Who are some relatively under-the-radar, high-upside plays in Week 14?
(1) Kerwynn Williams tops the list. What? How? Here's what we know: David Johnson is the clear-cut #1 RB in Arizona and (I believe) will be a top 5 fantasy RB in Week 14. They're playing a home game against a depleted Minnesota D--one Seattle just shellacked 38-7. Boasting a defense that's fourth against the run and eighth against the pass, Arizona is highly likely to blow out the Vikings. Enter Williams, this week's 54th ranked RB (based on expert consensus). Assuming Andre Ellington sits (as expected), it's insane to rank Williams (4.6 YPC in 2014) so low. The Cardinals won't run Johnson--a guy who could help take them to the Super Bowl--into the ground. Expect 10+ touches for Williams in a plus matchup, making him an RB3 option for the gutsy among you.
(2) If C.J. Anderson's bum ankle keeps him out, Juwan Thompson (59th ranked RB) is also a potential RB3. Thompson racked up 5 yards per carry last season in a limited role, and was a noted major sleeper on this page back in August. While Ronnie Hillman should get the biggest boost if C.J. sits, don't be surprised if Gary Kubiak plays the hot hand, making Thompson a worthwhile flier for the even more gutsy among you.
(3) Much has been written about DeMarco Murray, including my somewhat controversial June 5th post (https://www.facebook.com/FantasyFootballForWinners/posts/863538450360802), where I made the case for why he should be avoided on draft day. While I don't like to call out players, it says a lot when a prized offseason acquisition complains to his team's owner about not getting enough playing time--the day after his team won its biggest game of the year. The Murray of 2014 is long gone. He's 44th among RBs in yards per carry. He is as was expected back in June: A guy you don't want to rely on in the fantasy playoffs. That makes Ryan Mathews (available in 44% of ESPN leagues)--if he plays this week--and Darren Sproles (51% available) must-add RBs heading into these final weeks. If Mathews sits, Sproles (36th ranked RB) has RB2 potential depending on Chip Kelly's game plan. It's something to monitor heading into Sunday.
(4) The Chiefs DST were unrostered in 38% of ESPN leagues as of yesterday. This morning that's down to 30%. It should be 0%. The unit is the league's third highest fantasy DST and has one of the best fantasy playoff schedules around.
(5) With Martellus Bennett out and various WRs continually nicked up, Zach Miller (15th ranked TE) is a worthy flier in Week 14, with top 5 TE upside.
(1) Kerwynn Williams tops the list. What? How? Here's what we know: David Johnson is the clear-cut #1 RB in Arizona and (I believe) will be a top 5 fantasy RB in Week 14. They're playing a home game against a depleted Minnesota D--one Seattle just shellacked 38-7. Boasting a defense that's fourth against the run and eighth against the pass, Arizona is highly likely to blow out the Vikings. Enter Williams, this week's 54th ranked RB (based on expert consensus). Assuming Andre Ellington sits (as expected), it's insane to rank Williams (4.6 YPC in 2014) so low. The Cardinals won't run Johnson--a guy who could help take them to the Super Bowl--into the ground. Expect 10+ touches for Williams in a plus matchup, making him an RB3 option for the gutsy among you.
(2) If C.J. Anderson's bum ankle keeps him out, Juwan Thompson (59th ranked RB) is also a potential RB3. Thompson racked up 5 yards per carry last season in a limited role, and was a noted major sleeper on this page back in August. While Ronnie Hillman should get the biggest boost if C.J. sits, don't be surprised if Gary Kubiak plays the hot hand, making Thompson a worthwhile flier for the even more gutsy among you.
(3) Much has been written about DeMarco Murray, including my somewhat controversial June 5th post (https://www.facebook.com/FantasyFootballForWinners/posts/863538450360802), where I made the case for why he should be avoided on draft day. While I don't like to call out players, it says a lot when a prized offseason acquisition complains to his team's owner about not getting enough playing time--the day after his team won its biggest game of the year. The Murray of 2014 is long gone. He's 44th among RBs in yards per carry. He is as was expected back in June: A guy you don't want to rely on in the fantasy playoffs. That makes Ryan Mathews (available in 44% of ESPN leagues)--if he plays this week--and Darren Sproles (51% available) must-add RBs heading into these final weeks. If Mathews sits, Sproles (36th ranked RB) has RB2 potential depending on Chip Kelly's game plan. It's something to monitor heading into Sunday.
(4) The Chiefs DST were unrostered in 38% of ESPN leagues as of yesterday. This morning that's down to 30%. It should be 0%. The unit is the league's third highest fantasy DST and has one of the best fantasy playoff schedules around.
(5) With Martellus Bennett out and various WRs continually nicked up, Zach Miller (15th ranked TE) is a worthy flier in Week 14, with top 5 TE upside.