Category: Roster Management

Free-agent Forecast: Week 2

Which players are the hottest waiver wire adds after Week 1?

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

Priority Free Agent

Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars

It wasn’t impressive from a volume perspective, but Minshew’s Week 1 surgical dissection of the Indianapolis Colts deserves attention. The second-year mustachioed ‘slinger completed 19 of his 20 throws for only 173 yards but three touchdown strikes. Running back James Robinson offered just enough life to keep the Colts honest, and Minshew’s cast of receiving targets are more than capable of getting the job done. In Week 2, a trip to Tennessee probably won’t go over so well, but then he has Miami, Cincinnati, Houston and Detroit leading into the bye week. If Minshew struggles in any of those Week 3-6 outings, we’ve seen enough to know he can be cast aside.

Availability: 35%
FAAB: $2-3

1-week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants

Should the Giants stifle Ben Roethlisberger, consider this recommendation null and void. Trubisky was far from perfect vs. the Detroit Lions, and it is fair to say Detroit helped him throw three touchdowns, but a favorable matchup means Trubisky shouldn’t be outright ignored. The Giants brought in James Bradberry from Carolina at cornerback last year, and while adding Logan Ryan will help, he still joined the team late in the offseason. The Bears have a pair of quality wideouts, and we saw flashes of Jimmy Graham rising from the fantasy dead in Week 1. Expect Trubisky — whose job is absolutely on the line from week to week — play like he has nothing to lose. Should he play well, entertain keeping him around … the upcoming schedule is a delight.

Availability: 58%
FAAB: $1-2

Running Backs

Priority Free Agent

Malcolm Brown, Los Angeles Rams

The veteran back gives a well-rounded element to an offense orchestrated on the play-action guessing game. Not only is Brown a talented runner when the end zone is in sniffing distance, he’s a steady receiving outlet for Jared Goff. Rookie Cam Akers was given 14 carries and a receiving target in his NFL debut, and he was just okay, but Brown’s 18-79-2 line on the ground, plus 3-31-0 in the aerial game, gives fantasy gamers hopes of a dangerous one-two punch each week. That also brings some guesswork into play, and there will be weeks, especially as 2020 rolls along, in which the Rams are not married to Brown as the lead back. When Akers is finally up to speed, he could extract a larger share of touches from the offense. Until then, Brown is a weekly fantasy start when the matchup is even at least decent.

Availability: 44%
FAAB: $35-40

Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts

In most competitive leagues, Hines was a late-round pick. The loss of Marlon Mack (Achilles) for the remainder of the year solidifies a weekly role for Hines in concert with the primary workload for rookie Jonathan Taylor. The second-rounder was targeted six times in his NFL debut to Hines’ eight. Look for that role to typically favor Hines in a more dramatic ratio. While rushing success won’t necessarily be his thing on a weekly basis, Hines is a PPR No. 2 or flex back the rest of the way.

Availability: 35%
FAAB: $20-25

Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler had seven more carries than the rookie’s 12, but Kelley was slightly more efficient (60 yards on the ground) and offers something around the goal line that the veteran doesn’t consistently bring to the table. Running back Justin Jackson (quad) suffered yet another injury (entered with a hamstring issue) and may have lost any opportunity to entrench himself as the No. 2 back, which is a weekly flex option in this offensive design.

Availability: 52%
FAAB: $20-25

grab & stash

Peyton Barber, Washington Football Team

While it surely wasn’t pretty, Barber was effective enough in Week 1. Any back getting 17 carries belongs on a fantasy roster, and the two touchdowns show Washington’s likelihood to keep him in this role. Antonio Gibson (9-36-0, 2-8-0) should get more work overall as the season goes forward. After all, he is still a rookie who had to learn essentially a new position during a pandemic. Barber will present a weekly gamble for a touchdown, but when he doesn’t find paydirt, expect to be disappointed.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $3-5

Frank Gore/Josh Adams, New York Jets

Meh. Don’t be excited to land either of these guys, especially Gore, but they have an opportunity to see enough action to matter with Le’Veon Bell battling a hamstring injury. It’s unclear how long Bell will miss, so don’t invest a great deal in either player. Early reports say a few weeks. Consider them interchangeable, and Adams may even have a little more value given his youth. The Jets aren’t a quality rushing offense, and defenses can key in on the backfield almost every play. Adams was on this roster last year and knows the system well enough. He had contributed 120 carries, 511 yards (4.3 YPC) and three scores to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 as a rookie, although the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder is not much of a receiving option. This one is all about a warm body having an opportunity.

Availability: 29%
FAAB: $3-5 for each

Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers

Six touches (eight utilizations), 44 yards and a score … not too bad for his first game back since Dec. 31, 2017. McKinnon should see more work as he becomes stronger, and it’s likely to come at the expense of Tevin Coleman. Don’t read too much into Coleman’s five total touches in this one, because he has a sickle-cell trait that probably wouldn’t have responded well to a heartier workload in the poor air conditions as California battles unprecedented wildfires. McKinnon has more appeal in PPR and going to be tough to play, but he belongs on rosters for now.

Availability: 52%
FAAB: $4-5

Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins

It was the second-year back who led the way in touches for the Miami running back stable. Granted, Gaskin had only 13 utilizations, but he mustered a decent enough 66 yards of offense, including four catches. In seven appearances last year, the Washington rookie had run 36 times for 133 yards and a touchdown, chipping in 51 yards on seven grabs. He’s a compact 5-foot-9, 205 pounds, and it probably will be a headache deciding whether he’s worthy of a play most weeks. Nevertheless, given the volatility of running backs, he belongs in the conversation of a roster spot. Be prepared to move on quickly if we see a wild swing in the utilization figures over the next week or two, so keep your investment at a minimum.

Availability: 92%
FAAB: $2-4

Watch list

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team

Keep an eye on him as the offense finds its way. He was targeted five times in the opener, but catching just one of them for a whole yard won’t draw much attention. Monitor McKissic’s involvement in the coming weeks if a PPR flex consideration is a need.

Availability: 64%

Wide Receivers

Priority Free Agent

Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts

T.Y Hilton looked rusty, and Michael Pittman Jr. looked like a rookie. Campbell, however, was every bit of what pundits billed him to be when he came out of Ohio State in 2019’s draft. Finally healthy, the burner even displayed some traits of a possession weapon, landing six of his nine targets for 71 yards. The Colts lost running back Marlon Mack to injury over the weekend, and if the duo of Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines struggle some weeks, look for more passing than Frank Reich wants from Philip Rivers. Ahead, Minnesota and the New York Jets are coming to town — both have flimsy secondaries. Campbell faces only a handful of challenging matchups the rest of the way.

Availability: 41%
FAAB: $4-5

grab & stash

Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars

Sure, his touchdown grab was a wide-open pitch-and-catch, but third-year receiver landing all five of his targets to lead the team in looks and yardage (only 47, but still) also deserve a mention. After facing a Tennessee secondary that is banged up and lost Logan Ryan in free agency, Miami, Cincinnati, Houston and Detroit are the Weeks 3-6 opponents before the bye. Cole probably doesn’t warrant a lineup spot vs. the Titans, but gamers with room should add him in case we’re seeing the start of a repeat of his rookie season (42-748-3).

Availability: 89%
FAAB: $1-2

Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons

Don’t ignore his nine targets, even if from a scenario when Atlanta effectively punted on the running game in effort to play catch-up football. Atlanta is poised to find itself in a similar situation with regularly. The defense isn’t overflowing with talent, and playing a base “big nickel” will make them highly susceptible play-action fakes. At any rate, Gage stands to benefit from the added scrutiny placed on Julio Jones and the departure of tight end Austin Hooper. Sure, Hayden Hurst figures to come into his own sooner than later, but we’re still looking at a chemistry/continuity situation. Gage played with Matt Ryan entering 2020, and Hurst is still feeling his way through the connection. Gage is a matchup option for PPR leagues that start at least three wideouts.

Availability: 66%
FAAB: $1-2

1-Week Plug & Play

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions entered Week 1 without cornerback Jeffrey Okudah, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick. The defense added safety Duron Harmon in the secondary — helpful, but not Aaron Rodgers-proof. Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman both left with hamstring injuries in Week 1. Playing MVS in Week 2 requires a little fortitude, but it’s not without merit, specifically after he found the end zone vs. a similarly deficient Minnesota secondary. For gamers looking to swing for the fantasy fences, Valdes-Scantling is in an awesome boom-or-bust situation this upcoming week.

Availability: 59%
FAAB: $0-1

1-Week Plug & Play/grab & stash

Scott Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The smurfy wideout plays predominantly from the slot and had Tom Brady’s eye in Week 1 — shocker, right? Miller has respectable hands but also a limited track record. He’s in an offense loaded with individual talent, and Mike Evans being limited in the opener helped result in the six targets that headed Miller’s direction. The Bucs have a home date with the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, followed by a trip to the beaten-up Denver Broncos in Week 3. Give Miller that much runway on your roster before making a long-term determination.

Availability: 74%
FAAB: $2-3

Danny Amendola, Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

As long as Kenny Golladay (hamstring) is injured, Amendola is a lineup-worthy option. The Packers had little answer for Minnesota’s second-half passing game, and this defense’s weakness is stopping the run up the middle. The way Adrian Peterson galloped in Week 1 should improve Amendola’s chances of seeing a few play-action passes come his way. The long-range outlook isn’t ideal, though, but the journeyman could have PPR utility going into Detroit’s Week 5 bye.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $1-2

Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets

The Niners will be without Deebo Samuel (foot) at least through Week 3. The entire passing game for San Fran wasn’t clicking in Week 1’s loss to Arizona, but Bourne tied for the lead in targets (five) among 49ers receivers. He could make for a dirt-cheap lotto ticket vs. the New York Jets’ feeble secondary this week, and another potential matchup for deployment comes against the Giants a week later.

Availability: 69%
FAAB: $1-2

Tight Ends

Priority Free Agent

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

He won’t be available in most competitive leagues, but it still warrants a look on your wire. Goedert should be a regular in an offense that consistently implements two-tight end route concepts. The wide receivers are less than 100 percent right now, and two of the top four are rookies, so there’s utility here regardless of him being a technical backup.

Availability: 29%
FAAB: $6-8

1-week plug & play/Grab & Stash

Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants

As mentioned in the Trubisky section above, Graham had a pulse in Week 1. He should have scored twice but was ruled down just shy of the goal line. That said, his role will be mostly limited to jump-ball situations and work in the red zone. The Giants improved, in theory, when it comes to covering the position, so consider Graham no better than a TD flier play in Week 2. Should he enjoy another quality game, look at him as a potential weekly consideration.

Availability: 64%
FAAB: $0-1

Watch list

Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys

Blake Jarwin was on the verge of having a relevant fantasy season before being lost for the year to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. His replacement, the second-year Stanford product, brings similar skills to the field and could flash with the right matchup. Schultz should be on your watch list for the time being, because it looks like WR CeeDee Lamb and RB Ezekiel Elliott will have roles large enough to be detrimental to giving Schulz the benefit of the doubt.

Availability: 99%

Kickers

Priority Free Agent

Michael Badgley, Los Angeles Chargers

Badgley has the chops to succeed in fantasy lineups, and the offense will struggle just enough to make him a consistently viable play. The Chargers afforded him four field goal tries in Week 1, and he came through on three of them. He has utility with any matchup that doesn’t look like a total cakewalk.

Availability: 78%
FAAB: $0-1

Joey Slye, Carolina Panthers

Slye was a fantasy asset at times in 2019 and returned to the conversation after Week 1’s three-FG display. He did miss an extra point, but so is life. The Carolina offense showed plenty of spunk and moved the ball effectively enough to suggest Slye will once again be in the lineup conversation more often than not.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $0-1

Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills

The rookie debut was on point for Bass, whose leg strength is in the upper tier of the NFL. And that’s even more important when considering where he plays half of his games. The Bills are good enough to move the ball consistently but not immune to struggling in the opponent’s territory with regularity. Wildly inaccurate throws by Josh Allen tend to do those sorts of things, but I digress. There will be hiccups from a rookie kicker, so take the bad with the good and accept he is in a strong situation for success.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles

Gone are the days of plugging LA’s defense into your lineup and expecting a strong output. The matchup is crucial, and facing Philly’s decimated offensive line should bump the Rams up the short list of Week 2 waiver plays. Aaron Donald is poised to destroy Carson Wentz in this one.

Availability: 54%
FAAB: $1

1-Week Plug & Play

Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Football Team

Yes, Washington upset Philadelphia in Week 1, but how much do you really trust Dwayne Haskins? Arizona has crazy speed and will be closer to coming into its own with every passing week. Haskins having to travel across the country to face a defense that racked up three sacks last week against a far better offensive line should make gamers excited for a bargain streaming option in the Red Birds.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-1

Fantasy football free-agent forecast: Week 1

Which players should you check for on the waiver wire before the season starts?

Be sure to check the wire for the following players, provided your league’s settings permit acquisitions before Week 1. Depending on how early your league drafted, its bench depth, and a few other factors, the availability of these players is bound to vary.

This week, we’ll keep it short and sweet since so many leagues either waited until the last minute this year or don’t offer a waiver period prior to Week 1. Some of the more obvious inclusions have been left out for leagues that may have drafted in July or even earlier.

In that event, a few options, such as Bryce Love, Adrian Peterson, J.D. McKissic, Steven Sims — okay, basically just current or former Washington players — may now have value they didn’t a month ago. Fortunately, and this is an obvious byproduct of having little on-field activity this summer, it was an extremely light year for injuries. Fingers crossed that trend doesn’t immediately reverse course once the real thing begins.

5 fantasy football waiver wire picks before Week 1

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

1) RB James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars: Despite possibly being a one-week whiff, gamers should add the rookie back if for no other reason than to get ahead of the curve. Should he either have the bulk of the backfield touches or show a pulse, he’ll be rostered immediately after Week 1 by your competition. Chances are, even with a lackluster Week 1 effort, Robinson will see reps for several weeks, unless Devine Ozigbo stands out. RB Ryquell Armstead will be on the COVD-19 list for some time, his coach said.

Available: 76 percent
FAAB: <$15

2) WR Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders: The shoulder injury suffered by veteran receiver Tyrell Williams means he’ll need season-ending surgery. This move likely forces Jon Gruden to play rookie first-round pick Henry Ruggs III on the outside rather than in the slot, thus freeing up more work for Renfrow. Ruggs is expected to play flanker, which allows him to move around the field, and he could rotate at times into the slot, pushing Renfrow outside. The second-year Clemson product is the elder statesman of this receiving corps and deserves a look in PPR leagues after a strong closing of his rookie campaign.

Available: 44 percent
FAAB: $2-4

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3) TE Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings: The veteran has a history of posting fantasy stats in spurts, often making him a frustrating player. In 2020, the offense, at least early on, could ask more of him than usual. Gary Kubiak takes over as the new playcaller and has a history of involving the position. Rookie WR Justin Jefferson has to learn a pro system on the fly after the pandemic destroyed the normal offseason routine. The Green Bay Packers lost linebacker Blake Martinez in the offseason, and Pack rated as a neutral defense vs. the position prior to seeing their best coverage ‘backer defect. Rudolph has a chance at sneaking into the end zone this week and is an intriguing flier if your normal starter has a tough matchup.

Available: 67 percent
FAAB: $1-2

4) QB Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags have no running game to speak of entering the year, and the second-year quarterback could be forced into plenty of pass-heavy scripts. He’s a fringe QB1 based on volume alone, but it won’t be pretty some weeks, so treat him as a matchup play. Versus the Indianapolis Colts this week, Minshew is best left in reserve. In the off-chance he exceeds expectations, Minshew will cost a little more next week.

Available: 48 percent
FAAB: $1

5) RB Lynn Bowden Jr., Miami Dolphins: The Las Vegas Raiders spent a third-round pick on Bowden and still opted to trade him a few months later, which doesn’t sound great, but he has a chance to contribute in Miami. The Dolphins have a fragile Matt Breida and an underwhelming Jordan Howard leading the way, so Bowden could be used as a satellite player if something happens to Breida. In leagues that have deep benches, he’s worth a look for a few bucks as a stash-and-hold speculative buy.

Available: 89 percent
FAAB: $0

Next week, our typical format will return full of player recommendations of all types. Best of luck in Week 1, and hopefully your players stay healthy!

Fantasy market report: Week 17

For most of us, the 2019 fantasy football season is over. I’m in a league where Week 17 is an all-in free-for-all for a hundie-and-change for transaction fees that makes Week 17 worthwhile.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

For most of us, the 2019 fantasy football season is over. I’m in a league where Week 17 is an all-in free-for-all for a hundie-and-change for transaction fees that makes Week 17 worthwhile.

But, for most, the season is over and other things occupy your time moving forward. That process shouldn’t stop just because your current season is over. If anything, you should not the players that impressed you, those you think are a full off-season away from being a breakout star and those players your commitment is cooling on. As such, the countdown to 2020, where all vision is perfect, should take place now.

Here is the view from The Shop on how we start stacking our 2020 board.

QUARTERBACK – 1. Patrick Mahomes; 2. Lamar Jackson; 3. Deshaun Watson; 4. Aaron Rodgers; 5. Matt Ryan; 6. Russell Wilson; 7. Drew Brees; 8. Jameis Winston; 9. Dak Prescott; 10. Jared Goff. Sleeper: Josh Allen, Buffalo. On the Slide – Matthew Stafford, Philip Rivers, Tom Brady.

Given his running style, Jackson remains an injury risk, which keeps Mahomes, whose running style lends more to making good business decisions, at No. 1 in my rankings. Jameis may be a surprise here because his style is so reckless, he may not even be a starter next year, but if he stays in Tampa with the same talent around him, the huge days will continue. Goff has too many weapons not to succeed at a certain level.

RUNNING BACK – 1. Christian McCaffrey; 2. Saquon Barkley; 3. Josh Jacobs; 4. Ezekiel Elliott; 5. Aaron Jones; 6. Dalvin Cook; 7. Chris Carson; 8. Alvin Kamara; 9. Todd Gurley; 10. Leonard Fournette; 11. Derrick Henry; 12. Nick Chubb; 13. Kerryon Johnson; 14. Devin Singletary; 15. Mark Ingram. Sleeper: Miles Sanders. On the Slide: Le’Veon Bell, Joe Mixon, Devonta Freeman.

McCaffrey has earned the top spot. This may be a little aggressive for Jacobs, but he has proved he can be a workhorse for Jon Gruden. Jones and Cook could be divisional competitors for years. Kamara’s drop is significant…and justified. Johnson and Singletary make the biggest jump forward as value pick potential.

WIDE RECEIVER – 1. Michael Thomas; 2. DeAndre Hopkins; 3. Julio Jones; 4. Mike Evans; 5. Tyreek Hill; 6. Kenny Golladay; 7. Chris Godwin; 8. Odell Beckham; 9. Adam Thielen; 10. Keenan Allen; 11. Allen Robinson; 12. D.J. Moore; 13. Julian Edelman; 14. Amari Cooper; 15. T.Y. Hilton. Sleeper: D.K. Metcalf. On the Slide: A.J. Green, Alshon Jefferey, Emmanuel Sanders.

Wide receiver is probably the most subjective position of any rankings. It’s hard to imagine two Bucs going in the first seven wide receivers off the board, but both Evans and Godwin put up WR1 numbers. Some people may drop OBJ farther than I do. Moore is going to be a star in this league.

TIGHT END – 1. Travis Kelce; 2. George Kittle; 3. Zach Ertz; 4. Darren Waller; 5. Austin Hooper; 6. Hunter Henry; 7. Mark Andrews; 8. Jared Cook; 9. Evan Engram; 10. David Njoku. Sleeper: Noah Fant. On the Slide: Kyle Rudolph, Greg Olsen, Eric Ebron.

The tight end position is enjoying a resurgence with young emerging talent that is spreading throughout the league. Waller and Andrews made the biggest jump in 2019, but there are about 15-20 quality tight ends in the league that are going to make a difference in 2020.

By the type the preseason hype machine is in full force, the rankings of players will likely change dramatically from this year. But take a moment to remember the guys who impressed you the most and don’t let the nine months in between the start of the next fantasy season cloud those memories. Remember the guys you want now – whether a first-round talent or a sleeper and make a point to get them next year.

Here is the final Fantasy Market Report of the season:

RISERS

Jameis Winston – In his last 13 games, he has thrown for more than 300 yards 11 times and 400 or more three times. He also has nine games with two or more TD passes and five games with three or more. If you get penalized by interceptions, his 28 picks have killed you – as it has his team this season. But if you don’t get negative points, Winston has been hard to bench almost all season and has almost 5,000 passing yards and 31 TD passes to show for it.

Kenny Golladay – When the Lions drafted him, the pressure was on because he was touted as the “next Calvin Johnson” – a label impossible to live up to. But, Golladay has become that guy in many respects. Despite a revolving door at QB when Matthew Stafford first got hurt, Golladay is over 1,100 receiving yards, has 117 or more receptions, 11 touchdowns, and at least one TD in nine out of the 15 games he has played. He isn’t respected like he should be because he isn’t a high-volume receiver. When that comes, he could be unstoppable.

Matt Ryan – The Falcons weren’t close to being a playoff team, but it hasn’t been Ryan’s fault. In the 14 games he has played, he has topped 300 yards nine times and had eight games with two or more touchdowns. He has become the epitome of a franchise fantasy quarterback.

Kenyan Drake – In seven games with the Cardinals, he has rushed for almost 600 yards and caught 25 passes. In his last two games, he has been a fantasy playoff workhorse, rushing 46 times for 303 yards and six touchdowns and, for owners in need, he was the answer to a prayer.

Daniel Jones – There aren’t many quarterbacks who have at least one touchdown in every game they’ve started. Jones is one of them. There aren’t many quarterbacks who have accounted for four or more touchdowns in four games – much less four times in 11 starts. Jones is one of them. By the time the analytics crew starts breaking down Dow Jones in the offseason, his stock is going to rise. Don’t sleep on him next year with those weapons around him.

FALLERS

Will Fuller – He is blessed with talent, but simply can’t stay healthy. He has missed four games this season and knocked out of three other early on. In two games, he caught 21 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns. In the other nine games of his 2019 season combined, he has caught 28 passes for 313 yards and no TDs, including six games with less than 45 yards. For all his talent, injuries have killed off much of the early part of his career.

Sony Michel – On Oct. 21, Michel had three rushing touchdowns against the Jets, giving him six touchdowns in seven games and letting owners know they had an every-week starter on their hands. In the eight weeks since, he has been a solid player – three games with 85 or more rushing yards, including the last two, but he hasn’t scored a touchdown and isn’t a factor in the passing game. He is a player who needs to count on TDs to pad his resume. He has none in the last eight games and those who had him this year, likely don’t want him next year.

Jack Doyle – Andrew Luck made him a star, but he and Jacoby Brissett have never found a rhythm together. Dyle is the team’s leading receiver in terms of targets (68), receptions (42) and yards (442), but the reality is that he has been limited to less than 30 yards in 10 of 15 games, including all three weeks of the fantasy playoffs when he didn’t have competition from Eric Ebron. He was supposed to have a big bounce-back season but has been a season-long disappointment.

Sammy Watkins – In the season-opener Watkins caught nine passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. He hasn’t scored a touchdown since, hasn’t hit 65 yards receiving since and hasn’t topped 50 in the last six games he’s played. That explosive first game hooked Watkins owners, who slowly drowned just about every time they played him.

Gardner Minshew – When he replaced an injured Nick Foles in Week 1, MinshewMania was running wild for a month or so. But, despite being given numerous opportunities to make his case to keep the starting job, he has done very little since to inspire confidence. In his last eight starts, he has one TD or less in six of them and, in his last four games since getting the starting job back, he has thrown for just 691 yards and five touchdowns and become a fantasy afterthought.

Free-agent Forecast: Week 17

The regular-season finale still offers fantasy football fun, and one-week plays can be found on the waiver wire.

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: none

(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

Quarterbacks

1-Week Plug & Play

Daniel Jones, New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Jones returned from an ankle sprain to thoroughly destroy the Washington Redskins, and now he has a chance to join the ranks of quarterbacks who’ve bombarded the Eagles in 2019. Seven signal callers have posted at least 23.7 points vs. this defense, and Eli Manning mustered a line of 203-2-0 in the Week 14 contest. As Philadelphia focuses on a clearly healthy Saquon Barkley, Jones has a full complement of wideouts and a rising tight end in Kaden Smith.

Availability: 37%
FAAB: $7-8

Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

Brissett began the year with 10 touchdown strikes in the first four games and has just eight over his remaining nine full outings, including none in the last two weeks. The Jaguars have given up at least 23.8 fantasy points six times to the position in 2019, and half of them have come in the last five contests. Brissett went for 18.6 points in the Week 11 meeting, although he was freshly returning from missing Week 10 with a knee sprain. Risk vs. reward is the cruz of his inclusion.

Availability: 50%
FAAB: $3-4

Robert Griffin III, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Baltimore has nothing at stake in Week 17, and it seems unlikely we will see Lamar Jackson make the start. Even if he does, the leash should be short. Griffin faces a mostly unfavorable matchup but deserves a nod in leagues that allow or require two quarterbacks making a starting lineup. Just one QB since Week 9 has posted more than 20 fantasy a points against the Steelers, but three starting-worthy options are unlikely to play in meaningless Week 17 games, so someone like RG3 enters the conversation.

Availability: 100%
FAAB: $0-1

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(Matt Kartozian, USA TODAY Sports)

Running Backs

1-Week Plug & Play

Travis Homer, Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers

Note: This one comes with a caution of reports suggesting Marshawn Lynch could be in play to return to Seattle. Add Homer anyway, since it should take some time for Beast Mode to get up to speed. Lynch also is worthy of an add.

Chris Carson (hip) and C.J. Prosise (arm) join Rashaad Penny (knee) has injured, unavailable Seattle running backs, making Homer the primary ball carrier. The rookie has a little bit of juice and is a capable pass-catching option out of the backfield. Homer has decent enough size (5-foot-10, 201 pounds) and will see enough opportunities to warrant a flex play, despite a tough matchup. Three rushing scores have come against the Niners in the last two games, and Carson was good for 19.1 PPR points in the Week 10 meeting.

Availability: 96%
FAAB: $10-12

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mark Ingram (calf) left early last week and will have two weeks to recover before the postseason since the Ravens have a bye and nothing for which to play in Week 17. Hill has an explosive nature that will help exploit the Steelers on the perimeter and in the passing game. Pittsburgh hasn’t given up a rushing score since Week 5 when Ingram visited the end zone, although a pair of aerial scores have come from the backfield in the past month. Hill’s best way of attacking will be via the screen game.

Availability: 75%
FAAB: $4-5

DeAndre Washington, Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

Denver has granted one rushing and a receiving score to RBs since Week 8, and only two backs have produced 100-yard games vs. the Broncos in 2019. One of them was Leonard Fournette’s 225-yard outburst. In Week 17, Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is a long shot to play after missing two of the last three games with a fractured shoulder. Oakland has a puncher’s chance at the postseason, so expect the offense to swing for the fences, and Washington is a decent bet for fantasy production in the mid-teens in PPR.

Availability: 50%
FAAB: $4-5

T.J. Yeldon, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Buffalo has nothing at stake this week, making Yeldon the likely No. 1 back. While the situation is fluid, and the matchup isn’t exactly ideal, he has an opportunity in PPR. The Jets have given up four offensive scores in the last five weeks to RBs, including two via the passing game. These teams last met in Week 17, and Devin Singletary caught five passes. Yeldon has flex utility as five of the last six backs to face this group have managed double-digit PPR returns.

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $2-3

(David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports)

Wide Receivers

1-Week Plug & Play

Justin Watson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons

With so many injuries to the receiving corps in Tampa, Watson is a must-play, even with a fairly difficult matchup. The Falcons have stiffened greatly in the last six weeks vs. WRs. Back in Week 12, Chris Godwin (hamstring) had his way with this defense, going for 184 yards and two TDs on seven grabs. The results since have favored Atlanta, however, and Watson is no Godwin. The former has, though, managed double figures in PPR over two of his last three appearances, and he’s in a prime situation to see enough looks from Jameis Winston to matter.

Availability: 78%
FAAB: $13-15

N’Keal Harry, New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins

The rookie has started to show signs of getting up to speed both physically and mentally. Harry has 11 utilizations in the last two games, scoring once in that time. New England has to find some other than Julian Edelman and James White who is trustworthy for Tom Brady, and we’ve seen major limitations from the rest of the weaponry. Miami has given up 11 receiving TDs to the position in the last five games alone, and only two teams have yielded more receiving yards in that window.

Availability: 53%
FAAB: $5-6

Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

With target counts of nine, nine and five in the last three games, Ward has corralled no fewer than four grabs for totals of 34, 61 and 71 yards, with one score in Week 15. The Giants allowed him a 4-34-0 line a few weeks back, and New York’s secondary no longer has CB Janoris Jenkins since that meeting. Ward is a risky option, but given his number of targets and the matchup with a defense that has yielded four wideout TDs in the last two games, he’s a fantasy flex consideration.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $3-4

Isaiah McKenzie, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Opportunity and a plus matchup tend to equal success in fantasy, but this one will take two huge leaps of faith to pan out. One being McKenzie himself, and the other being Matt Barkley proving capable of moving the ball. Buffalo has nothing at stake this week, so guys like John Brown and Cole Beasley are unlikely to see much, if any, action. The explosive McKenzie has some utility vs. a defense that has permitted wideouts a quartet of touchdowns in just the past two games.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $1-2

(Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports)

Tight Ends

1-Week Plug & Play

Hayden Hurst, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

In a running theme this week — players who tend to see limited action but could be of worth due to increased playing time — Hurst will benefit if the Ravens rest primary skill guys. There’s nothing on the line for the playoff seeding this week, and Hurst is a former first-round talent who has been lost in the shuffle after Mark Andrews emerged. Quarterback Robert Griffin III would assume the mantle for one game, and his limited skills as a passer (as well as substandard WR corps) makes Hurst a bona fide fantasy option vs. a Steelers defense that has permitted a trio of TE scores in the last five games and six over the last 10 games.

Availability: 74%
FAAB: $4-5

Jordan Akins, Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans

This one is an admitted stretch simply because it’s tough to know how much Houston values Darren Fells. The Texans have nothing of consequence at play this week, and Fells has been a pleasant surprise in 2019. He skirted the injury report last week with a hand issue, and it could make for an opportune time to give him a break, even though he played in Week 16. Head coach Bill O’Brien says he will not rest starters, which makes little sense, but this could be an exception. Even if Fells plays, Akins has a larger role ahead with WR Will Fuller out. Akins would be the next man up and faces Tennessee unit that has conceded five touchdowns to the position in the last six games (nine on the year).

Availability: 77%
FAAB: $2-3

[lawrence-related id=448141]

Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Stephen Hauschka, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

In the five weeks entering Week 16, no team had given up more field goal attempts than the Jets. This one could go either way, however, because only one has been attempted in the last two games combined, and Miami’s Jason Sanders booted seven of eight kicks in Week 14 to up the average. Kickers have tried at least two three-pointers in eight contests this year vs. the Jets, and if the Bills indeed rest theirs starters, field goals may be the most they can hope for against New York.

Availability: 81%
FAAB: $0-1

Matt Gay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons

The rookie has averaged a pair of field goals in the last five weeks and tried 19 kicks in the last nine games. The decimation of the receiving corps helped contribute to Gay attempting three tries in Week 16, in addition to a pair of TD-capping kicks. The Falcons have given up 12 field goal attempts in the last five games, and in nine of the last 11 games, kickers have tried two or more treys.

Availability: 36%
FAAB: $0-1

Jason Sanders, Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

Sanders has been busier of late, kicking two or more field goal attempts in three straight contests, including a monster eight-field goal effort in Week 14. Sanders has kicked two or more times in seven games and has eight games with one or no attempts, making him a risky proposition. The Patriots have yielded 11 three-point attempts in the last six games. Miami didn’t attempt a field goal way back in Week 2 vs. the Patriots, but much has chanced in the four months since that one.

Availability: 93%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

The Bills have permitted 16 sacks in the last six contests. There’s nothing at stake this week, which means we’re likely to see Matt Barkley for some or all of the game. The Jets become a much more favorable option in this scenario, especially since the best fantasy outing for a defense against Buffalo in 2019 came from the Jets, albeit way back in the season opener.

Availability: 57%
FAAB: $1-2

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It has been an all-or-nothing deal from this defense in recent times, with the Falcons having generated three or more sacks in a trio of the games and one or none in the other three contests over the last six weeks. The Buccaneers are a shell of their 2019 self at wide receiver, and this has been one of the best matchups of the year for fantasy defenses. However, in Week 12, Atlanta managed only two takeaways and no sacks, which was the worst fantasy effort against this unit. There’s hope but also plenty of downside.

Availability: 82%
FAAB: $1-2

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

The Texans have nothing at stake in Week 17, and while head coach Bill O’Brien says the starters will play, we could see AJ McCarron at quarterback during the game. In the last six weeks, Houston has granted 20 sacks. That kind of pressure alone has to make Tennessee a worthwhile consideration, despite this defense managing just three fantasy points vs. the Texans only two weeks ago. The Titans sacked Deshaun Watson only once and managed a pair of INTs but gave up 24 points.

Availability: 61%
FAAB: $1-2

Fantasy market report: Week 16

Often what separates those who consistently perform well in the playoffs and those that struggle is their level of loyalty.

I only play in two leagues. I did the seven-league thing for a tick and didn’t care for it, as the same guy who wins for you in one league, daggers you in another. We all know each other. When the season begins, I make it clear that any player on my roster is available in trade.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Often what separates those who consistently perform well in the playoffs and those that struggle is their level of loyalty.

I only play in two leagues. I did the seven-league thing for a tick and didn’t care for it, as the same guy who wins for you in one league, daggers you in another. We all know each other. When the season begins, I make it clear that any player on my roster is available in trade.

By midseason, I catch a whiff of the temperature of what teams are on fumes and which ones can make a run and start making moves to add players that have high ceilings and aren’t performing. This year, I made one of those and had the albatross of Odell Beckham Jr. At some point or another, I’ve found a way to have OBJ every season of his career – much in the same way I found ways to have Terrell Owens on my roster and annually trade away Frank Gore when his value was highest.

Where OBJ comes in is the fundamental difference between fantasy owners. I’m willing to make moves up until about Week 8. At that point, I will trade away multiple players to get one. Once I have my roster assembled to my liking, barring injuries, it’s “Regulators! Let’s ride!”

I was in my playoff semifinal this weekend with a guy who had made a living off of drafting Julio Jones, Matt Ryan and Austin Hooper at various stages of the draft. In reality, the Falcons had sucked most of the year, but each of those three, in his own way, has been prolific.

Julio had hit a rough patch. He hadn’t scored a touchdown since September. He hadn’t hit 100 yards since October and he looked banged up.

In my world view, his name is Julio F. Jones and you don’t bench JFJ regardless of how bad his numbers are. Karma gonna getcha.

I had the option of OBJ and D.K. Metcalf. All I had to do was click on Metcalf five minutes before the games started and it was a done deal.

I couldn’t do it.

I’m loyal.

My opponent had the choice of Julio or Kenny Golladay. The investment he made in Jones, who he hadn’t benched all season with the exception of his bye week and the game he missed against the Saints due to injury.

Unlike me, shortly before the games began Sunday, he opted to bench Julio and play Golladay.

My loyalty made me three points (14 for Beckham, 11 for Metcalf). His disloyalty cost him 31 points (seven for Golladay, 38 for Julio).

I won by 18 points.

Sometimes, having the loyalty gene deep in your DNA pays off – which is why, for the fourth straight year, I’m headed to my league championship game and looking for my third win in the process.

My opponent has the luxury of screaming, “Why?!” for the next eight months. Life is good! Hopefully, you’re still playing (and not benching your studs).

Here is the Week 16 Championship Week edition of the Fantasy Market Report:

RISERS

Tyler Higbee – Sometimes all a guy needs is an opportunity to become a fantasy playoff legend. Through the first 11 games of the season, the most catches he had in a game were five and the most yards he had were 47. When Gerald Everett went down with an injury, Higbee was pushed into the forefront. In the three games Everett has missed, Higbee had blown up, being targeted 33 times and catching 26 passes for 334 yards (more than 100 each game) and a touchdown. It’s hard to believe a guy on the waiver wire could be critical to winning a championship.

Allen Robinson – He has had an up and down season, but when you look at his overall numbers (83-1,023-7) those are starter fantasy numbers. But, over his last four games, he has scored four touchdowns and, in the only game he didn’t score, he had seven catches for 125 yards. If there is such a thing as being a quiet fantasy stud, Robinson is one of them.

Ezekiel Elliott – He doesn’t get the credit he deserves as being a dominant player. Some fantasy owners were a little gun shy when he threatened to sit out over a contract dispute, but he has been as consistent as any running back this side of Christian McCaffrey. He rolled up his sixth 100-yard rushing game of the season Sunday and has scored 12 TDs in 14 games, including two touchdowns in each of the fantasy playoff games and three two-TD games in his last five. When you need Zeke to produce, all he does is deliver.

Devin Singletary – At a time when running backs tandems are in vogue, the Bills are getting to see what they’ve got in Singletary. He got injured in September and missed three games, so he still doesn’t have more rushing attempts than Frank Gore, but he’s averaging two yards a carry. In the last seven games, he has 15 or more carries five times. In those games, he has rush yardage totals of 75, 87, 89, 95 and 106. If he can keep Josh Allen from stealing all his goal-line touchdowns, he could be a stud.

Adrian Peterson – He’s not the Hall of Famer who took the torch away from LaDainian Tomlinson eight games into his rookie season, but, for those who have thrown him flex style into their lineups when games have meant the most, All Day has delivered. You see at Carolina, at Green Bay and vs. Philadelphia, you could legitimate cause for pause. But, Peterson’s rushing stat lines the last three games have been 13-99-1, 20-76-1 and 16-66-1. Those who have played him have got what they hoped for.

FALLERS

Baker Mayfield – Maybe after the season, we’ll find out there is something wrong with Mayfield’s shoulder. He is throwing almost nothing but short passes and has as many interceptions (17) as he has touchdowns. Even against a forgiving Cardinals defense, he struggled to get anything going. He has more than one TD pass in one game and has one TD or less in nine games. He has become a liability that most owners have benched, but those who had likely will take him off their draft list for next year.

DeDe Westbrook – There is no questioning Westbrook’s talent, but he has been one of the most overrated fantasy players in the league this season. He has only scored two touchdowns (and one of those came in Week 1). He has two games with 70 or more yards and has six games with 32 or fewer yards (and was inactive and unavailable). Those who still held out hope may have made a bold move to put him in the lineup with D.J. Chark out. How did he respond? Two catches for 14 yards. Rid yourself of Westbrook on principle.

Amari Cooper – 2019 has been classic Cooper. He’s caught 71 passes for 1,073 yards and eight touchdowns – clear fantasy starter numbers. He has had two blowout huge games, six good to very good games and a handful of scuds. What makes matters worse for the erratic Cooper is the randomness of it. Three games after catching no passes against New England, Jalen Ramsey shut him down for the Rams. When teams needed him the most to advance to the fantasy championship game in most leagues, he gave them one catch for 19 yards because he was only targeted twice. Classic Cooper!

Tevin Coleman – He’s been on this before. For a team as successful as the 49ers, it’s shocking given how much they invested in Jerick McKinnon, who has yet to play with anyone but Minnesota two years after he left the Vikings and became the fifth-highest paid running back in the league at the time. The Niners doubled down on Coleman. The highest-paid back is the No. 3 guy. In the last three games, Raheem Mostert has rushed 43 times for 265 yards, caught five passes for 53 yards and scored four touchdowns. In that same span, Coleman has 12 carries for 52 yards, one reception for nine yards and no touchdowns. The last two years, the best RBs the 49ers had were the in-house guys they ignored.

Josh Gordon – How many second chances can one man get? It was announced Monday that Gordon was suspended indefinitely for the fifth time in his eight-year career. While there has been talk about mental health issues, most of his previous suspensions have directly involved failed drug tests. The NFL has been more than lenient after he missed two full seasons due to suspensions in his time with Cleveland from 2014-18, he played in just 11 games after bursting on the scene the year before, catching 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games. He had the ability to be an elite NFL player. Now it looks like his fifth strike is his last.

Free-agent Forecast: Week 16

Championship week is here for the vast majority of fantasy football leagues. Don’t give up waiver plays just yet!

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Since we are so late in the season, most recommendations will be one-week plays from this point forward.

Bye weeks: none

(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)

Quarterbacks

1-Week Plug & Play

Drew Lock, Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions

Lock is best utilized in leagues that allow gamers to flex a second quarterback into the starting lineup. And as with some of the deeper dives this year, his utility crosses over to DFS action. For Week 16, the rookie gets a fresh slate after a tough go last week in a snowy battle at Kansas City. The incoming Lions have given up 29-plus fantasy points in three of the last five games. The two games without lofty totals featured rookie Dwayne Haskins, whose game has yet to mature at any fantasy-worthy pace, and Kirk Cousins as the Minnesota Vikings’ running game steamrolled. Jameis Winston was down to his fourth and fifth receivers and still lit it up in Week 15. Lock has plenty of upside vs. a defense that appears to have given up.

Availability: 71%
FAAB: $3-4

[lawrence-related id=447854]

(Sergio Estrada, USA TODAY Sports)

Running Backs

1-Week Plug & Play

Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos

The second-year back is poised to return from a knee injury suffered in Week 7. Detroit, provided the coaching staff will indeed return next year, needs to see what they have in Johnson in an “every snap counts” kind of way. He has flashed a few times in his two injury-ravaged seasons (16 games), but it’s a crapshoot as to whether he will enter 2020 as “the guy” in Motown. There’s always the concern of rust from Johnson, although he received praise from Matt Patricia for Johnson’s recent practice efforts. While Denver is not a statistically ideal test, we’ve seen Bo Scarbrough and Wes Hills produce for the Lions in recent weeks, so consider Johnson a viable PPR flex in Week 16.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $10-12

Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Regardless of whether RB Jordan Howard (shoulder) plays, the Eagles have a desperate need for a pass-catching option out of the backfield. Scott has proved himself worthy of attention over the last two games, and he flashed potential in limited action way back to his time with the New Orleans Saints. Dallas gave up the sixth-most receptions to the position heading into Week 15, and while Todd Gurley caught only three passes in that game, he found the end zone — the second back to do so in the last three weeks. Scott is a fine flex play in PPR setups.

Availability: 83%
FAAB: $4-5

Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals

This one is more of a shot in the dark than one gamers should be crazy about jumping on. The rookie saw nine carries in Week 15 for 43 yards — the most efficient showing by a Miami back in ages. Gaskin added 29 yards on a pair of catches vs. the New York Giants and may have earned himself more touches. The Bengals have yielded the fourth-most rushing yards (118/game) in 2019, and 11 ground touchdowns have been scored. Toss in four more aerial TDs and we’re talking about more than one per game, on average. The upside is obvious, but the risk is, as well. It all comes down to whether the Dolphins give him the ball enough to matter (roughly 15 touches).

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $2-3

(Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports)

Wide Receivers

1-Week Plug & Play

Breshad Perriman/Justin Watson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans

Perriman is the obvious must-own option of the two, and we recommended him entering Week 15, so hopefully he is already on your team. If not, you know what to do! Watson also warrants a lineup spot this week after the Bucs lost Chris Godwin (hamstring) a week after a bum hammy shut down Mike Evans. They say things come in threes, and WR Scott Miller gets tossed on the scrap heap, as well, after aggravating a hamstring injury of his own. Watson was quiet vs. Detroit (2-17-0) but enjoyed a 5-59-1 day the prior week. This one is not only about the opportunity but Houston as an opponent. The Texans have allowed three receivers to catch at least five balls in the last three weeks, and two of those players went for at least 106 yards and a score. Seventeen receivers in 14 games this year have posted double-digit PPR points against this defense. Do not hesitate to burn whatever remaining FAAB money you have to ensure landing Perriman.

Availability: 74% (Perriman); 84% (Watson)
FAAB: $15-18 (Perriman); $3-5 (Watson)

Josh Gordon, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals

Feeling frisky? A week after Gordon laid out for one of the prettiest catches of 2019, Seattle hosts the woeful Cardinals defense. Ignore whatever it was Cleveland called a passing game last week and focus on the body of work against this defense in its totality. Arizona has yielded 21 fantasy efforts of 10-plus PPR points and a touchdown per game in 14 contests. This matchup is among the best of the championship week, regardless of the scoring format, and Gordon should often face rookie corner Byron Murphy in isolated coverage. There’s potential for Gordon’s biggest day of the year to come at the perfect time for fantasy purposes.

Availability: 32%
FAAB: $2-3

Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

How much of a gamble can one stomach? Philly has suffered so many injuries at wide receiver that Ward has emerged as a viable fantasy option, and he came through in Week 15 with a 7-61-1 day on nine targets vs. Washington. The Dallas defense has been battered of late, yielding a WR high score of 16.1 (PPR) or more in five straight contests. With 18 targets in the last two games, look for Ward to lead the Philadelphia wideouts in targets and have a reasonable strong PPR day as a flex option.

Availability: 97%
FAAB: $1-2

John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins

Purely a flier based on the matchup, Ross could be a deep-league gamble as a flex play. He’s an all-or-nothing play for gamers seeking a cheap touchdown option. Miami has given up a league-high 27 touchdowns to receivers through 14 games this year, and even the Giants managed to produce a trio of double-digit scorers in PPR his past weekend. The Dolphins have yielded at least two touchdowns to the position in five consecutive outings.

Availability: 57%
FAAB: $1-2

Kelvin Harmon, Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants

The matchup is among the finest in the league this week as we’re talking about a defense that has conceded 22 touchdowns in 14 games to wideouts this season. New York cut CB Janoris Jenkins prior to Week 15, and rookie DeAndre Baker has been a major liability all year. Harmon, a fellow rook, should continue to see a little more action with Paul Richardson on IR, and Trey Quinn (concussion) uncertain after missing consecutive weeks after not catching a pass in the prior two games. Harmon has four or more targets in four of his last five contests. There are few better matchup opportunities, although his risk is through the roof based on such limited production in a low-volume passing game.

Availability: 83%
FAAB: $1-2

(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)

Tight Ends

1-Week Plug & Play

Jacob Hollister, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals

There’s potential for Hollister to return to fantasy relevance after being awfully quiet in three of his last four showings. He has seen nine total targets over the past two games, just one more than he saw in Week 13. He wasn’t a factor vs. the Cardinals in Week 4 due to Will Dissly enjoying a strong showing (7-57-1). The point being, Seattle obviously was intent upon utilizing the position with eight targets sent Dissly’s way. The Cardinals have yielded an insane 17 touchdowns to tight ends in 14 games this year, including two last week to Ricky Seals-Jones.

Availability: 34%
FAAB: $2-3

Noah Fant, Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions

Depending on the depth of your fantasy league, Fant could be on the wire. The rookie has erratically stepped it up in recent weeks, and he even managed 56 yards in a snow globe vs. KC in Week 15. Quarterback Drew Lock has targeted him 10 times in the past three contests, with a pair of three-look games surrounding a line of 4-113-1 on four targets. The Lions have given up three of the five touchdowns allowed in the last five weeks, including one-catch, one-score efforts by a pair of Chicago tight ends in separate games. All five of those TDs have come in the last seven games. Volume is unlikely to be on Fant’s side, so the idea here is a touchdown will draw the line between boom and bust for his utility.

Availability: 35%
FAAB: $2-3

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Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Kai Forbath, Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

The matchup rating isn’t actually all that favorable from a statistical perspective. There’s a factor of familiarity working in Dallas’ favor, and the closest quantifiable metric to point toward is former Cowboys kicker Brett Maher going for 13 fantasy points (3 FGAs, 4 XPAs) in the Week 7 meeting. Forbath was good for all three of his field goal kicks and five point-after tries in his Dallas debut. Philly has yielded at least one field goal in five straight, including two games with multiple kicks in that time, and no kicker has posted fewer than five fantasy points since Week 9 vs. the Eagles.

Availability: 98%
FAAB: $0-1

Randy Bullock, Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins

The Bengals head south for a battle that affects nothing but draft placement. Miami has given up three or more field goal attempts in four of the last five games, and kickers have been granted four or more PATs in three of those outings. Bullock has been afforded multiple field goals in each of the last three weeks, making nine of his last 10 tries.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play

Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants

It’s unclear whether Eli Manning will start again this week, so keep that in mind, but it’s not like Daniel Jones (ankle) wasn’t making plenty of mistakes prior to his injury. Manning played a clean game in Week 14 but turned it over three times vs. Miami last weekend. He has been sacked three total times in those games. The Redskins have picked off a ball in five straight, and the last four weeks have produced 19 total sacks and 2.25 takeaways, on average, by this defense. Don’t be afraid to spend up.

Availability: 91%
FAAB: $2-3

Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions

David Blough’s honeymoon ended after one quality game. He has thrown four picks vs. only one scoring strike in the last two weeks, and the Lions have averaged 12 points in that time. Blough has taken three sacks, on average, since assuming the starting role. Denver has generated a trio of sacks in each of the last three weeks, and the defense has tallied at least that many in four of the most recent five games Since Week 10’s bye, the Broncos have created nine takeaways and a defensive touchdown.

Availability: 76%
FAAB: $1-2

Fantasy market report: Week 15

In the new-look world of the NFL, the quarterback position has become one that every team looks to land the player who will be “The Man” for a decade in the draft. You rarely see the Kirk Cousins scenario anymore, where a player who can command franchise money hits the free-agent market. If you’ve got a good one, you keep him. If not, you run him out of town.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

In the new-look world of the NFL, the quarterback position has become one that every team looks to land the player who will be “The Man” for a decade in the draft. You rarely see the Kirk Cousins scenario anymore, where a player who can command franchise money hits the free-agent market. If you’ve got a good one, you keep him. If not, you run him out of town.

Historically, the miss-rate on those coveted rookies has outweighed the hit-rate on landing a franchise QB, but when you look around the NFL, the proliferation of college quarterbacks who post eye-popping numbers (often in a limited sample size) have almost completely transformed the position with saviors who are almost all still in their first NFL contract.

Of the NFL’s 32 teams, 13 of them have invested a high draft pick on a quarterback over the last four years (Arizona did it twice) and the numbers just keep growing.

All four rookies taken in the first two rounds of the 2019 draft are already starting and giving reason to believe they are the guy moving forward – first-rounders Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones and Dwayne Haskins and second-rounder Drew Lock. Four teams locked in for now.

In 2018, the first round saw Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson taken in the first round (Josh Rosen will have a job, but not as a starter). Another four teams out of the mix.

In 2017, you had Mitch Trubisky, Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson taken with three of the first 12 picks of the draft – all selected with picks their franchise traded up to acquire, which came with debt equity in terms of picks traded away to move up. None of them are going anywhere any time soon (to the chagrin of Bears fans considering what Mahomes and Watson have accomplished).

In 2016, the first two picks were used on Jared Goff and Carson Wentz. Both franchises have remained invested in both as their guy.

When you do the math on guys with less than four years in the league, more than 40 percent of the franchises are convinced they have their long-term guy at quarterback locked, loaded and in place.

That’s a significant portion of the league, but it doesn’t end there. There are a half-dozen other franchises at a current crossroads at quarterback that could be dipping their toe in the draft water.

In Cincinnati, the starting QB for 2020 probably isn’t currently on the roster. In line for the No. 1 overall pick, Ohio native Joe Burrow seems to have the inside track for more reason than one as the team seems poised to move on from Andy Dalton as its starter.

In Carolina, while Kyle Allen has cooled off considerably, given the firing of Ron Rivera, the idea of a new coach moving on from Cam Newton has more viability than it used to. Is Allen the answer or do the Panthers look to the draft to step back up at quarterback.

In Detroit, Matthew Stafford isn’t guaranteed to have a career that lasts much longer. He grandfathered in the rookie deals where the No. 1 overall pick was one of the highest paid players in the NFL. Given the health issues with his wife and his most recent injury being broken bones in his back, the Lions need to find a successor and their record is bad enough to consider it in 2020.

Andrew Luck shocked the NFL with his retirement. Jacoby Brissett is the man for now, but the Colts could be in line to consider drafting a QB they like because Indy is a franchise spoiled by stinking it out at a time when Peyton Manning and Luck were both available to them.

In Miami, Ryan Fitzpatrick has never been a team’s long-term answer and he isn’t with the Dolphins. Rosen clearly doesn’t seem to be the answer because it didn’t take long for the staff to pass on him as the starter. Like Cincinnati, their 2020 starter likely isn’t currently on the roster.

In Tennessee, the Marcus Mariota era is over. Is Ryan Tannehill the long-term answer? We’ll probably find out in the offseason.

What makes it even more likely that the youth boom at quarterback is going to continue its seismic shift is that four other quarterbacks – Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger – are all nearing the end of their careers and will need to be replaced.

As the NFL has transformed into a pass-heavy league, they have adopted concepts that came from the high school and college game with spread out, four-receiver sets that look to create and exploit mismatch possibilities. The result? As many young quarterbacks being asked to carry a franchise on the shoulders, make an immediate impact and become the face of a franchise.

From the looks of things, that trend isn’t going to stop any time soon.

Here is the Week 15 Fantasy Market Report:

RISERS

Cole Beasley – He hasn’t been a huge fantasy player in Buffalo, but he has been rewarding fantasy owners recently. He has just five games with more 70 yards, but three of them have been in the last five. He has scored touchdowns in each of the last three games and six of the last eight. Unless you have a lead-pipe lock duo or trio of receivers, he’s making it difficult to keep him on team benches.

Joe Mixon – In a lot of leagues, he simply cut loose by fantasy owners because he has so many bad games to start the season. But, over his last five, he has rushed for 79 or more yards four times, including games with 114 and 146 and has scored touchdowns in three of the last four games. The Bengals are hot garbage, but Mixon is still giving it everything he has.

Drew Lock – He spent much of the season as the third QB option at quarterback until finally getting his shot two weeks ago. He has thrown for 443 yards and five touchdowns in two games – both Denver wins against 2018 playoff teams Los Angeles and Houston – and is setting himself up to be the long-term answer at quarterback. You may not want to start him with your season on the line in Week 15, but those who played him at Houston went to the pay window.

Raheem Mostert – When Matt Breida got hurt and was sidelined, the initial plan was to make Tevin Coleman the primary guy. That got scuttled and Mostert has scored four touchdowns over the last three games. Breida came back this week, but it didn’t keep Mostert from scoring twice. Over the first 11 games of the season, he rushed 73 times for 393 yards and one TD. Over the last two – at Baltimore and at New Orleans – he rushed 28 times for 215 yards with two rushing TDs and one receiving TD. The 49ers went up against two teams they can logically expect to see in January or February and Mostert has become the featured back.

Robby Anderson – He has teased fantasy owners with impressive stretches of games strung together over the years. He’s on another one of those rolls now. He has scored three touchdowns in his last four games and, over the last three, has 18 catches for 303 yards and two TDs. If you have an open flex option, he’s worth considering – even against Baltimore.

FALLERS

Patrick Mahomes – Nobody who has Mahomes will ever bench him, but, in his last three games, he has accounted for just four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) and has weekly yardage totals of 182, 175 and 283. While those aren’t great numbers by any stretch, when you have the unrealistic expectations that get placed on Mahomes week after week because over the past year and a half. Fantasy owners have leaned on Mahomes all season and he’s having his least productive fantasy weeks at the very worst time.

Tyler Lockett – What makes Lockett such a formidable fantasy receiver is his consistency and his ability, when a team can stop him from the slot, abusing them. He has three games with 10 or more receptions, two games with more than 150 receiving yards. But, in his last three games, Lockett has had his four worst yardage days of the season (43, 38, 26 and 0) with no TDs. In his first nine games, he was targeted 66 times and caught 55 passes for 724 yards and six touchdowns. In the last four games, he has been targeted just 15 times, catching eight passes for 107 yards and no TDs – not the kind of numbers that keep you in a fantasy lineup for long, especially when championships are on the line.

Tom Brady – Brady came out of the gate hot this season, throwing two or more touchdowns four times in his first six games and topping 300 passing yards four times. In his last eight games, he has thrown one TD or fewer six times and, in his last seven, has just more games with 190 passing yards or less (two) than 300-yard games (one). If your season was on the line Sunday counting on Brady, you went home disappointed.

Brandin Cooks – What has made Cooks an enigma throughout his career has been his freakish potential for the back-breaking 70-yard touchdown reception. Prior to getting injured against the Bengals in Week 8 leading up to the bye, he wasn’t tearing things up. He had just one game with more than 75 yards and one touchdown. Since returning three games ago, not only hasn’t he scored, he has been targeted just eight times, catching four passes for 56 yards, including no receptions in a huge Sunday night win for the Rams where the offense rolled. It’s hard to endorse even considering him if you’re still alive in your fantasy playoffs.

Jimmy Graham – One of the all-time great tight ends, his production has dropped to the point that he is barely serviceable as a fantasy option. His high yardage mark has been just 65 yards, has 20 or fewer yards in seven games and hasn’t scored a touchdown in his last six games. His days of being a rubber stamp in fantasy lineups appear to be over.

Free-agent Forecast: Week 15

At this stage of the fantasy football season, most waiver wire recommendations are one-week plays.

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Since we are so late in the season, most recommendations will be one-week plays from this point forward.

Bye weeks: none

(Harrison Barden, USA TODAY Sports)

Quarterbacks

1-Week Plug & Play

David Blough, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Entering Week 14, Tampa was the weakest opponent at limiting quarterbacks in the five weeks prior. The position had averaged 299.2 yards (3rd most) and a touchdown every 10.4 completions (4th-highest frequency), all while picking off only one of every 54.5 passes (14th). Indy QB Jacoby Brissett was good for a line of 251-2-0 in Week 14. Blough has flashed but also has looked the part of an undrafted rookie through two starts. The ceiling here is not particularly high, although so much lines up for a quality showing: Detroit is at home, and Tampa is pathetic at covering receivers (Detroit’s strength). Blough has another weapon in Jesse James, since tight ends have owned Tampa Bay in 2019. The Bucs have stifled the ground game all year, which should force Detroit into the sky. How brave are you feeling? The wise advise is to keep him out of single-year playoff lineups but utilize him in DFS and two-QB settings.

Availability: 89%
FAAB: $1-2

Eli Manning, New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins

This writeup comes before Manning faces Philadelphia in Week 14’s Monday Night Football action. Daniel Jones (ankle) is expected to miss the rest of the way, or at least Week 15 without a miraculous recovery. Manning, unless he is completely inept vs. the beatable Eagles, is a reasonable fantasy option in two-QB setups for Week 15. The Dolphins have allowed quarterbacks to average 28.7 points over the past four games, and the worst showing was Sam Darnold’s 270-2-1 line.

Availability: 83%
FAAB: $1-2

Grab & stash

Drew Lock, Denver Broncos

The rookie was dropping bombs on Houston’s secondary in Week 14, and he now has five touchdown strikes vs. just two interceptions in his two starts. While it may have seemed shocking since the Texans had just come off of a manhandling of the New England Patriots, but Lock’s opponent has been a favorable matchup most of the way. The Week 15 opponent is KC, and there’s really no upside in playing Lock, but if you make it through to Week 16 and play in a two-QB setup, he has starting appeal against the Detroit Lions.

Availability: 78%
FAAB: $1-2

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(Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports)

Running Backs

priority free agents

DeAndre Washington, Oakland Raiders

Running back Josh Jacobs has been playing through a fractured shoulder and was forced to sit last week. The Raiders are a long shot to make the postseason, and there seems to be little incentive to chance it with their promising workhorse. Washington showed up vs. the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, going for 53 yards and a touchdown on the ground in addition to six catches for 43 yards out of the backfield. The Jacksonville Jaguars come to Oakland in Week 15, and the Raiders head to the LA Chargers in the fantasy finale. Both are quality matchups for PPR backs, and Washington is a must-add in all formats.

Availability: 86%
FAAB: $15-18

C.J. Prosise, Seattle Seahawks

Running back Rashaad Penny’s season is over with a sprained ACL, and the Seahawks sprinkled in Prosise to help Chris Carson. He is not going to solve any fantasy woes, although there is a hint of utility in Week 15 for PPR gamers. The Seahawks travel to Carolina to face a defense that has been laughably weak vs. the position in 2019. In the past six weeks, this unit has yielded two touchdowns per contest (11 rushing) and four catches a game out of the backfield.

Availability: 89%
FAAB: $2-3

(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)

Wide Receivers

priority free agents

Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons

A core injury has WR Calvin Ridley on the shelf for the rest of the year, and Julio Jones is playing through a partially separated shoulder. The Falcons pass with a greater volume than all other teams (42.2 attempts/game), and Gage has flashed enough since the trade of WR Mohamed Sanu to earn the benefit of the doubt. Gamers should consider him as a playable option, depending upon what else is available, vs. the Richard Sherman-less Niners in Week 15.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $5-6

1-Week Plug & Play

Marcus Johnson, Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

We recommended Johnson as a one-week play last week, and we’re dipping into the well once again. He has an absolutely awesome matchup to exploit, and it’s still a huge question mark whether T.Y. Hilton (calf) will be ready to go (or even capable if he does). Johnson has posted a pair of scores in his last three outings in which Hilton didn’t dress. The lone game without a TD resulted in 9.5 PPR points. Tampa has yielded two wide receiver scores a game in the last six contests.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $2-3

Breshad Perriman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions

Mike Evans’ hamstring injury is expected to cost him a few games, and the veteran deep threat Perriman will be asked to step up his game. He caught three of his five targets for 70 yards and a score in Week 14. Expect a limited target share, since Chris Godwin and the tight ends, possibly along with second-year WR Justin Watson, will eat into his action. Perriman is the preferred addition over Watson mostly based on familiarity — we have no clue what to expect from the completely untested Watson. Perriman has his limitations, but he has shown chemistry with Jameis Winston and stepped up of late. Winston has a slight fracture in his throwing thumb, which isn’t currently expected to sideline him.

Availability: 90%
FAAB: $2-3

Willie Snead, Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Jets

The Jets entered Week 14 as the second-softest defense at limiting wide receiver touchdowns in the five weeks leading up to facing Miami. The Dolphins failed to put one into the end zone in the hands of a receiver, but two players posted double-digit PPR results on the day. Snead entering a lineup is solely for a gamble of finding the end zone, and the Ravens clearly are more capable of racking up points than Miami, so consider that performance an anomaly working in NYJ’s favor on paper. Snead has scored three times in the last trio of contests and has a career-best five on the year.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $1-2

Isaiah Ford, Miami Dolphins at New York Giants

Entering Week 15, no team had allowed wideouts to score a higher frequency than the Giants. Ford, standing 6-foot-2, offers another lanky weapon for Ryan Fitzpatrick. We saw the slightly larger Preston Williams perform well opposite DeVante Parker, and there’s enough reason to give Ford the benefit of the doubt with such a fine matchup. He landed six of his nine targets in Week 14 for 92 yards. Parker suffering a concussion should make Ford a viable option, presuming the resurgent veteran doesn’t clear the league’s protocol. New York has allowed a touchdown every 6.9 catches entering their Monday Night Football tilt with Philly.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $1-2

Grab & stash

John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals

We recommended Ross as a pickup last week with his return to action, and he saw three targets, catching two for 28 yards vs. the Cleveland Browns — a strong pass defense. The speedy receiver used that game to help get his football legs back under him, and the Week 15 matchup brings the New England Patriots to town (on to Cincinnati indeed). The matchup is unkind, despite New England’s recent struggles, but the idea here is to stash Ross for Week 16 vs. the Miami Dolphins. That will give him consecutive weeks to get the motor tuned up.

Availability: 66%
FAAB: $1-2

(Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports)

Tight Ends

priority free agents

Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams

As long as Gerald Everett (knee) is out of commission, Higbee belongs in the fantasy lineup conversation. The Rams face Dallas in Week 15, which makes him a fringe starting option. The Cowboys have given up just two scores to the position in the last six games, and nine of the weeks have resulted in no trips to the end zone. Evan Engram is the only TE in 2019 to post double-digit fantasy points in PPR vs. the ‘Boys without going in for six. Add Higbee and consider him a flex option or a desperation play as a starting TE if there isn’t a clearer choice.

Availability: 66%
FAAB: $3-4

1-Week Plug & Play

Cameron Brate/O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions

Brate is the preferred addition here due to a stronger rapport with his quarterback and being a better fit for the offense. The expected loss of WR Mike Evans (hamstring) opens the door for more looks, and the matchup is among the best for touchdown efficiency. The Lions gave up the second-fewest catches over the most recent five-game span entering Week 14, yet this unit surrendered the highest frequency of touchdowns in that time. One in 4.3 grabs went for six. The Minnesota Vikings didn’t put one into the end zone last week, but the overall body of work illustrates the Lions are awful at preventing the position from exploiting this defense.

Availability: 60% (Brate); 36% (Howard)
FAAB: $2-4; $2-4

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals

Njoku returned last week after missing the majority of the year, and now he draws the Arizona Cardinals after getting a week to find his football bearings. There is one mission here: Scoring a touchdown. He isn’t going to rack up enough work to matter without a trip into the end zone, and Njoku’s athleticism easily can exploit the weakest defense of the position in 2019. Recommending just about any tight end vs. the Cardinals is in play. It didn’t work out with Vance McDonald last week, but the offense passed 19 times. With a defense that has yielded 13 TDs in 2019, the reasoning still holds water.

Availability: 69%
FAAB: $2-3

Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots

New England happily allows defenses to operate underneath, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Eifert come alive with Andy Dalton in Week 15. The Patriots granted three receiving scores in the four games leading up to Week 14, and a rushing TD to Travis Kelce added to the fun. This is a risk-reward decision.

Availability: 54%
FAAB: $1-2

Jesse James, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay has been feeble at limiting touchdowns by tight ends in 2019, especially of late. Despite giving up just the third-fewest catches per game in the five weeks leading up to Week 14, the Bucs had permitted the second-highest frequency of touchdowns scored. Indianapolis chose to attack on the ground and via the wide receiver position in Week 14, but make no mistake, this defense struggles vs. James’ positional mates. T.J. Hockenson being out for the year makes the well-paid James a viable flier for six points.

Availability: 90%
FAAB: $0-1

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Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Aldrick Rosas, New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins

Every kicker vs. Miami in the last month has attempted at least three field goals, and 13 total PATs were attempted in that window. Extending the view back to Week 7, this defense has faced three-plus FGAs in all but one of the eight games.

Availability: 89%
FAAB: $0-1

Josh Lambo, Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders

Oakland has allowed at least six fantasy points in five of the past six contests, affording an average of only 1.5 field goal tries. The meat of the matchup comes via extra points after permitting 3.67, on average, since Week 8. The idea here is Jacksonville is struggling on offense to punch it in to the end zone and may have to settle for field goals on the road. This is even more likely if wideout D.J. Chark (ankle) is unable to go.

Availability: 47%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers

In the past four weeks, Kyle Allen has taken no fewer than four sacks in each game and as many as seven. The young passer has tossed seven INTs in that time frame, and the offense has coughed it up four times. Seattle has its own issues, but there should be little trouble in exploiting Carolina this week.

Availability: 62%
FAAB: $1-2

Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders

This is a risky streaming option given Jacksonville’s inconsistencies and Oakland’s similarly erratic play. Over the course of 2019, this has been one of the better offenses at limiting turnovers. The last five weeks has been a a different tale with turnovers in four of those games, and multiple mistakes in three of the contests. More importantly, Oakland has given up a defensive touchdown in three straight outings.

Availability: 55%
FAAB: $1-2

Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kind of like the “play any tight end vs. Arizona” mantra, this one is in the same vein. The Lions offer little to nothing on their own, but having Jameis Winston (thumb) turning it over like no other, and an offense likely without Mike Evans (hamstring), makes Detroit a viable fantasy gamble. Winston has thrown 11 picks in the last five games, and the offense has turned it over three other times in that span. A pair of those errors went the other direction, and Winston has been sacked two or more times in three of the past five games.

Availability: 80%
FAAB: $0-1

Fantasy market report: Week 14

Every year when fantasy drafts and auctions roll around, there are players who explode on the scene and become the gold standard the following year. If you can’t carry over players, your move in the middle rounds to get a guy like Patrick Mahomes in 2018 paid off, just like those who jumped before others on Lamar Jackson is taking you to the pay window almost every week.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Every year when fantasy drafts and auctions roll around, there are players who explode on the scene and become the gold standard the following year. If you can’t carry over players, your move in the middle rounds to get a guy like Patrick Mahomes in 2018 paid off, just like those who jumped before others on Lamar Jackson is taking you to the pay window almost every week.

When looking at the guys who are going to cost you a much bigger investment next year than they did this year, there are several players that those of us at The Huddle had ranked prior to this year’s draft season a lot lower than they will be next year.

These are the fantasy breakout stars of 2019. If you have more than one of them on your roster, you probably are preparing for the fantasy playoffs from a position of strength.

QUARTERBACKS

Lamar Jackson (Preseason Huddle Rank: No. 13) – Every year, some player jumps off the page and emerges as a bona fide fantasy star. Last year, it was Patrick Mahomes. This year, it’s Jackson. Through 12 games, he has thrown for 2,532 yards and 25 touchdowns, had five games with three or more passing TDs and, more importantly, has rushed for 977 yards and seven scores. Owners were a little nervous about putting too much stock in him on draft day. They won’t next year.

Josh Allen (Rank: No. 20) – He was my pick to be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 draft because, in my view, he had the highest ceiling. That view hasn’t changed. He hasn’t thrown for more than 265 yards in any game, but when you factor in eight rushing touchdowns, he has accounted for two or more TDs in 10 of 12 games this season and his weekly totals are worthy of being a starter.

Kyler Murray (Rank: No. 19) – He hasn’t blown up the league, but has proved the NFL isn’t too big for him. He has six games with two or more TD passes, four 300-yard games and leads the Cardinals in rushing. An offseason to absorb Arizona’s Air Raid Offense could make him the guy to watch next season.

RUNNING BACK

Dalvin Cook (Preseason Huddle Rank: No. 13) – Fantasy owners were willing to step up to a certain extent for a talented player who had missed more games than he had played his first two seasons. This year has been his watershed – healthy and living up to his billing. It only took him 11 games to hit 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns with seven games with 97 or more rushing yards. He was ranked in the area of No. 10 in most pre-draft rankings. How close to No. 1 will he be next year? A lot closer…and deservedly so.

Josh Jacobs (Rank: No. 17) – Rookie running backs have been hit and miss the last few years, which may explain why Jacobs was the only running back taken in the first round of this year’s draft. But, Jacobs has proved he can be a workhorse, which is what the Raiders want in their featured back. It only took him 12 games to top 1,000 yards as a rookie and, with nine games with 15 or more carries in that span, he is primed to be a stud for years to come.

Carlos Hyde (Rank: No. 61) – Usually a breakout star isn’t in his sixth season. After four years in San Francisco, he left via free agency and from March 2018 to August 2019 he was with the Browns, Jaguars, Chiefs and Texans. From Arian Foster to Lamar Miller, Houston running backs put up big numbers. He’s going to top 1,000 yards and has averaged almost five yards a carry. With some stability and miles left on the tires, he’s going to jump in the player rankings next year.

Chris Carson (Rank: No. 16) – Anyone who has had a Seahawks running back on their roster knows the Pete Carroll mixes and matches, but, in a six-game span starting in Week 4, Carson ran 20 or more times in six of seven games and has six games with 89 or more rushing yards in that span.

Devin Singletary (Rank: No. 24) – You knew as a rookie, he was going to have to share time on the low side with veteran Frank Gore. But, after coming back from an injury in Week 7, he and Gore have flip-flopped roles. Singletary has led the team in rushing in each of the last five games and we’re witnessing a changing of the guard. With Gore likely headed to retirement after the season, Singletary will vault in 2020 rankings.

WIDE RECEIVER

Kenny Golladay (Preseason Huddle Rank: No. 17) – Golladay was a known commodity coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2018, but what has changed this season is his big-play ability. Through 12 games, he has caught 47 passes, but is averaging more than 20 yards per reception and has nine touchdowns. He had the weight of being the big receiver to follow Calvin Johnson and he’s living up to it. He will be somebody’s No. 1 receiver next year.

D.J. Moore (Rank: No. 22) – As a rookie, he caught 55 passes for 708 yards and two TDs. He surpassed all of those numbers before Thanksgiving. He still hasn’t become a consistent touchdown scorer – which separates the good from the great fantasy receivers – but can be counted on for six or more catches a game and in four games in November, he caught 30 passes for 454 yards and two TDs. He’s on the brink of stardom and it’s getting noticed.

D.J. Chark (Rank: No. 62) – Considering that Nick Foles went down 10 minutes into his Jags career, there were more than a fair share of doubters about Chark’s prospects. He hasn’t been dominant but is going to end the season with more than 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns, which, when everyone looks at year-end stats, is going to push him into WR2 territory.

D.K. Metcalf (Rank: No. 59) – Other receivers have posted bigger numbers, but you see the impressive nature of Metcalf’s game. He’s averaging almost 17 yards per reception and he and Russell Wilson are building a rapport that could make him a breakout star in his second season.

TIGHT END

Darren Waller (Preseason Huddle Rank: No. 8) – We were high on him in the preseason and it didn’t take him long to get the attention of fantasy owners this season. He has almost twice as many receptions as any other Raiders receiver and, while the touchdowns haven’t come with great regularity, Jon Gruden is going to find more ways to exploit him with mismatches, especially in the red zone, as he gains more experience on how to shield defenders and use his mammoth size.

Mark Andrews (Rank No. 11) – In a year where tight ends largely haven’t lived up to expectations, Andrews has been consistent, catching 53 passes for almost 700 yards and seven touchdowns through 12 games. As Lamar Jackson morphs into a more complete quarterback, Andrews could end up being the Greg Olsen of the Ravens offense.

Irv Smith Jr. (Rank: No. 44) – Often times to get a measure of a player’s progress, you need to look at his weekly targets and receptions. Smith is far from a polished product and won’t be high on a lot of ranking sheets next year, but he is getting more incorporated into the offense and is ready to step up as a red zone and deep seam option. Mark it down.

Here is the Week 14 Fantasy Market Report:

RISERS

Calvin Ridley – For much of the season, he has been the clear No. 2 wide receiver option in Atlanta, but, with Julio Jones hurting (again), he has stepped up. In his last three games, Ridley has been targeted 32 times, catching 22 passes for 319 yards and two touchdowns and is emerging as a big-time fantasy threat in his own right.

Mark Andrews – He is far and away the most consistent receiver in the Ravens passing game and, while he hasn’t matched his yardage totals from the first two games (16-230-2), he has four touchdowns in his last four games and has at least one receptions of 20 or more yards in eight of 12 games (and has scored three touchdowns in the four games he hasn’t had a 20+ yard reception).

Deebo Samuel – When you’re looking for a flex player who isn’t a lock to start, you need one of two things – a guy who gets volume or scores touchdown. Over the last four games, in Weeks 10-12, Samuel caught 16 passes for 246 yards. In the last two, he was only targeted six times and caught four passes, but has a touchdown in each. With defenses looking to shut down George Kittle and Emmanuel Sanders, Samuel has emerged as a viable fantasy option.

Leonard Fournette – In PPR leagues, Fournette was viewed as a guy who could run for 100 yards in any game, but not be counted on for critical reception points. That has changed. In his first two seasons (21 games), Fournette never caught more than five passes and had just three games with more than three. This year, he leads the Jags with 65 receptions, including 10 games with four or more and six with six or more. In his last five games, he has caught 37 passes. While they haven’t resulted in touchdowns, they’ve made Fournette a much more valuable player.

DeVante Parker – Over the years, Parker had burned fantasy owners more than rewarding them and many owners won’t put any Dolphins in their lineups. But, Parker has been targeted 10 or more times by Ryan Fitzpatrick in each of the last four games and, over the last three, has 20 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns. He’s on pace to finish the season with more than 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns – clearly starting fantasy numbers for a guy who has been a career tease.

FALLERS

Le’Veon Bell – He’s been on this list before earlier in the year, but it bears repeating how dismal he has been and was drafted in most leagues to start every week. He hasn’t had a receiving touchdown since Week 1 and has 35 or fewer receiving yards in eight games. He hasn’t rushed for more than 70 yards in any game, has 50 or less in seven games and has scored just three TDs. If you started Bell consistently and made the playoffs, you did it despite him, not because of him.

Derek Carr – In his first eight games, he had two or more TD passes in five of them and looked to be a serviceable fantasy backup ready to reclaim his career. Yet, he hasn’t thrown for 300 yards in any game this season and, in his last four games, he has less than 225 yards in three of them and just three passing TDs in those four games. He’s not worth a roster spot for a team in the playoffs because better options are available on the waiver wire.

Greg Olsen – Still expected to be a starter in TE-mandatory leagues, Olsen has fallen off the map. He hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 3 and, in his last nine games, he has been limited to less than 45 yards in six of them. The Panthers pass offense runs through Christian McCaffrey and D.J. Moore these days, no longer Olsen.

Mike Evans – This is another one of those “tough call” scenarios because nobody who has Evans is likely to bench him. But, you have wonder how defenses are taking on Evans. From Weeks 7-10 (a bye week wedged in there), in three games, Evans was targeted a whopping 45 times, catching 32 passes for 474 yards and three touchdowns, carrying fantasy teams on his back. In the last four, however, he has caught just four passes in each game, totaling 254 yards and no touchdowns. As we enter the fantasy playoffs, those numbers have to improve or he could be part of a one-and-done scenario.

Vance McDonald – This one is a little personal. I’ve never bought into the McDonald hype that just about every other fantasy analyst has. In seven seasons, he has never caught more than 50 passes or scored more than four touchdowns, yet his bandwagon keeps taking on passengers. The belief was that, if he could stay healthy, he’d blow up. Well, he’s played 11 games and doesn’t have a single game with more than 40 receiving yards, and, in his last nine games, has one touchdown and three or fewer receptions in eight of those games. Keep putting him in your lineup. You’ve been warned not to for the last time.

Free-agent Forecast: Week 14

The fantasy football playoffs are upon us for the vast majority of leagues, and it’s no time to give up on working the waiver wire.

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: none

(Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports)

Quarterbacks

1-Week Plug & Play

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins at New York Jets

Should Fitzpatrick remain on your league’s wire, he makes for a fine one-week play against this divisional foe. New York has given up more than 26 fantasy points in three of the last six games: The guys incapable of topping 20 fantasy points were Dwayne Haskins, Derek Carr, Andy Dalton … not exactly an elite crop of talent. While FitzMagic is anything but elite, he’s capable of posting studly numbers at times. The last time these two met was Week 9, and he threw for 285 yards and a trio of scores (26.6 points). WR DeVante Parker is playing like a brand-new man, and the Dolphins are making the most of a suspect cast of weapons. That said, Fitz should be treated as a quality QB2 starter or a low-tier No. 1 play.

Availability: 60%
FAAB: $2-3

Daniel Jones, New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

The rookie has been held under 20 fantasy points in three of the last four contests but had thrown only one interception in the four games leading up a three-INT mistake fest vs. the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. It’s one of those “take the bad with the good” scenarios in fantasy … Philadelphia has granted quarterbacks multi-TD games on six occasions in 2019, including a three-score day to Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 13. These teams haven’t met this season, and Jones is a risk-reward decision against a defensive unit that has permitted massive fantasy stats when it has been bad. Five different passers have at least 28 points vs. this group in ’19.

Availability: 52%
FAAB: $1-2

Grab & stash

Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Last week, I wrote Minshew was worth a stash since Nick Foles has done nothing to instill confidence that he can be “the guy.” We saw it play out exactly as suspected in Wee 13. There is enough tape on Foles to know what he is and isn’t, so giving Minshew a chance to further prove he is the future makes the most sense. The Jaguars face one of the easiest remaining fantasy schedules with matchups vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, at Oakland and at Atlanta in the upcoming weeks. Add him for depth or as a QB2 in leagues that allow/require utilization of more than one starting passers now that head coach Doug Marrone has publicly committed to Minshew Mania.

Availability: 61%
FAAB: $0-1

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(Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports)

Running Backs

priority free agents

Patrick Laird, Miami Dolphins

Kalen Ballage (leg) left Week 13 action and did not return. Laird stepped up for the second time in three weeks and is a must-add in all fantasy formats, especially in PPR scoring. Ballage was nothing more than a lotto ticket each week for a TD, and Laird is more of a pass-catching extension of the hand-off. In those two contests, he has 11 total targets and 10 receptions for 94 yards. Facing Philly in Week 13, Laird ran a Ballage-like 10 times for five yards and a TD. Miami faces the New York Jets and New York Giants — both at the Meadowlands — in the next two outings, followed by a Week 16 home tilt with Cincinnati.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $15-17

Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers

Tevin Coleman took a back seat after struggling to generate much of anything, and Mostert had little trouble posting career-best numbers vs. the Baltimore Ravens. While he’s a premium add this week, Mostert isn’t necessarily a must-start until we have a clearer understanding of what to expect from Matt Breida’s ankle injury. Should Breida return, the backfield gets even more convoluted, and it’s not like the matchup is particularly friendly at New Orleans. For now, add him and wait to see what the week of practice reveals for Breida. Coleman easily could reclaim the primary workload, although the hot hand usually wins out in a multi-back situation in which the players tend to be interchangeable.

Availability: 58%
FAAB: $3-4

1-Week Plug & Play

Darwin Thompson, Kansas City Chiefs

The caveat here is two-fold: What is the diagnosis of Darrel Williams’ hamstring injury, and will the Chiefs get Damien Williams back on the field in Week 14? The point being, if either player returns, there’s no lineup-worthy value in Thompson. However, should both miss the contest, it’s pretty clear LeSean McCoy cannot do it alone. The New England Patriots host the Chiefs, and guarding checkdown passes is a major weakness for this defensive scheme.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $4-5

(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)

Wide Receivers

priority free agents

1-Week Plug & Play

Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

Look, it hasn’t been pretty for Agholor in the last two-plus months. Since Week 3, he hasn’t scored a touchdown, nor has the USC product tallied more than 42 yards of offense in any of those appearances. In the past two weeks, Carson Wentz has targeted him 15 times, resulting in an unmemorable seven catches for 81 yards in total. New York is the driving force behind this recommendation, and the injury to TE Zach Ertz also is a factor. The Giants have permitted 10 touchdowns to wideouts in the last five outings, and seven receivers in that time were good for at least 80 yards, while 11 managed double-digit PPR points.

Availability: 51%
FAAB: $2-3

Marcus Johnson, Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This one depends mostly on the status of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (calf) after he aggravated his injury in Week 12 and missed Week 13. The trip to Tampa brings on the best possible matchup to kick off the fantasy playoffs. The Bucs have yielded 10 scores to the position in the last five games, and four receivers have posted at least 114 yards in that time. Johnson is likely a total unknown to most fantasy gamers, but he has been more involved of late and is a worthwhile fantasy consideration for gamers in dire need of a flex. In all likelihood, he’s too unknown for most gamers to be willing to take the chance, but the matchup and his role present an opportunity. In the Colts’ last two games without Hilton, Johnson has been targeted an average of five times. He has produced at least 9.5 PPR points in each of those contests, and the Week 11 meeting with Jacksonville saw Johnson score a touchdown.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $1-2

Demaryius Thomas, New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

Miami has granted 10 scores to the position in the last six games, or eight in the past five. Four receivers have gone over the century mark for yardage, and seven of the wideouts landed at least five balls — the most likely way Thomas will make a dent. Miami has conceded at least 19.4 PPR points to seven receivers since Week 7. Thomas, as mentioned, is hardly a threat for a touchdown, but if he’s ever going to score one in 2019, this ought to be the week. The veteran has at least five targets in seven of his last nine appearances, and he has snagged four or more balls in five of them. The combination of matchups and utilization makes Thomas a reasonable waiver add for a Week 14 PPR flex.

Availability: 63%
FAAB: $1-2

Grab & stash

John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals

Two weeks ago, he resumed practicing and enters the final week before the Bengals have to either activate or keep him on IR. It wouldn’t hurt to stash him away ahead of the decision, especially with Andy Dalton back under center. The previous move to QB Ryan Finley was the driving force behind not including Ross in this space.

Availability: 78%
FAAB: $1-2

(Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)

Tight Ends

priority free agents

1-Week Plug & Play

Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals

In Week 13, with Devlin Hodges starting at quarterback, McDonald landed all three of his targets for a paltry 21 yards. He has caught no more than three passes in any game since Week 9. Exciting stuff, huh? This one is all about the matchup, and, oh boy, is it ever an exploitable matchup! The Cardinals are on a historically bad pace for giving up fantasy points to the position, and we’ve seen an average of a score per game come against Arizona in the hands of tight ends in the last five battles. The season-long outlook is so much brighter: Thirteen of 79 catches by the position found paydirt, coming at a rate of once every six snags. McDonald is a hopeful play for a score from a volatile position.

Availability: 50%
FAAB: $2-3

Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders

Smith hasn’t much competition for touches at his position, yet he can’t seem to get the job done. The Titans have looked his way 13 times in the last four games, including a no-involvement Week 12. Smith should get back on track in Week 14 with such a good matchup for scoring. The Raiders have permitted only two scores to TEs in the last five games, but extending the view just two games adds three more trips to the end zone. The season-long peek reveals eight touchdowns against Oakland by tight ends. Smith caught nine of 10 looks for 142 yards and a score from Weeks 7-8, so it’s not like he has been a total scrub without Delanie Walker.

Availability: 61%
FAAB: $1-2

Kaden Smith, New York Giants

This one is solely predicated on the Giants being without TE Evan Engram (foot) and TE Rhett Ellison (concussion) in Week 14. Smith scored in their absence in Week 12 and managed a line of 6-70-0 on eight looks in Week 13. The rookie is an athletic 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, and he would benefit even more if wideout Golden Tate (concussion) also misses the upcoming week. Don’t invest FAAB yet, but Smith is worth a late-week add if the injury report favors another game of starter’s involvement for him.

Availability: 98%
FAAB: $0

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Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Matt Prater, Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

Entering Week 13, Minnesota had given up 13 field goal attempts in the prior four outings. That’s the third-highest figure in the league and most among teams with only four games played. The veteran kicker as at least six fantasy points (non-distance scoring) in three of the last five weeks, and Prater has six three-point attempts in the past two games. The overall offensive efficacy issues makes Prater a viable PK1 without Matthew Stafford (back) on the field, presuming he indeed is out again.

Availability: 44%
FAAB: $0-1

Matt Gay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts

The rookie has averaged a pair of field goal tries a game in the last five contests, and he has nailed all but one. The total number of extra points attempted sits at 16 in that window, and each one of those tries went through the pipes. Indianapolis has granted kickers at least seven fantasy points in four of the past five matchups, and 10 of the 11 three-point attempts in that time have connected. The Colts could slow Tampa’s offense just enough to stall out a few drives, and this defense isn’t quite known for its penchant to create turnovers.

Availability: 56%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play

Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders

Tennessee has at least three sacks in four of the last five weeks, and the one week with only two sacks resulted in a defensive touchdown. Mike Vrabel’s bunch has generated two takeaways, on average, in that time frame. The Raiders has been one of the worst matchups most of the year for defenses, but protecting the ball hasn’t been a high priority in recent weeks. In the last three games, Oakland has lost three fumbles, thrown four interceptions (after just one in the previous six outings), and permitted a pair of defensive touchdowns. Quarterback Derek Carr has been sacked nine times in the last month.

Availability: 62%
FAAB: $1-2

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

With zero sacks in the last two games, and no fumble recoveries since Week 5, Atlanta is a tough sell in any fantasy format. The defense has just eight interceptions on the year, although three-quarters of them have come in the past month. Carolina provided Atlanta its best fantasy day of 2019 in Week 11, giving up five sacks and throwing four picks. In addition, the Falcons managed a special teams return score in that contest. The Panthers have yielded 16 sacks in the past three games alone, committing seven turnovers in that window. The recommendation to play Atlanta is purely a bid to take advantage of the upside of the matchup.

Availability: 81%
FAAB: $0-1