Week 14 begins tomorrow. So it's a good time to share thoughts on some underrated players you might consider plugging in--some of them most people wouldn't even consider rostering:
QB Andy Dalton -- I love picking up guys when they're down . . . but only when the time is right. This week, the time is right for Dalton. He's facing a beatable D, is not vomiting 20 times leading up to the game (see reports from last Sunday), and is facing one of its biggest rivals at home in a must-win contest. The Steelers should post at least 20 points. They're giving up an average of 24. Dalton will be a QB1 this week, shocking 99% of the "experts" out there.
RB Jonathan Stewart -- DeAngelo Williams is a game-time decision. Even if he does play, Stewart has a terrific chance to post 70+ yards and a score vs. the Saints. I'm calling him an RB2 with upside.
WR Kendall Wright -- If QB Blake Bortles can throw for nearly 200 yards and a score against the Giants, QB Jake Locker can't do much worse. That bodes well for Wright, who's ESPN's 38th ranked WR this week, but who's in my top 20. With fellow WR Justin Hunter out, lock in Wright as a surprising WR2.
TE Eric Ebron and TE Richard Rodgers -- These are truly deep-dive picks for those lacking a TE that can garner more than a few points most weeks. Detroit and Green Bay should post 30+ points each this week. Despite Ebron and Rodgers splitting TE duties on their respective teams, I think both have decent TD potential (hell, Rodgers has scored in two straight), and I'd start them over about 18-20 other TEs without hesitation.
DST Raiders -- WHAT? This is nuts. REALLY? Oakland is far and away the worst team in the NFL, and they're coming off an ugly blowout loss. Their turnover differential is easily the worst in the league. OK, I'm not suggesting starting the Raiders if you have a solid DST1 lined up. But in daily leagues they're one of the week's biggest bargains, with a D boasting the 9th fewest passing yards per game, going up against an offense that's 9th worst in passing yards. And in regular leagues, I think they'll net 6+ points, which should be good for a top 14 performance.
QB Andy Dalton -- I love picking up guys when they're down . . . but only when the time is right. This week, the time is right for Dalton. He's facing a beatable D, is not vomiting 20 times leading up to the game (see reports from last Sunday), and is facing one of its biggest rivals at home in a must-win contest. The Steelers should post at least 20 points. They're giving up an average of 24. Dalton will be a QB1 this week, shocking 99% of the "experts" out there.
RB Jonathan Stewart -- DeAngelo Williams is a game-time decision. Even if he does play, Stewart has a terrific chance to post 70+ yards and a score vs. the Saints. I'm calling him an RB2 with upside.
WR Kendall Wright -- If QB Blake Bortles can throw for nearly 200 yards and a score against the Giants, QB Jake Locker can't do much worse. That bodes well for Wright, who's ESPN's 38th ranked WR this week, but who's in my top 20. With fellow WR Justin Hunter out, lock in Wright as a surprising WR2.
TE Eric Ebron and TE Richard Rodgers -- These are truly deep-dive picks for those lacking a TE that can garner more than a few points most weeks. Detroit and Green Bay should post 30+ points each this week. Despite Ebron and Rodgers splitting TE duties on their respective teams, I think both have decent TD potential (hell, Rodgers has scored in two straight), and I'd start them over about 18-20 other TEs without hesitation.
DST Raiders -- WHAT? This is nuts. REALLY? Oakland is far and away the worst team in the NFL, and they're coming off an ugly blowout loss. Their turnover differential is easily the worst in the league. OK, I'm not suggesting starting the Raiders if you have a solid DST1 lined up. But in daily leagues they're one of the week's biggest bargains, with a D boasting the 9th fewest passing yards per game, going up against an offense that's 9th worst in passing yards. And in regular leagues, I think they'll net 6+ points, which should be good for a top 14 performance.