Saturday, December 22, 2018

Week 16 Fantasy Football: Wide Receivers Start'em, Sit'em

Ultimately, the decision of which player to start is largely determined by the composition of your roster (as well as your league's settings).

As an example, Robby Anderson is listed below as a "start" for Week 16. And I'd feel comfortable going into Week 16 with him as one of my starting wide receivers.

That said, he may be a sit for your team.

In other words, if you owned DeAndre Hopkins, Amari Cooper and Anderson and start two wide receivers, you should start Hopkins and Cooper -- and in turn, bench Anderson.

So while you won't find absolute start-sit recommendations below (use my Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings for that instead), the goal here is to highlight some players that I like (and would feel comfortable starting) as well as some players that I dislike for this week (and would prefer to keep on my bench).

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Week 16 Fantasy Football WR Start'em

 

WR - Robby Anderson, New York Jets (vs. GB)

While his season has been anything but consistent, Anderson has put together strong performances in consecutive weeks. With more than 75 yards and scores each week, Anderson has finished as the WR13 and WR6, respectively, in his past two games. In Week 15, he dominated targets (11, 45.83% share), which is as important as the actual numbers.

The Packers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season and Anderson should be able to exploit a matchup against the Green Bay secondary. The Packers have allowed 10 top-12 performances to opposing wide receivers this season; only the Panthers (11) have allowed more.

WR - Robert Foster, Buffalo Bills (at NE)

Entering Week 10 with only one career NFL reception, Foster now has at least 94 receiving yards in four of his past five games. During that five-game stretch, the former UDFA out of Alabama has a total of 17 catches for 438 yards and two touchdowns.

Even though the Bills are expected to be one of three lowest-scoring teams of the week based on implied totals from Vegas odds, the Bills are almost two-TD underdogs to the Patriots, which should lead to more pass attempts. During his surprising five-game stretch, the Bills have either won or lost by single digits.

WR - Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks (vs. KC)

After sitting out Week 14, Baldwin returned to score a pair of touchdowns as he posted a 4/77/2 line on six targets against the 49ers. With a total of four touchdowns in his past four games, Baldwin gets a plus matchup against the Chiefs at home.

WR - Dante Pettis, San Francisco 49ers (vs. CHI)

Typically, I list players inside my top-24 on this side of the post and Pettis is just outside that (currently WR26 at the time this was written). That said, the second-round rookie carries a four-game streak of top-24 performances into Week 16, albeit in a difficult matchup against the Bears. Over the past four weeks, Pettis has 17 catches for 338 yards and four touchdowns.

 

Week 16 Fantasy Football WR Sit'em

 

WR - Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. BAL)

Scoring three touchdowns and adding a two-point conversion, Williams led all wide receivers in fantasy points in Week 15. Perhaps Keenan Allen (hip) has a setback or acts as a decoy and that leads to more targets for Williams, but the matchup is far more challenging than last week's against the Chiefs. The Ravens have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

WR - Golden Tate, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. HOU)

Tate had a better Week 15 (5/43) than Week 14 (1/7), but it's clear he's a distant second to Alshon Jeffery for wide receiver targets with Nick Foles under center. Jeffery set his Eagles high last week with 160 yards and has eight-plus targets in back-to-back games. Given that the Texans have limited opposing receivers to the 10th-fewest fantasy points this season, it's unlikely that more than one (Jeffery) has a productive fantasy outing.

WR - Sterling Shepard, New York Giants (at IND)

Even with Odell Beckham sitting out, Shepard is unlikely to capitalize on the potential for additional opportunities. OBJ has missed the past two games and Shepard has a total of four catches for 54 yards on 15 targets in those games. With or without Beckham, Shepard has less than 40 receiving yards in seven consecutive games.

- More Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em for Week 16

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Week 16 Fantasy Football: Running Backs Start'em, Sit'em

Ultimately, the decision of which player to start is largely determined by the composition of your roster (as well as your league's settings).

As an example, Jamaal Williams is listed below as a "start" for Week 16. And I'd feel comfortable going into Week 16 with him as one of my starting running backs.

That said, he may be a sit for your team.

In other words, if you owned Ezekiel Elliott, Nick Chubb and Williams and start two running backs, you should start Elliott and Chubb -- and in turn, bench Williams.

So while you won't find absolute start-sit recommendations below (use my Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings for that instead), the goal here is to highlight some players that I like (and would feel comfortable starting) as well as some players that I dislike for this week (and would prefer to keep on my bench).

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Week 16 Fantasy Football RB Start'em

 

RB - Damien Williams, Kansas City Chiefs (at SEA)

With or without Spencer Ware active, Williams has been highly productive with multi-score games in back-to-back weeks. Of course, it's unlikely that Williams continues his two-score streak, but the good news (in terms of his fantasy outlook) is that Ware is listed as doubtful for Sunday.

Against the Chargers last week, Williams carried the ball 10 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns and added six catches for 74 yards. With at least five targets in back-to-back games and no Ware, Williams will have a chance to produce as an RB2 (or better) in Week 16.

RB - Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks (vs. KC)

In his recent 10 games, Carson has double-digit carries in nine of them. In those nine games, he has scored double-digit fantasy points and finished as a top-20 fantasy running back in eight of them. Facing the high-powered Chiefs offense at home this week, the Seahawks may be forced to throw a little more often.

That said, the game plan will certainly involve trying to keep Patrick Mahomes off the field as much as possible by controlling the clock with Carson and the ground game. Only the Bengals have allowed more fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, which gives Carson tons of upside in Championship Week.

RB - Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers (at NYJ)

Filling in for Aaron Jones (MCL), Williams got 16 touches -- 12 carries and four receptions on five targets -- for a total of 97 yards and a touchdown. Aaron Rodgers (groin) says that he'll play in Week 16 and assuming that the other Aaron does play, the Packers should be able to move the ball against the Jets. Williams himself was dealing with a toe injury, but he wasn't listed on the team's final injury report and is good to go for Week 16.

RB - Elijah McGuire, New York Jets (vs. GB)

Continuing the theme of featuring multiple running backs in the same game, Williams isn't the only startable back in the Packers-Jets game. With Isaiah Crowell on IR, McGuire has become a workhorse back for the Jets with 20-plus touches in back-to-back games. Grinding out RB11 and RB21 performances, respectively, McGuire should get enough volume to continue the trend of productive outings.

 

Week 16 Fantasy Football RB Sit'em

 

RB - Kenyan Drake, Miami Dolphins (vs. JAX)

Drake has (or Miami's coaches have) frustrated fantasy owners all season. Fortunately for many that drafted him as their RB2, Drake has turned in seven top-25 fantasy performances despite averaging just 10.5 touches per game this season in large part due to his nine touchdowns. Even with Frank Gore injuring his knee, Drake got just four Week 15 touches, which tied a season low. Meanwhile, rookie Kalen Ballage got 13 touches, an amount than had matched his Week 1 to 14 total.

Long story short, how can you trust Drake this week? You can't.

RB - Adrian Peterson, Washington Redskins (at TEN)

Playing for three different teams over the past two seasons, Peterson has vastly exceeded realistic expectations in his age-33 season (RB15, RB17 in PPR through Week 15). That said, the slumping Peterson had a five-week high of 19 carries in Week 15, but he finished as fantasy's RB31 with 71 scoreless yards on his 21 touches. As double-digit road underdogs on Saturday, no team is projected to score fewer points based on Vegas implied totals than the Redskins (13.50).

RB - LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills (at NE)

Not only is McCoy averaging a pedestrian 6.74 fantasy points per game, but his upside has been limited as well. Except for one monster game against the Jets in Week 10, McCoy has failed to rush for more than 85 yards or score a touchdown in any other game this season. Second on his own team in rushing behind rookie quarterback Josh Allen, McCoy is averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry.

Like Peterson, McCoy and the Bills enter Championship Week as double-digit road underdogs with a low implied total. Only Washington and Arizona have lower implied totals from Vegas odds in Week 16. In his first matchup this season against the Patriots, McCoy rushed 12 times for 13 yards, but he did set receiving season highs of six catches for 82 yards, which is perhaps best-case scenario for fantasy owners this weekend as well.

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Week 16 Fantasy Football: Quarterbacks Start'em, Sit'em

Ultimately, the decision of which player to start is largely determined by the composition of your roster (as well as your league's settings).

As an example, Dak Prescott is listed below as a "start" for Week 16. And I'd feel comfortable going into Week 16 with him as my starting quarterback.

That said, he may be a sit for your team.

In other words, if you owned both Patrick Mahomes and Prescott, you should start Mahomes -- and in turn, bench Prescott.

So while you won't find absolute start-sit recommendations below (use my Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings for that instead), the goal here is to highlight some players that I like (and would feel comfortable starting) as well as some players that I dislike for this week (and would prefer to keep on my bench).

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Week 16 Fantasy Football QB Start'em

 

QB - Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (at NE)

The next time Allen throws for 250 yards will be his first. Yet, that doesn't really matter. With a minimum of 18.34 fantasy points in his past four games, Allen has performed as a top-four fantasy quarterback in three of those four games.

During that stretch, he has run at least nine times per game with a total of 351 rushing yards and three scores. If you think about that this way, Allen has scored an average of 13.28 fantasy points per game over that stretch by his rushing stats alone. Allen missed the first matchup against the Patriots, but in a bend-don't-break style of defense, it wouldn't be a surprise if he set a career high in passing yards while adding plenty of rushing yardage.

QB - Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (at LAC)

Like Allen, Jackson is a run-first quarterback (at least at this point in their careers). Both rookies are on the Start'em side of this post with their future Hall-of-Fame opponents -- Tom Brady and Philip Rivers -- on the Sit'em side. The Ravens are fighting for their playoff lives and could possibly win the AFC North as they continue to start Jackson over a now-healthy Joe Flacco.

Throwing for 150 yards or less in four of his five starts, Jackson's career high is currently 178 passing yards. That said, he has more than 70 rushing yards in five consecutive games with a total of 85 rushing attempts over that span. As a comparison, he has only 112 passing attempts over that stretch. Jackson has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in each of the past three weeks and his rushing production at least provides a solid floor for fantasy owners.

QB - Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (vs. TB)

Over his past eight games, Prescott has alternated between a top-eight performance and a disappointing QB17 (or worse) performance. Coincidentally, he gets a plus matchup in a playoff-clinching opportunity to bounce back with another top-eight outing.

The Bucs have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Projected to be one of the week's highest-scoring teams, the Cowboys should put up a lot of points leading to high-end production for Prescott, Amari Cooper and Ezekiel Elliott.

QB - Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns (vs. CIN)

Cleveland's challenge to find a franchise (or even competent) starting quarterback has been well-documented. Perhaps too soon to make a long-term judgment either way, Mayfield, at a minimum, gives the fan base plenty of hope. In turn, he's been giving fantasy owners plenty of hope since the team made their in-season coaching changes.

Not (yet) officially eliminated from playoff contention, the Browns enter Week 16 as (nearly) double-digit favorites against their cross-state rivals. Leading the Browns to wins in four of five games, Mayfield has thrown 11 touchdowns and only four interceptions during that stretch, which includes a four-touchdown and a fantasy top-five performance against the Bengals (this week's opponent). No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing signal-callers this season than the Bengals.

 

Week 16 Fantasy Football QB Sit'em

 

QB - Tom Brady, New England Patriots (vs. BUF)

Tom (Less Than) Terrific gets the most difficult matchup on paper as no team has allowed fewer fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season than the Bills. Granted, the Patriots are double-digit home favorites and projected to be a top-three scoring offense this week, but that could mean a more run-heavy approach as Brady also loses a talented weapon (Josh Gordon) in the passing game. Brady threw for 324 yards in their first matchup this season, but it was one of two games that he's finished without a passing score.

QB - Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams (vs. ARI)

Relying on Goff this fantasy postseason means that you've likely been eliminated either in Week 14 or 15. While things likely won't be worse than the past few weeks, it's possible that it's more of the same (disappointing performances) for Goff.

With only one touchdown pass in the past three weeks, Goff has thrown a total of seven interceptions during that span. In those three weeks, Goff has scored 8.08, -0.3 and 10.66 fantasy points, respectively.

More than two-TD favorites, the Rams may rely on the ground game even if Todd Gurley (knee) is at less than 100 percent. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks yet the third-most to opposing running backs.

QB - Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. BAL)

Arguably the best team in the AFC, it's possible that the Chargers could have to play all of their playoff games on the road. With the Chargers and Chiefs likely to be big favorites in Week 17, their Saturday Night Football matchup takes on added importance. Except for Week 14, Rivers has thrown multiple touchdowns every week this season and he's just three touchdowns shy of his career high set a decade ago.

The challenge will be that the Ravens are anything but fantasy-friendly for Rivers and the Bolts as Baltimore has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Slowing down the pace of the game with their run-heavy attack, the Ravens may not give Rivers as many opportunities (drives) to accumulate fantasy points either. In addition, Keenan Allen (hip) remains a game-time decision and if he plays, it will be at least than 100 percent.

- Related: Consensus Week 16 NFL Power Rankings

QB - Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DAL)

Even though Winston has finished as a top-11 fantasy quarterback in three of the past four weeks, he has now thrown for less than 250 passing yards in three consecutive games. This week, he faces a Cowboys defense that has limited opposing quarterbacks to the eighth-fewest fantasy points on the year. Over the past five weeks, all starting quarterbacks facing the Cowboys -- Matt Ryan, Colt McCoy, Drew Brees, Carson Wentz and Andrew Luck -- have finished as the QB13 or worse.

- More Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em for Week 16

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Tuesday, December 11, 2018

2018 Fantasy Football TE Waiver-Wire Options Heading Into Week 15

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

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With that said, here are some tight end waiver-wire options that I like heading into Week 15 (Yahoo! ownership in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Ian Thomas, Carolina Panthers (7 percent)

Leading the Panthers in both receptions (nine) and targets (11), Thomas had 77 yards against the Browns in Week 14. The rookie tight end now has five-plus catches in back-to-back games and should remain a key cog in Carolina's passing attack down the stretch with Greg Olsen on IR.

Unfortunately, he won't get any easy matchups over the rest of the fantasy playoffs. The Panthers face the Saints and Falcons in Weeks 15 and 16, respectively. The Saints have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.

2. Vernon Davis, Washington Redskins (5 percent)

Assuming that Jordan Reed (foot) sits out Week 15 (and perhaps longer), Davis could become a streaming option down the stretch. The veteran tight end had four catches for 31 yards and a two-point conversion on Sunday. Although the Jaguars have been middle of the road against tight ends this season, they have been more generous of late with six top-12 fantasy performances allowed to tight ends since Week 8.

3. Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Rams (21 percent)

The Bears defense shut down Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and the high-powered Rams offense on Sunday Night Football as Everett finished with just 29 yards. That said, he set season highs in both receptions (four) and targets (seven). Before this week, he finished as a top-12 fantasy tight end in three of his previous four games. Everett remains a high-upside TE2 the rest of the way.

4. Chris Herndon, New York Jets (15 percent)

Herndon had just one catch for 14 yards on two targets in Week 14. Despite the disappointing outing, the rookie from The U. has 24 catches for 312 yards and three touchdowns over the past eight games. Herndon and the Jets face the Texans, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.

5. C.J. Uzomah, Cincinnati Bengals (29 percent)

Given the injuries to Tyler Eifert and A.J. Green, Uzomah could have been more productive this season. Instead he's been solidly mediocre. Uzomah has 33 to 41 yards in four consecutive games and a minimum of three receptions in five consecutive games. The good news is that the Bengals face the Raiders in Week 15 and no team has allowed more fantasy points to the position this season.

6. Blake Jarwin, Dallas Cowboys (0 percent)

There was some optimism and deep sleeper appeal about Jarwin going into the season with Jason Witten retiring and the team releasing Dez Bryant in the offseason. Before this past week, however, Jarwin has failed to exceed 25 receiving yards in any game. Against the Eagles in Week 14, however, Jarwin caught all seven of his targets for 56 yards.

- More Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Advice Heading Into Week 15

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2018 Fantasy Football WR Waiver-Wire Options Heading Into Week 15

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

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With that said, here are some wide receiver waiver-wire options that I like heading into Week 15 (Yahoo! ownership in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Dante Pettis, San Francisco 49ers (46 percent)

With exactly seven targets in three consecutive games, Pettis has had three highly-productive outings over that stretch. The upcoming matchups (SEA, CHI and LAR) aren't necessarily the best, but the 49ers should be trailing (by a lot), which could lead to continued fantasy success down the stretch.

Scoring in each of the past three weeks, Pettis has a total of 12 catches for 255 yards and four touchdowns combined. A top-20 fantasy wide receiver in each of the past three weeks, Pettis has finished with double-digit fantasy points despite teammate George Kittle eclipsing the 200-yard mark on Sunday.

2. Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers (30 percent)

With tight end Greg Olsen out for the rest of the season, Samuel has had 80-plus yards in back-to-back games with a total of 19 targets in those two games. Before those two games, Samuel scored a touchdown in three of his previous four games. Samuel has performed as a top-33 fantasy wide receiver in five of his past six games.

3. Kenny Stills, Miami Dolphins (31 percent)

Scoring in back-to-back weeks, Stills racked up eight catches for 135 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Patriots. Miami's remaining three games are against the Vikings, Jaguars and Bills and all three teams have ranked amongst the top-five most stingy defenses to opposing wide receivers this season. Even so, it's good to see Stills become fantasy-relevant after a very quiet season.

4. Zay Jones, Buffalo Bills (21 percent)

The production wasn't there in Week 14 as Jones finished with three catches for 22 yards on Sunday. Despite the inefficiency, it is a positive that Jones once again had nine targets. He now has a minimum of nine targets in back-to-back games and three of his past four. Assuming the volume continues, there could be some more fantasy-relevant outings down the stretch.

5. DaeSean Hamilton, Denver Broncos (7 percent)

With Demaryius Thomas traded and Emmanuel Sanders injured, it has opened up the opportunity for Hamilton to make more of a contribution to the offense. Hamilton's nine targets in Week 14 were more than he had from Weeks 1 to 13 combined and he finished with seven catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. The Broncos face the Browns in Week 15.

6. Robby Anderson, New York Jets (21 percent)

For the second consecutive game, Anderson had four catches on seven targets -- and target shares of 23.33 and 29.17 percent, respectively. Scoring for the first time since Week 5, his 76 yards were also his most since that week. The Jets have a challenging matchup against the Texans in Week 15, but Anderson has the talent to make the most of what appears to be an expanding and more consistent role in the passing offense.

7. Willie Snead, Baltimore Ravens (26 percent)

Snead had just one catch for eight yards in Weeks 12 and 13, but he bounced back with five catches for 61 yards. Snead now has more than 50 yards in seven of his past 10 games. Especially if Joe Flacco returns in Week 15 and brings a higher pass-play percentage with him, Snead could have another solid, if not spectacular, outing. The Bucs have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

8. Robert Foster, Buffalo Bills (1 percent)

In large part due to the big plays, Foster now has at least 94 receiving yards in three of his past four games. More importantly, however, he converted seven of eight targets, both of which were season highs, for 104 yards in Week 14. There is obvious consistency concerns in Buffalo's anemic passing offense, but he should be owned in more than just one percent of Yahoo! leagues.

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2018 Fantasy Football RB Waiver-Wire Options Heading Into Week 15

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

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With that said, here are some running back waiver-wire options that I like heading into Week 15 (Yahoo! ownership in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Elijah McGuire, New York Jets (7 percent)

With Isaiah Crowell exiting Week 14 early, McGuire handled lead-back duties as he racked up 20 touches -- 17 carries and three receptions. Turning those touches into 83 yards and a touchdown, McGuire would be in line for another significant workload if Crowell is unable to go in Week 15 against the Texans.

2. Damien Williams, Kansas City Chiefs (17 percent)

Even though Spencer Ware outgained Williams by nearly 100 yards from scrimmage, Williams was able to score a pair of touchdowns and should maintain a role within the post-Kareem Hunt Chiefs backfield.

3. Frank Gore, Miami Dolphins (27 percent)

Efficient on his 13 touches Sunday, Gore carried the ball 12 times for 92 yards and added a 24-yard reception against the Patriots. Performing as the RB17 on the week, Gore has finished as fantasy's RB35 or better in five of six and eight of 10 weeks. The lack of touchdowns (only one this season) limits his upside, but he offers some consistency.

4. Ito Smith, Atlanta Falcons (28 percent)

Smith set a season high with 14 touches -- 11 carries and three receptions -- as he totaled 74 yards from scrimmage. It was the second consecutive game that Smith had more touches than backfield mate Tevin Coleman. On a positive note for both Smith and Coleman, they get a matchup in Week 15 against Arizona. Only the Bengals and Chiefs have allowed more fantasy points to opposing running backs this season than the Cardinals.

5. Kenneth Dixon, Baltimore Ravens (8 percent)

Averaging 6.0 yards per carry in his two games back from IR, Dixon carried the ball eight times for 59 yards and a touchdown to go along with a 21-yard reception in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. Even though Gus Edwards has become the team's lead back, Dixon has exactly nine touches in back-to-back games and his role could expand down the stretch based on comments from coach John Harbaugh.

6. Chris Ivory, Buffalo Bills (4 percent)

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, LeSean McCoy (hamstring) is considered "day-to-day." While it's possible that McCoy plays in Week 15, there is little incentive to rush him back too soon. If he doesn't play, Ivory could become a volume-based flex option this week.

7. Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles (6 percent)

Corey Clement (knee) could miss a game or two, which would give Sproles and Wendell Smallwood opportunities as the change-of-pace back to Josh Adams. With just four touches in each of the past two games, Sproles has still managed to score in back-to-back weeks. Almost double-digit underdogs against the Rams in Week 15, the Eagles could play at a faster pace trying to keep up with L.A. and that could potentially bode well for Sproles.

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Monday, December 10, 2018

2018 Fantasy Football QB Waiver-Wire Options Heading Into Week 15

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

Embed from Getty Images

With that said, here are some quarterback waiver-wire options that I like heading into Week 15 (Yahoo! ownership in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (14 percent)

Not only did he turn the ball over three times, Allen failed to throw a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Jets. That said, it wasn't a complete dud in terms of fantasy production. Continuing to make plays with his legs, the rookie signal-caller rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Over the past three games, Allen has rushed for a minimum of 99 yards and has a total of 335 rushing yards and two touchdowns during that stretch. In fact, he's now the team's leading rusher and he's rushed for as many touchdowns (five) as he has thrown (five). In these three starts, he has finished as the QB4, QB2 and QB15, respectively.

2. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders (19 percent)

One week after throwing for 285 yards and three scores, Carr led the Raiders to a win over the Steelers despite being double-digit underdogs as he threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Over the past two weeks, only two quarterbacks have thrown for 600-plus yards and five-plus touchdowns -- Patrick Mahomes and Carr.

Perhaps a plus matchup helps Carr carry his momentum into Week 15. The Raiders will face the Bengals, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.

3. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (45 percent)

Exiting late in the game, it's possible (or likely) that Jackson hands the starting gig back off to Joe Flacco in Week 15 against the Buccaneers. If Jackson starts another game, however, he will once again be a viable streaming option. The Bucs have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.

In four games as a starter, Jackson has failed to throw for more than 178 yards in any game. But the dual-threat first-round pick has exceeded 70 rushing yards in all four starts. Because of his rushing production, he has scored more than 15 fantasy points every week and has finished as the weekly QB13, QB15, QB11 and QB12, respectively.

- More Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Advice Heading Into Week 15

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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Week 13 Fantasy Football QB Rankings

The upside seemed obvious entering the season, but not even his biggest proponent could have expected the level of success he has experienced thus far.

Coming off his Week 12 bye, no player has scored more fantasy points this season than Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

More impressive than the overall production has been Mahomes' level of consistency. With the exception of Week 5 (against Jacksonville), Mahomes has scored 20-plus fantasy points and finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback every week. In addition, Mahomes has thrown for 300-plus yards and/or thrown multiple scores in every game this season.

Mahomes (10) leads the league in 20-point fantasy performances and no other quarterback has more than eight (Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger).

Heading into the final five weeks of the season, Mahomes has thrown for 3,628 yards, 37 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. Not only is Mahomes throwing touchdowns at a league-best 9.5-percent rate, he has a pair of touchdown runs as well.

Based on his production thus far, Mahomes is on pace to become only the second 5,000/50 quarterback. If he maintains his current pace, he will finish the season with 5,277 yards and 54 touchdowns. Peyton Manning set the record for both in 2013 with 5,476 yards and 55 touchdowns.

Tom Brady is the only other quarterback to reach the 50-TD mark and Mahomes would become the sixth 5,000-yard passer. In addition to Drew Brees, who has done it five times, HOFer Dan Marino, Manning, Brady and Matthew Stafford have 5,000-yard seasons under the belt.

Once again, Mahomes tops my weekly rankings.

If there's a concern with this week's matchup against the Raiders, it's the early possibility of a blowout over the Raiders. Even so, no team is projected to score more points this week than the Chiefs, who have an implied total over 35 based on Vegas odds.

 

3+ TDs for Andrew Luck?


In the history of the NFL, only two (other) quarterbacks -- Manning and Brady -- have done it before.

Done what?

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck carries an eight-game streak of three-plus passing touchdowns into Week 13. Not surprisingly, he has also finished as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in each of those eight games.

Facing division-rival Jacksonville this week, the matchup doesn't seem as difficult as it would have earlier in the season.

Limiting opposing quarterbacks to a QB16 (or worse) weekly finish in their first five games of the season, the Jags pass defense has been anything but elite. Since Week 6, they have surrendered 20-plus fantasy points and a top-eight weekly performance in five of six games including each of their past four matchups.

One of those matchups was Luck himself. In Week 10, Luck completed 21-of-29 for 285 yards and three scores. Luck has thrown multiple touchdowns in each of his past three games against the Jags.

Below is our Week 13 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings from Kevin Hanson:



More Fantasy Football Rankings:

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

2018 Fantasy Football TE Strength of Schedule (SOS): Weeks 13 to 16

There are many factors to consider in a player's outlook and his fantasy strength of schedule is far from the most important aspect.

If you're debating a pair of players to add from the waiver wire or acquire via trade, however, a more favorable fantasy schedule could potentially break the tie of two players that you would otherwise view as comparable.

With that said, our 2018 fantasy football strength of schedule ranks a player's remaining schedule in terms of average fantasy points allowed collectively by their remaining opponents.

RankTeamPlayerCumulative PointsFantasy Playoffs
1Cleveland BrownsDavid Njoku10.3131.43
2New Orleans SaintsBenjamin Watson10.0431.05
3Oakland RaidersJared Cook9.8729
4Los Angeles ChargersAntonio Gates9.6529.46
5Denver BroncosJeff Heuerman8.9725.35
6Indianapolis ColtsJack Doyle8.9326.66
7Baltimore RavensHayden Hurst8.6127.19
8Cincinnati BengalsC.J. Uzomah8.4624.53
9Tampa Bay BuccaneersCameron Brate8.4422.2
10Philadelphia EaglesZach Ertz8.427.97
11Buffalo BillsCharles Clay8.3323.69
12Minnesota VikingsKyle Rudolph8.323
13Miami DolphinsMike Gesicki8.1126.49
14Seattle SeahawksEd Dickson8.0324.92
15New England PatriotsRob Gronkowski824.74
16Atlanta FalconsAustin Hooper7.7422.5
17Carolina PanthersGreg Olsen7.7120.5
18Pittsburgh SteelersVance McDonald7.6924.38
19Kansas City ChiefsTravis Kelce7.5820.79
20Chicago BearsTrey Burton7.2821.38
21Arizona CardinalsRicky Seals-Jones7.2123.69
22Tennessee TitansJonnu Smith7.1222.4
23Dallas CowboysGeoff Swaim7.0823.66
24Detroit LionsLuke Willson7.0119
24Houston TexansRyan Griffin7.0119.41
26San Francisco 49ersGeorge Kittle6.8221.32
27Jacksonville JaguarsJames O'Shaughnessy6.7518.82
28Washington RedskinsJordan Reed6.3720.32
29Green Bay PackersJimmy Graham6.2919.38
30New York JetsChris Herndon6.1220.92
31Los Angeles RamsGerald Everett6.116.98
32New York GiantsEvan Engram5.8517.35


* Note: Totals above are the average fantasy football points allowed based on their remaining opponents.

Full Strength of Schedules:
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2018 Fantasy Football WR Strength of Schedule (SOS): Weeks 13 to 16

There are many factors to consider in a player's outlook and his fantasy strength of schedule is far from the most important aspect.

If you're debating a pair of players to add from the waiver wire or acquire via trade, however, a more favorable fantasy schedule could potentially break the tie of two players that you would otherwise view as comparable.

With that said, our 2018 fantasy football strength of schedule ranks a player's remaining schedule in terms of average fantasy points allowed collectively by their remaining opponents.

RankTeamPlayerCumulative PointsFantasy Playoffs
1Carolina PanthersDevin Funchess28.0284.74
2Arizona CardinalsLarry Fitzgerald26.8779.7
3Dallas CowboysAmari Cooper26.774.57
4Chicago BearsAllen Robinson25.4980.73
5Denver BroncosEmmanuel Sanders25.2875.59
6Pittsburgh SteelersAntonio Brown25.0479.23
7Houston TexansDeAndre Hopkins24.6973.27
8Green Bay PackersDavante Adams24.5877.2
9Baltimore RavensJohn Brown24.5771.26
10Los Angeles RamsBrandin Cooks24.4272.31
11New York GiantsOdell Beckham24.3773.31
12San Francisco 49ersMarquise Goodwin24.3472.97
13Buffalo BillsZay Jones24.1873.96
14Jacksonville JaguarsDonte Moncrief24.0275.86
15Cincinnati BengalsTyler Boyd23.8270.84
16Minnesota VikingsAdam Theilen23.7672.5
16Oakland RaidersJordy Nelson23.7672.03
18Washington RedskinsJosh Doctson23.6767.64
19Tampa Bay BuccaneersMike Evans23.5769.71
20Cleveland BrownsJarvis Landry23.4874.56
21Seattle SeahawksDoug Baldwin23.3367.64
22New Orleans SaintsMichael Thomas23.1273.96
23Atlanta FalconsJulio Jones23.173.45
24Tennessee TitansCorey Davis23.0766.23
25New York JetsQuincy Enunwa22.9664.59
26Philadelphia EaglesAlshon Jeffery22.7765.21
27Los Angeles ChargersKeenan Allen22.3967.5
28Kansas City ChiefsTyreek Hill22.1764.22
29Detroit LionsKenny Golladay21.2157.53
30New England PatriotsJulian Edelman20.3162.26
31Indianapolis ColtsT.Y. Hilton19.5759.12
32Miami DolphinsKenny Stills19.5360.67


* Note: Totals above are the average fantasy football points allowed based on their remaining opponents.

Full Strength of Schedules:
More of our content:
Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter and/or (2) LIKE us on Facebook.