We enter the final week of the regular season with three playoff spots still up for grabs - and six teams in the hunt. This is the LAST week of NFL Bye's, so the post-season won't see any bye-ridden squads - studs only. Here's the top-two players from each position who's still out there - if you need some depth:
QUARTERBACKS
Joe Flacco Cleveland Browns vs Jacksonville Flacco will get the start if Dorian Thompson-Robinson is ruled out ahead of Sunday's contest, otherwise we will have to wait and see who Coach Stafanski picks later this week. Flacco had a better outing than DTR has been able to put together all season, going 23/44 for 254yds, 2TD's and an INT. He's been around the league for a while now, and has proven he can be a steady hand - at least for a few games.
Jameis Winston New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Let's do it - 5TD's and 5INT's this week! Famous Jameis has a loaded cannon for an arm, loves taking risks, and has a decent receiving corps to throw to. The Panthers organization in it's entirety needs a shakeup, and their defense has been abysmal - 31st in Points Allowed on the season through 13 Weeks. If you're desperate and don't think your QB can have the BOOM week you need him you, get the crab legs.
RUNNINGBACKS
Chase Brown Cincinnati Bengals vs Indianapolis Brown is more of a long-play/stash ahead of his Week 14 matchup against the Colts. He's earned his keep as RB2 on the Bengals roster behind Joe Mixon - and he's finally getting snaps to show his skills. Last week, he had 9 touches for 61yds. His role will continue to expand has he becomes more of a compliment to Mixon rather than a backup. For what it's worth, Mixon has an Opt-Out clause after this year - but he is technically signed thru the 2024 season.
Josh Kelley Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver HC Brandon Staley is exploring new options for the Chargers Offense - when in reality I think it needs to be the Defense that needs to be reworked. Still, Kelley could start seeing more carries and a more even snap-share with Ekeler, who's averaging 8.9ppg since returning from injury (three games of ≥19.5pts, 5 games ≤8.2pts).
WIDE RECEIVERS
Elijah Moore Cleveland Browns vs Jacksonville Moore has a history with potential starter Joe Flacco (from their time with the NYJ). He just came off a performance that saw the ball come his way 12 times. With Amari Cooper dealing with concussion protocol still, Moore could be the Browns primary target from the WR group once again.
Jalin Hyatt New York Giants vs Green Bay Stretch play! Hyatt has shown some impressive speed and catching ability this year, despite the lack of deployment. Tommy DeVito is still the starter in New York, so maybe we can expect to see some risks from Brian Daboll. There hasn't been a WR that has found sustained success in the Giants locker room, so this could be a "Rashee Rice" opportunity for Hyatt to step into the WR1 role uncontested.
TIGHT ENDS
Michael Mayer Las Vegas Raiders vs Minnesota Mayer is seeing more targets from week-to-week as he earns more trust with Aiden O'Connell - last week he tied Hunter Renfrow for the third-most targets on the team. Minnesota has produced 13 turnovers this year already, and 32 sacks - but they give up a decent amount of points too. Mayer is falling into a "high-ceiling/low-floor" category for me this week - but he has another favorable matchup next week against Cincy, if you need more convincing.
Brevin Jordan Houston Texans vs New York (A) Jordan is getting more attention from Stroud, and he's been converting on those chances. Dalton Schultz could remain sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Tank Dell is now out for the season with a broken leg. Jordan could see his target-share skyrocket this week - but so could a receiver like Robert Woods.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Minnesota Vikings vs Las Vegas As mentioned earlier, lots of Turnovers, and even more sacks. This team is dangerous... when they want to be. Vegas is a struggling team working on finding their identity still. Minnesota needs this win to stay in the Wild Card race, as they're three-games back in the NFC North. Every game counts for this team, especially with Green Bay on their heels.
Another "PASS" Week Too many defense's have been claimed in this league to have a "favorable" group after the Vikings this week. You're better off using the stashed D/ST on your bench.
KICKERS
Riley Patterson Detroit Lions vs Chicago Lions are scoring a lot of points once again. That means Patterson is getting lots of opportunities to kick. Kick more, score more points. Who said math was hard?
Matt Gay Indianapolis Colts vs Cincinnati This could be a much-more competitive game than you expect - Browning looked pretty good against the Jaguars last week, and Gardner Minshew has been winning games for the Colts. This could end up in a high-scoring affair, which would be ideal for any owners who owns their kickers.
Comments