Reviewing the Colts in fantasy football in 2019

How did Colts players fare in 2019?

With a disappointing 2019 campaign behind them, the Indianapolis Colts are looking to regroup and plan ahead for 2020. There are a lot of questions ahead of this young roster, but the Colts have some playmakers that can flat out ball.

From a fantasy football perspective, many Colts may have disappointed this season but that does not mean you should sell your stock on everyone just yet. Some key players may not have lived up to their potential, but that does not mean they can’t bounce back in 2020.

Here is the full, in-depth fantasy breakdown of the Indianapolis Colts:

WR T.Y. Hilton – WR57 in 2019

An injury-riddled 2019 made many fantasy owners frustrated with Hilton. He ranked 57th among receivers this season posting only 125.1 fantasy points through 10 games played. Hilton was thought to be a second or third-round draft pick heading into this season but ultimately let a lot of team owners down.

With a full offseason to get healthy, Hilton should bounce back and be a value pick at the receiver position next year. With more stability at the quarterback position for the Colts, Hilton should find his role once again and be able to catch many more deep balls than he did in 2019.


RB Marlon Mack – RB22 in 2019

If you paid attention to the Colts at the end of the 2018 season, you knew where this offense was heading and what kind of identity they wanted to develop. This year the Colts became one of the best rushing teams in the league behind a strong offensive line and Mack.

Mack finished 22nd among running backs but still totaled 181.3 fantasy points while only playing 14 games. As the Colts’ first 1,000 yard rusher since 2007, Mack has a bright future ahead of him with the Colts.

The only knock on Mack, which present and past owners have come to realize, is that he struggles to stay healthy throughout an entire season ad play all 16 games. He is a great running back, but he seems to get injured when the team needs him the most. Mack is a borderline RB1 heading into 2020.


WR Zach Pascal – WR52 in 2019

Pascal filled in as the Colts No. 1 receiver for the second half of the season. He had a breakout campaign, but inconsistent performances left him bouncing off and on the waiver wire. Pascal managed to stay healthy for the rest of the year after missing the first two games.

He ranked 52nd among fantasy receivers and had 135.3 fantasy points on the year in 14 games. Pascal is a hard worker and really fought to have a role in this offense all season. With changes being made on offense, Pascal should have a bigger role heading into 2020.

Look for him to be a steal in the later rounds of fantasy drafts and a reliable flex/WR2 option next season.


TE Jack Doyle – TE15 in 2019

As the tight end of the foreseeable future in Indy, Doyle has become a fan and organizational favorite. He inked a three year, $21 million contract extension in early December, solidifying his role as the Colts first option at tight end.

Doyle finished the season ranking 15th among other tight ends with 111.8 fantasy points on the year. He is a middle of the pack tight end whose importance isn’t always shown in the stat line, but that may change next year with the departure of Eric Ebron.

Doyle is a low risk, late-round draft pick that is not quite ready to be a higher graded tight end like Kittle or Kelce. He has tremendous upside and is worth a spot on your roster.


WR Parris Campbell – WR125 in 2019

It is too early to tell what kind of player Parris Campbell will become. The speedster out of Ohio State had his injury-filled rookie season cut short when he was placed on IR in Week 15. He missed nine games total with foot and hand injuries.

His identity in this offense has yet to be found and Frank Reich needs to figure out where to use Campbell in his play designs. Campbell may go undrafted in 2020 fantasy drafts, but keep an eye on him as the season starts to approach as he can be very valuable if he starts to produce.


Defense/Special Teams – D/ST13

The defense for the Colts was one of the keys to success early in the season, but this unit struggled immensely down the stretch. Their inability to stop the deep ball and issues with tight ends was a problem that never really got fixed over the course of the season.

The defense ranked 13th and totaled 113 fantasy points in 2019. If this team can stop big plays and do a better job of getting after opposing quarterbacks, this unit has a promising future. Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus knows he has a lot of work to do in the offseason, but expect this Colts D to be better than ever in 2020.

Tunnel vision final for 2019

Start your week with in-depth analysis of the weekend’s key happenings, statistics and injuries.

2019 IR/Major injuries

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass / Rush TD
Dak Prescott 303 / 35 4
Ryan Fitzpatrick 320 / 15 2
Baker Mayfield 279 / 29 3
Gardner Minshew 295 / 7 3
Jared Goff 319 / 4 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Derrick Henry 211 3
Boston Scott 138 3
Damien Williams 154 2
Joe Mixon 176 2
Ezekiel Elliott 124 2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Michael Gallup 98 3
Breshad Perriman 134 1
Deebo Samuel 135 1
Hunter Renfrow 102 1
A.J. Brown 124 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Tyler Higbee 84 1
Dan Arnold 76 1
Joshua Perkins 50 1
Darren Waller 107 0
Jared Cook 44 1
Placekickers XP FG
Kai Forbath 5 4
Younghoe Koo 1 5
Justin Tucker 2 4
Josh Lambo 3 3
Brandon McManus 1 3
Defense Sck/TO TD
1
1
1
0
1

QUARTERBACK

Drew Brees
Sam Darnold
Matthew Stafford
Joe Flacco
Cam Newton
Ben Roethlisberger
Mason Rudolph

RUNNING BACK

Damien Williams
Jordan Howard
Kerryon Johnson
Derrius Guice
David Johnson
Ito Smith
Jordan Scarlett
Lamar Miller
Kalen Ballage
Isaiah Crowell
Corey Clement
Darren Sproles
Rashaad Penny
Chris Carson
Jerrick McKinnon

TIGHT END

Austin Hooper
Jared Cook
Evan Engram
Gerald Everett
Eric Ebron
Will Dissly
Delaine Walker
Vernon Davis
Jordan Reed
T.J. Hockenson
Chris Herndon
Foster Moreau

WIDE RECEIVER

A.J. Green
Davante Adams
Tyreek Hill
Sterling Shepard
Will Fuller
T.Y. Hilton
Adam Thielen
Preston Williams
John Ross
DeSean Jackson
Devin Funchess
Michael Crabtree
Calvin Ridley
Marvin Jones
Jermaine Kearse
Parris Campbell
Chester Rogers
Marquise Lee
Travis Benjamin
Quincy Enunwa
Alshon Jeffery
Mike Evans
Chris Godwin

Players held out or limited for Week 17

This is the list of why Week 17 produces league champions that are more luck than skill.

Josh Allen
Devin Singletary
John Brown
Dalvin Cook
Stephon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Kirk Cousins
Mark Ingram
Lamar Jackson
Mark Andrews
Carlos Hyde
DeAndre Hopkins
Deshaun Watson

The Huddle Awards

Draft slots were taken from the Average Draft at MyFantasyLeague. Standard performance scoring with reception points were considered.

QUARTERBACK

Best Player –   Lamar Jackson

He did not play in Week 17 and yet Jackson ended with 463.0 fantasy points, 44.6 points more than Jameis Winston (418.4) who threw for two scores in the final game. Jackson’s 36 passing touchdowns led the league and he ended with 3,127 passing yards and 1,206 rushing yards.

Runner-up:  Jameis Winston

Best Draft Pick –  Lamar Jackson, No. 15 QB Drafted

Anytime you can draft a quarterback as a back-up and he ends up with one of the best fantasy football performances of all time, then you were more than good. You were also really lucky. Yes, you were. Stop it – no one could have guessed what happened based on 2018.

Runner-up:   Dak Prescott, No. 14 QB Drafted

Best Rookie –  Kyler Murray

The rookie actually ended up as the No. 7 fantasy quarterback thanks largely to his 544 rushing yards and four scores as a runner. He threw for 3,722 yards and 20 touchdowns along the way.

Runner-up:  Daniel Jones

Worst Draft Pick –  Andrew Luck, No. 4 QB drafted

If you drafted before August 25, then you had a chance at one painful lesson about drafting less-than-healthy quarterbacks. He shocked the world and rocked every league that drafted before August 25.

Runner-up:   Baker Mayfield

Best Free Agent –  Derek Carr

He wasn’t drafted in most leagues and ended up as No. 17 among fantasy quarterbacks. Rare an undrafted quarterback ends up top ten since there are so few and at least two-thirds are always drafted.

Runner-up:  Daniel Jones

Best Game – Aaron Rodgers, Week 7 vs. OAK

48.05 FF Pts. – Rush: 2-6, TD Pass: 25-31-429, 5 TD

Runner-up: 46 FF Pts. – Deshaun Watson, Week 5 vs. ATL 

 

RUNNING BACK

Best Player –  Christian McCaffrey,   

Not even close. In PPR leagues, his 469.2 points were 150.4 points more than second-place Aaron Jones. He ran 287 times for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns and added 116 receptions for 1,005 yards and four more scores.  Cha-Ching. Every. Week.

Runner-up: Aaron Jones,  

Best Draft Pick –  Austin Ekeler, No. 32 RB Drafted

For a guy most picked up either protecting their Melvin Gordon pick or as a speculative steal from the Gordon owner, he delivered big as the No. 4 best fantasy running back and was never worse than that ranking. Ekeler ran for 557 yards and three scores plus caught 92 passes for 993 yards and eight touchdowns.

Runner-up:   Aaron Jones, No. 16 RB Drafted

Best Rookie –  Miles Sanders  

The rookie started slowly and while he ended as the No. 15 best fantasy back overall, he was the top back for the final four weeks of the fantasy season and was on almost every one of the top teams in big contests that use the final three or four weeks to crown a champion. The only question is whether the Eagles will continue with their maddening insistence on a committee when all backs are healthy.

Runner-up:   Josh Jacobs  

Worst Draft Pick –  David Johnson, No. 5 RB Drafted  

That fifth overall pick burned someone in every league imagining that they were getting the David Johnson of 2017. He was hurt and even when he wasn’t he was either in a committee or just ignored by the end of the year. Kenyan Drake may or may not sign with the Cardinals in the offseason, but Johnson is likely to be shown the door.

Runner-up:  Saquon Barkley  

Best Free Agent –  Raheem Mostert

He wasn’t drafted in almost any league and he was almost certainly on every waiver wire in Week 12 when he scored a touchdown. For six straight games, he has not stopped scoring. And he somehow emerged as the primary back despite being deep on the depth chart to start the year.

Runner-up: Kenyan Drake

Best Game – Aaron Jones, Week 5 at DAL

49.2 FF Pts. – Rush 19-107, 4 TD, Receive 7-75,

Runner-up: 47.7 FF Pts.  – Christian McCaffrey, Week 5 vs. CAR

WIDE RECEIVER

Best Player –  Michael Thomas

Yet another huge difference-maker. Thomas ended with an NFL-record 149 catches for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. His 374.6 fantasy points were 100.5 more than Chris Godwin and Julio Jones (both 274.1). Hard to imagine he could average over nine catches per game. Don’t defenses watch the game tape?

Runner-up:  Chris Godwin, Julio Jones (tied)

Best Draft Pick –  Chris Godwin, No. 18 WR Drafted

While Godwin was the No. 2 wideout in Tampa Bay (in theory), he delivered all year and spent the initial weeks as the No. 1 until the Thomas machine passed him by. His 86 catches for 1,394 yards and nine touchdowns were not bad for a guy drafted as an average WR2.

Runner-up: Cooper Kupp, No. 23 WR Drafted

Best Rookie –  A.J. Brown

We knew A.J. Brown was the talented 2.19 pick of the Titans as the fourth wideout selected.  What we did not take into account was that the poor passing attack of the Titans would change entirely in Week 7 when Ryan Tannehill took over from Marcus Mariota. He recorded four 100-yard games over the last six weeks. His 1,051 yards were the first time that a rookie hit the 1,000-yard mark since Michael Thomas.

Runner-up:   Terry McLaurin

Worst Draft Pick –  Antonio Brown No. 9 WR Drafted

Yeah, kinda makes your stomach twinge, doesn’t it? And yet you know he will be back, somehow, and then it probably all starts over.

Runner-up:   Odell Beckham

Best Free Agent –  Davante Parker

Why would you want a fifth-year wideout largely considered as a bust on a bad team? He only scored once each in 2017 and 2018. He only gained 309 yards last year. Well – he would go on to end up as the No. 11 best fantasy wideout who became better as the season progressed and other receivers fell to the wayside in Miami. Parker ended with 72 catches for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns. Oddly the same total of scores from his first four years combined.

Runner-up:  DJ Chark

Best Game – Will Fuller, Week 5 vs. ATL
53.7 FF Pts. – 14-217, 3 TD

Runner-up: 46.8 FF Pts., Sammy Watkins, Week 1 at JAC

TIGHT END

Best Player –   Travis Kelce

When you think tight ends, think Kelce. He’s merely played the least productive position and yet gained over 1,000 yards in each of the last four years. The only other tight ends with four are Rob Gronkowski and Jason Witten. Neither of them did it in four straight seasons. Next year, Kelce can own the record outright.

Runner-up: Darren Waller

Best Draft Pick –  Darren Waller, No. 23 TE drafted

Sort of a pattern going. Last year, it was Jared Cook who dominated as the only weapon for the Raiders. This year, it was Waller who ended with 90 catches for 1,145 yards and three scores.

Runner Up: Mark Anderson, No 19  TE Drafted

Best Rookie –  Noah Fant

Fant was only the No. 14 fantasy tight end but rookies almost never do much in the position and then break out in Year 2. Fant ended with 40 catches for 562 yards and two scores.

Runner-up: Dawson Knox

Worst Draft Pick –  O.J. Howard 26 – 4

Well, so much for the “yeah, but Bruce Arians never had a tight end like Howard” argument. Even before he landed on the injured reserve, he was far too risky and unproductive to consider for a fantasy start. Maybe next year! Maybe now that he knows the system and gained the trust of… stop it. This is what got us into trouble this year.

Runner-up:   Eric Ebron

Best Free Agent –  Tyler Higbee  

I keep thinking someone is punking me each time I see another box score with Higbee in it. I learned a long time ago to not overthink it and just accept when something good happens. Four years and Higbee is a nobody. Then Gerald Everett was injured in Week 12 and Cinderella ripped off four straight 100-yard efforts. This week, 84 yards and a touchdown. No idea what to do with this for 2020. Maybe just accept it?

Runner-up:   Mike Gesicki  

Best Game – Darren Waller, Week 7 vs. Oak

7-126, 2 TD

Runner-up: Zach Ertz, Week 14 vs. NYG 30.1 FF Pts.

Huddle player of the year

Christian McCaffrey –  What a difference-maker. He just turned in the second-best fantasy performance for a running back of all-time. He scored 469.2 fantasy points. The only one better was LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006 when he produced 474.3 fantasy points while scoring 31 touchdowns, totaling 2,323 yards and 56 receptions. Just when you think they cannot possibly continue to use him so much, he does more.

McCaffrey just set the NFL record with 115 catches by a running back. He beat a guy with 107 back in 2018 named Christian McCaffrey. We can only hope that the Panthers devote the draft and free agency to getting more linemen and no other running backs or receivers.

Salute!

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

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick 308 3 QB Lamar Jackson 0 0
RB Boston Scott 138 3 RB Mark Ingram 0 0
RB Mike Boone 160 1 RB Dalvin Cook 0 0
WR Breshad Perriman 134 1 WR DeAndre Hopkins 0 0
WR Michael Gallup 98 3 WR Stephon Diggs 0 0
WR Hunter Renfrow 102 1 WR John Brown 0 0
TE Dan Arnold 76 1 TE Mark Andrews 0 0
PK Kai Forbath 5 XP 4 FG PK  Ka’imi Fairbairn 2 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 175 Huddle Fantasy Points = 2

Playoff Schedule

Saturday, Jan. 4

Bills at Texans, 3:35 PM
Titans at Patriots, 7:15 PM

Sunday, Jan. 5

Vikings at Saints, 12:05 PM
Seahawks at Eagles, 3:40 PM

Byes: Chiefs, Ravens, Packers, 49ers

Thanks for giving me a few minutes of your Monday morning. Hope you enjoyed it half as much as I did.

For the 391st time since 1997…

Get back to work!

Happy New year and thanks for everything.

NFL Betting Guide – Week 17: Odds, lines, spreads, picks and best bets

Game-by-game NFL Week 17 breakdowns, with NFL betting odds, lines, predictions, picks and betting tips for each game.

[jwplayer BWhsQZ03]

Today is your last chance of the year to bet on a full slate of NFL teams. SportsbookWire’s NFL Betting Guide is at your service for Week 17; full of NFL odds, lines, spreads, game-by-game predictions, picks and best-bet selections to help you make the best NFL sports bets for the week.

Be sure to check out our top NFL Underdog Bets for Week 17, where our Ken Pomponio is 29-19 on underdog predictions with this weekly staple.

Are you looking to place a bet on any of these games? Visit BetMGM and place your bets now. Games are always more interesting when you have some skin in the game.

NFL Week 19 – Sunday, December 29, 2019

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX


Looking to place a bet any of the Week 17 NFL games? Get some action on the games or other sports at BetMGM. Sign up now!


Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants – 4:25 p.m. ET – FOX

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – 4:25 p.m. ET – FOX

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams – 4:25 p.m. ET – FOX

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – 8:20 p.m. ET – NBC

Now that you have the skinny on what to do with each game, visit BetMGM to place a bet on your favorite matchups now. For additional sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com now and for a complete set of today’s live odds, access them at USA TODAY Sports.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Fantasy Football Rankings – Week 17 – PPR Scoring

NFL fantasy football PPR rankings for Week 17 of the NFL season.

Week 17 in fantasy football leagues is upon us. It has been a wild ride, and we’re here to make sure you reach your desired destination to the winner’s circle.

We consulted with our friends at TheHuddle.com, who have been helping fantasy players just like you win their leagues for over two decades. Check out TheHuddle.com‘s top players in point-per-reception (PPR) fantasy scoring for the upcoming weekend:

Quarterback Rankings – Week 17

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports
  1. Jared Goff, LAR vs. ARI – 24.5 projected fantasy points
  2. Drew Brees, NO vs. CAR – 23.0
  3. Jameis Winston, TB vs. ATL – 23.0
  4. Daniel Jones, NYG vs. PHI – 22.5
  5. Russell Wilson, SEA vs. SF – 21.5
  6. Jimmy Garoppolo, SF vs. SEA – 21.5
  7. Carson Wentz, PHI vs. NYG – 21.5
  8. Ryan Tannehill, TEN vs. HOU – 21.0
  9. Dak Prescott, DAL vs. WAS – 21.0
  10. Matt Ryan, ATL vs. TB – 20.5
  11. Tom Brady, NE vs. MIA – 20.0
  12. Sam Darnold, NYJ vs. BUF – 20.0
  13. Philip Rivers, LAC vs. KC – 18.5
  14. Patrick Mahomes, KC vs. LAC – 18.5
  15. Kyler Murray, ARI vs. LAR – 18.5

Running Backs Rankings – Week 17

Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle – USA TODAY Sports
  1. Christian McCaffrey, CAR vs. NO – 33.0 projected points
  2. Joe Mixon, CIN vs. CLE – 29.0
  3. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL vs. WAS – 24.0
  4. Aaron Jones, GB vs. DET – 24.0
  5. Saquon Barkley, NYG vs. PHI – 22.0
  6. Devonta Freeman, ATL vs. TB – 21.0
  7. Phillip Lindsay, DEN vs. OAK – 21.0
  8. Alvin Kamara, NO vs. CAR – 20.0
  9. Kenyan Drake, ARI vs. LAR – 19.0
  10. Nick Chubb, CLE vs. CIN – 19.0
  11. Miles Sanders, PHI vs. NYG – 19.0
  12. James White, NE vs. MIA – 18.0
  13. Todd Gurley, LAR vs. ARI – 18.0
  14. Derrick Henry, TEN vs. HOU – 17.0
  15. Kareem Hunt, CLE vs. CIN – 17.0
  16. Marlon Mack, IND vs. JAC – 17.0
  17. Ronald Jones, TB vs. ATL – 17.0
  18. Adrian Peterson, WAS vs. DAL – 16.0
  19. Le’Veon Bell, NYJ vs. BUF – 16.0
  20. Latavius Murray, NO vs. CAR – 16.0
  21. Raheem Mostert, SF vs. SEA – 16.0
  22. Damien Williams, KC vs. LAC – 15.0
  23. Melvin Gordon, LAC vs. KC – 15.0
  24. Carlos Hyde, HOU vs. TEN – 14.0
  25. Gus Edwards, BAL vs. PIT – 14.0
  26. Devin Singletary, BUF vs. NYJ – 14.0

Need help with your fantasy football team? TheHuddle.com has your back. This year it’s your turn to win! Subscribe now; use code “sbw25” to TAKE $25 OFF. Valid for first-time subscribers through 12/31/19.


Wide Receivers Rankings – Week 17

Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle – USA TODAY Sports
  1. Michael Thomas, NO vs. CAR – 28.0
  2. Breshad Perriman, TB vs. ATL – 23.0
  3. Davante Adams, GB vs. DET – 22.0
  4. A.J. Brown, TEN vs. HOU – 22.0
  5. Deebo Samuel, SF vs. SEA – 21.0
  6. Keenan Allen, LAC vs. KC – 20.0
  7. Allen Robinson, CHI vs. MIN – 20.0
  8. DK Metcalf, SEA vs. SF – 20.0
  9. Robert Woods, LAR vs. ARI – 19.0
  10. Steven Sims Jr., WAS vs. DAL – 19.0
  11. Jamison Crowder, NYJ vs. BUF – 18.0
  12. Courtland Sutton, DEN vs. OAK – 18.0
  13. Julian Edelman, NE vs. MIA – 17.0
  14. Robby Anderson, NYJ vs. BUF – 17.0
  15. Justin Watson, TB vs. ATL – 17.0
  16. Cole Beasley, BUF vs. NYJ – 16.0
  17. DeAndre Hopkins, HOU vs. TEN – 16.0
  18. Amari Cooper, DAL vs. WAS – 16.0
  19. Cooper Kupp, LAR vs. ARI – 16.0
  20. Golden Tate, NYG vs. PHI – 15.0
  21. Julio Jones, ATL vs. TB – 15.0
  22. Darius Slayton, NYG vs. PHI – 14.0
  23. Chris Conley, JAC vs. IND – 13.0
  24. Stefon Diggs, MIN vs. CHI – 13.0
  25. Tyler Boyd, CIN vs. CLE – 13.0
  26. Jarvis Landry, CLE vs. CIN – 12.0
  27. Mike Williams, LAC vs. KC – 12.0
  28. N’Keal Harry, NE vs. MIA – 12.0
  29. Sterling Shepard, NYG vs. PHI – 11.0
  30. Greg Ward, PHI vs. NYH – 11.0
  31. Hunter Renfrow, OAK vs. DEN – 11.0
  32. Kelvin Harmon, WAS vs. DAL – 11.0
  33. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI vs. LAR – 10.0

Tight Ends Rankings – Week 17

Photo Credit: Steven Bisig – USA TODAY Sports
  1. Tyler Higbee, LAR vs. ARI – 22.0 projected fantasy points
  2. Darren Waller, OAK vs. DEN – 21.0
  3. George Kittle, SF vs. SEA – 21.0
  4. Jared Cook, NO vs. CAR – 20.0
  5. Travis Kelce, KC vs. LAC – 19.0
  6. Jacob Hollister, SEA vs. SF – 19.0
  7. Dallas Goedert, PHI vs. NYG – 19.0
  8. Austin Hooper, ATL vs. TB – 15.0
  9. Jason Witten, DAL vs. WAS – 13.0
  10. Hayden Hurst, BAL vs. PIT – 13.0
  11. Jonnu Smith, TEN vs. HOU – 11.0
  12. O.J. Howard, TB vs. ATL – 9.0
  13. Mike Gesicki, MIA vs. NE – 9.0
  14. Kyle Rudolph, MIN vs. CHI – 8.0

Place Kickers Rankings – Week 17

  1. Mason Crosby, GB vs. DET – 12.0 projected fantasy points
  2. Nick Folk, NE vs. MIA – 12.0
  3. Greg Zuerlein, LAR vs. ARI – 12.0
  4. Wil Lutz, NO vs. CAR – 12.0
  5. Brandon McManus, DEN vs. OAK – 11.0
  6. Jason Myers, SEA vs. SF – 11.0
  7. Jake Elliott, PHI vs. NYG – 11.0
  8. Younghoe Koo, ATL vs. TB – 11.0
  9. Austin Seibert, CLE vs. CIN – 11.0
  10. Daniel Carlson, OAK vs. DEN – 10.0
  11. Eddy Pineiro, CHI vs. MIN – 10.0
  12. Robbie Gould, SF vs. SEA – 9.0
  13. Aldrick Rosas, NYG vs. PHI – 9.0
  14. Harrison Butker, KC vs. LAC – 9.0

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Defensive Team Rankings – Week 17

  1. Chiefs, KC vs. LAC – 14.0 projected fantasy points
  2. Patriots, NE vs. MIA – 13.0
  3. 49ers, SF vs. SEA – 10.0
  4. Saints, NO vs. CAR – 10.0
  5. Packers, GB vs. DET – 9.0
  6. Rams, LAR vs. ARI – 8.0
  7. Broncos, DEN vs. OAK – 8.0
  8. Buccaneers, TB vs. ATL – 7.0
  9. Vikings, MIN vs. CHI – 7.0
  10. Giants, NYG vs. PHI – 7.0
  11. Steelers, PIT vs. BAL – 7.0
  12. Colts, IND vs. JAC – 7.0
  13. Ravens, BAL vs. PIT – 6.0

Looking for more in-depth, winning fantasy football coverage? Join TheHuddle.com now and TAKE $25 OFF typical rates with the code sbw25. Offer valid through 12/31/2019 for first-time subscribers.

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Start/bench list: Week 17

In the regular-season finale, some fantasy football leagues are still playing for a championship.

(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters.

All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS
RUNNING BACKS
WIDE RECEIVERS
Player
Opp
Player
Opp
Player
Opp
BEST BETS
BEST BETS
BEST BETS
Jared Goff
ARI
C. McCaffrey
NO
Michael Thomas
@CAR
Drew Brees
@CAR
Aaron Jones
@DET
Davante Adams
@DET
GREAT STARTS
Saquon Barkley
PHI
GREAT STARTS
Ryan Tannehill
@HOU
Ezekiel Elliott
WAS
Robert Woods
ARI
Daniel Jones
PHI
GREAT STARTS
A. Robinson II
@MIN
SOLID STARTERS
Alvin Kamara
@CAR
A.J. Brown
@HOU
Patrick Mahomes
LAC
Kenyan Drake
@LAR
Deebo Samuel
@SEA
Dak Prescott
WAS
Joe Mixon
CLE
Tyreek Hill
LAC
Matt Ryan
@TB
Todd Gurley II
ARI
Cooper Kupp
ARI
Tom Brady
MIA
SOLID STARTERS
Julio Jones
@TB
Russell Wilson
SF
Justice Hill
PIT
SOLID STARTERS
Jimmy Garoppolo
@SEA
Austin Ekeler
@KC
Keenan Allen
@KC
Jameis Winston
ATL
Kareem Hunt
@CIN
DK Metcalf
SF
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Marlon Mack
@JAC
B. Perriman
ATL
Drew Lock
OAK
Ronald Jones II
ATL
Anthony Miller
@MIN
Sam Darnold
@BUF
Adrian Peterson
@DAL
Kenny Stills
TEN
Philip Rivers
@KC
Le’Veon Bell
@BUF
N’Keal Harry
MIA
M. Trubisky
@MIN
Latavius Murray
@CAR
S. Shepard
PHI
Carson Wentz
@NYG
Raheem Mostert
@SEA
Greg Ward
@NYG
Deshaun Watson
TEN
Damien Williams
LAC
Hunter Renfrow
@DEN
Baker Mayfield
@CIN
M. Gordon III
@KC
Michael Gallup
WAS
Aaron Rodgers
@DET
Carlos Hyde
TEN
Tyler Boyd
CLE
Kyler Murray
@LAR
Gus Edwards
PIT
Jarvis Landry
@CIN
R. Griffin III
PIT
Tarik Cohen
@MIN
DeAndre Hopkins
TEN
Jacoby Brissett
@JAC
Derrick Henry
@HOU
Amari Cooper
WAS
Josh Allen
NYJ
Nick Chubb
@CIN
Golden Tate
PHI
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Miles Sanders
@NYG
Steven Sims Jr.
@DAL
Derek Carr
@DEN
James White
MIA
Jamison Crowder
@BUF
Kirk Cousins
CHI
Devonta Freeman
@TB
C. Sutton
OAK
Will Grier
NO
Phillip Lindsay
OAK
Julian Edelman
MIA
G. Minshew II
IND
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Robby Anderson
@BUF
Andy Dalton
CLE
Nyheim Hines
@JAC
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
R. Fitzpatrick
@NE
Marshawn Lynch
SF
Darius Slayton
PHI
Devlin Hodges
@BAL
Rex Burkhead
MIA
Chris Conley
IND
David Blough
GB
D. Montgomery
@MIN
Stefon Diggs
CHI
Case Keenum
@DAL
Sony Michel
MIA
DeVante Parker
@NE
TIGHT ENDS
Chris Thompson
@DAL
Curtis Samuel
NO
L. Fournette
IND
T.Y. Hilton
@JAC
Player
Opp
Ryquell Armstead
IND
Justin Watson
ATL
BEST BETS
Travis Homer
SF
Cole Beasley
NYJ
Tyler Higbee
ARI
Ameer Abdullah
CHI
Adam Thielen
CHI
George Kittle
@SEA
Jonathan Williams
@JAC
Allen Hurns
@NE
Travis Kelce
LAC
Mike Boone
CHI
Tyler Lockett
SF
GREAT STARTS
Devin Singletary
NYJ
Tyrell Williams
@DEN
Darren Waller
@DEN
DeAndre Washington
@DEN
J. Washington
@BAL
Jared Cook
@CAR
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Marquise Brown
PIT
SOLID STARTERS
Jamaal Williams
@DET
E. Sanders
@SEA
O.J. Howard
ATL
Peyton Barber
ATL
John Brown
NYJ
Mike Gesicki
@NE
Patrick Laird
@NE
Willie Snead IV
PIT
Hunter Henry
@KC
Myles Gaskin
@NE
O. Beckham Jr.
@CIN
Jacob Hollister
SF
Benny Snell Jr.
@BAL
Kenny Golladay
GB
Dallas Goedert
@NYG
LeSean McCoy
LAC
J. Smith-Schuster
@BAL
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Jordan Howard
@NYG
DJ Chark Jr.
IND
Greg Olsen
NO
Darwin Thompson
LAC
Russell Gage
@TB
Noah Fant
OAK
Frank Gore
NYJ
Danny Amendola
GB
Austin Hooper
@TB
Kerryon Johnson
GB
Kelvin Harmon
@DAL
Jason Witten
WAS
Bo Scarbrough
GB
L. Fitzgerald
@LAR
Hayden Hurst
PIT
Jaylen Samuels
@BAL
Corey Davis
@HOU
Jonnu Smith
@HOU
DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Dede Westbrook
IND
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Mike Williams
@KC
Vance McDonald
@BAL
Team
Opp
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
R. Seals-Jones
@CIN
BEST BETS
Jakobi Meyers
MIA
Kaden Smith
PHI
Chiefs
LAC
J. Arcega-Whiteside
@NYG
Dawson Knox
NYJ
Saints
@CAR
Mecole Hardman
LAC
Jimmy Graham
@DET
GREAT STARTS
Chris Hogan
NO
Jack Doyle
@JAC
Patriots
MIA
John Ross
CLE
Kyle Rudolph
CHI
Packers
@DET
Tim Patrick
OAK
Tyler Eifert
CLE
SOLID STARTERS
Christian Kirk
@LAR
Ravens
PIT
D. Hamilton
OAK
Falcons
@TB
Allen Lazard
@DET
Steelers
@BAL
Mohamed Sanu
MIA
Colts
@JAC
Randall Cobb
WAS
Rams
ARI
Bisi Johnson
CHI
Broncos
OAK
D. Thomas
@BUF
49ers
@SEA
Sammy Watkins
LAC
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS
Titans
@HOU
Browns
@CIN
Jets
@BUF
Cowboys
WAS
Bears
@MIN
Giants
PHI
Vikings
CHI
Buccaneers
ATL
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Bengals
CLE
Eagles
@NYG
Panthers
NO
Lions
GB
Chargers
@KC
Dolphins
@NE
Cardinals
@LAR
Raiders
@DEN
Jaguars
IND
Seahawks
SF
Bills
NYJ
Texans
TEN
Redskins
@DAL

Fantasy football owners are stunned after NFL stat correction changes championship games

This is pretty wild.

It’s the nightmare scenario that no fantasy football owner wants to deal with: the NFL stat correction that swings what was a nail-biter of a victory or loss days after the outcome of the matchup was apparently decided.

It’s happened before — remember when Ezekiel Elliott’s fumble turned out not to be one? That changed a bunch of playoff matchups in 2018.

This time, the NFL made a late correction on a play involving the Baltimore Ravens’ defense and the Cleveland Browns.

With just over two minutes left in the second quarter, Baker Mayfield tossed the ball back to RB Kareem Hunt, who was tackled deep in the backfield. Days later, the NFL declared that it was a sack and not a tackle for a loss:

That meant some fantasy owners woke up earlier this week and found out they had either won or lost:

Brutal for those who lost, miraculous for those who won because of it … but it happens.

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Miles Teller deserves the award for best celebrity fantasy football owner

He won two leagues and came in second in another.

As fantasy football leagues wrap up across the country, champions are being crowned and losers everywhere are learning to walk it off and come back stronger next year.

Among those who has earned an entire year’s worth of bragging rights, famous guy Miles Teller.  According to ESPN’s fantasy guru Matthew Berry, Teller, who’s set to star in next year’s Ton Gun sequel, won two very competitive fantasy leagues and finished second in another one.

That’s a very good year! According to Berry, Teller won the ESPN Fantasy Focus celebrity league and the super secret, super famous Bloodsport league and came in second in the AGBO Superhero League, which features about a trillion Marvel stars.

For the record, the winner of the AGBO league, where players competed for different charities, was Chris Hemsworth, who earned a whopping $19,000 for the Australian Childhood Foundation as a champion. Teller, even though he came in second, earned a cool $20,000 donated by AGBO films towards the National Mental Health Alliance.

Winning one championship is hard enough, but Teller has won two and finished second in another, which leaves one very important question that needs to be asked: How much time, exactly, is Teller devoting to fantasy football? It sounds like a lot. Still, he’s apparently very good at it, and, unless other famous people come forward to challenge him,  he is currently the best celebrity fantasy football owner.

Teller’s win also leaves another pressing question that the commissioner of these leagues might be able to answer. Namely, is there a last place penalty? And if so, what is it?  Punishments for some leagues can be pretty outlandish, so here’s hoping we see a celebrity playfully humiliating themselves on social media soon.

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Should you consider Marshawn Lynch for your fantasy championship? 

Beast Mode makes his return.

A majority of fantasy football leagues are over but if you do a two-week semi-final and final you may find yourself setting your lineup in Week 17. You probably do not have a lot of lineup questions but with injuries late in the season and teams benching starters this could be a week you have to add somebody.

At running back the waiver wire is probably very scarce, but there is a returning star to the league that might just be your ticket to a title. Look no further than Marshawn Lynch.

“Beast Mode” came out of retirement on Monday to play for Seattle in their playoff run. Lynch retired after the 2018 will come back once again returning to the Seahawks who he spent time with from 2010-2015.

The Seahawks won Super Bowl 48 with Lynch and almost won Super Bowl 49 with him as well, if only they had handed it to him on the goal line. Lynch’s return has sparked a lot of conversation of whether he has gotten over his past tenure in Seattle.

There is no doubt however the fans and players will appreciate having their tough, dynamic running back returning as multiple running backs went out last week for Seattle. Chris Carson fracturing his hip left many fantasy owners wondering who to put in his place.

Could the answer be Lynch? Well it depends how deep your bench is. If you’re leaning towards a possible flex option for Lynch it’s probably safer to plug in a secondary receiver. Lynch could fill in as an adequate RB2 if he can be productive, but that is a big if.

This game has so much significance because Seattle can win the division with a win over San Francisco. Lynch will have to be the power runner he has always been in order to make an impact against this talented defensive line.

In the end Lynch will be a great addition to the Seahawks but might not be a great addition to your fantasy team. Its hard to believe he is still in football shape and it may take him a couple games to get back into form. He is not worth the risk unless you’re in need of a last resort.

Week 17 fantasy football studs, duds and sleepers: Don’t start Marshawn Lynch

If you play in Week 17, here are your starts and sits.

Week 17 of the 2019 NFL season is here, and although most fantasy football leagues have wrapped up, there are a few who play their postseasons into Week 17, which presents a huge challenge when a bunch of players might sit out or play for limited time because their teams have clinched postseason spots.

As always, we’re here to help with your weekly decisions with our fantasy lineup advice. Each week, we give you the studs (players with plus matchups due to the defense they’re facing or their team situation), duds (players with tougher matchups or who are in muddled roster situations at the moment) and sleepers (a player you might consider starting who could be in for a big week).

Here are the names we’ve got for Week 17, and as we always say, good luck!!

Studs

 (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)

QB Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

Even with just one touchdown last week against the Cowboys, he went over the 300-yard mark and didn’t turn the ball over once. Now he gets the Giants, who he shredded for 325 yards and two touchdowns in Week 14.

RB Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts

Since returning from injury, he struggled … until last week, when he score once and put together a 95-yard game. The Jaguars are the fifth-worst team against the run, so fire him up.

WR Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos

See below with his quarterback. The Raiders are a great matchup, and even though the production has taken a bit of a hit, the targets (20 in the past two weeks) are still there, which is promising.

TE Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

If Zach Ertz doesn’t play, he’s immediately a TE1.

Duds

(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) 

QB Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

He’s been just meh in his past three games — one of which was an exploitable matchup against the Lions — and the Bears could present a problem.

RBs Marshawn Lynch, Travis Homer, Seattle Seahawks

You may be tempted to play Beast Mode in his return to Seattle, but the 49ers are in a must-win for playoff positioning in Week 17, and who knows if Lynch or Homer or even Robert Turbin gets the bulk of the snaps for the Hawks.

WR Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers

He stepped up after the bye and had three straight sold days, but for anyone in a league that had a Week 16 championship game, he had just 51 yards. Now he faces a tough Chiefs defense.

TE Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins

Let this serve as a placeholder for Dolphins players who face the Patriots. New England is looking for a first-round bye, so the defense will be motivated to play its best.

Sleepers

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

QB Drew Lock, Denver Broncos

He fits the description of “start anyone against the Raiders.”

RB Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals

He might not belong here and in the “studs,” but whatever — he’s thrown together two incredible weeks of production, finding paydirt six times and rushing for over 300 yards. And the Rams aren’t particularly good at stopping the run.

WR Darius Slayton, New York Giants

I like the matchup (the Eagles, as you know, are porous against the pass) and the storyline (the Giants might be motivated to play spoiler against their NFC East rival who are looking to clinch the division). Last week’s goose egg on two targets isn’t helpful, but he was still a favorite target of Daniel Jones before the rookie QB went down with an injury.

TE O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Since Week 13, he hasn’t had a game with under 46 yards. That’s promising!

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The Vikings’ Mike Boone had a chance to be a fantasy legend. It did not go well.

Mike Boone was given the keys to the Vikings offense and fantasy owners around the world put their faith in him. It ended disastrously.

On Monday night, thousands of fantasy football championships came down to an unfamiliar name — Mike Boone.

Following injuries to Vikings running backs Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, Minnesota turned to Boone, an undrafted running back, to lead their backfield.

With really no one else to take touches from him, Boone became very attractive, and a name that was widely available heading into the championship. For owners that had Cook, or were looking for a flex play that could pay big dividends, Boone was essentially a must-add.

Numerous fantasy analysts hyped him as a top-10 running back, someone who could grab multiple touchdowns and win you a league.

With all of Sunday’s games completed, the fantasy world tuned in Monday night to see if Boone would deliver and instantly become a fantasy football legend.

Boone did not deliver. Boone did not instantly become a fantasy football legend. Boone finished with 28 yards on 11 carries, and no touchdowns. He tacked on one reception for five yards.

…That was it.

Fantasy owners did not take this well.

Dry your tears, Mike Boone owners. There’s always next year.

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