Fake Teams - Everything you need for NFL Week 14The Key Source For Incisive Fantasy Sports Analysishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50153/fake-fav.png2019-12-08T11:00:00-05:00http://www.faketeams.com/rss/stream/207591812019-12-08T11:00:00-05:002019-12-08T11:00:00-05:00MNF preview: What to expect fantasy-wise from Eagles vs Giants
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<figcaption>Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Fly Eagles, fly!</p> <h2 id="BsO2yz">The New York Giants</h2>
<p id="PGp06Q">The Giants’ offensive line could hardly keep <span>Daniel Jones</span> upright against mid-tier competition. Jones’ bum <a href="https://www.giants.com/team/injury-report/">ankle</a> is bad enough to keep him out of Monday night’s matchup though, setting the stage for <em>The Return of Eli Manning</em>. Manning’s glacial pocket mobility is far worse than the spry, young Jones. The possibility that the Eagles’ defensive line approaches double digit sacks here is not out of the question. Manning’s performance is likely to be bad enough that viewers reach for the remote before the 1st-half is over. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">He’s our second-to-last ranked passer in Week 14</a>. That being said, it <em>is possible</em> that the underrated (and oft-injured) Giants’ receiving corps buoys Manning into the mid-to-low box score range. Still the likelihood that Manning gets rag-dolled into 3-and-outs, followed by desperate, early-down picks later in the game is far too high.</p>
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<p id="kYZ2Ie">The wildcard aspect of this game is Philadelphia’s appalling secondary. It’s possible the New York pass catchers get loose here and there. Golden Tate III’s slot responsibilities should keep him in flex contention with PPR-based upside, as Manning is likely to look his way to negate some of Philly’s pass rush. Similarly, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20837288/sterling-shepard-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Sterling Shepard</a> still garners flex consideration but banking on a ceiling game would be foolhardy. <span>Darius Slayton</span> is a good bet for a goose egg in this one. Manning will need time in the pocket in order to look for the downfield specialist -- an outcome we cannot bank on. </p>
<p id="rwLZXA">Making matters worse, No. 1 and 2 tight ends, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20837312/evan-engram-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Evan Engram</a> and Rhett Ellisson are both <a href="https://www.giants.com/team/injury-report/">Out</a>. 6th-Round rookie tight end <span>Kaden Smith</span> <a href="https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/reports/leaders/half-ppr-te.php?year=2019&start=12&end=12">has surprisingly finished 5th (Week 12) and T-10th (Week 13) in .5PPR TE scoring over the last two weeks</a>. Garnering <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/32008/gamelog">respectable target numbers</a> in the process. He offers zero floor/high ceiling return in this one. Consider him a true TE1/2 roulette play. </p>
<p id="ZWpij8"><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/4/20948384/saquon-barkley-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Saquon Barkley</a> comes in as this week’s overall RB7. This is a very tough matchup but he should see a <em>large</em> workload -- especially via the passing game. It’s entirely possible he turns in a ho-hum Standard scoring performance but racks up 10 catches on emergency dump-offs, making him significantly safer in PPR leagues.</p>
<h2 id="tqxF0Q">The Philadelphia Eagles</h2>
<p id="5tFh2O">If you’ve got a prominent Eagle on your roster, fire him up. The Giants’ lone defensive strength has been <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=TE&ntid=19">covering opposing tight ends</a>. Strong safety <span>Jabrill Peppers</span> is Out with a back injury though, so it’s hunting season for both <span>Zach Ertz</span> and Dallas Goedert. </p>
<p id="nd2Dtu">In turn, that makes life easier on veteran perimeter receiver <span>Alshon Jeffery</span>, who should face minimal target competition from the other receivers. <span>Nelson Agholor</span>’s knee is bad enough that he’s a true <a href="https://www.giants.com/team/injury-report/">game-time call</a>. <span>Agholor</span> should not be counted on, regardless of if he’s active. <span>JJ Arcega-Whiteside</span>’s role should somewhat expand but he can’t be counted on as more than a Hail Mary 2nd-flex. In sum, both tight ends are legitimate TE1 options, with the elder <span>Ertz</span> slightly ahead of the young Goedert. <span>Jeffery</span> is a high-end WR2 with back-end WR1 upside. </p>
<p id="KydNY9">Adding it all up, Carson Wentz finds himself as <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">this week’s overall QB13</a>. It’s been an up-and-down year for Wentz but he’s an excellent streaming option who can easily scoot into the Top 12 for a QB1 finish. </p>
<p id="CPXuXi">As we’ve said for weeks now, nerve injuries like the stinger that <span>Jordan Howard</span> suffered in his shoulder can last for weeks if they do not <em>immediately </em>-- meaning seconds to minutes -- dissipate<em>. </em>There’s no firm timeline for when he’ll return but he hasn’t even be cleared for contact yet. He will not play this week and it’s safe to assume he won’t make next week’s game either. This, of course, bodes <em>very well</em> for RB <span>Miles Sanders</span>’ outlook. New York’s run defense is nothing to write home about. Consider Sanders to be in an eerily similar situation as his quarterback. Sanders walks into Monday night <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">ranked as the 13th overall</a> running back in this week’s tiered rankings. He’s got a smooth path to leapfrog one of the Top 12 RB1s en route to an RB1 finish. <span>Jay Ajayi</span> has been, and will continue to be, completely irrelevant.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/8/21000864/monday-night-football-preview-what-to-expect-fantasy-wise-from-eagles-vs-giantsNHB2019-12-06T17:36:38-05:002019-12-06T17:36:38-05:00Fantasy Football Rundown: Week 14
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<figcaption>Getty Images/Pete Rogers Illustrations</figcaption>
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<p>Thoughts on every single NFL game and every single player that’s fantasy relevant for Week 14. </p> <p id="jDWmM4">Welcome to the Rundown where I give at least a sentence on every single fantasy relevant player this week. Let’s begin!</p>
<h2 id="5XhuKm">
<a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/"><strong>Carolina Panthers</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons"><strong>Atlanta Falcons</strong></a>
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<p id="YKYGjH"><span>Kyle Allen</span> has been a usable fantasy asset as of late. <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons-carolina-panthers-20191117029/">Although he posted a dud in Week 11 against this same team, with 4 interceptions, he did manage to hit 325 passing yards</a>. Allen has the tools to remain QB2 relevant but his propensity for picks is undeniable. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">Consider him a QB3 option with serious mid-tier QB2 upside</a>. He’s a risky play but there is a path for him to succeed in the box score. DJ Moore has proven to be a rock-solid WR2, regardless of matchup. That remains the case here. <span>Curtis Samuel</span> is a moderate .5PPR/PPR flex option, although <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons-carolina-panthers-20191117029/">it’s worth noting he failed to produce the last time these two teams met</a>. TE <span>Greg Olsen</span> is in the league’s concussion protocol and is unlikely to play. Ian Thomas deserves serious TE1 streaming consideration. He’s a true talent and <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=TE&ntid=1">the Falcons defense has been friendly to opposing tight ends</a>. <span>Christian McCaffrey</span> should continue his campaign towards the Yards From Scrimmage record with little resistance. <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/atlanta-falcons-carolina-panthers-20191117029/">He’s the overall RB1</a>.</p>
<p id="e3q92N"><span>Matt Ryan</span> is just a mid-tier <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">QB2</a> this week as <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=QB&ntid=29">the Panthers’ pass defense is top notch</a>. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841614/julio-jones-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Julio Jones</a> has <a href="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/injury-report/">returned to practice</a> while recovering from an AC joint sprain, <a href="https://app.profootballdoc.com/#/research">per Pro Football Doc</a> (use site interface to locate <span>Jones</span>’ info). He’ll be able to play, with an injection. He’s a bit worrisome though, given that <a href="https://www.nfl.com/standings">Atlanta’s been eliminated from the playoffs</a>. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20839829/calvin-ridley-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Calvin Ridley</a> should be considered a WR2 with Julio-injury-based upside. Although Russell Gage will remain the team’s No. 3 WR, TE <span>Austin Hooper</span> has <a href="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/injury-report/">returned to practice</a> and will likely regain his monster target share, pre-MCL/ankle injury. Gage is not a recommended start. <span>Hooper</span> is a surefire TE1. Devonta <span>Freeman</span> has an excellent matchup this week. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">He’s been so bad though, he can only be trusted as a flex, albeit with volume-based RB2 upside</a>.</p>
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<h2 id="5it2br">
<a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/"><strong>Indianapolis Colts</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/"><strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong></a>
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<p id="Jdiuz7">Pour in the powder and shot and let the cannons roar. <span>Jacoby Brissett</span> is in position to demolish the box score in Week 14, as he squares off with one of the NFL’s most dilapidated secondary. <a href="http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&season=2019&seasonType=REG&role=OPP&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&conference=ALL&defensiveStatisticCategory=TEAM_PASSING&d-447263-s=PASSING_TOUCHDOWNS">The Bucs’ secondary gets flamed by opposing passing offenses on a weekly basis</a> while, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&defensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&conference=ALL&role=OPP&season=2019&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=RUSHING_YARDS_PER_GAME_AVG&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-n=1">conversely, shutting down opposing run games</a>. This is a <em>heavy</em> pass-funnel team. Brissett is <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">the overall QB8</a>. With TY Hilton <a href="https://www.colts.com/team/injury-report/">possibly being placed on Injured Reserve</a>, Zach Pascal assumes WR1 status. The matchup and the target volume should be there for Pascal to smash box score expectations. Parris Campbell is <a href="https://www.colts.com/team/injury-report/">due back from injury this week</a> and should immediately takeover No. 2 WR duties. He’s a <em>strong</em> flex option with WR2 upside. Jack Doyle has sky-high TE1 upside as well. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840982/marlon-mack-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Marlon Mack</a> should immediately retake his 20-touch workload, <a href="https://www.colts.com/team/injury-report/">now that’s he’s expected back from injury</a>. <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> and Jonathan <span>Williams</span> can be put back out to sea. Nyheim Hines could retain PPR-only 2nd-flex responsibilities although this is a bit of an unknown. </p>
<p id="KgB7TP">Indy’s pass defense is respectable but the Bucs’ passing game is just too strong. <span>Jameis Winston</span> is <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">the overall QB5</a> this week with interception-proof upside. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841107/mike-evans-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Mike Evans</a> and <span>Chris Godwin</span> are every-week WR1s. That remains the case this week. Indy’s scheme is built around defending the deep-ball so last week’s flash from Breshad Perriman should largely be ignored. He’s a Hail Mary 2nd-flex option in Standard leagues. <span>Cameron Brate</span> has slipped back into irrelevance and OJ Howard has teased us off and on. The Colts handle tight ends well so both are recommended bench residents. <span>Ronald Jones II</span> blew a pass pro responsibility and Bruce Arians immediately benched him. With that short of a leash, <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=RB&ntid=11">against a solid run defense (outside of the hurt that Derrick Henry put on them</a>), Jones can only be trusted <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">as a flex option</a>. Neither Peyton Barber nor Dare Ogunbowale are recommended starts. </p>
<h2 id="OlPA2P">
<a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/"><strong>Miami Dolphins</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/"><strong>New York Jets</strong></a>
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<p id="hzDRnx"><span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> has the perfect compliment for his gunslinging ways in DeVante Parker. The two of them have risen to the “1” tiers of their respective positions. Fitz is this week’s <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">QB12</a>, facing a middling Jets’ pass defense. Parker, meanwhile, can be confidently started as a surefire WR1, regardless of opponent. <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/buffalo-bills-miami-dolphins-20191117015/">His Week 11 shellacking of the Bills’ top-tier secondary is a testament to his abilities</a>. Although Allen Hurns and Albert Wilson have made noise as of late, neither are more than risky 2nd-flex options. TE Mike Gesicki is a locked-in TE1, receiving a delectable weekly workload. With Kalen Ballage going on Injured Reserve, Patrick Laird and Myles Gaskin takeover the Dolphins’ backfield. Laird has proven to be a proficient pass catching back who Fitz has placed his trust in. He’s an excellent flex option with strong upside in PPR. Gaskin should see 12 or so touches this week but the Jets’ run defense is great. Gaskin could be speculatively added but is not a recommended start. </p>
<p id="CJpdpc"><span>Sam Darnold</span> has an excellent matchup on tap against a poor Dolphins secondary. Now that the Ryan Fitzpatrick has Miami’s offense moving the chains, opposing teams are forced to keep their foot on the gas. That bodes well for Darnold’s prospects. HC Adam Gase’s involvement with the offense keeps Darnold’s ceiling in question though, making Darnold <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">a mid-tier QB2 with high-end QB2 upside based on the matchup</a>. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=WR&ntid=15">As evidenced by their showings against slot receivers like Jarvis Landry and Jamison Crowder, as well as perimeter receivers like John Brown and Alshon Jeffery</a>, the Miami secondary is a red carpet for opposing receivers. Jamison Crowder is a WR2 with WR1 upside in PPR. <span>Robby Anderson</span> is a strong flex option with a great chance to score. <span>Demaryius Thomas</span> is a low-end PPR-only 2nd-flex option. TE Ryan Griffin <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/new-york-jets-miami-dolphins-20191103015/">caught 6 of 8 targets for 50 yards when these teams squared off in Week 9</a>. He’s likely to be able to repeat that respectable performance with a good shot at pay dirt. Le’Veon Bell <a href="https://www.newyorkjets.com/team/injury-report/">was not able to practice this week due to an illness</a>. Illnesses typically don’t keep players out but we’ve seen a number of standout starters be seriously limited with the flu this year. Although it’s likely Bell plays, adding <span>Bilal Powell</span> or <span>Ty Montgomery</span> is the prudent move. <span>Powell</span> has received slightly more work, week-to-week, than <span>Montgomery</span> has, making him the preferred add. Whoever gets the starting nod needs to be in fantasy lineups. This is an outstanding matchup. Bell currently sits as <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">the overall RB8</a>.</p>
<h2 id="qcW565">
<a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/"><strong>San Francisco 49ers</strong></a><strong> at New Orleans </strong>
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<p id="TNahtL">This is a tough spot for Jimmy Garoppolo, dropping him to the <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">QB3 ranks</a>. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/11/20959896/george-kittle-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">George Kittle</a> retains top-notch TE1 status as the NFL’s premier tight end. <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> and Deebo Samuel are both limited to flex status. Samuel has been far more productive than Sanders in recent weeks, perhaps making him the safer of the two options. He’s drawn Jimmy G’s eye in scoring position. Ancillary pass catchers are not worth considering. HC Kyle Shanahan has been willing to ride with the hotter hand in the backfield, as evidenced by <span>Raheem Mostert</span>’s workload (<a href="https://login.yahoo.com/config/login?noPrompt=1&.done=https%3A%2F%2Fsports%2Eyahoo%2Ecom%2Fnfl%2Fsan%2Dfrancisco%2D49ers%2Dbaltimore%2Dravens%2D20191201033%2F">and ensuing production</a>) last week. With Matt Breida returning to his 1B role and <span>Tevin Coleman</span> flailing, it’s Mostert is the best bet to keep ahold of 1A backfield duties. It’s a tough matchup though so consider Mostert <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">just a strong flex</a>. Breida is flex-able in PPR. At this point, Tevin Coleman belongs on your bench.</p>
<p id="Zepu9M"><a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=QB&ntid=25">The 49ers defense has done a good job of limiting opposing quarterback passing production</a>. Drew Brees and Co. are too good to just full-on fade though. Brees is a back-end QB1. Perhaps the best receiver in football, Michael Thomas is a matchup-proof WR1. Start him with confidence. Carbon copy deep burners, <span>Ted Ginn Jr.</span> and Tre’Quan Smith are impossible to predict (outside of oftentimes being largely ineffective) and are not recommended, even as 2nd-flex options. <span>Jared Cook</span> has been on fire as of late. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=TE&ntid=25">Although the Niners have had great success in limiting opposing tight ends, the truly talented ones have retained TE1 production against them</a>. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=RB&ntid=25">San Fran’s defensive front has played well against banger backs but those who are utilized both through the air and on the ground have lit up box scores</a>. <span>Alvin Kamara</span>’s receiving game prowess keeps him in <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">the middle of the RB1 tier</a>. Latavius Murray is just a premier handcuff.</p>
<h2 id="NRPrXs">
<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/"><strong>Detroit Lions</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/"><strong>Minnesota Vikings</strong></a>
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<p id="pGb6KY">We’ll keep expectations low for David Blough, given his small sample size. He acquitted himself very well last week though and has an unimposing matchup with the Vikings secondary on tap this week. Blough takes a QB3 floor ranking, however, he’s got serious mid-tier QB2 upside. <span>Kenny Golladay</span> established a strong connection with Blough last week and we should expect that train to keep on rolling. Start Golladay and a fringe WR1/2. <span>Marvin Jones Jr.</span> is a solid flex option with back-end WR2 upside. Danny Amendola, however, is not a recommended start. Although TJ Hockenson <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/chicago-bears-detroit-lions-20191128008/">caught six of <em>eleven </em>targets last week for just 18 yards</a>. It’s clear that Blough has found his safety blanket. Hockenson should be fired up as a TE1 this week. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=RB&ntid=16">The Vikings’ defensive front has been solid against opposing running backs -- except for last week when they were slashed by the Chris Carson/Rashaad Penny duo</a>. <span>Bo Scarbrough</span>’s lack of receiving game involvement keeps him out of the RB2 ranks, however, he’s run very well and continues to see a high volume of carries. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">Start him as a strong flex option</a>. 90 yards and a score is well within his range of outcomes. JD McKissic and <span>Ty Johnson</span> are ignorable. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20842023/kerryon-johnson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019"><strong>Kerryon Johnson</strong></a><strong> has returned to practice and is eligible to come off of Injured Reserve in Week 16. Add him.</strong></p>
<p id="JgKoQJ"><span>Kirk Cousins</span> should pummel the hapless Lions defense, even without the <a href="https://www.vikings.com/team/injury-report/">Doubtful</a> <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a>. Cousins is <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">the overall QB7</a>. <span>Stefon Diggs</span> is in contention for a Top 3-5 WR finish this week in what aims to be a target-hog showing. Adam Thielen’s absence last week lead to a smattering of pass catchers posting wonky days. Laquon Treadwell <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-seattle-seahawks-20191202026/">reeled in just one of his 2 targets for a 58-yard score</a>. That kind of production is unreliable, <a href="http://subscribers.footballguys.com/teams/teampage-min-6.php">especially on a 26% snap share</a>. Olabisi Johnson is a moderate PPR-based 2nd-flex option. Tight end <span>Kyle Rudolph</span> has had a thunderous late season surge and should be fired up as a top-end TE1. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> and his SC joint sprain but should be able to play this week with a pre-game injection. He’s likely to get pulled if the team is up though <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">so consider him more of a back-end RB1 for this one</a>. Alexander Mattison is a <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">flex-able standalone asset</a>. </p>
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<h2 id="pHmgKV">
<a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/"><strong>Denver Broncos</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/"><strong>Houston Texans</strong></a>
</h2>
<p id="80YAXQ">Drew Lock <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">is just a QB3 this week</a>, even in a good matchup. He’s still very raw and just learning the ropes. It’s possible Courtland Sutton drags him into the back-end of the QB2 box scores. Sutton retains weekly WR2 viability as his breakout season marches on. There aren’t any ancillary pass catchers worth considering on this team. TE <span>Jeff Heuerman</span> even <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/los-angeles-chargers-denver-broncos-20191201007/">out-targeted</a> <span>Noah Fant</span>, who was in the midst of a mid-season breakout. Phillip Lindsay is the clear cut lead back in this offense, although <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/9/13/20863972/royce-freeman-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Royce Freeman</a> is still involved as a pass catcher. Lindsay comes in as the overall <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">RB17</a>, Freeman the <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">RB46</a>.</p>
<p id="W3j9Ne"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/new-england-patriots-houston-texans-20191201034/">After slaying the vaunted Patriots defense last week</a>, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841565/deshaun-watson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Deshaun Watson</a> should have little trouble shellacking the Broncos’ lesser group. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">He’s the overall QB2</a>. Of course, this makes for likely monster showings from <span>DeAndre Hopkins</span>, Will Fuller V, and breakout tight end Darren Fells. Consider Hopkins a top-notch WR1, Fuller a touchdown-likely WR2, and Fells a Top 12 TE. <span>Kenny Stills</span> could be started as a 2nd-flex option in Standard leagues. Duke Johnson Jr. has encouragingly seen more work over the last few weeks. As a result, <span>Carlos Hyde</span> is finally seeing a dip in his rushing share. Duke Johnson Jr. has finally re-leapfrogged Hyde in the tiered running back rankings. He’s <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">a decent flex option with upside</a> while Hyde <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">holds a moderate floor/capped ceiling flex outlook</a>. </p>
<h2 id="xRrN98">
<a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/"><strong>Baltimore Ravens</strong></a><strong> at Buffalo Bills</strong>
</h2>
<p id="K3hyuC">Outside of being beaten up by Dak Prescott last week, <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=QB&ntid=2">the Bills’ defense has been <em>very</em> strong against the pass</a>. Fortunately for <span>Lamar Jackson</span>, he’s one of the most unique quarterbacks to ever play the game. We’re fearlessly sticking with him as <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">the overall QB1</a> this week, despite the tough matchup. WR Marquise Brown will likely face shadow coverage from shutdown CB Tre’Davious White. White’s the real deal, making Brown a boom/bust flex option but a real chance of busting. Ancillary receivers, Willie Snead IV and Myles Boykin remain ignorable in this one. TE Mark Andrews is always an every-week TE1. Nick Boyle’s <a href="http://subscribers.footballguys.com/teams/teampage-rav-6.php">excellent snap share</a> keeps him on the TE2, TD-dependent radar. Buffalo is willing to concede rushing production to prevent team’s gaining yardage via the pass. <span>Mark Ingram II</span> <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">can be confidently fired up as a high-end RB2 with delightful multi-TD upsid</a>e. <span>Gus Edwards</span> is unlikely to see much work this week and the contest likely won’t feature garbage time.</p>
<p id="OYiZAU">Lamar Jackson’s Week 14 counterpart, Josh Allen, faces a similarly difficult matchup. He’s playing too well and has too many ways to win to discount him though. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">He’s the overall QB5</a>. John Brown, perhaps the player that Marquise Brown will one day fully emulate -- or even surpass -- must also be downgraded a bit. Brown, however, drops from a back-end WR1 to a back-end WR2. Without any other receivers establishing themselves and <span>Dawson Knox</span> just existing as a frustrating weekly TE1/2 fringer, Cole Beasley has cemented himself as Allen’s safety blanket and can be started in all leagues as a decent flex play. Beasley has terrific PPR upside. Baltimore’s run defense is starting to reveal itself as just <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=RB&ntid=33"><em>nominally</em></a> strong. Devin Singletary can be started as an <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">RB2</a>. Frank Gore is an unsexy 2nd-flex option is <em>deep</em> leagues. </p>
<h2 id="1zJLnu">
<a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/"><strong>Cincinnati Bengals</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><strong>Cleveland Browns</strong></a>
</h2>
<p id="KNFUTg">The lack of AJ Green drops <span>Andy Dalton</span>’s reliability, even in a decent matchup. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">He’s a QB3 with moderate QB2 upside</a>. <span>Tyler Boyd</span> and <span>Auden Tate</span> are volume-based flex options, <em>however</em>, their stability is in-flux given John Ross III’s return to the lineup after coming off of IR-Return this week. Ross should be rostered but only started out of desperation. There are no tight ends of note. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/11/20959324/joe-mixon-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Joe Mixon</a> <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">is a back-end RB2, given the shakiness of the offense overall. It is a <em>great</em> matchup though so a high-end RB2 finish is within range</a>. Gio Bernard is ignorable.</p>
<p id="3yrKPb"><a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">Currently ranked as a back-end QB2 given the slight possibility that his hand injury hampers him, Baker Mayfield <em>does have</em> an excellent matchup on tap here -- to the point that a back-end QB1 finish is possible</a>. Monitor reports on his hand. Jarvis Landry is an incredibly safe WR2, every week, given his target volume. Start him as such. Odell Beckham Jr. deserves a WR1 ranking this week in a blow-up spot. The return of TE David Njoku from Injured Reserve nukes ancillary WR/TE value. He’s a risky TE1 option this week. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841675/nick-chubb-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Nick Chubb</a> should pummel this hapless Bengals linebacking corps, en route to a safe <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">RB1</a> finish. <span>Kareem Hunt</span> has a standalone 10-15 touch role with a significant amount of the work coming via the high-value, highly efficient passing game. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">He’s a rock-solid RB2/flex option, especially in PPR leagues</a>. </p>
<h2 id="LUxvDE">
<span><strong>Washington</strong></span><strong> Football Team at </strong><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/"><strong>Green Bay Packers</strong></a>
</h2>
<p id="Jei8sr">Dwayne Haskins Jr. is in for a tough one here. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">He is, once again, this week’s worst-ranked quarterback</a>. Terry McLaurin is just a flex option. <span>Kelvin Harmon</span> could be given a look as some sort of a 3rd or 4th flex option in PPR leagues-only. He is not a recommended play though. Jeremy Sprinkle is just a TE2. Green Bay’s running back defense is subpar, making <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/10/29/20937657/derrius-guice-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Derrius Guice</a> and <span>Adrian Peterson</span> <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">viable flex plays this week</a>. </p>
<p id="gyx2b8">Aaron Rodgers should have no issue taking this Washington defense to task. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">He’s the overall QB4</a>. <span>Davante Adams</span> is a top-end WR1 with ungodly potential. Fire up <span>Allen Lazard</span> as a flex option with decent WR2 upside. He’s the No. 2 pass catcher on this squad. Geronimo Allison and <span>Marquez Valdes-Scantling</span> are just boom/bust 2nd-flex option in PPR. They are not recommended starts. <span>Jimmy Graham</span> is a <a href="https://www.packers.com/team/injury-report/">banged up</a> TE2. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/10/29/20938500/aaron-jones-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Aaron Jones</a> makes for a mid-tier RB1 this week in a stellar matchup against the woeful Washington front. <span>Jamaal Williams</span> is a TD-likely flex option. </p>
<h2 id="ZWKZen">
<strong>Los Angeles </strong><a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/"><strong>Chargers</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/"><strong>Jacksonville Jaguars</strong></a>
</h2>
<p id="rAdSsR">Jacksonville’s offensive prowess should keep the Chargers offense in “Go” mode. Rivers is <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">just a back-end QB2</a> though. His arm is shot. <span>Keenan Allen</span> is able to retain WR1/2 value with his safe target volume. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841639/mike-williams-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Mike Williams</a>, however, is approaching the record for most receiving yards without scoring. Williams is a 2nd-flex option in PPR leagues. Hunter Henry is a safe TE1. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/8/20955621/melvin-gordon-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Melvin Gordon</a> III is playing extremely well and seeing lots of work. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">He’s a shoe-in RB1</a>. Even so, <span>Austin Ekeler</span> has still managed to produce at an <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">RB2</a> level. The kid’s the real deal. </p>
<p id="W1IMiM">Gardner Minshew Jr. is back at the controls of the Jacksonville offense and immediately garners a <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">mid-tier QB2 status</a>. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=WR&ntid=24">The Chargers’ pass defense is stout</a>, making for a tough outing on the Jags’ side of things. <span>DJ Chark Jr.</span> must be lowered to mid-tier WR2 status while <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838558/dede-westbrook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dede Westbrook</a> is just a flex. <span>Chris Conley</span> should be avoided this week. There are no relevant tight ends. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20838791/leonard-fournette-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Leonard Fournette</a> once again <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers-jacksonville-jaguars-20191201030/"><em>lead the team in targets last week</em></a>. He is a true dual threat running back at this point who deserves <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">every-week high-end RB1 consideration</a>. He’s matchup-proof.</p>
<h2 id="evwAaB">
<a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/"><strong>Pittsburgh Steelers</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/"><strong>Arizona Cardinals</strong></a>
</h2>
<p id="ea905a">Pittsburgh heads to Arizona, lead by a bevvy of backups. QB <span>Devlin Hodges</span> <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">is a low-end QB2 with moderate upside in a sublime matchup</a>. With JuJu Smith-Schuster <a href="https://www.steelers.com/team/injury-report/">Out</a>, Hodges’ hunting partner and favorite passing game target, James Washington, has serious WR2 viability against the hapless Cardinals defense. As far as the rest of the receivers go, <span>Diontae Johnson</span> deserves flex consideration in PPR leagues. The real pass catching winner this week though, is tight end Vance McDonald. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=TE&ntid=22">Arizona is far-and-away the league’s worst defense when facing tight ends</a>. Fire up Vance as a Top 5 TE option this week. With James Conner <a href="https://www.steelers.com/team/injury-report/">Out</a>, <span>Benny Snell Jr.</span> is in line for 20 downhill touches in a terrific matchup. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">He’s a locked-and-loaded RB2</a>. Jaylen Samuels deserves PPR-only flex consideration as he’s been largely relegated to just pass catching duties.</p>
<p id="oOEaPO">This is an extremely tough matchup for QB Kyler Murray this week. He’s been dropped into <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">the mid-to-high QB2 pool</a>. Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald are really the only pure-pass catchers worth considering in this offense. Kirk is a low-end WR2/flex option while Fitz is a PPR-flex. There are no tight ends worth starting here. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/4/20937422/kenyan-drake-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Kenyan Drake</a> has taken over <em>all</em> of the usable running back work in this offense. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">Given the difficult matchup though, he’s just a mid-tier RB2</a>. </p>
<h2 id="dMBQIV">
<a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/"><strong>Tennessee Titans</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders"><strong>Oakland Raiders</strong></a>
</h2>
<p id="doXTz4">Ryan Tannehill enters prime position to bounceback from last week’s dud. There’s a small chance this is a Derrick Henry-only show, given how bad the Raiders defense is. It’s much more likely though that Tannehill lights up the Raiders secondary throughout the first half. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">He’s a high-end QB2 with an easy path to a Top 12, QB1 finish</a>. Receivers <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840806/corey-davis-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Corey Davis</a> and <span>Tajae Sharpe</span> have been hardly-boom/mostly-bust flex options throughout the year. It’s possible Davis corrals a TD pass but he is not a recommended, bankable option. <span>Adam Humphries</span>’ (<a href="https://www.titansonline.com/team/injury-report/">ankle</a>) absence could bode well for AJ Brown though. Consider Brown a mild-floor/high ceiling WR2/flex option. You could do far worse than rolling with him this week. Neither Jonnu Smith Jr. nor Anthony Firkser has evolved into a trustworthy fantasy option at tight end. It’s <em>all systems go</em> for Derrick Henry this week. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">He’s absolutely in contention to take overall RB1 honors, coming in as this week’s overall RB3</a>. </p>
<p id="meFywE"><span>Derek Carr</span> comes in as just a <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">QB3</a> this week, facing the Titans’ so-so pass defense. <span>Tyrell Williams</span> and Darren Waller are the only pure-pass catchers worth considering. Williams is a solid flex option with a decent chance to score. Waller’s talent and target-volume keep him a matchup-proof TE1. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=RB&ntid=10">The Raiders’ backfield faces a pretty good matchup this week</a>. It’s possible <span>Josh Jacobs</span>’ shoulder injury keeps him out of the contest though. Should he play, he’s the overall RB12. Were he to miss, <span>DeAndre Washington</span> would likely walk into 15+ touches, with Jalen Richard taking on 10 or so, mostly in the passing game. Washington would be a plug-and-play RB2, Richard a PPR-flex.</p>
<h2 id="pdenKN">
<a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/"><strong>Kansas City Chiefs</strong></a><strong> at New England Patriots</strong>
</h2>
<p id="JszCu6">This is a very tough spot for KC, but the Chiefs’ loaded passing corps should help <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838560/patrick-mahomes-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Patrick Mahomes</a> retain <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">high-end QB1 box score results</a>. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20837404/tyreek-hill-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Tyreek Hill</a> is a matchup-proof receiver who can take home overall WR1 honors any given week. That remains true here, even under <span>Stephon Gilmore</span>’s shadow coverage. <span>Travis Kelce</span>, similarly, retains high-end TE1 status. <span>Sammy Watkins</span> has become a professional decoy at this point while Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman snipe TDs here and there. That whole trio is a recommended avoid this week. Damien Williams is <a href="https://www.chiefs.com/team/injury-report/">Out</a> this week and Darrel Williams has been placed on IR. Showing a lack of confidence in <span>LeSean McCoy</span> and Darwin Thompson, the team opted to sign one of their former running backs, Spencer Ware. McCoy should be considered <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">a startable flex</a> option as the veteran back is likely to be given first crack at lead back duties. Beyond that it’s a crap shoot. The signing of Ware, a capable back in his own right who’s familiar with the KC system could easily leapfrog Thompson for 1B duties. Neither Thompson nor Ware are startable but it might be prudent to add either one of them, should clear separation occur this week. </p>
<p id="3zkduJ">Although Tom Brady can only be trusted as <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">a high-end QB2</a> given recent box score results, this <em>is</em> a strong matchup for him. <a href="https://www.chiefs.com/team/injury-report/">The Chiefs’ defense is banged up</a> and had trouble slowing opposing offenses to begin with. The only clear cut fantasy options are WR <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20840267/julian-edelman-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Julian Edelman</a> and RB James White. Consider Edelman a steady WR1 as he could seriously approach 15 target in this one. James White <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/new-england-patriots-houston-texans-20191201034/">took over rushing work last week while also tying Edelman for a team-leading 11 targets</a>. White is currently listed as <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">a high-end flex option</a> given the small possibility that <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/9/1/20838872/sony-michel-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Sony Michel</a> suddenly looks good against the run-inept KC D. However, James White really should be in lineups. <strong>He has back-end RB1 upside</strong>. <span>Michel</span> is a <em>risky</em> flex. <span>Phillip Dorsett II</span> could be started as a flex option, as the matchup is there for him to shine. <span>Mohamed Sanu</span> is clearly still battling through a crippling <a href="https://www.patriots.com/team/injury-report/">ankle</a> injury though and should be left out of lineups. <span>Jakobi Meyers</span> deserves 2nd-flex consideration in PPR leagues. N’Keal Harry will not be a fantasy factor moving forward unless things drastically change. Ignore the New England tight ends. </p>
<h2 id="z8SXUc">
<strong>SNF: </strong><a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/"><strong>Seattle Seahawks</strong></a><strong> at </strong><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/"><strong>Los Angeles Rams</strong></a>
</h2>
<p id="Xe6u3i"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/los-angeles-chargers-seattle-seahawks-20191003026/">The last time these two teams faced off in Week 5</a>, everyone got in on the fun. <span>Russell Wilson</span> was a scoring machine and we can expect a similar result in this one. Seattle’s doubled down on its run-dependence but Wilson is still a <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">back-end QB1</a>, albeit with sky-high possibility. Fire up both <span>Tyler Lockett</span> and DK Metcalf this week as both are good bets for touchdowns. Lockett was <a href="https://www.seahawks.com/team/injury-report/">not on the injury report this week</a> (illness) and should be considered a WR1/2 fringer. He’ll likely have to contend with <span>Jalen Ramsey</span>’s shadow coverage but can’t be dropped too far. He’s bankable based on his talent and expected workload. Metcalf’s target totals have reliably stabilized. He’ll be able to run free, downfield while <span>Ramsey</span> and Lockett duke it out. Get ready for fireworks. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/4/20947589/josh-gordon-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Josh Gordon</a> and Jaron Brown have largely been silent, which can be expected to continue this week. <span>David Moore</span> made noise last week, finding the end zone for the first time since -- you guessed it -- <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/los-angeles-chargers-seattle-seahawks-20191003026/">Week 5 against these Los Angeles Rams</a>. He’s a Hail Mary 2nd-flex option. Week 5 was the pre-Jacob Hollister era. <em>Back then</em>, Will Dissly was still tearing it up to the tune of <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/los-angeles-chargers-seattle-seahawks-20191003026/">4 catches on 4 targets for a team-leading 81 yards with a 7-yard carry sprinkled on top</a>. Hollister is a rock-solid TE1. <span>Chris Carson</span> and Rashaad Penny can be started together -- <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">both are Top 20 options</a>. Expect 18-20 touches for Carson and 15 or so for Penny.</p>
<p id="eaO8wS">Facing <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/los-angeles-chargers-seattle-seahawks-20191003026/">Seattle in Week 5</a> was one of Jared Goff’s bright spots in an otherwise dreary, Seattle-esque season. His appalling play makes him impossible to trust as anymore than a <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">back-end QB2</a>. Given the historical success against the ‘Hawks though, he’s got a high-end QB2 ceiling. The receiving corps’ alpha status seems to have shifted from <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841593/cooper-kupp-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Cooper Kupp</a> to <span>Robert Woods</span>, giving Woods the higher scoring expectation. Consider him a WR2 as Goff’s top target. <span>Kupp</span> is a solid flex option, while <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20837218/brandin-cooks-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Brandin Cooks</a> is nothing more than a Hail Mary end-flex option. With Gerald Everett sidelined last week, Tyler Higbee blew up the box score, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/los-angeles-rams-arizona-cardinals-20191201022/">hauling in 7 of 8 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown</a>. Everrett is <a href="https://www.seahawks.com/team/injury-report/">Out</a> again this week, making Higbee a strong TE1 streamer play. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20842033/todd-gurley-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Todd Gurley</a> II has once again been granted bell cow status and can be counted on as a high-end RB2 in this matchup. <span>Malcolm Brown</span> is just an infrequent touchdown-vulture. Darrell Henderson Jr. is irrelevant.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/6/20999546/fantasy-football-rundown-week-14NHB2019-12-06T14:00:00-05:002019-12-06T14:00:00-05:00Start Alexander Mattison or Derrius Guice?
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<figcaption>Getty Images/Pete Rogers Illustrations</figcaption>
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<p>Plus Drew Brees or Ryan Fitzmagic?</p> <p id="wP5Gl2">Welcome to the Fake Teams’ <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a> mailbag! If you want to send in your questions for next week’s mailbag, here are the ways to join:</p>
<ul>
<li id="RLYJkT">tweet @petemrogers or @Faketeams using #FTFFmailbag</li>
<li id="WJRxa8">email at ftffmailbag@gmail.com</li>
<li id="nmHZe0">leave your question in the comments!</li>
</ul>
<p id="PgfvEo">Onto the mailbag:</p>
<h4 id="bvUnLd">Q: halp. who do i start in PPR: alexander mattison or <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/10/29/20937657/derrius-guice-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">derrius guice</a>?<br>— Jean R.</h4>
<p id="AxyHXd">Damn you for making me pick which of my children I love more. Ugh. I added Mattison in two of my leagues and stand by that move. However, it seems everything is still looking good for <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> to play this week which is great news for <span>Cook</span> owners and <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> fans alike. Mattison has proven to still have PPR value in the secondary role behind <span>Cook</span> and against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>, he could see plenty of production on his limited touches.</p>
<p id="f0mccV">Meanwhile, Guice is in line for the bulk of Washington’s workload out of the backfield and facing the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>, who have allowed the sixth most points to the position this year. My only worry there is that the game script might quickly force Washington to abandon the run, especially if <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> and the Packers passing game can get a couple of quick scores.</p>
<p id="Krgiq5">So, moral of the story: I’m going with Mattison. I trust the Vikings offense to be in full control of the tempo of this game, allowing them to run the ball however often they want. Plus, they might limit Cook’s touches, especially if this game turns into a blowout. I LOVE Guice, but I’m not sure he has a lower floor this week.</p>
<h4 id="dOnt2q">Q: I can only start one QB and I NEED the win. Who’s the right guy to start: <span>Drew Brees</span> vs the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> or <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> vs <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>?<br>— Alexis E.</h4>
<p id="UBrco6">It’s Fitzmagic. It’s always been Fitzmagic. I understand some of your hesitation but when you look at these two quarterback’s numbers the last few weeks, the choice is clear. Over the last three weeks, <span>Brees</span> has been the QB9 which is beautifully poetic. I’d be happy starting him if it weren’t for the fact that he’s playing the 49ers and I have the feeling that pass rush is going to feast on <span>Brees</span> this week. Meanwhile, Fitzmagic has been the QB3 last three weeks, and he gets to play the Jets.</p>
<p id="jeiMXz">Like I said, it’s clearly Fitzmagic.</p>
<p id="v7fRjH"><em>Have fantasy football questions? You can email them into FTFFmailbag@gmail.com or tweet them at @petemrogers or @faketeams using the hashtag #FTFFmailbag.</em></p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/6/20998810/fantasy-football-start-alexander-mattison-or-derrius-guicePete Rogers2019-12-06T10:00:00-05:002019-12-06T10:00:00-05:005 must starts for fantasy football in Week 14
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<figcaption>USA Today/Pete Rogers Illustrations</figcaption>
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<p>Who to put in your line up to secure a Week 14 victory.</p> <p id="2jQ0t6">A C-average performance from my must starts last week. There were solid days from <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841593/cooper-kupp-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Cooper Kupp</a> (18.5 points) and <span>Jamaal Williams</span> (10.7 points), but tough days for <span>Sam Darnold</span> (10.5 points), AJ Brown (7.5 points) and especially <span>Noah Fant</span> (1.5 points!). <span>Drew Lock</span> obviously didn’t get the memo that Fant is the number 2 receiver in Denver as he only got 3 targets in the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>’ narrow victory over the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a>.</p>
<p id="lPahko">On we go and now with the fantasy playoffs upon us, here are my must starts for Week 14 to keep you in line for that fantasy championship.</p>
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<h3 id="KtGBbT">RB <span>Alexander Mattison</span>, <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> vs <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> – 35.0% owned </h3>
<p id="kX3MWs">Despite sitting behind on of the top backs of the 2019 season, Alex Mattison has had a pretty productive rookie season, and when he’s had opportunities, he’s flourished. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> has come out and said he’ll be fine this week after the shoulder injury he picked up against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>, but odds are the Vikings will limit his workload and Mattison will see an increased role this week, especially against when they face who I have rated as the worst defense in the NFL. If you had the foresight to stash Mattison this season, now is the time to slide him into your flex spot.</p>
<h3 id="YPQL6b">WR <span>James Washington</span>, <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> @ <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> – 31.0% owned</h3>
<p id="aJUGF7">This is a little bit of a lay up of a selection this week, but Washington is the hot receiver in Pittsburgh in recent weeks and faces the league’s worst pass defense in the Cardinals in Week 14. Washington has 90+ yards and a touchdown in 3 of his last games from an average of 6 targets and should see similar numbers in this week’s match up. At just 31% owned in ESPN leagues, Incredibly Washington could still be out there for you snap and start this week. </p>
<h3 id="upijTc">QB <span>Ryan Tannehill</span>, <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> @ <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> – 35.0% owned </h3>
<p id="H7vDr8">Even after a slightly down week last week, <span>Tannehill</span> is still averaging over 20 points per game over his time as the Titans’ starter and this week travels to Oakland to face a Raiders defense that has allowed an average of 21 points per game this season. The Titans are surging with <span>Tannehill</span> under center, and with 5 wins in their last 6 games should continue their push for the playoffs this week.</p>
<h3 id="XhJlQa">RB <span>Phillip Lindsay</span>, Broncos @ <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> – 94.8% owned</h3>
<p id="qQA6PP"><span>Lindsay</span> continue to be a solid flex option each week, with at least 9 PPR points in 6 of his last 8 games, with 4 games with at least 12 PPR points. The Texans are coming off a statement win against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> last week but overall have been a league average run defense in 2019. <span>Lindsay</span> has not scored a touchdown in 3 weeks and I expect that to change along with 100 yards from scrimmage.</p>
<h3 id="dDTZt9">WR <span>Alshon Jeffery</span>, <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> vs <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> – 89.2% owned</h3>
<p id="ma4gTV">Finally healthy, <span>Jeffery</span> looked the part last week as he caught 9 balls for 137 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles loss to the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>. Facing a similarly poor pass defense in the Giants this week, Jeffery should easily earn you double digit fantasy points as the Eagles look to push the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> for top spot in the NFC East.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/6/20996191/fantasy-football-5-must-starts-week-14Paddi Cooper2019-12-05T18:05:27-05:002019-12-05T18:05:27-05:00Wide receiver rankings for Week 14
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<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ranking the best wide receivers by matchup and opportunity for Week 14 of the 2019 NFL Season.</p> <p id="kwefAk">The <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a> playoffs are here. Let’s not waste any time. Consult the ranks below before your big matchup!</p>
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https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/5/20997864/fantasy-football-rankings-wide-receivers-for-week-14Matias Wodner2019-12-05T14:35:00-05:002019-12-05T14:35:00-05:00TNF preview: What to expect fantasy-wise from Cowboys vs Bears
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<img alt="Dallas Cowboys v Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HSorkHzWAB1ubswQTM_vOEc-bgE=/0x0:4057x2705/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65834818/1190195560.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Both offenses face tough defenses, who’s worth starting in this game?</p> <h2 id="i8qnn4">The Cowboys offense</h2>
<p id="XCuplr">The Bears secondary is the real deal. Although Dak Prescott remains a QB1, this will not be a ceiling game for him. He’s the <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">QB10</a> with some ground-game upside. Detroit fill-in David Blough <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/chicago-bears-detroit-lions-20191128008/">showed well against </a>the Bears last week and squeaked in a rushing score. </p>
<p id="N5WJma"> <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20841823/ezekiel-elliott-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Ezekiel Elliott</a> is <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">my overall RB2</a>. Tony Pollard has been unable to practice this week (ankle). <a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/team/injury-report/">He’s unlikely to play</a>.</p>
<p id="q17SNR"><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20838514/amari-cooper-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Amari Cooper</a> is an every-week WR1 but we should similarly lower expectations for a true ceiling-game outcome. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=WR&ntid=3">Speedster receivers have not done much against Chicago</a>, making Michael Gallup a bench-recommended WR. Slot WRs haven’t fared much better. Randall Cobb is unlikely to produce. </p>
<p id="RRn0nY">Tight ends have had a surprising amount of success against this team though, making Jason Witten a reasonable streamer at the position. Likewise, running backs have had their way against the Bears’ defensive front.</p>
<h2 id="Liz8WD">The Bears offense</h2>
<p id="Z0JfFi"><a href="https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/b5804455-582a-4a31-ba81-262c52eb03c6">Like Dwight and Mose, of course Mitchell Trubisky seesaws</a>. This year has been up and down for the errant signal caller. <a href="https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/813451/pointsagainst?pos=QB&ntid=6">Dallas’ front-seven is vulnerable to mobile QBs</a>, but Trubisky’s <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/30115/">been reticent to run a</a>s much as he did last year. Banking on a ceiling game against the Cowboys’ secondary is a bad move. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993935/fantasy-football-rankings-quarterbacks-for-week-14">“MVP Mitch” is just a QB3</a>. However, if he gets his wheels spinning, a QB2 finish is within his range of outcomes.</p>
<p id="zswP5n">Dallas’s run defense is mid-tier and David Montgomery’s <a href="https://www.lineups.com/nfl/snap-counts/chicago-bears-snap-counts">snap count has</a> seemingly stabilized in the low 60th percentile range. <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">He’s a reasonable flex play with back-end RB2 upside</a>. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/9/1/20843960/tarik-cohen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Tarik Cohen</a> is <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/3/20993934/fantasy-football-rankings-running-backs-for-week-14">2nd-flex-viable in</a> PPR leagues.</p>
<p id="iI1nSy"><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841299/allen-robinson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Allen Robinson</a> II’s mammoth target volume (22 targets over the last two weeks) keeps him in play as a workload-based WR2. Without a tight end replacing Trey Burton’s 2018 production, 2nd-year WR Anthony Miller has filled the void as of late. He’s a viable flex option with moderate upside in PPR. Javon Wims is not a recommended start.</p>
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https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/5/20997499/fantasy-football-thursday-night-football-preview-cowboys-vs-bearsNHB2019-12-05T14:05:10-05:002019-12-05T14:05:10-05:00VIDEO: Top 5 starts & sits for Week 14
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<p>Pete gives his top 5 plays for the week.</p> <p id="2EP6of">Pete gives his top 5 starts and sits for Week 14 in <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a>. He covers <span>Austin Ekeler</span>, <span>Marquise Brown</span>, <span>James Washington</span>, Ronald Jones, and <span>Zach Pascal</span>.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/5/20997411/fantasy-football-top-5-starts-sits-for-week-14Pete Rogers2019-12-05T12:00:00-05:002019-12-05T12:00:00-05:00Tight end rankings for Week 14
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<img alt="Oakland Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/roR0xCXkmIVMco7QnAiZjzTnAGE=/0x0:4806x3204/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65832806/1191718523.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Heath ranks the safety blankets.</p> <p id="TPZyuO">Welcome to championship week, ladies and gentlemen. If you’re reading this, odds are you find yourself embroiled in your league’s version of the <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a> playoffs...so congratulations! Football can be a cruel and fickle beast, so besting your competitors is always an achievement—no matter what sort of stakes you play for.</p>
<p id="YVGxL0">There’s plenty of injury news among tight ends. Some of it lingering (<span>Austin Hooper</span>, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20837312/evan-engram-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Evan Engram</a>) and some of it recent (<span>Greg Olsen</span>, <span>Gerald Everett</span>). I’ll discuss those situations as we go.</p>
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<p id="ijJLxj">In general, this week is looking rough for tight ends. Most of our elite options have ugly matchups, as will be discussed. Odds are you may be tempted to sit your typical starter for a streamer in an excellent matchup. I’ll discuss some of these scenarios as they arise. In general, though, I prefer to lean on my studs. That’s just the way I play fantasy football. And generally, you aren’t carrying more than one of these guys on any fake team, so the typical situation is probably easy to decipher—i.e. you aren’t benching <span>Travis Kelce</span> for <span>Vance McDonald</span>, even if the #FLOWCHART tells you to do the Vance Dance this week. Let’s get to it.</p>
<p id="VVYEg7"><strong>1 </strong><span><strong>Travis Kelce</strong></span><strong> @ NE -</strong> It’s folly to rank him lower, though this would be the week to do so if you were so inclined. The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> are an elite pass defense. They rank 2nd best in the NFL at 4.5 NY/A allowed, have only allowed 8 passing scores overall (fewest in the NFL), and have allowed the 2nd fewest passing yards in the NFL. Against tight ends, it’s not much better. The Patriots have allowed the 8th fewest receptions (45), 4th fewest yards (482), and the 13th most scores (4). Working in Kelce’s favor is that the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> are projected to be chasing, that he is wed to <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838560/patrick-mahomes-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Patrick Mahomes</a>, and that the Chiefs are struggling to run the ball given their injuries right now. This is a narrow passing tree, as it’s only <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20837404/tyreek-hill-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Tyreek Hill</a> and <span>Travis Kelce</span> producing on a consistent basis. Kelce has been under 50 yards receiving just once on the season, a 30-6 drubbing of the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>...when he still posted a 6-44 line. Bench this stud at your own risk.</p>
<p id="j6LQ70"><strong>2 </strong><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/11/20959896/george-kittle-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019"><strong>George Kittle</strong></a><strong> @ NO - </strong>I’ll give him runner-up honors this week. The <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> are a stout defense, but this reads like a game the Niners will be chasing in. Plus, it’s played in a dome. Plus, the Saints are likely down two linebackers this week, in <span>A.J. Klein</span> and <span>Kiko Alonso</span> (both injured in last week’s game). <span>Kittle</span> leads all tight ends with 18 red zone looks despite missing some time and being a little banged up recently. He only has two scores to show for all of that red zone opportunity. He could definitely experience a scoring spike here at the end of the season given all of his opportunity thus far. I like his matchup better than the next guy...</p>
<p id="wc1qgL"><strong>3 </strong><span><strong>Mark Andrews</strong></span><strong> @ BUF -</strong> Andrews came through against the Niners last week, which was a brutal matchup. He posted a 3-50-1 line on 6 targets. His 23.0% target share is tied for the 3rd highest mark among NFL tight ends. He ranks third among tight ends with 804 air yards, mostly on the strength of his 10.2 aDOT—which is the 2nd best mark among tight ends with more than 20 targets on the season (only <span>Hunter Henry</span>’s 10.3 aDOT is higher). The bad news is the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, who allow the 2nd lowest yardage to tight ends (361). The Bills have only allowed two passing scores to tight ends, too (2nd lowest). Lastly, the Bills allow the 2nd fewest receptions (40) to enemy tight ends. Buffalo’s 5.1 NY/A ranks 3rd best in the league, while the 9 passing scores allowed overall ranks 2nd best. However, the Bills can be had a bit on the ground. Buffalo’s 4.5 Y/A ranks 22nd in the NFL, and the 11 rushing scores is tied for the 8th highest mark in the league. Expect a heavy dose of the ground game by the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>, who are built to attack Buffalo in that way. This may be a week where the game plan is very much ground-and-pound. Andrews is still a beast and a target-hog, but the plan may dictate he has fewer opportunities...and the matchup means that when he does have opportunities, it will be harder to capitalize. Still, he’s shown the ability to come through despite tough matchups, and he belongs in this elite tier.</p>
<p id="YQ94X5"><strong>4 </strong><span><strong>Darren Waller</strong></span><strong> vs. TEN -</strong> The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> are home underdogs against the piping hot <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> offense, and I love this spot for <span>Waller</span>. Slot receiver <span>Hunter Renfrow</span> is no longer siphoning away targets, and Waller saw 9 looks in last week’s loss to Kansas City. The Titans rank 7th in the NFL with a mere 4.0 Y/A allowed on the ground, but rank 17th with 6.3 NY/A allowed thus far...i.e. they are easier to pass on. Tennessee has allowed the 6th most passing yardage in the NFL, the 9th most yardage to tight ends, and the 6th most scores to tight ends. Waller’s 23% target share is tied for 3rd highest among tight ends. Ding him in standard format a tad if you wish, but in PPR formats this is a very strong play given the matchup and Waller’s YAC ability (most YAC among tight ends). And in standard leagues, I still think he belongs right here, one tick below the elite group.</p>
<p id="UVhxTx"><strong>5 Jack Doyle @ TB -</strong> Tampa Bay has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends. <span>Eric Ebron</span> is on injured reserve. <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> is “week-to-week” with a calf injury. Don’t overthink it. Sometimes it’s simple. Doyle posted a 6-73-1 line on 11 targets last week, and a whopping FOUR of those looks were in the red zone. Doyle’s 10 red zone looks already ranks 12th among all NFL tight ends, and that’s despite Ebron’s 11 red zone looks from his time this year. Doyle is getting volume and is in a great matchup. You can’t ask for anything more. If you played him over Waller, I wouldn’t fault you.</p>
<p id="IVra0A"><strong>6 </strong><span><strong>Zach Ertz</strong></span><strong> vs. NYG -</strong> <span>Alshon Jeffery</span> announced his presence with authority last week, but there’s room for two against this <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> defense. Ertz dropped two potential scores last week, so if you’re just perusing the box score you might think he was a total zero. I expect him to bounce back in game where the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> are projected to score 27+ points as strong home favorites. The Giants have allowed the fewest number of receptions to tight ends on the season, at 38—but that isn’t a massive concern for me given the plethora of weapons at <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20842014/carson-wentz-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Carson Wentz</a>’s disposal (now that the receiving group is healthy). Ertz could easily make hay with a score (or two) in the red zone, where he has 14 looks so far—tied for second most among all NFL tight ends.</p>
<p id="H3jtUs"><strong>7 </strong><span><strong>Hunter Henry</strong></span><strong> @ JAC -</strong> The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a> just allowed 5-61 to the pale specter of <span>O.J. Howard</span>, so what could <span>Hunter Henry</span> do to them? Unholy things, to be sure. The issue is the crowded array of weaponry at Rivers’ disposal. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841639/mike-williams-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Mike Williams</a> had himself a game last week. Keenan Allen. <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/8/20955621/melvin-gordon-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Melvin Gordon</a>. Austin Ekeler. This is a crowded group, and it makes the most sense for the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> to pound the rock, as the Jags allow 5.1 Y/A on the ground—the 2nd worst mark in the NFL (only Carolina’s 5.3 Y/A is worse). Given the general struggles of a declining Phillip Rivers, and heavy dose of <span>Gordon</span> wouldn’t surprise me in the least. Henry could still pop off decent chunks of yardage, but this isn’t a prime matchup.</p>
<p id="l6oI5e"><strong>8 </strong><span><strong>Evan Engram</strong></span><strong> @ PHI -</strong> It’s a bad matchup on paper, but <span>Engram</span> is athletic enough to do some damage here. Mike Gesicki totaled 5-79-1 against this defense last week, for instance. Engram has missed the last three games with a foot injury, but he is expected to play this week and is still tied for 2nd in the NFL among tight ends with 14 red zone looks. He’s also tied for 5th with 73 targets, a three-way tie with <span>George Kittle</span> and <span>Greg Olsen</span>. Only Travis Kelce (113), <span>Zach Ertz</span> (110), <span>Darren Waller</span> (88), and Mark Andrews (80) have seen more targets. Engram’s 22.0% market share ranks 6th among all tight ends, and he still ranks 6th among the big guys with 252 yards after the catch. He’s a stud, and the Giants are down one <span>Golden Tate</span> right now. He’s immediately a low-end TE1 option in his return. Kaden <span>Smith</span> is the insurance policy, just in case.</p>
<p id="Lx42g3"><strong>9 Tyler Higbee vs. SEA - </strong>I’m ranking him as though Gerald Everett is out. Everett missed practice on Wednesday. Higbee destroyed the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> last week, and gets another plus matchup in Week 14. The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> allow the 4th most point to tight ends, and this defense funnels targets to the tight end as much as any other team in the NFL (111 targets). Only the Chiefs (118) have allowed more tight end targets. The Seahawks have allowed the 2nd most receptions (77), 3rd most yardage (802), and 4th most scores (6) to enemy tight ends. If Everett is out, Higbee remains a TE1 option. If Everett returns to muck up the waters, I think neither guy is in play.</p>
<p id="t3O0qI"><strong>10 Vance McDonald @ ARI -</strong> <span>JuJu Smith-Schuster</span> is expected to be out, and this is the premier matchup for tight ends. The Cards have allowed the 4th most targets (101), 2nd most receptions (77), the most yardage (953), and the most scores (13) by a country mile. The next closest is 8 scores allowed, by the Oakland Raiders. With <span>James Conner</span> banged up and JuJu out, if McDonald doesn’t come through in this spot you can never consider him again (at least not with the current QB play).</p>
<p id="ujllci"><strong>11 </strong><span><strong>Jacob Hollister</strong></span><strong> @ LAR - </strong>In Week 10, it was D.K. Metcalf (10) and Hollister (9) leading Seattle in targets. This is the game <span>Tyler Lockett</span> was injured in, then the Seahawks entered a Week 11 bye. In Weeks 12 and 13, it has continued to be Metcalf and Hollister atop the target leaderboard for Seattle. Metcalf (14) and Hollister (12) have seen more looks over the last two weeks than <span>Lockett</span> (6) or <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/4/20947589/josh-gordon-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Josh Gordon</a> (4). It’s easily arguable that Hollister has the better matchup than a boundary receiver like Metcalf this week, too.</p>
<p id="olq03e"><strong>12 </strong><span><strong>Dallas Goedert</strong></span><strong> vs. NYG -</strong> The numbers say this isn’t a great matchup, but I’m leaning on <span>Goedert</span>’s recent performances and the healthy 27+ implied point total for the Eagles. Goedert hasn’t seen fewer than 5 targets in a game since all the way back in Week 7, so he’s a safer bet for volume than you might believe.</p>
<p id="jz2W0c"><strong>13 </strong><span><strong>Ryan Griffin</strong></span><strong> vs. MIA - </strong>He isn’t getting a ton of passing volume, but it’s a solid matchup and he’s always a good bet for a score.</p>
<p id="OdMHmd"><strong>14 </strong><span><strong>Kyle Rudolph</strong></span><strong> vs. DET - </strong>He just keeps producing, and he’s a safe bet as a streamer so long as <span>Adam Thielen</span> remains out this weekend.</p>
<p id="IN6Fz9"><strong>15 Mike Gesicki @ NYJ -</strong> The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> keep getting him involved, and this matchup has been hit-or-miss on the season. Gesicki has target counts of 6, 6, 6, 7, and 7 since Week 9. He has also scored a touchdown in each of his last two games.</p>
<p id="HMNxzO"><strong>16 </strong><span><strong>Jared Cook</strong></span><strong> vs. SF -</strong> I’m down on <span>Cook</span> this week due to the rough matchup. You could slot him up to the TE13 spot if you wanted, ahead of <span>Griffin</span>. But I wouldn’t move him any higher, and I prefer using the three guys I have ahead of <span>Cook</span> who have better matchups (<span>Griffin</span>, Rudolph, Gesicki).</p>
<p id="zmrpAz">After <span>Cook</span>, you can chase touchdowns from <span>Jason Witten</span> (@ CHI) or <span>Darren Fells</span> (vs. DEN). If Greg Olsen is out, you can consider Ian Thomas in a decent matchup at Atlanta. <span>O.J. Howard</span> (vs. IND) and <span>Jonnu Smith</span> (@ OAK) are also in good spots, but are both difficult to trust. I view them as low-end TE2 options. Of this group, I’d be most enthused about Thomas, if Olsen missed this game.</p>
<p id="JPCir7">Lastly, if <span>Austin Hooper</span> is able to play this weekend, I think you put him in that TE9 to TE12 range, depending on how strongly we feel about <span>Hooper</span>’s health come the weekend. If <span>Hooper</span> is out, <span>Jaeden Graham</span> would make for a viable TE2 candidate, around the high teens IMO. And to round it all out, in a PPR setting you could chase some volume with <span>Noah Fant</span>...while in a standard format you could chase a score with Jimmy <span>Graham</span>. No, I’m not excited for either of those options. So good luck to you if you are digging that deep...</p>
<p id="a7LBow">I think that about covers it for Week 14, at least here in the first pass. Feel free to find me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/HeathCapps">@HeathCapps</a> if there are tight end (or general fantasy football) related questions heading into your playoff matchups. Thanks for following along this year, and come back all the way through Week 17 for more tight end rankings!</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/12/5/20994592/fantasy-football-rankings-tight-ends-for-week-14Heath Capps