Tunnel Vision of Week 13

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks	Yards	TD
Ryan Fitzpatrick	365 – 2	3
Aaron Rodgers	243 – 24	4
Kyle Allen	278 – 22	3
Dak Prescott	355 – 25	2
Carson Wentz	310 – 0	3
Running Backs	Yards	TD
Derrius Guice	137	2
Derrick Henry	166	1
Raheem Mostert	154	1
Peyton Barber	44	2
James White	177	2
Wide Receivers	Yards	TD
Devante Parker	159	2
Kenny Golladay	158	1
Alshon Jeffery	137	1
Courtland Sutton	74	2
Davante Adams	64	2
Tight Ends	Yards	TD
Tyler Higbee	107	1
Mike Gesicki	79	1
Jack Doyle	73	1
Jason Witten	42	1
Mark Andrews	50	1
Placekickers	XP	FG
Will Lutz	2	4
Brandon McManus	2	3
Jason Sanders	2 (+TD)	1
Jake Elliott	2	3
Dustin Hopkins	2	3
Defense	Sck-TO	TD
Buccaneers	5-4	1
Saints	9-3	0
Chiefs	2-3	1
Titans	3-3	1
Rams	5-1	1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

TE Greg Olsen – Concussion
RB Kalen Ballage – Leg
WR Chester Rogers – Knee
WR Trey Quinn – Concussion
RB Darrel Williams – Hamstring
QB Baker Mayfield – Hand

Chasing Ambulances

Another light week with nothing major happening on the injury front.

TE Greg Olsen – Out with a concussion that looked significant at the time. He’d give way to Ian Thomas if Olsen misses time and Thomas turned in four catches for 24 yards in the loss to the Redskins. But at this point of the season, it’s a non-event.

RB Kalen Ballage – This is the worst backfield so it doesn’t really matter. Myles Gaskin ran for 20 yards on two carries but Patrick Laird would pick up more work and he only ran for five yards on ten carries. Nothing here to bring into fantasy playoffs.

RB Darrel Williams – The Chiefs’ backfield is a mess and Williams only gained 13 yards on six runs before his hamstring injury that happened when he was untouched. Damien Williams could be back this week anyway and LeSean McCoy takes his cut. The only interesting outcome was letting Darwin Thompson run for 44 yards and a touchdown on 11 rushes. Again – not a lot here to rely on for fantasy playoffs.

QB Baker Mayfield – He appeared to hit his hand on a helmet and had an x-ray taken. He returned to the game so it is a non-event pending any further concerns this week in practice.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

WR Anthony Miller – Taylor Gabriel was out with a concussion which elevated Miller in the win over the Lions. While he has yet to score a 2019 touchdown, Miller turned in a career-best 140 yards on nine catches last Thursday. And that follows two weeks of six-catch performances.

WR Cole Beasley – Saved his best for playing his ex-employer. Beasley hung six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in Dallas but that makes a score in five of the last seven games and over 70 yards in three of his last four. As great as that sounds, facing BAL, @PIT, @NE, and NYJ sound like temper expectations.

Bills backfield – Said it many times before but it still kills me. Devin Singletary runs for 63 yards on 14 carries while Frank Gore still is given nine runs to gain 11 yards. I want Singletary next year when Gore is gone. Unless they bring in yet another aging back to slow down the offense.

RB Raheem Mostert – He was on a streak of games with only six carries but in Week 12, he gained 45 yards and scored. In Baltimore, Mostert was the only player with notable statistics when he ran for 146 yards on 19 carries and scored once. He added two catches for eight yards. Tevin Coleman was held to only six yards on five rushes. That’s hard to rely on playing at the Saints this week, but he looked clearly superior to Coleman.

RB Derrius Guice – He torched the Panthers for 129 yards and two touchdowns on just ten rushes and added two receptions for eight yards. Adrian Peterson also gained 99 yards and a score on 13 carries but it was against the Panthers and their No. 27 ranked defense versus running backs. Even better, the Redskins head to Green Bay this week to face the No. 30 defense against the position.

WR D.J. Moore – The Panthers wideout just caught six passes for 75 yards and one score in the loss to the Redskins. For the last five games, he’s totaled more fantasy points than any other wideout besides Jarvis Landry. And next week he faces the No. 30 defense versus wideouts in the Falcons.

QB Sam Darnold – After scoring six touchdowns over the previous two games, Darnold was held to only 239 yards and no scores by the Bengals. That calls into question if the Redskins and Raiders matchups were just a function of bad secondaries. This week they host the Dolphins but that doesn’t look as inviting as it once did. One plus – Robby Anderson still caught seven passes for 101 yards while all other receivers did very little.

QB Andy Dalton – Took his start and brought a win to the Bengals since they still own the worst record, just not a win-less record. With the Dolphins and both meetings with the Browns left o play, the Bengals have to decide if they want to risk that No. 1 overall pick next April.

RB Marlon Mack – Targeting this week to return. The Colt need him since the backfield is now a mess with Jordan Wilkins (11-47), Nyheim Hines (4-22, TD) and Jonathan Williams (8-14) canceling each other out in the loss to the Titans.

TE Jack Doyle – Eric Ebron landed on injured reserve and that left Doyle as the lone receiving tight end. He turned in six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. His 11 targets were more than any other Colt. And this week, he plays the Buccaneers that are ranked No. 31 versus tight ends.

QB Nick Foles – Facing the Buccaneers has been a gift for almost every opposing quarterback but Foles completed just 7-of-14 for 93 yards, with one interception and two lost fumbles by half time. He was benched so that Gardner Minshew could throw for 147 yards and one score in the second half. Now the problem is who plays in Week 14? The rookie or the $88M quarterback?

RB Ronald Jones – He was held to only eight yards on six carries while Peyton ~~Freaking~~ Barber was given 17 carries to gain 44 yards and two touchdowns. Just when you think it may be safe to trust Jones. You cannot.

WR Alshon Jeffery – Missed two games with an ankle injury but returned to post nice catches for 167 yards and a score in the loss to the Dolphins. This was the first time he’s played as well as he did in 2018. The Dolphins secondary was missing several players, so it’s likely a one-game aberration.

WR James Washington – The change to Devlin Hodges the last two weeks resulted in Washington logging 98 yards and a score at the Bengals and then 111 yards and a touchdown on Sunday versus the Browns. Even better, the Steelers face the Cardinals this week.

WR Robert Woods – He still has not caught a touchdown but he posted 95 yards in Week 10 before disappearing in Week 11 for unknown personal reasons. His return in Week 12 saw him catch six passes for 97 yards against the Ravens. On Sunday, he caught 13 passes for 172 yards. You do not need touchdowns with those sort of stats.

Cardinals backfield – The loss to the Rams meant less rushing anyway, but the backfield had Kenyan Drake, Chase Edmond, and David Johnson available. They elected to never use Edmonds, and run Drake 13 times for 31 yards and Johnson gained 15 yards on four rushes. Both Drake and Johnson caught two short passes. The remaining schedule – PIT, CLE, @SEA, and @LAR – all go against Top-12 defenses versus running backs.

QB Drew Lock – The Broncos opted to start their 2.10 pick in Lock, and the rookie responded with two touchdowns to Courtland Sutton in the first quarter. He ended with only 134 passing touchdowns and those two scores. But he helped lead the Broncos to the eventual win. He’ll need to throw in Houston and Kansas City next, but the first quarter is over and there isn’t enough there to merit any consideration.

TE Darren Waller – Led the Raiders with seven catches for 100 yards in the beatdown by the Chiefs. His nine targets were more than double anyone else and Tyrell Williams ended with only one catch for nine yards. The Raiders can no longer connect with wideouts and the top three receivers were two tight ends and the running back DeAndre Washington.

Huddle player of the week

Devante Parker – This is simply mind-blowing. Devante Parker was already the only receiver worth covering for the Dolphins but he caught seven passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Those were his first scores since Week 9 but Parker’s making the most of his opportunity after Preston Williams left in Week 10. He helped win a lot of fantasy games this week – if he was in the starting lineups.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy		Yards	TDs	Tragedy		Yards	TDs
QB	Ryan Fitzpatrick	367	3	QB	Drew Brees	184	1
RB	Raheem Mostert	154	1	RB	Aaron Jones	31	0
RB	Peyton Barber	44	2	RB	Ronald Jones	8	0
WR	Allen Lazard	103	1	WR	Odell Beckham	29	0
WR	Anthony Miller	140	0	WR	Chris Godwin	50	0
WR	Curtis Samuel	65	1	WR	Michael Thomas	48	0
TE	Tyler Higbee	107	1	TE	Hunter Henry	10	0
PK	Will Lutz	2 XP 4 FG		PK	Brett Maher	1 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 141				Huddle Fantasy Points = 29

Now get back to work…

Doug Pederson on the Eagles “self destructing”, Dolphins being a good team

Doug Pederson says the Eagles lost to a good Miami Dolphins team

[jwplayer 5UagRonx]

The Philadelphia Eagles are an optimistic bunch and even after falling to 5-7 on the season, head coach Doug Pederson believes the Birds still have a shot at the postseason.

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Pederson addressed the media after the Eagles 37-31 loss in Miami and he took credit for his team “self-destructing” after jumping out to an early lead. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 27-of-39 passes for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.

“We are still a good football team,” Pederson told the media after the loss. “It’s about what we do. We’ve “self-destructed” in a couple areas today.

Despite the Dolphins entering the game with a 2-9 record, Pederson was full of praise the struggling franchise, calling them a “good team.”

“Record does not indicate anything about them at all.”

The Eagles (5-7) remain just a game back of the Dallas Cowboys (6-6) and, still control their own destiny if they win out.

Pederson for his part will have to explain on Monday, why he abandoned the running game to pass the ball 48 times against a porous Dolphins run defense.

Now Pederson just has to figure out how to make his team just as good as the Dolphins.

Eagles fall to 5-7 after embarrassing 37-31 road loss to the Dolphins

It’s hard to have a glass-half-full mentality when you watched your team give up 37 points to a Miami Dolphins franchise in the midst of tanking. That’s exactly what happened as the Eagles fell to 5-7 on the season after an embarrassing 37-31 debacle in Miami, that saw Ryan Fitzpatrick once again shred the Philadelphia secondary.

It’s the third loss in a row for a team that still has aspirations for an NFC East title after allowing 37 points to a team that was averaging less than 15 per game.

For Miami, Ryan Fitzpatrick looked like a franchise signal-caller, going 27 of 39 for 365 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

The Eagles defense looked formidable over the past few weeks but on Sunday, they allowed 20-unanswered points in the second half, with one drive going for 96-yards.

DeVante Parker dominated the Eagles secondary, catching seven passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns while looking like a man among boys while facing the Birds secondary.

Miami’s final drive was a 13-play, 50-yard drive that took six minutes off the clock and gave the Dolphins a nine-point lead with less than three minutes remaining.

For Philadelphia, it’s a game that Carson Wentz can be proud of, as the Eagles star went 28 of 46 for 310 yards, three touchdowns and an interception on the games final play.

Fantasy football: 5 sleepers to start, 5 starters to sit in Week 13

Fantasy football Week 13 starts, sits, sleepers.

It’s crunch time in fantasy football.

A little scouting and you can avoid a crucial late-season loss or do just enough to cross the finish line with a win this week. We’ve got you covered with a quick scouting report to help you out.

Here are five sleepers to start and five starters you’ve got to sit in fantasy football Week 13:

Starts

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones. Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

QB Nick Foles

Since returning to the starting lineup, Nick Foles hasn’t won. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been productive. He’s completing 68 percent of his passes this season and has two scores and a pick in two games since returning, including a 296-yard outing. In Week 13, he’s facing the Buccaneers, the second-worst pass defense in the NFL, who’ve also allowed 26 passing scores. Because of their poor secondary, the Bucs have gotten into some shootouts this year, too. Bodes well for Foles and his decent weapons he has to work with.

RB Ronald Jones

Speaking of the Jaguars, you might want to go with Ronald Jones instead of a guy like Jameis Winston in this matchup. Jones is fresh off a productive 4.3 yards per carry (51 yards) and touchdown outing against the Falcons last week, who’ve had their fair share of defensive struggles this year. In the Jags, Jones is facing the No. 29 overall run defense, which also allows a league-worst 5.4 yards per carry and has surrendered 15 rushing scores.

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Targets, touches and touchdowns: Week 13

Thanksgiving week is upon us, and in our fantasy football universe, that means the end of the regular season and the fantasy playoffs are nigh.

Thanksgiving week is upon us, and in our fantasy football universe, that means the end of the regular season and the fantasy playoffs are nigh.

And with only one more weekend of play – and only two more waiver-claim periods – remaining in the majority of leagues before the postseason kicks off, it’s time to take stock of the fringe starters and streamers at each of the five main fantasy positions (quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and team defense) who are trending in the right directions while also owning favorable postseason slates, according to one of most useful and invaluable resources at your disposal as a Huddle member: the fantasy Strength of Schedule tool.

As a bonus, we’ll point out one potential starter at each of the five positions with a decidedly unfavorable fantasy postseason schedule to be very wary of. (Note: To correlate with the majority of leagues, we’re treating Weeks 14-16 as the fantasy postseason, and we’re utilizing non-point-per-reception Huddle Performance scoring).

QUARTERBACK

Ryan Tannehill (Titans)

Stat to know: Since taking over from Marcus Mariota as Tennessee’s starter in Week 7, Tannehill has been nothing less than fantasy’s third-best QB with 133.9 points and 13 total touchdowns, including three rushing, in five games through Sunday.

Fantasy postseason schedule: at Oakland, vs. Houston, vs. New Orleans. With the Titans owning the easiest fantasy postseason QB schedule, all three of Tennessee’s foes rank in the league’s top half in terms of most points surrendered to opposing quarterbacks, including the Raiders and Texans who are among the six most charitable.

Quick thought: Most were only expecting a slight improvement over Mariota, but Tannehill has gone above and beyond, topping 20 or more fantasy points with multiple TDs in all five of his starts and should be starting until further notice, regardless of matchup.

Baker Mayfield (Browns)

Stat to know: The Cleveland sophomore has passed for multiple TDs in each of his last three games after failing to do so even once in his first eight contests.

Fantasy postseason schedule: vs. Cincinnati, at Arizona, vs. Baltimore. The Ravens’ rapidly improved D will be tough in Week 16, but Mayfield can definitely extend his roll with tasty plus-matchups against the Bengals and Cards in Weeks 14 and 15.

Quick thought: Drafted as a QB1 following a strong second half of his rookie season, Mayfield likely was found on more waiver wires than starting lineups after tossing only seven TD passes and 12 interceptions over his first eight games, but it’s been a seven-to-one ratio since with a rushing TD thrown in. Ride the wave of redemption.

Jameis Winston (Buccaneers)

Stat to know: Winston has thrown for at least 300 yards and a TD in eight of his last nine games, including six straight.

Fantasy postseason schedule: vs. Indianapolis, at Detroit, vs. Houston. If Winston’s impressive numbers weren’t enough, the Bucs own the seventh most-favorable fantasy QB playoff itinerary with no minus-matchups.

Quick thought: Even with Winston continuing to pace the league in interceptions with 20 after tossing six over his last two outings, he’s more than making up for it with the help of two elite wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and hasn’t finished with fewer than 19.5 fantasy points in a game since Week 3.

QB to be wary of: Josh Allen (Bills) – Coming out of Sunday and his third straight 22.5-point-plus game, the second-year Allen ranks sixth among fantasy QBs in terms of total points, but the Bills have famously feasted on one of the league’s easiest schedules so far. However, looking forward, the Bills’ fantasy QB postseason slate ranks as the second-most unfavorable in the league with matchups against the Ravens, Steelers and Patriots awaiting.

RUNNING BACK

Phillip Lindsay (Broncos)

Stat to know: In the two games since the Broncos’ bye in Week 10, Lindsay has been instilled as the team’s clear lead back, logging 32 touches to Royce Freeman’s 13 and out snapping him 78-51.

Fantasy postseason schedule: at Houston, at Kansas City, vs. Detroit. With two very favorable matchups (K.C. and the Lions) and another green-light game (vs. the Texans), it projects as the easiest fantasy RB playoff itinerary in the league.

Quick thought: The Broncos’ offense, as a whole, is among the league’s worst but you can bank on Lindsay to keep running with fearlessness, and he’s gained at least 60 total yards in every game but one this season with five rushing scores.

Sony Michel (Patriots)

Stat to know: Michel has largely underwhelmed this season, but in each of the Pats’ 10 wins this season, he’s totaled at least 12 touches and/or scored a TD, averaging 10.04 fantasy points per contest.

Fantasy postseason schedule: vs. Kansas City, at Cincinnati, vs. Buffalo. The Patriots possess the third-friendliest fantasy playoff running back schedule with K.C. and Cincy both ranking among the five teams allowing the most RB fantasy points per game.

Quick thought: Even though Michel hasn’t scored a TD since Week 7, he remains the team’s clear lead back, accounting for 20 of the team’s 25 running-back rushes in Sunday’s win over Dallas. Similar to last postseason when he averaged a whopping 23.6 rushing attempts per game, the Pats could once again lean heavily on Michel down the stretch with Tom Brady and the passing game currently struggling.

Kareem Hunt (Browns)

Stat to know: Since debuting for Cleveland in Week 10 following the end of his eight-game suspension, Hunt only has 9.9 fewer PPR points than lead back Nick Chubb and ranks second on the team with 15 receptions over those three contests.

Fantasy postseason schedule: vs. Cincinnati, at Arizona, vs. Baltimore. The Browns have the seventh most-favorable fantasy RB playoff schedule.

Quick thought: Of course everyone is still going to be starting Chubb, but don’t overlook Hunt as a RB2/flex play, particularly in PPR leagues.

Running back to be wary of: Bo Scarbrough (Lions) – Scarbrough has rushed for 153 yards and a TD on 32 carries in two games since making his Detroit debut in Week 11, but the Lions own fantasy’s second-toughest fantasy playoff RB slate with matchups against the Vikings, Bucs and Broncos – all of whom rank among the 13 teams surrendering the fewest fantasy points to opposing backs.

WIDE RECEIVER

D.J. Moore (Panthers)

Stat to know: Since Week 9, no player has been targeted more than Carolina’s Moore (45 in four games) and only Saints stud wideout Michael Thomas (31) has caught more passes than Moore’s 30 during that stretch.

Fantasy postseason schedule: at Atlanta, vs. Seattle, at Indianapolis. None of three matchups are daunting in the least, making for the ninth-easiest fantasy WR slate.

Quick thought: Moore is sixth among wideouts in both targets (103) and receptions (68) on the season and has emerged as a must-start WR2 – even with uneven QB Kyle Allen at the helm.

DeVante Parker (Dolphins)

Stat to know: Since Ryan Fitzpatrick was reinstated as Miami’s starting quarterback in Week 6, Parker has totaled the 11^th-most fantasy points (PPR) among all wide receivers, reeling in 36-of-59 targets for 494 yards and three TDs.

Fantasy postseason schedule: at N.Y. Jets, at N.Y. Giants, vs. Cincinnati. This trio of opponents comprises the fourth-easiest fantasy wideout playoff schedule.

Quick thought: Parker has averaged 9.2 targets and 5.5 receptions with at least 11.9 PPR points over his last six games as the top target on a team that’s going to have to continue to pass early and often in an attempt to keep up with one of the league’s worst defenses.

Terry McLaurin (Redskins)

Stat to know: The talented rookie was tied for third among all wideouts Sunday with a season-high 12 targets, and his 638 receiving yards on the season are 393 more than any other Washington wide receiver or tight end.

Fantasy postseason schedule: at Green Bay, vs. Philadelphia, vs. N.Y. Giants. It’s the sixth easiest fantasy WR playoff slate, with the Week 15 and 16 matchups against the division-rival Eagles and Giants looking particularly promising.

Quick thought: Fellow rookie (and McLaurin’s Ohio State teammate) Dwayne Haskins is learning on the fly, and with Washington figuring to have to air it out frequently to try to keep up on the scoreboard, McLaurin looks to be a solid WR3/flex option.

Wide receiver to be wary of: Allen Robinson (Bears) – After catching only 11 passes for 107 yards and no TDs over the previous three weeks, Robinson came up big Sunday against the Giants, snaring six passes for a season-high 131 yards and a TD. It’s exactly what any team’s No. 1 wide receiver should do against one of the league’s worst secondaries, but the matchups for Robinson and struggling Chicago QB Mitch Trubisky will be infinitely tougher in the fantasy postseason with the Cowboys, Packers and Chiefs on the docket, making for the third-toughest fantasy wide receiver itinerary.

TIGHT END

Jacob Hollister (Seahawks)

Stat to know: In three games since Week 9, Hollister has caught 14-of-20 targets for 121 yards and three TDs, while averaging 14.7 PPR points per outing – the seventh-best average at the position.

Fantasy postseason schedule: at L.A. Rams, at Carolina, vs. Arizona. This projects to be the second-easiest playoff schedule for tight ends, and playing a TE against the Cardinals is a sure-fire winning fantasy strategy in any game, let alone in fantasy championship week.

Quick thought: Tight end is so thin that matchups don’t matter as much once you latch on to a reliable one, but they certainly can point you in the right direction if you’re deciding between similar options at the position in shallower leagues.

Kyle Rudolph/Irv Smith Jr. (Vikings)

Stat to know: Minnesota had a bye in Week 12, but in the five previous weeks (7 through 11), Rudolph and the rookie Smith both ranked among the top 12 tight ends in terms of total fantasy points (PPR), combining for 40 receptions (20 apiece) for 347 yards and six TDs (five for Rudolph) on 48 targets (24 each).

Fantasy postseason schedule: vs. Detroit, at L.A. Chargers, vs. Green Bay. It’s the sixth-easiest projected schedule for tight ends.

Quick thought: The Minnesota tight ends’ spike in production has coincided directly with the hamstring-injury absence of WR Adam Thielen, who could be returning in Week 13. It’s also coincided with a 4-1 run for the Vikings, who are now tied for the NFC North lead, and it’s worked so well that it’s hard to imagine Minnesota not keeping them involved in the offense.

Tight end to be wary of: Mike Gesicki (Dolphins) – The second-year Miami tight caught his first NFL TD pass Sunday and has posted a 16-169-1 combined stat line on 19 targets over his last four games. However, the third most unfavorable projected fantasy tight end schedule looms in the playoffs, so keep that in mind if you’re weighing Gesicki against similar options at the position.

TEAM DEFENSE

Houston Texans

Stat to know: Coming out of Sunday, the J.J. Watt/Jadeveon Clowney-less Texans rank 26^th among fantasy defenses on the season and rank 28^th with 23 sacks in 11 games.

Fantasy postseason schedule: vs. Denver, at Tennessee, at Tampa Bay

Quick thought: Unless you have one of the elite fantasy defenses (i.e. Patriots, 49ers and Steelers), it’s all about the matchups, and the Texans possess the second-most favorable fantasy postseason slate, which includes a game against the always-charitable Winston on championship weekend.

Baltimore Ravens

Stat to know: Entering Monday night’s game against the Rams, the Ravens had come away with two or more turnovers in five of their six previous games while allowing an average of 16 points during that stretch. Even more impressive, Baltimore had scored five defensive TDs over their last four games heading into Week 12.

Fantasy postseason schedule: at Buffalo, vs. N.Y. Jets, at Cleveland

Quick thought: The Week 15 home game against the Jets is the only extremely-favorable matchup during the stretch, but it’s not hard to imagine the Bills and Browns and their young QBs pressing and struggling to keep up with Lamar Jackson and the league’s hottest offense in the other two games.

Team D to be wary of: Chicago Bears – Chicago was fantasy’s defense to own in 2018, but as is the annual lesson that’s so tough to learn, one season’s gem is the next season’s most overdrafted and underwhelming fantasy defense as the Bears currently rank 19^th overall at the position. And now looms a fantasy-playoff stretch with not one, not two but three negative matchups in the Cowboys, Packers and Chiefs? No, and thanks.

What kind of additions do Dolphins WRs need this offseason?

The Miami Dolphins are a team generally needs talent everywhere. But just how big of a need is wide receiver?

The Miami Dolphins have needs just about everywhere on their roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball — that much is certain. Offensive tackle, quarterback, running back, interior offensive line. TE Mike Gesicki has shown some life — but generally speaking he doesn’t command targets the way you’d anticipate an alpha player (or a tight end in a New England style offensive) should. But what about the wide receiver position?

If you told a Dolphins fan four months ago that the team would potentially enter 2020 with their top four receivers being DeVante Parker, Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant and Allen Hurns, what would the reaction have been?

Probably not as favorable as what it is now. Of course, the situation is complicated by Preston Williams’ injury — but the Dolphins have to be encouraged by the promising display he put on the field for eight games this season. And with Jakeem Grant getting the chance this past weekend to remind everyone how dynamic he can be when he gets a little room to work, the Dolphins’ depth at the position seems to be just fine. Can DeVante Parker continue his career resurgence? He logged a career high in receiving yards this past week against the Bills, continuing an inspirational turnaround after nearly seeing himself shuttled out of South Florida before this season.

The Dolphins have a need at wide receiver — but it is probably much less pressing than what was first anticipated thanks to the developments we’ve seen come to life from Parker and Williams. The odd man out is probably Albert Wilson, who has caught 14 passes for 84 yards and is owed $9.5M in cash next year. Wilson hasn’t looked like his explosive self in recovering from last year’s hip injury — so if the Dolphins need to address the slot receiver position, they’ll likely be given a lot of flexibility to do so via either free agency or the draft.

But it’s not a pressing need — and certainly low on Miami’s priority list after considering the state of the rest of the roster.

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Fantasy football waiver wire targets after Week 11: These RBs could be crucial for playoffs

What to do after Marlon Mack’s injury?

It’s almost the most important time of the fantasy football season. And for those of you who are on the outside of the playoff bubble, it is the most important time. It’s when teams get eliminated and relegated to the much-dreaded consolation bracket. I, for one, cannot be consoled if I land there.

So if you’re in need of a push over the finish line, then prepare for the playoffs with a key waiver wire addition. An injury to Colts running back Marlon Mack could create significant value. And we may have witnessed a breakout game for a Lions running back not named Kerryon Johnson.

Here are eight players you should consider claiming off waivers this week.

8. Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 0%.

Patrick is probably only worth owning in keeper and dynasty formats. But he’s been an intriguing player, consistently jumping past DaeSean Hamilton on the depth chart for targets since 2018. Patrick returned from IR, and appears to be the No. 2 receiver in Denver.

7. Jay Ajayi, RB, Eagles

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 23%.

The excitement about the Ajayi signing may have gone a bit too far. Miles Sanders was the lead back against the Patriots in Week 11, and was OK without a complement in Jordan Howard. If Howard, Sanders and Ajayi are all active in a three-man committee, that will make for unhappy fantasy owners. Still, if you have a spot on your roster, Ajayi could be worth stashing.

6. Ryan Griffin, TE, Jets

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 3%.

It seems Chris Herndon has failed his backers. Griffin is the Jets’ top tight end, with five receptions, 109 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins in Week 11. If you’re in need of an option, Griffin is probably as good as any on the waiver wire.

5. Devante Parker, WR, Dolphins

ESPN: 58%. Yahoo! 45%.

He’s a well-owned player, so it’s likely he’s not available in your league. But he should be owned in all leagues. Miami is going to trail their opponents for most of the season, which means they’re going to favor the passing game for most of the season. That means that even though Parker is in a bad offense, he may get easy, garbage-time production.

4. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers

ESPN: 25%. Yahoo! 54%.

The 49ers have very few reliable fantasy football players in their lineup. Kyle Shanahan features a different running back or receiver in seemingly every game. But Deebo Samuel has been on a nice two-game run, with 16 receptions for 146 yards. He’s worth owning — and maybe even playing in a pinch.

3. Ross Dwelley, TE, 49ers

ESPN: 7%. Yahoo! 14%.

In the absence of George Kittle, Dwelley served as a touchdown magnet. He had four catches for 14 yards and two TDs. Fantasy football owners who have Kittle (or even play against Kittle) should also own Dwelley, in the event Kittle misses another week.

2. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Lions

ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.

Detroit wasn’t getting production from their who’s-who cast of running backs in recent weeks. Ty Johnson wasn’t cutting it between the tackles. But perhaps the Lions have found their running back who will serve as a holdover while Kerryon Johnson is on IR. Scarbrough, an Alabama alumnus, had 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown this week.

1. Jonathan Williams, RB, Colts

ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.

Marlon Mack said he would be OK, but it seems the doctors are saying otherwise. He appears to have suffered a fractured hand, according to NFL Network. Jonathan Williams took over after Marlon Mack left the game on Sunday. Williams was outstanding with 13 carries for 116 yards.

PODCAST: Has the Bills offense made a turnaround?

Bills Wire Buffalo Bills podcast recap of the team’s Week 11 win over the Miami Dolphins.

The Buffalo Bills went down to Miami and took care of the business, squishing the “fish”(mammals) in their second encounter of the season with a score of 37-20. It was the most points accrued by this Bills offense all season, and they shined in all aspects. Mustached Buffalo offense coordinator Brian Daboll got it done.

Despite what their record may say, Mimai was a valiant team, and had been riding high on a two-game win streak, but the Bills slowed them down. There were a few moments where the Dolphins had opportunities to take over the game, but they could not capitalize.

Miami only attempted to rush a mere 13 attempts for 23 yards, a questionable decision since rushing up the middle worked to their advantage in the first encounter.

The offense for Buffalo was essentially fan service against Miami, and the Bills social media crowd got their way. Devin Singletary was the primary running back, getting key downs and leading the rushing yardage. Quarterback Josh Allen heaved the ball around, hitting wideout John Brown for two touchdown passes, further cementing Brown’s roster spot for years to come. Brown, who many have only viewed as “just a deep ball guy” has shown that he can be the No. 1 receiver that the team has desperately needed for a long time.

Billswire Podcast Hosts Matt Johnson and Jeremy Juhasz explore the big win in Miami, and look ahead ahead toward Denver next week:

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Instant analysis: Bills offense dominant in sweep of Dolphins

The Buffalo Bills got back on the right side of the win column with a convincing 37-20 win Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

The Buffalo Bills got back on the right side of the win column with a convincing 37-20 win Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The Bills allowed Miami to stay within a reasonable distance throughout the afternoon but in reality, the game was in Buffalo’s grasp all day.

It was a solid day for Josh Allen, who just seems to thrive when facing Miami. He accounted for four touchdowns on the day–three through the air and one on the ground.

Each of the aerial scores were impressive plays. John Brown found a space along the sideline against the Dolphins’ cover-two defense and beat the safety for a 40-yard touchdown reception. Dawson Knox displayed his power on a 23-yard touchdown reception, breaking a tackle and rumbling between the center of the field to score on a play where the Dolphins sent an all-out blitz.

To seal the deal, Allen rolled to his right and found Brown for a nine-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to give the Bills a three-score lead in the final frame.

Allen ended the day 21-of-33 for 256 yards through the air. He also added 57 yards on the ground prior to the team’s victory formation.

John Brown was the big winner out wide, as he led the Bills with 137 yards receiving on nine catches. He found space all afternoon in Miami’s secondary, and Allen was decisive in getting the ball in his wideouts hands.

Buffalo’s brass made a concerted effort to get the ball in the hands of Devin Singletary. The rookie shouldered the load throughout the game and helped close out the game in the fourth quarter. Singletary ran 15 times for 75 rushing yards. It’s apparent that he will be the focal point of Buffalo’s ground attack going forward. He did fumble twice, but the Bills recovered both miscues. Still, it’s something that the Florida Atlantic product will need to clean up going forward.

Defensively, Buffalo was in Fitzpatrick’s face all afternoon. The Bills tallied seven sacks. Shaq Lawson, Jordan Phillips, Ed Oliver, Star Lotulelei, Jerry Hughes, and Corey Liuget registered sacks, while Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds split a sack.

Outside of a Devante Parker 50-yard reception, the Dolphins did not produce much on offense. Miami put up some numbers in the fourth quarter after the game was in hand, so the 323 yards allowed through the air is a bit deceiving

Parker ended up with a nice stat line, but he, along with Miami, had little to show for it. Parker reeled in seven catches for 135 yards on the day.

The Bills run defense, which was gouged the past few weeks, made progress this week. Buffalo finished with nine tackles for loss on the day, allowing only 23 yards on the ground.

Buffalo benefited from Maimi’s mistakes. The Dolphins were guilty for six accepted penalties, thwarting progress on several occasions. In addition, wide receiver Allen Hurns fumbled a reception on his own, which Jordan Poyer recovered.

The only concern on the day was the special teams unit. Jakeem Grant ran a kickoff back 101 yards at the end of the first half, a play that he outran the entire coverage unit moving from left to right. There were several players on the Bills unit who were merely diving at air. Grant would average 39.6 yards per kick return.

The unit was out-smarted on an onside kick, one in which Miami kicker Jason Sanders recovered a ground kick by himself.

While the coverage units left a little bit to be desired, the Bills had a sign of relief as Stephen Hauschka returned to form, connecting on all three of his field goal attempts in addition to four successful extra-point tries.

This was the type of game that Buffalo needed. They were the superior team on paper, and they showed it on the field. The Bills’ offensive and defensive units played an ideal game. Buffalo looks to build upon this victory next week, as they take on the Denver Broncos Sunday at New Era Field.

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Bills at Dolphins: 5 matchups to watch

The Bills will travel to Miami to face the red hot Dolphins who are coming off two wins.

The Buffalo Bills are coming off a disappointing loss on Sunday to the Cleveland Browns, after a last minute touchdown from Baker Mayfield.

The Bills now face the streaking Miami Dolphins who are coming off two unexpected wins. If the Bills can pullout the victory in Miami they can help secure themselves in one of the two Wild Card positions.

That being said, the Bills must win the games within the game to defeat Miami. Here are five matchups to watch during Bills vs. Dolphins:

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Allen vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Josh Allen has been compared to a lot of quarterbacks during his career, including two former Buffalo quarterbacks: Tyrod Taylor, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

While playing Cleveland on Sunday, Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw the ball 41 times, tying his career-high. He also threw for 266 yards, which is his career-high. That 41 attempts may seem like an outlier, but Allen and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll seem like they want to make that the norm.

During the week, Allen said that he had the “green light” to take more shots down the field. This could be an excellent week to try this new approach, Miami’s secondary is one of the worst in the NFL, allowing on average 244.9 yards per game. If Allen can take advantage of this green light it may be a long day for the Miami defense.

If there’s one quarterback in the NFL that always seems to have the green light, it’s Ryan Fitzpatrick. Bills fans remember Fitzy’s time in Buffalo, he had plenty of big moments, but just as many disappointing ones too.

Fitzpatrick has shown that same inconsistency with the Dolphins. In his first game against Buffalo he showed off his playmaking abilities. He threw for 282 yards, one touchdown, but a crucial interception in the red zone. Fitzpatrick has led the Dolphins to two straight victories, which seemed almost impossible at the beginning of the season.

If either of these two gunslingers can get their offenses on track early, it will be a tough outing for both defenses.

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