It’s December. The time for forgiveness, loved ones coming together, and the cutthroat reality of the fantasy football playoffs. Every week is a new season, elimination around every corner. Now is the time that you play your obvious studs. But, if you’re in a bind and dealing with injuries, there are a few possible players that are available out there to stream, or lock into your lineup for some late-season fantasy glory.
Unlike the previous 13 weeks of the season, we’ll assume you’re playing all of your best players and not getting cute. The people below are worth considering in the industry standard 12-team leagues if you’re reeling and need a warm body. There will be few sits in this start/sit.
Week 14 Waiver Wire Pickups.
Start/Sit QBs and TEs.
Start/Sits
WIDE RECEIVER STARTS
Josh Gordon: How nice is it to see Josh Gordon back and making an impact. He had 11 targets, catching four of them for 85 yards against a tough Chargers defense, now he’s got the bottom of the league Packers on deck. He’s absolutely flex-worthy with that amount of volume. Flex worthy in all leagues in my humble opinion.
Josh Gordon has already surpassed Kenny Britt's production this year.
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) December 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/DownWithDamon/status/937471943959179264
Marquise Goodwin: Jimmy Garoppolo looked fantastic in his Niners debut, but didn’t throw a touchdown. That didn’t stop Goodwin from having a day, catching all eight of his targets for 99 yards. Goodwin was already trending up over the last few weeks, now solid QB play could put him into the flex or WR2-3 category depending on how deep your league is.
Marquise Goodwin has a crush on Jimmy Garoppolo and that’s ok. #49ers
Video by @jenniferleechan pic.twitter.com/mOXoyhJdTM— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) December 5, 2017
Nelson Agholor: His career year continues to get better, and if Zach Ertz misses time in the concussion protocol, then his targets will only go up. He saw a game and career-high 12 targets against Seattle last week, making nearly every one count. The Rams are tough, but Jeffrey takes away coverage well.
The @Eagles!@CJ_Wentz making magic happen in Seattle. 27-yard TD to @NelsonAgholor! #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/12igQb0PkN
— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2017
WIDE RECEIVER SITS
Realistically, there are few people worth sitting when it comes to the fantasy playoffs. As I’ve said roughly 15 times this week — don’t get cute. That said, watch out for the following players that are just as likely to get two points as they are 15.
- Sammy Watkins
- TY Hilton
- Devin Funchess
- Zay Jones
- Marvin Jones
- Golden Tate (I’m concerned about Stafford’s injured throwing hand)
- Kenny Stills
RUNNING BACK STARTS
Kenyan Drake: Coming into a Week 13 tilt against the league’s best run D, Miami fed Kenyan Drake early and often, and he excelled. Seriously. He excelled but putting up enough numbers for a spreadsheet (bad joke but it’s Week 14 give me a break). Now he’s playing New England, who spent most of their time in Week 13 allowing the Bills to eat up nearly 200 yards against them. A lot of that was the Patriots sitting back in a zone defense, but it could happen again. Bend, don’t break, allow fantasy points, win real game without Gronk.
Kenyan Drake had an impressive day in the Dolphins backfield! pic.twitter.com/VQbGMYIXCD
— PFF (@PFF) December 3, 2017
Giovanni Bernard: If Joe Mixon misses time with a concussion, Bernard could do some damage against a Bears team that can’t get anything going offensively. That means a lot of time killing the clock on the field for the Bengals via ground and air work for Gio. He had 106 total yards on 15 touches when he became the man against Pittsburgh, who has a good run defense.
Put Giovanni Bernard on your waiver list. He's averaged 17.6 PPG in games with 15 or more touches since 2014. If Joe Mixon doesn't play he is a safe RB2 with upside. #fantasyfootball #fantasyfootballadvice #fantasyfootballproblems #Bengals
— Dare Maybury (@DareMayburyFFA) December 5, 2017
Peyton Barber: So the Bucs went away from Jacquizz Rodgers and committed to Peyton Barber, who put up the best Bucs RB numbers this season. If Doug Martin remains out of the picture with a concussion, or if the Bucs just decide to give Barber the ball, then fantasy glory may wash over you. Get him. He should continue work at the goal line.
RUNNING BACK SITS
All Eagles RBs: We suggested you drop Blount and Wendell Smallwood weeks ago, but even Jay Ajayi isn’t worth it at this point. It doesn’t look like these running backs (along with Clement) are going to truly separate themselves from their corps, and it seems like the Eagles don’t want that either.
Jordan Howard: His 13 rushes for 38 yards against the Niners in a close game is concerning this close to the end of the season. You play your studs, but I’m concerned about his usage. If you can get Gio, Barber or Drake instead I would do that. It’s your season.
https://twitter.com/friscojosh/status/938154461729513472
