[h=1]Fantasy: Gordon, Moncrief among high-upside starters for final stretch[/h] KC Joyner, ESPN Senior Writer
ESPN INSIDER
With the regular season coming to an end and the fantasy playoffs right around the corner, every matchup is now a must-win. And given the week-to-week importance of each matchup, fantasy owners will want to put as many high-upside candidates into their starting lineups as possible. This week's Fantasy Foresight article aims to help with that effort by identifying players at each primary offensive position whose remaining matchups make them high-upside plays either during one particular week or during the entire final stretch of the season. The focus is on players who are often questionable start candidates and/or lower-tier starters or backups. <offer style="box-sizing: border-box;"></offer>
[h=2]Tight ends[/h]Tight end is historically an area where it is difficult to find quality upside candidates, but that hasn't been the case this year. Through the Sunday games in Week 12, there have been 91 instances of a tight end scoring double-digit points. This is a significant increase from the 2014 season, as there were only 102 instances of that nature during the course of the entire campaign. One reason for this increase is because certain teams are doing a terrible job at covering opposing tight ends. Throughout the past three weeks, the following teams have been particularly generous when it comes to conceding fantasy points to tight ends: Jacksonville Jaguars (28 receptions, 328 yards, four touchdowns) Denver Broncos (23 receptions, 262 yards, two touchdowns) Tennessee Titans (22 receptions, 190 yards, two touchdowns) St. Louis Rams (22 receptions, 319 yards, three touchdowns) Here's a look at players scheduled to face these TE-poor defenses who are poised to put up solid fantasy numbers. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans Both Gates and Walker have matchups against one of these teams in Week 13 -- Gates versus Denver, Walker versus Jacksonville -- and are poised to build upon impressive Week 12 performances (Gates tallied 21 points, Walker 15). Benjamin Watson, New Orleans Saints Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals While the high-upside matchups come a bit later for Eifert and Watson, that could be tremendously favorable for fantasy owners since those respective matchups occur in Week 16 (Watson versus Jacksonville, Eifert versus Denver). Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers Two potential streaming options at this position are Fleener (owned in 32.7 percent of ESPN leagues) and Miller (owned in 38.4 percent). These two have occasionally posted double-digit point totals this season and have the potential to do so again. Miller's chance occurs in a Week 15 fantasy playoff semifinal match against Denver, while Fleener offers upside potential in a Week 14 contest against Jacksonville and a Week 17 battle against Tennessee (for owners in leagues that include Week 17 as a fantasy playoff contest).
[h=2]Quarterbacks/wide receivers[/h]Tight end isn't the only roster spot where upside potential can be found. During the past three weeks, the following teams rank at the bottom of the league in yards per attempt allowed on vertical passes (aerials traveling 11 or more yards downfield). 32. Cleveland Browns (18.0)
31. New York Giants (14.2)
30. New Orleans Saints (14.0)
29. Tennessee Titans (13.6)
T28. Miami Dolphins (13.3)
T28. Pittsburgh Steelers (13.3) Here's a look at players to start or otherwise target based on matchups versus these defenses. A.J. Green, WR, and Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals -- Cincinnati's pass offense that had been somewhat hit or miss of late, but facing Cleveland and Pittsburgh in Weeks 13 and 14, respectively, should keep Dalton (19 points in Week 12) and Green (18 points in Week 12) off of the start-sit question-mark list during the next couple of games. Cam Newton, QB, and Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Carolina Panthers-- It used to be that 17 points was considered a definite QB1 candidate in most leagues, but with 13 quarterbacks reaching or exceeding the 20-point level in Week 12, it seems that ought to be the new QB1 benchmark. Newton has gone over the 20-point mark in five of his 11 starts this season and should be able to do so again in matchups against New Orleans in Week 13 and the New York Giants in Week 15. Ginn, who's owned in just 38 percent of ESPN leagues, is the Panthers' primary downfield threat and thus could also be a good streaming start in those contests. T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief, WRs, Indianapolis Colts -- Hilton (21 points) and Moncrief (11 points) both returned to double-digit scoring territory in Week 12 and could stay in that area in favorable matchups in Week 13 (at Pittsburgh), Week 16 (at Miami) and Week 17 (vs. Tennessee for those leagues that have playoff matchups in Week 17). Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse, WRs, Seattle Seahawks -- Baldwin (33.9 percent ownership) and Kearse (4.4 percent) both showed in Week 12 the type of scoring potential they have when the matchups are in their favor (Baldwin posted 32 points, Kearse posted 16). That could make them strong streaming start options in Week 15 versus Cleveland.
[h=2]Running backs[/h]The passing game isn't the only place where big plays are being allowed. During the past three weeks, here are the teams that rank at the bottom of the league in rushes of 10 or more yards allowed. 32. Miami Dolphins (14)
31. Chicago Bears (12)
30. Oakland Raiders (11)
29. New Orleans Saints (11) Looking at whom these defenses will face during the final stretch yields a handful of running backs to deploy or stream.
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</article>Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers - Gordon is coming off of his second-best scoring output of the season (eight points against Jacksonville) and could offer double-digit upside while facing Miami in Week 15 and Oakland in Week 16. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Martin's owners never know what to expect from him, as he has six single-digit scoring totals to go along with five double-digit outputs. However, matchups against the Saints in Week 14 and the Bears in Week 16 should put him into double-digit territory in both games. Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs-- West and Ware owners have benefited greatly from their production of late and should see similar upside against the Raiders in Weeks 13 and 17. C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos -- The Denver rushing attack has been revitalized with Brock Osweiler under center, something that should give Anderson and Hillman upper-tier upside in a Week 14 matchup against the Raiders.
[h=1]Four downs: Chiefs can swing fantasy playoffs[/h]Eric Karabell, ESPN.com Senior Writer
ESPN INSIDER
The streaking Kansas City Chiefs won their fifth consecutive game Sunday to push into the thick of the AFC wild-card race, and while fill-in running backSpencer Ware deserves credit for becoming the third different Chief to rush for more than 100 yards in a game this season, let's focus on the passing game. What? Who cares about the Chiefs passing game in fantasy? Well, underrated quarterback Alex Smith, who scored 21 fantasy points Sunday, continues to produce intriguing statistics because of consistent, mistake-free football, and few passers boast a more optimal schedule from here. Smith threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns in the 30-22 win over theBuffalo Bills Sunday, including three completions of at least 30 yards downfield, his most in a game in 10 seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Each long reception went to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, one for a 41-yard touchdown. That pass was 35 air yards downfield, Smith's longest on a scoring play since 2011. Since Smith doesn't exactly pile on the passing yards and entered play averaging a league-low 5.8 air yards per attempt, you might view Sunday's performance as aberrant. Then again, perhaps we shouldn't be so dismissive and Maclin, who scored a season-best 22 standard fantasy points thanks in part to rare single-coverage, is a big reason why. Maclin is surely capable of getting open downfield. Smith is nearly a top-10 fantasy quarterback this season -- don't act so shocked -- because, as was the case in 2013 when he just missed the overlooked achievement, he has tossed a mere three interceptions and offers rushing prowess. He'll get to flash this consistent, safe approach against some of the worst defenses in the league just in time for the fantasy playoffs, which start this coming week in ESPN standard leagues. While Maclin is deserving of WR2 status for these matchups, tight end Travis Kelce might warrant flex appeal for fantasy teams with multiple options at the position. Kelce, modestly disappointing this season as Sunday's touchdown was merely his fourth, gets downfield better than most at his position and should thrive with two pending games against the Oakland Raiders, since no team has permitted more touchdowns to tight ends. The Chiefs also play the San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, and each of those teams -- along with Oakland -- is among the friendliest to opposing quarterbacks and their weapons for fantasy production. Then there's the impressive running attack, employing a solid, next-man up policy. Ware, a Seattle Seahawks sixth-round draft pick in 2013 signed by Kansas City only when Jamaal Charles shredded a knee last month, turned 19 rushing attempts into 114 yards and a touchdown Sunday, including an impressive 3.1 yards after contact. After the Charles injury Charcandrick Westzoomed to top-10 running back status by mid-November and with him sitting out Week 12 because of a hamstring injury Ware stepped up. One wonders if even Knile Davis could thrive these days. We're at the point that whomever the Chiefs start at running back is worth owning and starting in fantasy, and this success affords Smith opportunities downfield, should he wish to act on them. With his schedule, perhaps he will.
Second down: No quarterback scored more fantasy points on Sunday -- entering the New England Patriots-Denver Broncos night game -- than the Seahawks' Russell Wilson, as he registered five touchdown passes in a game for the first time, ultimately scoring 34 points in the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilson, quite disappointing much of this season, has eight touchdown passes over the past two weeks. Like Smith, he caused damage by throwing downfield. Wilson was 9-of-10 for 251 yards and four scores when throwing 10-plus yards downfield, according to ESPN Stats & Information, and he excelled in third-and-long situations. We'd all prefer to rely on Wilson over Smith and he'll return to my top-10 in Tuesday's end-of-season rankings, as he also boasts favorable matchups in Weeks 14 and 15 (Ravens and Browns). Sure, Wilson won't get to throw to Jimmy Graham anymore, as fantasy's No. 2 tight end from average live drafts -- and one of the noteworthy busts -- injured a knee Sunday, ending a disappointing campaign, but it shouldn’t adversely affect the offense much. Doug Baldwin scored three touchdowns and surely he'll be a popular addition this week, but don't assume he's even a WR3 at this point. In other quarterback news ... Nice to see the Chargers' Philip Rivers recover from a five-point fantasy outing by shredding the Jacksonville Jaguars for 300 yards and four touchdowns. The pending schedule isn't as kind to Rivers, however, with two games against the Denver Broncos and one with the Chiefs, so regard him as a matchup play only. ... Steelers leader Ben Roethlisberger threw for 456 yards at Seattle, but left before game's end because of concussion symptoms. Assuming Roethlisberger is fine for Week 13, he's a must play, a top-5 option moving ahead. ... Is it fair to be a tad disappointed in Houston Texansstarter Brian Hoyer for "only" 14 fantasy points against the New Orleans Saints? I think so. Hoyer, the most added quarterback of the week in ESPN Fantasy, is not an attractive option moving ahead. Hopefully the next quarterback to face the Saints -- it's Cam Newton -- takes full advantage of the dreadful defense. ... Of greater concern is the Saints' Drew Brees failing to top 12 fantasy points for the third time in five weeks, and it doesn't get easier in Week 13 against Newton's Carolina Panthers. Third down: With fantasy star Devonta Freeman still recovering from a concussion, Week 1 starter Tevin Coleman turned his 18 rushing attempts into 110 yards Sunday and had a touchdown run called back because of a penalty. It's premature to know if Freeman will return for Week 13, but it's expected he'll start when able, returning Coleman to reserve duty where he offered little for fantasy. Then again, perhaps the Falcons, like the Chiefs, are blocking so well it doesn't matter who runs the football. Even if the news on Freeman's return is positive, keep Coleman owned. He's arguably the top handcuff option in the league. By the way, quarterback Matt Ryan continued his erratic play Sunday, tossing two more interceptions and it certainly is worth being concerned as the team faces the defense-stringent Panthers in Weeks 14 and 16. You'll play star wide receiver Julio Jones regardless but keep expectations in check. In other running back news ... Frustrating Cincinnati Bengals starter Jeremy Hillfinally topped 63 rushing yards, reaching 86 yards against the St. Louis Rams. Hill, pretty dependent on touchdowns for fantasy value, will come recommended in favorable Week 13 and 15 matchups against the Browns and San Francisco 49ers, but he's not a special dynasty own anymore. ... The Steelers didn't run much in Seattle, affording DeAngelo Williams a mere eight attempts, but he managed a cool 16 standard points anyway, half in the receiving game. Don't worry about Williams. ... Awful outing for Arizona Cardinals starter Chris Johnson, as he rushed for 17 yards on 12 attempts and left early because of a knee injury, and he could miss time. Don't add Andre Ellington, though. He hurt a foot and barely played as well. Rookie David Johnson and Stepfan Taylorwould be next in line, with Johnson the intriguing fantasy option, but Arizona's tough schedule dilutes value anyway. ... I wouldn't say I've had enough of the Miami Dolphins' Lamar Miller, but five rushing attempts for two yards is a drag, and he hasn't topped 44 rushing yards since Week 7. Miller definitely drops from RB1 status. ... Similarly, the Chargers aren't offering much fantasy help at the position. Overrated rookie Melvin Gordon still has scored nary a touchdown, and the beloved Danny Woodhead has been held to three or fewer standard points in three of four games. He's a PPR star, but otherwise bench material.
Fourth down: Kudos to Indianapolis Colts star T.Y. Hilton for proving he can succeed sans Andrew Luck at quarterback. Hilton caught 95 yards worth of 40-year-old Matt Hasselbeck passes in Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a pair of touchdowns, and in Week 13 gets to face a Steelers defense that made the Seahawks' Baldwin look like a prime Jerry Rice, then the Jaguars after that. Hasselbeck keeps winning and Sunday he thrived on play-action passes at least 15 yards downfield, completing 7-of-9 for 165 yards and a touchdown. Nobody's saying Hasselbeck is a top fantasy option -- he's not likely to crack our top 20 anytime soon -- but he's capable enough to keep Hilton playing at a WR2 level, which in itself is a feat. Forgotten Donte Moncrief also returned to relevance Sunday by hauling in eight of nine targets for 114 yards. The Steelers stop the run but not the pass, so Moncrief could warrant more flex appeal than running back Frank Gore.
In other wide receiver news ... Consistency is what fantasy owners need to see from Bills sophomore Sammy Watkins before trusting him as a weekly WR2 choice. Watkins destroyed the Chiefs for 158 receiving yards and two touchdowns, but where was he the two previous weeks when he totaled four catches for 53 yards? Keep Watkins in mind for the awesome Week 14 meeting in Philadelphia. ... Similarly, Raiders rookie Amari Cooper blessed us with 115 receiving yards, but a week earlier was held to one reception for four yards. With the Chiefs and Broncos the next two weeks, Cooper isn't a must-use. ... Markus Wheaton was the Steelers star receiver Sunday, but there's nothing wrong withAntonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. Leave Wheaton on free agency. ... Bengals star A.J. Green remained a must-start for his owners despite tepid numbers for two months, so it sure was nice to get two touchdowns from him. Green had scored once his previous seven games. ... Dolphins rookie DeVante Parker scored his first touchdown, albeit in extreme garbage time of another loss. Hey, if the Dolphins want to use the Louisville product and first-rounder regularly and see what they have, sign me up, but there's no proof it will occur in 2015. A year after so many rookie wide receivers carried fantasy owners, it's hard to believe how little production the first-year options have provided. Parker has battled foot problems, but he sure is talented.
[h=1]Free-agent finds for Week 13: David Johnson, RB handcuffs and Gronk replacements[/h] Field Yates, ESPN Staff Writer
That went by quickly. December is here, and for many ESPN.com fantasy football leagues, Week 13 marks the final week of the regular season. While it's difficult to apply sweeping generalizations to fantasy football teams, one thing is true, in general: If your team is headed toward the playoffs right now, this isn't the time to jumble your lineup. You likely got to the playoffs on the strength of your studs, and the postseason isn't the time to overthink lineup decisions: Dance with the ones that brought you. But one critically important roster move (or moves) to make right now is to ensure that you have the insurance for your top players, especially at running back: their handcuffs. With that in mind, part of this column will be dedicated to the top handcuffs, followed by our customary waiver-wire adds for Week 13. (Note: All players on this list are available in at least 50 percent of leagues.)
[h=2]Notable handcuffs[/h]David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals (22.7 percent): Johnson tops this list because he might be needed right away, as both Chris Johnson andAndre Ellington left Arizona's Week 12 win over San Francisco with injuries. Chris Johnson has a broken tibia, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, while the timetable on Ellington's return is less clear. David Johnson, a talented third-rounder in the 2015 NFL draft, would likely see a significant role if Ellington sits in Week 13. Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings (3.8 percent): Adrian Peterson is still the best running back in football, and right now it isn't close. He's the most valuable player in the fantasy game right now too. McKinnon averaged 4.8 yards on 113 carries with Peterson out for almost all of 2014. All Peterson owners should invest in him. Tre Mason, RB, St. Louis Rams (9.3 percent): A promising rookie in 2014, Mason has taken a back seat to Todd Gurley. But the talent remains, and the offense is decidedly run-oriented. Mason should be owned by all Gurley owners. Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets (12.8 percent): Powell already has a role in the Jets' offense, as he has 17 touches in the past two games. Chris Ivory had a resurgent Week 12, but Powell would be the next man up for the Gang Green offense. Markus Wheaton, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (7.6 percent): Wheaton is coming off of a monster nine-catch, 201-yard, one-touchdown game in Week 12, but he's still not a player that I'm finding room for in my starting lineup yet. The outing highlighted that Wheaton is a talented player (a former third-round pick) who would be relevant if something happened to Antonio Brown or Martavis Bryant. Jay Ajayi, RB, Miami Dolphins (14.0 percent): Ajayi has established a role in the four games that he has played this season, totaling 24 touches in that stretch. He's a big (6-foot, 228 pounds) and talented back who slipped in the draft because of injury concerns. Daniel Herron, RB, Indianapolis Colts (1.0 percent): With Ahmad Bradshaw placed on injured reserve Monday, Herron -- presumably -- takes over top reserve duties in the Colts' backfield. Frank Gore owners should add Herron. Scott Chandler, TE, New England Patriots (2.0 percent): It was a hold-your-breath moment when Rob Gronkowski left the game Sunday night against the Broncos in what looked like considerable pain. The early word is that Gronk's injury may not be as serious as it may have looked, but Chandler steps into a starting role for as long as Gronk sits (Adam Schefter reports Gronk is likely to miss multiple weeks). He'd be a viable top-10 tight end.
[h=2]Other notable adds[/h] Dontrelle Inman, WR, San Diego Chargers (7.7 percent): The Chargers got back on track in Week 12, and part of that was because of the play of Inman, who had five catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. This offense's ceiling is too high to ignore the No. 2 wideout. He's a viable add for 12-team leagues and has even more value in point-per-reception (PPR) scoring. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks (33.9 percent): He has at least six catches in his past three games, including a monster Week 12 with three touchdowns. Baldwin is the No. 1 pass-catching target for Seattle with Jimmy Graham out for the season. Russell Wilson has been red-hot of late too. Baldwin is an add in 12-team leagues or larger. Shaun Draughn, RB, San Francisco 49ers (35.1 percent): If you need a running back who can contribute now, Draughn is close to the only option who is widely available. He played every snap for the 49ers on Sunday, managing 20 touches. He is a usable option for those in PPR leagues. Theo Riddick, RB, Detroit Lions (33.9 percent): Riddick is listed as a running back, but he produces like a wide receiver. He's up to 55 catches this season (almost twice as many as his 28 rushing attempts) and is a usable PPR back. Anquan Boldin, WR, San Francisco 49ers (48.6 percent): Boldin is just steady. He has 13 catches for 186 yards in the past two weeks. He's a low-ceiling, medium-floor add in 12-team leagues or deeper. He has just two touchdowns this season, but is another player to keep in mind for PPR leagues. Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs (38.8 percent): Let's look back and then look forward for Smith: He has averaged 18.75 points per game in his past four outings. His remaining schedule is enviable (Oakland twice, San Diego, Baltimore and Cleveland). The play isn't to add Smith as your starter, but rather as insurance in case your starter misses time. DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins (4.8 percent): Play in a super-deep league and looking for a name with talent? Parker fits the bill. His best value is still for keeper or dynasty leagues. Rishard Matthews left Sunday's game early because of injury. Parker's workload is likely to increase until Matthews comes back.
[h=2]Other Gronk fill-ins[/h] Jacob Tamme, TE, Atlanta Falcons (23.8 percent): Wide receiverLeonard Hankerson has missed three of the Falcons' past four games. In those games, Tamme has racked up 21 catches for 233 yards and a touchdown. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings (21.0 percent): He has 13 catches and a touchdown in the past two weeks. The Minnesota passing offense isn't electric, but Rudolph is a quality red zone target given his size.
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</article>Zach Miller, TE, Chicago Bears (24.8 percent): Has four total touchdowns in his past four games. If Martellus Bennett is out again in Week 13, Miller is usable. Vance McDonald, TE, San Francisco 49ers (0.6 percent): An athletic player now assuming a larger role with Vernon Davis in Denver, McDonald has 10 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns in two games. Crockett Gillmore, TE, Baltimore Ravens (22.7 percent): An athletic tight end who is among the top pass-catchers for Matt Schaub in Baltimore right now. Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles (9.9 percent): He has 27 fantasy points in his past three games. Zach Ertz missed the Thanksgiving game because of injury. Cameron Brate, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0.0 percent): A pair of touchdowns to go along with eight catches for 100 yards during the past two weeks is enough to put the Bucs' young pass-catcher on our radar.
[h=1]Fantasy 32: Key Week 13 tips for every team[/h]Mike Clay, Fantasy Football
ESPN INSIDER
Below are 32 notes covering each of the league's 32 teams. Use these tidbits to make the best waiver-wire, trade and lineup decisions this week. Be sure to check back each week of the season for a new version of the Fantasy 32.
Arizona Cardinals - After spending the first six weeks of the season as the team's starting tight end, Darren Fells missed a pair of games due to injury and has since been passed on the depth chart byJermaine Gresham. The ex-Bengal has played 170 snaps compared to Fells' 102 over the past three weeks. Of course, with Arizona feeding its top three wide receivers, Gresham has managed only four targets and sits 28th at the position in fantasy points during the span. Needless to say, Gresham can be left on waivers. <offer style="box-sizing: border-box;"></offer>
Atlanta Falcons - The Atlanta offense is averaging 1.7 touchdowns per game over its past seven outings. For perspective, the Falcons averaged 2.4 scores per game last year, and San Francisco's 1.3 mark is worst in the league this season. Atlanta has gone five consecutive games without a rushing touchdown, and Matt Ryan sits 20th among quarterbacks in fantasy points during the span. Julio Jones, who has two touchdowns during the seven-game stretch, sits ninth among wide receivers in fantasy points thanks to league highs in targets (86), receptions (56) and yardage (767). Jones and Devonta Freeman should be locked into starting lineups against Tampa Bay this week, but Ryan and Jacob Tamme are nothing more than fringe top-15 options at their respective position. Tamme sits 10th among tight ends in fantasy points during the stretch, but he has scored only one touchdown.
Baltimore Ravens - Making his first start in place of the injuredJustin Forsett, Javorius Allen racked up 12 carries and five targets on 35 snaps. Terrance West was second in line and carried the ball on seven of his 12 snaps. The Baltimore offense is depleted to the point that touchdown opportunities will be hard to come by, but Allen is clearly the lead back and will see enough volume to allow RB2 production. Allen should be upgraded this week against a Miami defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs since Week 2.
Buffalo Bills - During the nine weeks in which he has been active this season, Tyrod Taylor sits seventh among quarterbacks in fantasy points. One of the league's surprise breakout players of 2015, Taylor has 16 offensive touchdowns (including two rushing) and four interceptions. Taylor is averaging 0.57 fantasy points per drop back, which trails only Cam Newton (0.67) and Carson Palmer (0.60). Taylor will have his hands full against a resurgent Texans' defense this week, but he'll be a back-end QB1 option against Philadelphia, Washington and Dallas during the fantasy playoffs.
Carolina Panthers - After scoring at least three touchdowns in six consecutive games, the Carolina offense found the end zone only once against Dallas on Thanksgiving. Despite the stumble, the Panthers are still averaging 2.91 offensive touchdowns per game this season. That ranks fourth in the league and is the offense's high mark since they scored 2.94 per game during Cam Newton's 2011 rookie season. Carolina had progressively declined to a Newton-era-low 2.1 touchdowns per game last year, but the Panthers have obviously rebounded in a big way this season. The Carolina offense will be an excellent place to look for fantasy points this week as they head to New Orleans. Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olsen should be on your radar in DFS cash games. Ted Ginn and Devin Funchess are intriguing tournament options.
Chicago Bears - We've grown accustomed to the Bears' defense allowing a ton of fantasy points, but that hasn't been anything close to the case during the John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio era. After holding Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' offense to one touchdown on Thanksgiving, the Bears' defense has surrendered a grand total of six scores in five games since its Week 7 bye. The Bears have allowed one rushing touchdown during their past nine games, which is notable for those invested in Shaun Draughn this week, and Matt Jones, Alfred Morris, Adrian Peterson and Doug Martin during the fantasy playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals - After registering yet another touchdown in Week 12, Tyler Eifert now paces the NFL with 12. The third-year tight end is on a torrid, albeit grossly unsustainable, pace that has seen him catch 10 of 11 end zone targets, with his other two scores coming when he was positioned at the 1-yard line. As noted a few weeks ago, Rob Gronkowski's 61 percent catch rate on end zone targets is tops in the NFL since 2007. Eifert has continued to defy logic, but his inevitable return to earth is on the horizon. The good news is that Eifert is seeing enough high-value looks to allow strong TE1 numbers. Fire him up against Cleveland in Week 13.
Cleveland Browns - Duke Johnson (44) played 20 more snaps thanIsaiah Crowell on Monday night, which is the largest gap between the two players this season. Crowell has been dreadful this season. He's averaging 2.9 yards per carry, which is worst among running backs with at least 65 carries. He's averaging 1.8 yards after contact per attempt, which is worst among backs with more than 90 carries. Although Johnson hasn't been very productive as a runner, he's been one of the game's top pass-catching backs. A changing of the guard appears to be underway, which will allow fringe RB2 production from Johnson. Crowell should've already been on waivers.
Dallas Cowboys - Last season, including the playoffs, the Cowboys' offense averaged 3.28 offensive touchdowns per game, which trailed only the Broncos (3.29) for best in the NFL. This year, sans Tony Romofor most of the season, the Dallas offense is averaging 1.64 scores per game. Only the 49ers (1.27) are worse. With Romo done for the year and the Packers, Jets and Bills on tap during the fantasy playoffs, this is an offense best avoided.Darren McFadden and Dez Bryant will see enough volume to warrant starting lineup consideration, but Jason Witten is best viewed as a fringe TE1.
Denver Broncos - C.J. Anderson went off to the tune of 153 yards and two touchdowns on 19 touches against New England on Sunday night, but keep in mind that Ronnie Hillman wasn't far behind with 59 yards and a score on 15 touches. Anderson played 43 snaps to Hillman's 26 and was obviously more productive, but this has been a committee for much of the season, and that's likely to continue moving forward. Anderson is on the RB2 radar against San Diego this week, but he may not eclipse 15 touches. Hillman, meanwhile, is a low-floor flex option.
Detroit Lions - After flirting with veteran Joique Bell for two weeks, interim offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has turned back to rookie Ameer Abdullah as the team's lead early-down back. Bell played 56 snaps to Abdullah's 16 during Cooter's first two games, but Abdullah owns a 52 to 29 advantage during the team's past two affairs. The uptick in work has allowed Abdullah 28 rushing attempts and a pair of receptions. It's enough work to get Abdullah back in the flex conversation, which is where he belongs against Green Bay this week. Theo Riddick has played a position-high 60 snaps over the past two games but 49 have been pass plays.
Green Bay Packers - Davante Adams, Green Bay's second-round pick last season, isn't emerging as a competent NFL wide receiver. As a rookie, Adams was on the field for just over 80 percent of the Packers' pass plays, but our team of analysts at Pro Football Focus graded him as the league's fifth-worst wide receiver. With Jordy Nelson out, Adams' role has expanded this season, but he ranks as the league's 14th-worst receiver. Adams has caught only 52.5 percent of 61 targets and has dropped seven balls. If you're counting on Adams during the fantasy playoffs, it's time to find a fallback option.Jeff Janis and, once healthy, Ty Montgomery and Jared Abbrederis are sure to push Adams for snaps.
Houston Texans - After surrendering 23 touchdowns during its first seven games (3.3 per game), the Texans' defense has allowed a grand total of two during its past four outings (0.5 per game). The latter stretch included meetings with the Bengals, Jets and Saints. Obviously an opponent that offenses now need to fear, the Bills' skill-position players should be downgraded this week. Only high-volume LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins should be in starting lineups. The Patriots, Colts and Titans are on the docket during Weeks 14-16 (a.k.a. the traditional fantasy playoffs).
Indianapolis Colts - During Weeks 1-7, Frank Gore put up 446 yards and three touchdowns on 98 carries (4.6 yards per carry). He sat 13th among running backs in fantasy points. During the Colts' past four games, though, Gore has managed 212 yards and one touchdown on 83 carries (2.5 YPC) and sits 18th among backs. The increased workload has allowed Gore to sustain RB2 production, but his efficiency has dropped off considerably. Especially with Andrew Luck out for a few more weeks, Gore's ceiling is not high despite the hefty volume.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Julius Thomas broke out to the tune of nine receptions, 116 yards and one touchdown against the Chargers on Sunday. Thomas has now been targeted at least five times in six consecutive games, but his production has been extremely inconsistent. In three of those games, he has 21 catches for 222 yards and three touchdowns, leading all tight ends in fantasy points. In the other three, however, he has 41 yards and no touchdowns on six receptions. Despite his boom/bust production, Thomas has a ton of ability and is trending upward in an offense that has scored a league-high 96 percent of its touchdowns through the air. Especially if Allen Hurnsmisses Week 13, Thomas will be a mid-pack TE1 option.
Kansas City Chiefs - After he racked up 114 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries against Buffalo on Sunday, it's fair to wonder if Spencer Ware will eat into Charcandrick West's workload down the stretch. In his first four starts in place of Charles, West averaged 21.25 touches per game. Other Chiefs' backs, including Ware, handled a total of 19 touches during those four games. West has been a competent fill-in for Jamaal Charles, but his 3.8 yards per carry leaves plenty to be desired. Albeit on a small sample, Ware (6.5 YPC) has been more impressive. It's possible West returns to a workhorse role this week, but his owners should be prepared for the possibility that this is now a committee. Ware won't be worth flex consideration unless he moves ahead of West on the depth chart.
Miami Dolphins - After calling 61 passes and nine runs against the Jets on Sunday, the Dolphins have now called pass more than three-quarters of the time in four games this season. This is obviously concerning news for Lamar Miller owners, who saw their asset put up two yards on five carries against New York. In fact, since scoring at least one rushing touchdown in each of Dan Campbell's first four games as the team's head coach, the Dolphins have gone three consecutive games without a single score on the ground. Miami fired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor on Monday, which may open up more opportunity for Miller, but that may be tough to achieve if Miami continues to trail by double digits throughout the second half of games. Miller is best viewed as a RB2 against Baltimore this week.
Minnesota Vikings - From a fantasy perspective, Adrian Peterson was an extremely polarizing player during the offseason. Those who took a chance on him early in the first round of drafts are feeling pretty good about their top running back. After tattooing the Falcons for 187 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 31 touches, Peterson trails Devonta Freeman by only four fantasy points for the top spot among running backs this season. Peterson is a whopping 34 points ahead of third-place Doug Martin. Handling 21.5 carries and 2.3 targets per game, Peterson is fairly matchup proof and thus remains an elite play against Seattle and Arizona over the next two weeks.
New England Patriots - Extremely thin at wide receiver after recent injuries to Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and Aaron Dobson, the Patriots had their third wide receiver on the field for only four (or nine percent) of 45 pass plays against Denver on Sunday night. To call that percentage low would be a gross understatement. The NFL average in that category is 70 percent, and the Patriots entered the week at 52 percent, which was the league's fourth-lowest mark. With Rob Gronkowski in jeopardy of missing a game or two, and with Danny Amendola due back from injury this week, expect New England to return to more wide receiver-heavy sets. When passing, the Patriots figure to roll with a base set that includes LeGarrette Blount, LaFell, Amendola, Keshawn Martin and Scott Chandler against Philadelphia this week. All but Martin should be in fantasy lineups.
New Orleans Saints - After allowing three touchdowns to Houston on Sunday, the New Orleans defense has now surrendered at least three scores in nine of 11 games, including each of its past seven. On the other hand, the Carolina offense is averaging 3.28 touchdowns per game since the team's Week 5 bye. With these teams set to do battle in Week 13, we will find out what happens when an unstoppable force meets a movable object. As noted earlier, the Cam Newton/Greg Olsen stack is recommended in DFS cash games, and the likes of Jonathan Stewart, Ted Ginn and even post-hype sleeper Devin Funchess should be considered as well.
New York Giants - Since working his way into the team's backfield committee in Week 7, Orleans Darkwa has carried the ball 25 times. During the span, Rashad Jennings has 45 carries, while Shane Vereenand Andre Williams each have 18. Darkwa has the unit's only rushing touchdown during the span but has yet to be targeted. Vereen has scored on two of his 20 targets, while Jennings (eight targets) and Williams (one) haven't been used much as receivers. Vereen is on the RB2 radar, but Darkwa, Jennings and Williams are low on volume and efficiency. The trio should be kept out of starting lineups.
New York Jets - Having scored twice against Miami on Sunday,Brandon Marshall now has nine touchdowns on the season. That ties him with Odell Beckham and DeAndre Hopkins for most among wide receivers. Ryan Fitzpatrick's go-to target, Marshall has been on the field for a career-high 94 percent of the Jets' snaps, including 97 percent of pass plays. He has handled a hefty 30 percent of the team's targets, which works out to 10.5 per game. Drew Brees' game aside, the Giants don't give up many passing touchdowns, but fantasy's No. 5-scoring wide receiver will see enough volume to warrant consideration in DFS cash games again this week.
Oakland Raiders - Seth Roberts exploded for 113 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions against Tennessee on Sunday, but he's not worth on add on waivers this week. One of the league's least-efficient players entering Week 12, Roberts had caught only 15 of 28 targets, which included five drops. Limited to slot duties between workhorses Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper, Roberts won't see near enough volume to warrant flex consideration.
Philadelphia Eagles - After allowing 10 touchdowns during its first six games (1.67 per game), the Eagles' defense has surrendered 19 over its past five (3.8 per game). For perspective, the Saints' defense is allowing a league-worst 3.5 touchdowns per game this season. Especially horrendous against the pass as of late, the Eagles will now be without starting corner Nolan Carroll for the rest of the season. Probable replacement Eric Rowehas struggled during his rookie season. Expect Tom Brady to keep Brandon LaFell busy on the perimeter this week. He's on the WR1 radar and is a strong DFS target.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Markus Wheaton had a career day against Seattle on Sunday, but stay away from him on waivers this week. With nine receptions, 201 yards and one touchdown on Sunday, Wheaton nearly doubled his season-long fantasy production. He entered the day with 16 receptions, 273 yards and one score despite running a route on 70 percent of the team's pass plays. Wheaton will revert to seldom-targeted No. 3 wide receiver duties and will only be worth flex consideration against the Colts this week ifHeath Miller sits out.
San Diego Chargers - Malcom Floyd returned from injury on Sunday after missing only one game. He was immediately reinstated into a significant offensive role. Floyd was on the field for 55 of the team's 71 offensive snaps, including 39 of 48 pass plays. Floyd was targeted only three times, but low-target totals are not particularly uncommon for him. Floyd averaged 5.4 targets per game during his seven full appearances earlier this year. He sat 30th among wide receivers in fantasy points during the stretch. BehindStevie Johnson (48 routes) and Dontrelle Inman (48) on Sunday, it's possible Floyd remains third in line at wide receiver, but this is a team that has its third receiver on the field for 81 percent of pass plays. Floyd is what he has been for years: a boom/bust flex option.
San Francisco 49ers - In three games since taking over for Vernon Davis as the 49ers' top tight end, Vance McDonald has caught 12 of 16 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Only three tight ends have scored more fantasy points during those three weeks. McDonald has been on the field for 84 percent of San Francisco's snaps, including 76 percent of pass plays during the span. The 49ers will continue to struggle to score points, but McDonald, who was the team's second-round pick in 2013, is finally getting a look as an every-down player and is benefiting from a tight end-friendly scheme. He's best viewed as a TE2 and should be scooped up in deeper dynasty leagues.
Seattle Seahawks - Jimmy Graham is done for the season, which means Seattle will need to turn back to Luke Willson at tight end. Willson ran a pass route on at least 65 percent of Seattle's pass plays in nine games last season. In those games, he enjoyed a 15 percent target share (or 3.8 targets per game). Willson was fantasy's No. 7 tight end during six of those nine games that occurred during the regular season, but he achieved that with a handful of big plays. Three of his 12 receptions were touchdowns during the regular-season stretch. Assuming he enjoys a similar workload the rest of the way, Willson will be a boom/bust TE2 and isn't worth adding in leagues that start one tight end.
St. Louis Rams - Having finally crashed to earth, Todd Gurley is worth an assessment after totaling 30 yards on 10 touches against the Bengals on Sunday. The rookie exploded to the tune of 566 yards and three touchdowns on 88 carries (6.4 YPC) during a four-game stretch spanning from Weeks 4 to 8. In four games since, he has accrued 216 yards and three scores on 70 attempts (3.1 YPC). Since the Rams' Week 6 bye, Gurley has bailed out his fantasy owners by scoring six of the team's 10 touchdowns. The St. Louis offense has leaned heavily on Gurley, but it's averaging only 1.6 touchdowns per game (third-worst) thanks to horrific quarterback production. Not unlike Adrian Peterson, Gurley is always a big play waiting to happen, but his addition to the lineup hasn't helped the team's passing game. Not yet an elite play at the position, Gurley is best viewed as a mid-to-back-end RB1.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Arguably the top all-around running back in the league this season, Doug Martin finally appears to be over his injury woes and back to full health. Martin is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, which is tops among 21 backs who have carried the ball at least 125 times this season. Martin is averaging 3.3 yards after contact per attempt, which is tops among 29 backs with at least 115 carries. Martin's 46 missed tackles is also most in the league. Tampa Bay's woes in the touchdown department (2.1 per game) have allowed Martin only four scores, but he's obviously playing at an extremely high level and is a mid-pack RB1 against Atlanta this week.
</article>Tennessee Titans - Kendall Wright returned to the Titans' lineup on Sunday, but the team's slot receiver was limited to 31 of a possible 57 snaps. Wright was on the field for 26 of Tennessee's 40 pass plays and registered a position-high seven targets. The Titans have little depth at wide receiver, as shown by the fact that Dorial Green-Beckham (34 snaps, 26 routes) and Harry Douglas (55, 37) were the only other Tennessee wide receivers to play a snap. Sitting 31st among wide receivers in fantasy points during the seven weeks he has played a significant role this season, Wright is a flex option against the Jaguars this week.
Washington Redskins - Now four games back from injury, it's clearDeSean Jackson has resumed his role as a boom/bust fantasy performer. Jackson has been on the field for 87 percent of the team's pass plays and has accrued 19 targets during the four-game stretch. He has converted the usage into 12 receptions for 212 yards and two touchdowns (both of which came over the past two weeks). During the span, Jackson sits 24th among wide receivers in fantasy points. Working in a run-first offense that also keeps Jordan Reed, Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder busy, Jackson is a low-volume, touchdown-dependent WR3.
[h=1]Free-agent finds for Week 14: James White, DeVante Parker, streaming QBs[/h] Field Yates, ESPN Staff Writer
Playoffs? Playoffs. For most ESPN.com fantasy football leagues, the postseason is officially underway. So here's where things get interesting on the waiver wire: if you're in the playoffs, your roster doesn't need sweeping changes. More likely, you're headed to the waiver wire to pad the depth on your bench. Keep that in mind as we overview our top waiver adds for Week 14.
James White, RB, New England Patriots (26.5 percent): White doesn't have more than 14 rushing yards in a game this season, but what we saw on Sunday during the Patriots' surprise loss to the Eagles was that his natural catching skills can be an asset. He racked up 10 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots' offense is dealing with significant injuries and looking for a rhythm right now. If White can give the team more of what he showed on Sunday, he'll find a weekly role there. DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins (21.0 percent): A player we mentioned in last week's column, Parker showed well in a starting role, grabbing three catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. Kenny Stills and Rishard Matthewsare both injured for Miami, opening the door for Parker to keep a tight grip on a starting job. If things keep up, Parker is the kind of player who could creep into flex territory sooner rather than later. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Tennessee Titans (9.9 percent): Green-Beckham checks some similar boxes to Parker: he's a major talent (an incredible talent, to be frank) who is seeing a larger role as the season wears on. It would behoove Tennessee to feature DGB during the final quarter of the season, as he represents a significant part of this team's offensive future. There's upside here. Darren Sproles, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (47.7 percent): Some odd things happened on Sunday. First, the Eagles stunned the Patriots, 35-28, in New England. Also, DeMarco Murray played 14 -- yes, 14 -- snaps in the entire game. Kenjon Barner had more rushes than Murray (nine to eight), though Sproles stole the show. He had 19 touches for 100 yards and also returned a punt for a touchdown. Let's keep an eye on this Philly backfield.
Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Carolina Panthers (38.2 percent): Owning Ginn can be tricky in term of knowing the right weeks to start him. He hasn't had more than five catches in a game this season, and he has an even split of games with four or more catches and games with two or fewer catches (six apiece). But he's -- at least on many weeks -- the top wide receiver for a great offense. This speedster is on the radar. Chris Polk, RB, Houston Texans (2.0 percent): An unpredictable backfield can be nightmarish for fantasy purposes, and that's exactly where we are now with the Houston Texans. Just when it looked like Alfred Blue was seizing an unquestioned workhorse role, he was limited to just four touches on Sunday, nine fewer than Polk. Here's the play on Polk: he's addable in deeper leagues. He's not a player I'd start in the first round of the playoffs, but if he takes control of this gig, he'll have much more value. Marvin Jones, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (47.6 percent): A player who is usable in deeper leagues, Jones should also be owned by anyone who has A.J. Green on his or her roster. He's a handcuff to Green with a quarterback that is playing terrific football. Markus Wheaton, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (17.2 percent): Wheaton found the end zone for the second straight game on Sunday night, but his value is as a handcuff to either Antonio Brown or Martavis Bryant. There might not be a better passing offense in the NFL right now. Brian Hartline, WR, Cleveland Browns (2.5 percent): We always talk about the value of volume in fantasy football, and Hartline is an example where the volume is too significant to ignore. In his past four games, he's averaged 10.5 targets. He's found the end zone in only one game this season (a pair of scores in Week 8), but Hartline is a usable PPR add in deeper leagues. Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets (12.9 percent): Another handcuff of note, Powell is a gifted pass catcher who should be a priority add for anyone that ownsChris Ivory as well. He hauled in eight catches, including one for a score, in Week 13. Richard Rodgers, TE, Green Bay Packers (47.7 percent): He had his best game of the season in Week 12, even before hauling in the Hail Mary to win the game for Green Bay, as he had seven catches prior to that. Rodgers is yet another tight end who will fall into the group beyond the obvious starters (Rob Gronkowski and Tyler Eifert, when healthy, Greg Olsen, Delanie Walker, etc.). John Crockett, RB, Green Bay Packers (0.0 percent): Solving the Green Bay backfield is a chore these days, as just when we thought Eddie Lacy had returned to his 2013-14 form -- or at least close to it -- he went for one yard on six touches and was punished for missing curfew the night before the team's Week 13 game, according to colleague Rob Demovsky. Crockett saw five carries for 22 yards. He's an add for Lacy owners that might not already have James Starks. It's too soon to layout expectations for him, but we can't ignore what happened last Thursday night.
[h=2]Three quarterbacks I like in Week 14[/h] At the top of this column, I mentioned that now isn't the time to make sweeping lineup changes. But one position that offers some flexibility is quarterback. If you own, for example, Matt Ryan or Philip Rivers, and have concerns about their play, lack of healthy weapons or matchups in Week 14, a quarterback streamer makes sense. Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills (45.7 percent): He has eight total touchdowns in his past two games. The Eagles' defense was better in Week 13, but is still a generous matchup. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (35.8 percent): Winston is among a small group of quarterbacks that have scored at least 12 points in every game this season. He's making serious strides as a player and faces New Orleans in Week 14. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans (41.8 percent): Like Winston, Mariota has flashed greatness this season. He was remarkable in Week 13, doing it with both his arm and legs (first player in NFL history with 250-plus passing yards, 100-plus rushing yards and three passing touchdowns). A compelling dual-threat quarterback talent.
High-profile rookies Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans warranted top quarterback picks not only in the NFL draft but in dynasty fantasy formats this season because their bright futures were partially based on an ability to run the football, and those skills were again on display Sunday. Winston, who scored his fifth rushing touchdown of the season, uses his big body wisely like Carolina Panthers MVP candidateCam Newton, but doesn’t overdo it or risk injury more than others. Mariota broke off an electrifying 87-yard touchdown scamper in his Sunday win. How many quarterbacks can you picture running 87 yards, like ever? As with Newton, Winston and Mariota are different than most quarterbacks who boast the ability to contribute rushing yards and touchdowns to fantasy ledgers and assuming their franchises continue to build around them, superstardom is the ceiling. In other words, they could be Newton. They’re not there yet, of course, as neither rookie entered the week among the top-10 quarterbacks in fantasy season scoring, but the case can be made for each emerging as starting options next season. Winston’s rushing score salvaged an otherwise average statistical passing performance – which is one reason why we like running quarterbacks -- while Mariota delivered a Week 13-best 35 standard fantasy points (tied with Newton), adding in three touchdown throws. We like that, too. The top two selections in the 2015 NFL draft remain risky the rest of this season unless matchups dictate -- like Winston against the awful New Orleans Saintsdefense in Week 14 -- but those in dynasty/keeper formats have to be salivating about future possibilities. For Winston, his proclivity to turn the football over remains an issue and he has yet to register a 300-yard passing effort, but his five rushing scores are second to Newton’s seven at the position and he has done so without eclipsing five rushing attempts in a game since Week 2. Unlike Michael Vick, for example, he doesn’t wantonly take off whenever the pocket collapses, but he’s patient and picks his spots. Winston is clearly an unfinished product and occasionally erratic as a thrower, but one that hasn’t been held to single digits in fantasy scoring yet, and Mike Evans is a prime and young target. Mariota boasts consecutive three-touchdown passing efforts and has reached 32 or more fantasy points in two of his past five contests. A 30-point fantasy game isn’t rare -- Newton, Tom Brady, Russell Wilson and Blake Bortles also hit the total Sunday -- but for a rookie, it sure is. In fact, according to my colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft, only twice since 1960 has a rookie quarterback scored more than Mariota’s 35 fantasy points in a game, with Newton and Wilson those players in part thanks to their legs. Mariota needs more weapons -- Dorial Green-Beckham is kind of emerging, and we’ll see about David Cobb -- and time to develop into a consistent passer and runner at this level, but those relying on him of late are getting elite production, an average of 22 fantasy points over five weeks. Those sensing Winston, Mariota and other quarterbacks were supplying an inordinate number of rushing touchdowns this week were on to something. In fact, entering Sunday night a season-high eight quarterbacks had rushed for touchdowns, matching the total for the previous three weeks combined. Trends come and go in the NFL and it’s not likely this one will continue. Pocket passers do tend to be more coveted in fantasy these days, partly due to lessons learned from Washington Redskins one-time star Robert Griffin III flaming out after his rookie campaign, but mainly because they’re more likely to get hurt. Newton is the exception, of course. Perhaps Winston and Mariota are as well.
Second down: It was plainly obvious watching New England Patriotsquarterback Tom Brady ultimately lose in shocking fashion to the Philadelphia Eagles that he’s not the same guy sans top weapons Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, but hey, he still finished with 30 fantasy points, tying his season best, so let’s not all panic, either. Call this one a strange game but don’t start questioning Brady as a top fantasy option. It’s true I bumped him from the top spot this week to No. 2 for Newton -- which looks fine, in retrospect -- but Brady still has options to rely on, throwing touchdown passes to James White, Danny Amendola and fill-in tight end Scott Chandler, and he even caught a 36-yard pass as well. Don’t downgrade Brady, even if Gronkowski isn’t able to return in Week 14. Downgrade Brandon LaFell, however, because he is just not reliable at all. In other quarterback news … Bortles continues to earn top-10 status and his five-touchdown outing in Tennessee came with the caveat of zero interceptions for the first time since Week 4. Progress. Sure, the Jaguars don’t win much, but Bortles and wide receiver Allen Robinson are dominant. Winston and Mariota will be great, but Bortles is just as strong a dynasty keeper. … Buffalo Billsafterthought Tyrod Taylor -- based on his low active percentage -- supplied four touchdowns and a season-high 28 fantasy points, and heads to Philadelphia in Week 14, where he will be an intriguing play. … Remove Atlanta Falcons starterMatt Ryan from fantasy consideration after another suboptimal outing, and the undefeated Panthers lurking twice over the next three weeks. … The Chicago Bears’ Jay Cutler was a can’t-miss against the San Francisco 49ers, right? Well, he missed. Cutler was making strides as a real-life quarterback in avoiding turnovers, but he hasn’t had a good fantasy season at all. We’d prefer the reckless interception machine that at least accrued many passing yards. … That’s twice in three weeks the San Diego Chargers’ Philip Rivers failed to throw a touchdown pass. As with Atlanta’s Ryan, we thank him for the season numbers but it’s time to move on. Third down: The first extended action for Arizona Cardinals rookie David Johnson went nicely for him and fantasy owners, as he rushed 22 times for 99 yards and caught a receiving touchdown. Johnson earned 23 total rushes the past eight games, but injuries to Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington created opportunity. Now it’s reasonable to view David Johnson as a potential RB1 option the final month, though it’s worth noting none of the four pending opponents are easy to run on. Still, volume is key, as Cardinals running backsKerwynn Williams and Stepfan Taylor combined for 11 rushing attempts and one receiving target, so it’s clear Johnson isn’t sharing many touches. Plus, the continued excellent play from quarterback Carson Palmer guarantees open running lanes.
In other running back news … Johnson wasn’t the only rookie thriving Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens’ Javorius Allen and Jaguars’ T.J. Yeldon topped the position in standard scoring entering the Sunday night game, with 22 and 18 points respectively. Allen was terrific in the passing game, catching 12 of 13 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown, and he’s rising to near-RB1 status himself. Yeldon has had a productive season but finally received goal line carries, scoring on a short run for his second rushing touchdown of the season. These are excellent signs. … As expected, the Bears’ Matt Forte is sharing touches withJeremy Langford -- and apparently Ka’Deem Carey, who vultured a short touchdown -- but Forte is seeing enough volume to be a safe play, even in a walk year. … I can’t understand why so many people continue to rely on Philly’sDeMarco Murray. He was terrible again Sunday, with Darren Sproles usurping a far more important role. Look for that to continue, meaning it’s tough to rank an Eagles running back even as a reasonable flex. … The Miami Dolphins' new offense provided plenty of love for Lamar Miller, who used 20 carries to earn 113 rushing yards, many in the first half. Miller should warrant RB1 status for Week 15 in San Diego, with Jay Ajayi barely a factor. new Those owning the Vikings’Adrian Peterson and Rams’ Todd Gurley wouldn’t have sat their stars, but combined the duo was outrushed by 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Some things don’t make sense. Gurley probably leaves the top-10 for Week 14, as his team’s awful quarterback play has become too much to overcome.
Fourth down: Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin topped double-digit fantasy points once in the first eight weeks, but as long as Russell Wilson continues throwing the football so effectively downfield, he’s approaching WR2 status. Baldwin caught 94 yards worth of passes and two touchdowns in Minnesota Sunday, giving him six touchdowns in four weeks. Rookie colleague Tyler Lockett registered a season-best 90 receiving yards, too. This offense does not need Jimmy Graham. Wilson is 5-of-5 with five touchdowns targeting Baldwin on throws 10-plus yards downfield the past two weeks, according to ESPN Stats & Information tracking. Looming the next fortnight are the Ravens and Browns and their battered secondaries. Expect the Seahawks to keep supplying fat fantasy numbers.
In other wide receiver news … Allen Robinson became the first Jaguar to reach 1,000 receiving yards since Jimmy Smith a decade ago. Bortles really needed a second wide receiver to step up with Allen Hurns out, but Marqise Lee caught only one of four targets. … New York Jets star Brandon Marshall is becoming a legitimate top-five wide receiver in fantasy, as he and Ryan Fitzpatrick can’t be stopped. Marshall now has 1,000-yard receiving seasons for four franchises, the first player to achieve this. … The Chiefs’ Alex Smith found Jeremy Maclin for two more touchdowns, but each were short plays not downfield blasts. Still, the Kansas City passing game is for real and Maclin is worth his WR2 status. … I’ve been waiting months for the Dolphins to integrate DeVante Parker into the passing game, and he caught another touchdown pass Sunday, but he’s still more a desperation play in fantasy. … Similarly, the Panthers’ Devin Funchesshas a future, and he scored Sunday, but you can’t rely on him yet. It’s a matter of time for Funchess to pass drops master Ted Ginn Jr., though. … Don’t get excited about the 49ers’ Torrey Smith; it was one big play in overtime and he still hasn’t caught more than three passes in a game since Week 2. … The Saints’Willie Snead missed the game and Brandon Coleman showed upside, accruing 73 yards and a touchdown. Tough to rely on Snead moving ahead even if he’s active.
[h=1]Fantasy 32: Key Week 14 tips for every team[/h]Mike Clay, Fantasy Football
ESPN INSIDER
Below are 32 notes covering each of the league's 32 teams. Use these tidbits to make the best waiver-wire, trade and lineup decisions this week. Be sure to check back each week of the season for a new version of the Fantasy 32.
Arizona Cardinals - In his first outing as a feature back, David Johnson impressed with 120 yards and a score on 24 touches. Johnson was on the field for 55 of the team's 79 offensive snaps. That includes 51 of 56 to start the game, as Johnson rested on and off during garbage time. With Andre Ellington expected to miss at least one more game, Johnson is locked in as a midpack RB1 option this week. The Vikings have been strong defensively this season, but they're coming off a home game in which they surrendered five touchdowns to the Seahawks. Johnson will, once again, be in the mix for 20 touches in the league's No. 2 scoring offense.
Atlanta Falcons - After falling to Tampa Bay in Week 13, Atlanta has scored exactly one offensive touchdown during five of its past eight games. Julio Jones has scored two touchdowns during the span. As a result, he sits ninth among wide receivers in fantasy points despite leading the position in targets, receptions and yardage during the span. Jones lines up in the slot on roughly 30 percent of his pass routes, so he won't be covered exclusively by shutdown perimeter corner Josh Norman in Weeks 14 and 16. That said, Atlanta's offensive struggles and shadow coverage from Norman 70 percent of the time certainly provide a major ding to Jones' fantasy appeal. He's only worth a contrarian flier in DFS tournaments and should be completely avoided in cash games.
Baltimore Ravens - In four games as Steve Smith's replacement as Baltimore's top wide receiver, Kamar Aiken has racked up 42 targets. That includes at least eight in all four outings. Aiken has accrued 251 yards and two touchdowns on 24 receptions and sits 18th at the position in fantasy points during the span. Matt Schaub's struggles and a brutal upcoming schedule that includes Seattle, Kansas City and Pittsburgh will limit Aiken's upside, but he's seeing enough volume to allow WR3 production down the stretch.
Buffalo Bills - Although the "revenge game" narrative might hold some weight against Philadelphia this week, LeSean McCoy would be an elite fantasy option regardless of the opponent. Red-hot since returning from injury in Week 6, McCoy is seeing 21.3 touches per game and averaging 5.0 yards per carry. His four touchdowns and 812 scrimmage yards have him sitting fourth among running backs in fantasy points during the span.Karlos Williams' impending return will cost McCoy a few touches, but he's sure to play a massive role against his old team. The Eagles' defense has allowed 15 touchdowns during its past three games.
Carolina Panthers - Sometimes opportunity trumps ability, and that's surely been the case for Ted Ginn this season. Ginn sits 31st among wide receivers in fantasy points despite catching fewer than half of his 71 targets. His eight drops have been offset by six touchdowns and his 15.0-yards-per-reception mark. Having seen at least 24 percent of Carolina's targets in five of the team's past seven games, Ginn is no more than a flex option against an Atlanta defense that has done a nice job against opposing wide receivers this season.
Chicago Bears - Still the lead back in Chicago, Matt Forte racked up 123 yards and one touchdown on 26 touches against the 49ers on Sunday. Forte played 42 snaps, which was well ahead of Jeremy Langford's total (27). Langford posted 68 yards on 14 touches. Ka'Deem Careyvultured five carries and one touchdown on Sunday, but he played only six snaps. He's not a serious threat to Forte or Langford. With Washington on the docket this week, Forte will be a fringe RB1 and Langford a flex option.
Cincinnati Bengals - Despite what has been an extremely volatile season, Jeremy Hill sits 13th among running backs in fantasy points this season. Hill has managed only nine receptions and is averaging an underwhelming 3.6 yards per carry, but he's bailed out fantasy owners with nine touchdowns. Averaging nearly 20 touches and 100 scrimmage yards over the past two weeks, Hill is trending up. Still, he'll be limited to RB2 status this week against a Steelers defense that has allowed only four rushing touchdowns on the year.
Cleveland Browns - The main benefactor of injuries around him on the depth chart, Brian Hartline has racked up 40 targets during Cleveland's past four games. That includes at least nine targets in each game. Hartline sits 19th (16th in PPR) among wide receivers in fantasy points during the four weeks. With Travis Benjamin, Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel in doubt for Sunday's game against San Francisco, it's very possible Hartline will be Johnny Manziel's top target. If that's the case, the veteran will be worth flex consideration.
Dallas Cowboys - Of the Cowboys' 18 offensive touchdowns this season, five were scored during Tony Romo's two complete games. That works out to 14 scores in the 10 other games, or 1.40 per game. For perspective, the 49ers are averaging a league-worst 1.42 per game this season. As shown by Monday night's ugly effort against Washington, the Cowboys' skill position players cannot be trusted as long as Matt Cassel is under center. Dallas will likely need to throw more than usual while playing from behind at Green Bay this week, which is enough to keep Dez Bryant in the WR3 mix.
Denver Broncos - In Peyton Manning's 10 starts earlier this season,Demaryius Thomas averaged 11.3 targets per game (or a 31 percent share of the team's targets). In Brock Osweiler's three starts, Thomas is averaging 7.7 targets per game (25 percent). Interestingly, because Manning threw Thomas one touchdown, while Osweiler has hit him twice, Thomas sits 23rd among wide receivers in fantasy points during both spans. Denver continues to struggle in the touchdown department and is more reliant on the run than it was earlier in the season. Even with Oakland on the schedule, Thomas is best viewed as a WR2 and isn't worth the $6,800 price tag on DraftKings.
Detroit Lions - Eric Ebron found the end zone against Green Bay on Thursday, but don't view this as signs of a resurgence. Ebron was targeted only one additional time in the game and has now seen seven targets during the Lions' past three games. That's after averaging 5.8 per game during his first six full games. In fact, during those six outings, Ebron ran a route on 74 percent of the Lions' pass plays. During the past three weeks, he sits at 57 percent. The 2014 first-round pick has not lived up to expectations and should be on waivers in nondynasty leagues.
Green Bay Packers - After an eight-catch, 146-yard outing that included a game-winning 61-yard touchdown reception on a Hail Mary, Richard Rodgers has vaulted to ninth among tight ends in fantasy points this season. Although his role has increased as the season has progressed, Week 13 marked the first game this season in which Rodgers eclipsed 45 receiving yards. On pace for eight touchdowns, Rodgers is a fringe TE1 option but nothing more. A pedestrian athlete and poor blocker in an environment conducive to fantasy relevance, Rodgers is an upper-middle-class man's Larry Donnell.
Houston Texans - Alfred Blue had been seeing enough volume to allow him flex consideration, but he can't be trusted after playing eight snaps against Buffalo on Sunday. Blue took a backseat to Chris Polk(29 snaps) and Jonathan Grimes (25). Polk put up 72 yards and a score against Buffalo, but, as we've seen several times this season, the pendulum could easily swing a different direction this week. With Houston operating a five-man rotation at tailback that also includes Akeem Hunt and Cecil Shorts, none of the aforementioned backs should be in fantasy lineups.
Indianapolis Colts - The Colts have scored 18 offensive touchdowns during Andrew Luck's seven outings this season. That works out to 2.57 per game. During Matt Hasselbeck's five starts, the offense has nine touchdowns, or 1.8 per game. Luck is expected to miss at least one more game, which leaves Hasselbeck or Charlie Whitehurst as Indianapolis' quarterback at Jacksonville this week. The Jaguars' defense has struggled, but it has been better at home than it has on the road. Frank Gore (RB2), T.Y. Hilton(WR3) and Donte Moncrief (flex) will see enough volume to warrant starting lineup consideration, but they each have a low floor during the first week of the fantasy playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars - After posting 10 receptions, 153 yards and a trio of touchdowns against Tennessee, Allen Robinson sits fourth among wide receivers in fantasy points this season. Robinson paces all wide receivers with 11 touchdowns and sports a 16.2 average depth of target, which is highest in the league among players with at least 75 targets. Robinson is a rock-solid WR1 the rest of the way and, at age 22, he's an elite dynasty asset.
Kansas City Chiefs - Returning from injury on Sunday,Charcandrick West reclaimed his gig as Kansas City's lead back. West carried the ball only nine times for 35 yards, but he was on the field for 31 plays. Spencer Ware scored a touchdown but carried the ball seven times for 26 yards and played 17 snaps. Although Ware stole goal-line work, West was on the field for 21 of the team's 29 pass plays. With the slumping Chargers on deck, West will be a quality RB2 and Ware a flex option in Week 14.
Miami Dolphins - Lamar Miller carried the ball 20 times against Baltimore on Sunday, which marks only the second 20-plus-carry game of his career and his first since Dec. 1, 2013. It's no coincidence this game was the team's first outing after the firing of offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. Leading throughout the game, Miami executed a script that obviously benefited Miller, but the Dolphins ran an absurdly low 46 offensive plays in the game. Despite a roller-coaster season, Miller sits sixth among running backs in fantasy points and the team's newfound dedication to the run will keep him in the midrange RB1 conversation moving forward.
Minnesota Vikings - After allowing no more than two touchdowns in a single game during Weeks 1-12, the Vikings defense surrendered five to red-hot Seattle on Sunday. This is somewhat noteworthy considering Minnesota's schedule has been relatively "easy" this season. The Vikings' defense will obviously not be a recommended play at Arizona in Week 14. Cardinals' skill-position players should not be downgraded. Carson Palmerand David Johnson are elite plays at their respective positions. Larry Fitzgerald,John Brown and Michael Floyd should also be in lineups.
New England Patriots - At least in terms of snaps and pass routes,Keshawn Martin was New England's top wide receiver in Week 13. Martin was on the field for 84 of the team's 86 offensive snaps, including all 63 pass plays. He converted eight targets into only three receptions for 45 yards and two drops. Brandon LaFell (58 routes, nine targets) and Danny Amendola (58 routes, 12 targets) were utilized more often, but the duo combined for three additional drops. In fact, LaFell has eight drops in only seven games. Only Amari Cooper and Mike Evans (12 each) have dropped more passes this season. Martin is currently fourth in line for targets, but with LaFell struggling badly, he very easily could be asked to take on more work. Martin will be a risky flex option against his old team this week.
New Orleans Saints - During the first four weeks of the 2015 season,Brandin Cooks had accrued 215 yards and no touchdowns on 20 receptions and sat 49th among wide receivers in fantasy points. Selected as a strong WR2 in most fantasy drafts, Cooks obviously had the looks of a major bust. The tables turned in Week 5, however. In eight games since that point, Cooks has racked up 41 receptions, 625 yards and seven touchdowns and is eighth in fantasy points. Overall he sits 11th at the position. Drew Brees' top target in a high-volume, high-scoring offense, Cooks is locked in as a fringe WR1.
New York Giants - During New York's past three games, Will Tyehas caught 14 of 18 targets for 200 yards. Despite not scoring a touchdown, he trails only 13 tight ends in fantasy points during those three weeks. Tye has two drops and has struggled as a blocker. Put another way, he's picked up right where Larry Donnell left off. Handling 14 percent of the targets in an offense that has scored either one or two touchdowns in six of its past seven games, Tye is not a quality TE1 streamer.
New York Jets - In three games since he returned from injury, Bilal Powell has been on the field for 115 snaps. Chris Ivory, meanwhile, has played 85. The team's passing-down back, Powell has registered 23 targets and 16 carries during the span. The Jets have called pass on 81 percent of his snaps. Ivory has 39 carries and eight targets during the stretch. Powell sits 18th among backs in fantasy points, which is two spots ahead of Ivory. Moving forward, projected game script will need to be considered when evaluating Ivory's fantasy prospects. The Jets will be favored at home against Tennessee this week, which bodes well for Ivory's playing time. He's safe to use as a RB2. Powell is a flex option in PPR.
Oakland Raiders - Amari Cooper has shown flashes of his upside during his rookie season, but he's also shown that there is plenty of room for improvement. Cooper's 12 drops ties him with Mike Evans for most in the league. Although problematic for Oakland's sake, the drops haven't slowed Cooper's standing as a solid fantasy option. He sits 16th among wide receivers in fantasy points, and his usage near the goal line has increased over the past month. Through Week 8, Cooper had been targeted only once when within 8 yards of the goal line. Since that point, he's seen five in that zone, four of which have come in the end zone. The rookie is a fringe WR2 and a must-fade against Denver's exceptional defense this week.
Philadelphia Eagles - After a game in which he played only 13 snaps, DeMarco Murray is no longer a safe RB1 option. That's despite sitting sixth at the position in fantasy points during his first 10 games with Philadelphia. Coach Chip Kelly said Murray's demotion in favor of scat backs Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner was a result of the Patriots' linebacker personnel, but Murray's role was reduced in a game Ryan Mathews didn't even play. With Mathews' return on the horizon, we can't count on Murray regaining his workhorse role. He's best viewed as a RB2 against Buffalo this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Although he failed to find pay dirt, DeAngelo Williams again played a massive role for Pittsburgh this past week. In four starts since Le'Veon Bell went down, Williams has been on the field for 264 (or 92.6 percent) of the team's 285 offensive snaps. Powered by 78 carries and 19 targets, Williams trails only Adrian Peterson in fantasy points among running backs during the span. Showing no signs of his age (32), Williams is averaging 4.9 yards per carry on 141 attempts this season. Even in a tough matchup, Williams will be a high-floor, fringe RB1 against Cincinnati this week.
San Diego Chargers - Devastated by a brutal string of injuries, the Chargers' offense has now scored five touchdowns over its past four games. Even worse, four of those scores came in one game against Jacksonville. Life only gets tougher this week, as San Diego heads to Kansas City. The Chiefs' defense has allowed a league-low 58 fantasy points to opposing tight ends, which obviously doesn't bode well for Antonio Gates. Quarterbacks have accrued 115 fantasy points against the Chiefs since Week 4, which is also lowest in the league. Stevie Johnson and Danny Woodhead are the only San Diego players worth considering for your PPR starting lineups this week.
San Francisco 49ers - Torrey Smith hauled in a 76-yard touchdown on Sunday, but this does not make him worth your attention on waivers. Despite having appeared in all 12 of the 49ers' games, Smith sits 83rd among wide receivers in targets (38), 79th in receptions (23) and 48th in fantasy points. Smith has been targeted fewer than four times in eight games and has eclipsed five targets only once (Week 2). He's well off the fantasy radar.
Seattle Seahawks - On an absolute tear over the past month, Doug Baldwin has powered his way to 11th among wide receivers in fantasy points this season. Baldwin hauled in five passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. He's scored five times over the past two weeks after averaging 3.75 touchdowns per season during his first four years in the NFL. Baldwin is a terrific player, but he's been limited for years by Seattle's low-volume, run-heavy offense. The Seahawks are passing more this season and scoring at an absurd rate as of late, but Baldwin has no chance of sustaining his recent dominance. During the two-game, five-score stretch, Baldwin managed only one end zone target (he caught it). His other scores came after post-catch runs of 1, 3, 28 and 70 yards. Baldwin has eight touchdowns on the year, but an examination of the location of those targets suggests he should be closer to three or four. A lock for regression, Baldwin is no more than a fringe WR3 against Baltimore this week.
St. Louis Rams - After failing to score a touchdown against Arizona on Sunday, the St. Louis offense sits at 18 scores in 12 games this season. That rate of 1.5 scores per game trails only San Francisco (1.4) for worst in the league. In an attempt to bolster their offensive productive, the Rams fired offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. and replaced him with Rob Boras on Monday. Considering the team's ugly quarterback situation, the change is unlikely to generate a major uptick in production. Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin are the only Rams worth considering for starting lineups, but as shown over the past few weeks, both have a low floor. Incredibly, 44 running backs have more fantasy points than Gurley over the past two weeks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - In his first action since suffering an injury in Week 2, Austin Seferian-Jenkins was on the field for only 19 of the team's 73 offensive snaps. The situational workload isn't shocking for a player who missed nine games, and it's fair to expect the 2014 second-round pick's playing time to increase moving forward. That's especially the case when you consider that he was targeted on six of his 13 pass routes. In Weeks 1-2, he was targeted on 10 of his 48 routes. Clearly a player Jameis Winston likes targeting, Seferian-Jenkins should be scooped up this week. He's a fringe TE1 against Detroit in Week 14.
</article>Tennessee Titans - Dorial Green-Beckham enjoyed a bit of a breakout in Week 13, posting 119 receptions and one score on five receptions. Although Green-Beckham has a massive upside, he's been far too inconsistent to rely on as a fantasy starter, especially during the playoffs. The rookie's touchdown on Sunday was his first since he scored one in both Weeks 1 and 2. Since that point, he had eclipsed three catches in a game only once before Week 13. With Green-Beckham trending up and Kendall Wrightplaying a reduced role, it's conceivable that the Jets will shadow Green-Beckham with Darrelle Revis (if he returns from a concussion) in Week 14. Green-Beckham is a boom/bust flex option and should certainly be benched if Revis returns.
Washington Redskins - One week after Alfred Morris played 40 snaps to Matt Jones' 18, the veteran handled seven snaps to Jones' 37. Although this is further evidence that this backfield is a bit of a crapshoot, it's noteworthy that Morris has played more snaps than Jones in only four games this season. Jones has held the advantage in seven games. Morris has registered 130 carries and nine targets in those 11 games. Jones has been used more often as a blocker and has 116 carries to go with 18 targets. Neither back is playing well, but, if you're choosing between the two, Jones is the recommended play. He'll be a low-floor flex option against Chicago this week.
