together, ASJ is going to see the single-coverage with linebackers and safeties that fantasy owners love.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
