Today's brief column centers around one simple question: Which mostly unstartable players will be must-start options in the fantasy playoffs (typically weeks 15-17)?
Last year Derek Carr averaged only 11.8 points thru Week 14. He hadn't exceeded 18.3 points in any game. Then he posted 20.3, 25.0, and 15.6 points in weeks 15-17. And for those competing in Week 18, he hit 27.2. A solid-to-great turnaround when it mattered most.
Following Week 14 last year, Zamir White hadn't seen more than five touches in a game, and his season-highs included five touches and 5.8 points. His second-highest output was 2.9. He was a non-factor. Then he took over for an injured Josh Jacobs beginning in Week 15, netting 17.5, 14.5, and 15.6 points. Not bad for a season-long lottery ticket.
Juwan Johnson was mostly an afterthought last season, averaging only 4.6 points thru Week 14. Then he found the end zone for three straight weeks beginning in Week 15, securing 11.8, 14.8, and 23.0 points.
There are many dozens of players who aren't really rosterable at the moment, but who have a pretty clear path to late-season success. Some are RB handcuffs. Others are #3 WRs. Others are QBs who might be getting a top receiver back from injury . . . or a TE who steps up when one or more WRs go down.
For example, Braelon Allen and Trey Benson still are near the top of my list. The former plays for a team that'll probably throw in the towel by early-to-mid December, and the latter plays behind a running back who's pretty consistently missed a few games per year.
Which fantasy afterthoughts are you willing to stash on your roster, why, and who would you drop to make room?
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