Updating yesterday’s post: “Spike” has identified himself. So now a much-deserved congratulations to
Mike Hoff, who weathered five close games (decided by a touchdown or less) and
closed it out in style by having the forethought to save the Patriots for Week
13, while the other remaining competitors fell at the hands of the
underperforming Saints. Great job,
Mike. To the rest of you, try harder.
I highlighted Big Ben yesterday as a QB to stay away from this
week. A few other thoughts about
underrated and overrated QBs as we head into—or for some of you—much close to—fantasy
playoff season.
Overrated:
Aaron Rodgers (ESPN’s #2 ranked Week 14 QB) is the NFL’s #1 fantasy QB,
but is dealing with an injured hamstring while gearing up for a tough matchup
that will be more defensive than the 46.5 over/under. Seattle’s defense has given up a little less
than one passing TD per game. Rodgers
will post somewhere around top 7-12 numbers.
Russell Wilson (#6) will be lucky to crack the top 12. He’s enjoyed four great fantasy games this
season and eight mediocre-to-terrible ones.
His ranking is based more on prestige than on realistic expectations. I’d bench Wilson this week if you have a
comfortable top 12 option.
Underrated:
I get that the Bears’ defense is underrated. I understand that Matthew Stafford was shellacked
in Chicago earlier this season. But don’t
tell me the ninth highest scoring fantasy QB is only deserving of a #12 ranking
this week. With the help of Golden Tate,
Anquan Boldin, Eric Ebron, and Theo Riddick (and Marvin Jones if he returns),
Stafford will light up Chicago to the tune of 4+ TDs.
When I tried trading for Eli Manning (#15) earlier this season, I’d had
my eye on weeks 14 and 15: home games vs. the Cowboys and Lions. Eli is a top 5 play this week. Wish I had him.
Don’t throw in the towel on Ryan Tannehill just yet. His #27 ranking this week is a bit
overstated. He’s a must-start in two-QB
leagues and will help lead Miami to a much-needed win. A top 18 performance is a lock. A top 12 performance is a bit of a stretch,
but if you’re like me and have Big Ben, the risk is worth it.