As we look to today's critical games (no one wants to enter Sunday in the hole), here are some thoughts on players who could make or break or title hopes:
(1) Frank Gore's TD last weekend revives hope in some owners that he'll remain fantasy relevant this week. I don't see it. This is his 3rd straight year enduring a 2nd-half-of-the-season production drop-off. Battling a concussion, Father Time, and diminishing abilities (3.5 YPC or less in 7 of his last 9 games), I wouldn't start Gore even as a Flex option if I had a decent 6-8 point guy riding my bench.
(2) A few weeks ago in Sports Illustrated and on this blog, I warned readers that holding onto Anquan Boldin thru the fantasy playoffs would come back to haunt them. In his last 3 contests, the veteran receiver has averaged only 3 catches for 32 yards and no scores. This week I see a surprising rebound against a good-but-not-elite Chargers D: 9+ fantasy points.
(3) When first applying to be a Sports Illustrated fantasy football contributor in July, I wrote a column about three players who were severely underrated: Matt Ryan (ADP: 79.6), Lamar Miller (ADP: 106.9) and Malcom Floyd (ADP: 150.8). Five months later, Floyd still doesn't get the respect he deserves. Ranked 30th among all WR fantasy performers, and with fellow wideout Keenan Allen sidelined, Floyd has WR2+ potential. I'm saying 13+ points.
(4) Mark Sanchez might have only a 10-9 TD-INT ratio, but I believe he'll be a top 10 QB in Week 16. Facing Washington's atrocious secondary doesn't hurt. Last week Sanchez did a terrific job moving the ball, but three rushing TDs deprived him of the numbers fantasy owners crave. This week will end much differently: 19+ points.
(5) The latest word is that Chris Polk--not LeSean McCoy--will get Philly's goal line carries. I'd be cautious about starting McCoy anywhere other than in the flex spot, and even then, only if you'll be satisfied with 7-9 points max.
(6) Philly has the 2nd most fantasy points among all DSTs. So you need to start 'em against lowly Washington, right? Wrong. Look closer at the numbers: the Eagles' DST TD total (10) is at least twice that of every other NFL team. Sacks, interceptions, and keeping teams out of the end zone are far more predictable than DST touchdowns, because the latter requires more factors to fall perfectly into place. I view Philly as a 6-point DST at best this week, making them unstartable in many leagues.
Good luck today.
(1) Frank Gore's TD last weekend revives hope in some owners that he'll remain fantasy relevant this week. I don't see it. This is his 3rd straight year enduring a 2nd-half-of-the-season production drop-off. Battling a concussion, Father Time, and diminishing abilities (3.5 YPC or less in 7 of his last 9 games), I wouldn't start Gore even as a Flex option if I had a decent 6-8 point guy riding my bench.
(2) A few weeks ago in Sports Illustrated and on this blog, I warned readers that holding onto Anquan Boldin thru the fantasy playoffs would come back to haunt them. In his last 3 contests, the veteran receiver has averaged only 3 catches for 32 yards and no scores. This week I see a surprising rebound against a good-but-not-elite Chargers D: 9+ fantasy points.
(3) When first applying to be a Sports Illustrated fantasy football contributor in July, I wrote a column about three players who were severely underrated: Matt Ryan (ADP: 79.6), Lamar Miller (ADP: 106.9) and Malcom Floyd (ADP: 150.8). Five months later, Floyd still doesn't get the respect he deserves. Ranked 30th among all WR fantasy performers, and with fellow wideout Keenan Allen sidelined, Floyd has WR2+ potential. I'm saying 13+ points.
(4) Mark Sanchez might have only a 10-9 TD-INT ratio, but I believe he'll be a top 10 QB in Week 16. Facing Washington's atrocious secondary doesn't hurt. Last week Sanchez did a terrific job moving the ball, but three rushing TDs deprived him of the numbers fantasy owners crave. This week will end much differently: 19+ points.
(5) The latest word is that Chris Polk--not LeSean McCoy--will get Philly's goal line carries. I'd be cautious about starting McCoy anywhere other than in the flex spot, and even then, only if you'll be satisfied with 7-9 points max.
(6) Philly has the 2nd most fantasy points among all DSTs. So you need to start 'em against lowly Washington, right? Wrong. Look closer at the numbers: the Eagles' DST TD total (10) is at least twice that of every other NFL team. Sacks, interceptions, and keeping teams out of the end zone are far more predictable than DST touchdowns, because the latter requires more factors to fall perfectly into place. I view Philly as a 6-point DST at best this week, making them unstartable in many leagues.
Good luck today.