If you are reading this, you are likely still alive in the overall NFFC playoffs. Today we’re going to look at some marginal players in starting lineup decisions during the most important part of the season.
Baltimore – Gus Edwards was highlighted multiple times here. The Ravens schedule remains mouth watering. The Bus’s usage? Anything but. Over the last three weeks, the snaps have been there (40+) but the targets have not (0 total). I’ve never understood why teams use runners that are never, ever, ever under any circumstances used in the passing game. It’s like showing your hand in poker. The opponent knows exactly what you’re NOT going to do. Which is a big part of knowing what you ARE going to do, and consequently stopping them. How is that a good strategy? What is going through John Harbaugh’s mind?
This week the Ravens visit the Chiefs, who are 10-2 overall and undefeated at home. Initially, the Ravens will try to keep it on the ground to shorten the game, but it won’t take long for the Chiefs to open up a lead. There’s an extremely high probability that Baltimore will be playing from behind most of the game. That game script favors passing, which means that Edwards will see a drop in snaps and usage. It is very unlikely Edwards earns double-digit points unless he finds the end zone, making him a weak flex option at best in the NFFC.
Yes, this is the same defense that fantasy bust David Johnson dropped almost 40 points on a couple of weeks ago, but less than 15 of that came on the ground. If you picked up Ty Montgomery, the former Packer’s usage in the passing game makes him a better flex this week. If you are still using any Ravens receivers, you are likely already eliminated.
Kansas City – Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes are obviously all plug and play. Most players likely see Spencer Ware fitting in that group. I do not. There’s talk in Kansas of a committee. Spencer is OK, but rates as a high-end RB3 in my book until I actually see something, which is probably lower than anyone else in the industry has him. With Sammy Watkins out at least the next four weeks, Chris Conley is a TD dependent WR3 until/if newly signed Kelvin Benjamin learns the playbook and gets incorporated into the offense. If it took Golden Tate a few weeks to feel comfortable in Philly, I wouldn’t expect better for the Buffalo Bill castoff.
Arizona – Did some of Mike McCarthy’s insanity rub off on Byron Leftwich at Lambeau Field? Is the 5-foot-9 scat back now the Cardinal goal line weapon? Is David Johnson relegated to between the 10s going forward? That certainly was the case in Green Bay, where Edmonds found the end zone thrice on chances normally given to DJ (one of those TDs was overturned). It has to be an anomaly, doesn’t it? And yet so has Johnson’s entire season. I unfortunately own two shares of this mess, and I’m on the fence about benching the disappointing early first round pick, who has become a TD dependent RB2 most weeks, and arguably an RB3 in a difficult matchup against a much improved Lions run defense.
Washington – I don’t understand why Jay Gruden would rather have Mark Sanchez throwing interceptions than have Adrian Peterson going on 90-yard runs. Somehow, if the Redskins are down 1 point in the second half, it’s in the coach’s head not to let the all time single season rushing record holder onto the field All Day. This makes the future hall of famer a TD-dependent AND lead-dependent RB2. Despite the risk, I’m leaning toward starting Peterson over the likes of David Johnson and other marginal week 14 options given the tasty matchup against the Giants. Opposing RBs have feasted since the departure of defensive tackle Damon Harrison.Keep in mind that AD is risky even as a flex this week given Washington’s allergy to even letting Peterson on the field unless in the lead, and Mark Sanchez under center makes a Redskin lead less likely.
Los Angeles Chargers – The Cincinnati Bengals run defense is the worst in the NFL by a large margin, making both Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson viable flex options Sunday. I’m probably going to start the later over David Johnson. If the Justin Jackson second-half show Sunday night isn’t enough to move him ahead of Ekeler, nothing will be.
Carolina – Curtis Samuel was highlighted here recently, so hopefully you’ve got the former Buckeye in tow. The Panthers nominal WR3 on paper has seen his role in the offense grow recently: 50+ snaps the last two weeks and 20 targets over the last three contests. That’s awfully hard to sit going up against a Buccaneer secondary.
Indianapolis – If you have Eric Ebron as an RB2, you almost have to find a way to work him in at flex now that Jack Doyle is out of the picture. Sixteen targets against the Jaguars, the Colts have a less daunting schedule the rest of the way, and Ebron is Andrew Luck’s favorite red zone target.
Detroit – Depending on your other options, Bruce Ellington may be difficult to sit this week. Patrick Peterson figures to stick a good bit to Kenny Golladay, deflecting some targets to the former Texan, whom Stafford has thrown at 26 times the last 3 games.
Buffalo – Kelvin Benjamin’s departure makes turns Zay Jones into a solid WR3 the rest of the way.
Denver – My sympathies to all Emmanuel Sanders owners. Courtland Sutton will get more targets and DaeSean Hamilton figures to finally get involved as the new #2.
Philadelphia – I don’t own any of the backs in the Philadelphia Eagles’ stable, but if I did, I would sit them this week with Dallas’ speedy linebackers shutting down the running game.
