180 consecutive daily columns in the books dating back to June 18. About 20 remain. Today's bargains/busts post could help some of you advance (or not advance) to the finals. Let's see what we've got . . .
At QB, Nick Mullens (consensus 25th ranked Week 15 fantasy QB) is a solid desperation streamer, and not just because I'm desperate enough to start him in my semifinals. The recent return of Marquise Goodwin, the ascending Dante Pettis, and the elite George Kittle combine to give the former third-stringer a solid shot at top-16 production. Josh Allen (16th) and Mitch Trubisky (15th) are also undervalued; both have shown the ability to produce elite fantasy numbers, both play at home against sub-par pass defenses, and both have a healthy complement of receivers -- a rarity this time of year. On the flip side, I warned against consensus #1 Week 14 QB Drew Brees last Saturday. He's now ranked 4th, but I'm still warning that he'll be lucky to crack the top 10 against backs-against-the-wall Carolina defense. The same goes for Deshaun Watson (7th), who hasn't been better than 10th in four of his last five contests.
At RB, as always, I'm not factoring in any mid-week injuries. So Marcus Murphy (58th) is off the table despite the fact that he could start on Sunday if LeSean McCoy and Chris Ivory (both questionable) sit. So if that happens, of course Murphy will be a bargain; you don't need me to point that out. The more compelling options include the perennially undervalued Kenyan Drake (29th), who should see plenty of work in the receiving game with Miami likely to play from behind. And I like Jordan Howard (33rd) exceeding expectations against the Packers D yielding 4.6 yards per carry. On the flip side, Nick Chubb (8th) will disappoint in Denver, while Alvin Kamara (5th) is simply too risky to be labeled as an RB1 this week.
At WR, Robert Foster has 94 receiving yards in three of his last four games. Yet he's the consensus 74th ranked wideout this week. Something has to give. If you want boom-bust, Foster is worth the risk. Meanwhile, Jordy Nelson (49th) appears to be recovered from a November injury and should continue to serve as Derek Carr's #1 WR. On the flip side, Davante Adams (7th) won't be a top-14 option in Chicago.
At TE, Trey Burton (13th) will return to TE1 relevance this week in a plus matchup, while Ian Thomas (15th) has proven to be a reliable option for Cam Newton. On the flip side, David Njoku (7th) isn't getting enough looks to be a reliable top-10 TE, while Cameron Brate is an even more TD-dependent option.
At QB, Nick Mullens (consensus 25th ranked Week 15 fantasy QB) is a solid desperation streamer, and not just because I'm desperate enough to start him in my semifinals. The recent return of Marquise Goodwin, the ascending Dante Pettis, and the elite George Kittle combine to give the former third-stringer a solid shot at top-16 production. Josh Allen (16th) and Mitch Trubisky (15th) are also undervalued; both have shown the ability to produce elite fantasy numbers, both play at home against sub-par pass defenses, and both have a healthy complement of receivers -- a rarity this time of year. On the flip side, I warned against consensus #1 Week 14 QB Drew Brees last Saturday. He's now ranked 4th, but I'm still warning that he'll be lucky to crack the top 10 against backs-against-the-wall Carolina defense. The same goes for Deshaun Watson (7th), who hasn't been better than 10th in four of his last five contests.
At RB, as always, I'm not factoring in any mid-week injuries. So Marcus Murphy (58th) is off the table despite the fact that he could start on Sunday if LeSean McCoy and Chris Ivory (both questionable) sit. So if that happens, of course Murphy will be a bargain; you don't need me to point that out. The more compelling options include the perennially undervalued Kenyan Drake (29th), who should see plenty of work in the receiving game with Miami likely to play from behind. And I like Jordan Howard (33rd) exceeding expectations against the Packers D yielding 4.6 yards per carry. On the flip side, Nick Chubb (8th) will disappoint in Denver, while Alvin Kamara (5th) is simply too risky to be labeled as an RB1 this week.
At WR, Robert Foster has 94 receiving yards in three of his last four games. Yet he's the consensus 74th ranked wideout this week. Something has to give. If you want boom-bust, Foster is worth the risk. Meanwhile, Jordy Nelson (49th) appears to be recovered from a November injury and should continue to serve as Derek Carr's #1 WR. On the flip side, Davante Adams (7th) won't be a top-14 option in Chicago.
At TE, Trey Burton (13th) will return to TE1 relevance this week in a plus matchup, while Ian Thomas (15th) has proven to be a reliable option for Cam Newton. On the flip side, David Njoku (7th) isn't getting enough looks to be a reliable top-10 TE, while Cameron Brate is an even more TD-dependent option.