In a do-or-die week for many fantasy teams trying to make the playoffs, we saw abysmal play from the league’s three so-called ’elite’ quarterbacks. Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers combined for 7 interceptions and just 2 touchdowns this week. Meanwhile, rookies Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck both led their teams to impressive come-from-behind victories in the 4th quarter. Week 14 is the beginning of the playoffs for most teams, and if you need a replacement for an injured starter, these players might help you win your matchup.
Last Week’s Picks:
Colin Kaepernick, 49ers- 14 points
Although Kaepernick probably lost the game for the 49ers this week, Coach Harbaugh announced Monday that he will remain the starter. Even after a terrible game, he still finished with more points than Brady or Brees this week, because of his running abilities.
Knowshon Moreno, Broncos- 7 points
He carried the ball 20 times for only 69 yards against the Bucs, but he got the majority of touches at running back for the Broncos and is still worth starting. He should put up better numbers this week against a weak Raiders run defense, and is definitely still worth starting.
Beanie Wells, Cardinals- 2 points
It doesn’t get much worse than 15 carries for 22 yards. He’s still worth keeping on your roster, in case you lose a starting running back, but don’t bother starting him unless you need to.
Michael Bush, Bears- 3 points
Matt Forte was still able to start, despite injury, leaving Bush in a limited role. He’s worth stashing on your bench if you have room still.
Danario Alexander, Chargers- 10 points
DX led all Chargers receivers with 6 catches for 106 yards, like he has since being signed with the team. Keep an eye on Vincent Brown, who could steal targets if he returns this season. Keep him in your lineup for now.
Mohamad Sanu, Bengals- 0 points
He injured his foot in practice, and is out for the season.
Jets D/ST- 11 points
Cardinals D/ST- 18 points
This Week’s Pickups:
Quarterbacks:
Russell Wilson, Seahawks (17% owned)
The guy named after 2 budget-priced athletic wear brands is really silencing critics after a slow start to the season. He’s actually the only quarterback with at least 15 points in his last 5 starts. I still wouldn’t bench Brady, Brees, or Rodgers for him, but he has a couple great matchups coming up against the Cardinals, Bills, and Rams if you’re in need of a quarterback.
Tim Tebow, Jets (10% owned)
After the benching of Mark Sanchez last week, Rex Ryan refused to name a starting quarterback for the Jets for Week 14. This is something to keep an eye on because Tebow puts up a lot of fantasy points with his legs. My best guess is that McIlroy will probably get the start. This is a huge longshot, so only pick him up if you really have an extra spot.
Running Backs:
Montell Owens, Jaguars (0% owned)
Owens carried the load for Jacksonville after starting running back Rashad Jennings, who had 8 carries for 20 yards, left the game with a concussion. Owens finished with a slightly better stat line- 7 carries for 29 yards. He’s in line to get the start at home this week vs. the Jets if Jennings can’t pass his concussion tests, and if Maurice Jones-Drew is unable to play yet again. Montell is owned in less leagues than Terrell Owens (0.2%), who was cut by the Seahawks preseason.
Justin Forsett, Texans (1% owned)
Forsett got the same number of touches as Foster (14) against the Titans Sunday, and many of them were in the first half. Could the 11-1 Texans be resting their superstar for the playoffs? This is definitely something to keep an eye on.
Wide Receiver:
Chris Givens, Rams (3% owned)
I actually picked him up Sunday morning, put him in my lineup, and then dropped him for some Vikings guy that only scored one point. Always follow your gut instinct!
Golden Tate, Seahawks (10% owned)
The Notre Dame alumnus has 4 touchdowns in his last 4 games, and at least fantasy 15 points in 3 of those games. With Russell Wilson getting better every week at quarterback, the Seahawks receivers are definitely increasing in value.
Tight End:
Brandon Myers, Raiders (22% owned)
Any tight end with 14 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown needs to be owned and started in every league. Especially because he has 5 touchdowns in his last 5 games. And take a look at his remaining schedule: Broncos, Chiefs, Panthers, Chargers. Carson Palmer will be throwing a lot, and he seems to like Myers as his favorite target.
Dallas Clark, Bucs (5% owned)
He’s scored a touchdown in 3 of his last 4 games, and the game he didn’t score he had 68 yards receiving. If you’re in a squeeze for a tight end, he’s not a bad pickup.
Defense:
Chargers (29% owned), vs. Steelers
If Big Ben is still out, you have to like the Chargers D here. Last time they played against a backup quarterback, it was the Chiefs on a Thursday night, and they scored 26.
Dolphins (16% owned) vs. 49ers
The Dolphins held Tom Brady to just one touchdown last week. This is Thomas Brady we’re talking about here, not Mark Sanchez. They should do well against rookie Colin Kaepernick this week.
Other Notes:
LeSean McCoy is in stage 3 out of 4 in his recovery from a Week 11 concussion. Bryce Brown remains a top 10 running back play in McCoy’s absence, so owners of both players should keep an eye on the news.
Lions WR Ryan Broyles is out for the season with a torn ACL. This could mean an increased role for newly acquired WR Mike Thomas, or perhaps an unbenching of Titus Young. Lions WR Calvin Johnson is also on pace to break Jerry Rice’s record for receiving yards in a season, and has 140+ yards receiving in his last 4 games. I guess there’s no Madden curse after all.
Andy Reid announced Monday that the Eagles will stick with QB Nick Foles for the remainder of the season, so it’s safe to drop Michael Vick.
