Russell Gage recorded just six catches for 63 yards as a rookie but topped both totals in Sunday’s game, finishing with eight catches for 76 yards.
After trading Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots, the Falcons needed to find someone on offense to fill his role as the team’s slot receiver.
Tight end Austin Hooper, who’s having a breakout season, injured his knee a few weeks ago. This has opened the door for second-year WR Russell Gage, Atlanta’s sixth-round pick from the 2018 draft. Gage recorded just six catches for 63 yards as a rookie. In Sunday’s loss to the Bucs, he finished with a career-high eight catches for 76 yards.
Gage has 21 catches over the past four games. With the Falcons extremely dinged up at tight end, defenses aren’t going to take their eyes off of Calvin Ridley or Julio Jones.
That means Gage will have a chance to develop a role in this offense over the final five weeks of the season. The fantasy football world has noticed, too. In Pat Yasinskas of TD Wire’s 9 fantasy sleepers for Week 13 feature, Gage was the first player mentioned:
Gage could be a good player to start in the Thanksgiving night game with the Saints. He gradually has taken on a bigger role in the offense because so much defensive attention goes to Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Gage had eight catches for 76 yards in Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay. He should play a bigger role going forward.
Gage’s production was anticipated after the team traded Sanu, though, and we know Ryan likes to spread the ball around.
There’s no reason he shouldn’t continue to get around five catches per game and improve on his yardage totals. Don’t surprised if Gage has another career game on Thanksgiving night against the Saints.
Fantasy football wavier wire claims ahead of Week 13 of the NFL season.
Need a fresh face for your fantasy football roster this week?
It’s never too late for a few extra points to add to your win column.
Here are seven waiver wire claims to make in fantasy football ahead of Week 13:
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
QB Sam Darnold
Another week, another 34 points, another addition of Sam Darnold on the waiver wire player to pick up list. Folks still aren’t pick up on Darnold, but he’s now a huge add and immediately start with the Bengals en route. It’s easy to envision the Jets and Darnold not putting up 34 point for the fourth-straight game, that’s because they have a look at surpassing that, easily. In those three games, he has seven touchdowns, one interception and 838 passing yards. He should stay out of the tabloids, though.
Game-by-game NFL Week 13 Thanksgiving Day game breakdowns, with NFL betting odds, lines, predictions, picks and betting tips for each game.
Happy Thanksgiving, sports fans.
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The bottom of the NFC North meet to kick off the Week 13 action. The Lions, a home underdog, have plenty of backups in their lineup, while the Bears continue to search for ways to solve their offensive woes.
The Cowboys, barely hanging onto the NFC East lead, just had a painful loss at the hands of the Patriots, while the surprising Bills continue to find ways to win and push toward a playoff spot. Despite their records, Dallas enters this as a solid favorite.
The Falcons shocked the Saints, who are heavily favored in this game, just a few weeks ago. Will lightning strike twice for Atlanta against the NFC South leading Saints?
Now that you have the skinny on what to do with each game, visit BetMGM to place a bet on your favorite match ups now. Don’t miss out on BetMGM’s special Thanksgiving NFL prop bet, too!
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
Check out the final installment of our 2019 of fantasy football season-long rankings.
(Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports)
NOTE: These player rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation. The scoring system is performance PPR.
There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work. Defensive teams have been added but will not have analysis.
This is the final installment of 2019.
QUARTERBACKS
Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Patrick Mahomes
KC
12
2
Lamar Jackson
BAL
8
3
Russell Wilson
SEA
11
4
Dak Prescott
DAL
8
5
4
Deshaun Watson
HOU
10
6
Aaron Rodgers
GB
11
7
Kyler Murray
ARI
12
8
9
Drew Brees
NO
9
9
Matt Ryan
ATL
9
10
Kirk Cousins
MIN
12
11
Jameis Winston
TB
7
12
11
Tom Brady
NE
10
13
18
Baker Mayfield
CLE
7
14
Carson Wentz
PHI
10
15
Josh Allen
BUF
6
16
23
Jimmy Garoppolo
SF
4
17
25
Ryan Tannehill
TEN
11
18
Derek Carr
OAK
6
19
Daniel Jones
NYG
11
20
19
Ryan Fitzpatrick
MIA
5
21
16
Jacoby Brissett
IND
6
22
Philip Rivers
LAC
12
23
17
Jared Goff
LAR
9
24
Sam Darnold
NYJ
4
25
39
Andy Dalton
CIN
9
26
Kyle Allen
CAR
7
27
Nick Foles
JAC
10
28
21
M. Stafford
DET
5
29
30
Mitchell Trubisky
CHI
6
30
Jeff Driskel
DET
5
31
Brandon Allen
DEN
10
32
Dwayne Haskins
WAS
10
33
NR
Devlin Hodges
PIT
7
34
35
Gardner Minshew
JAC
10
35
29
Mason Rudolph
PIT
7
36
40
Drew Lock
DEN
10
37
Chase Daniel
CHI
6
38
Marcus Mariota
TEN
11
39
Josh Rosen
MIA
5
40
Case Keenum
WAS
10
QUARTERBACK MOVEMENT
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
This is the final re-ranking column for the year, so expect more tweaks and projections than usual since future adjustments won’t be happening. Let’s start with Stafford (back), who missed a third consecutive game. The loss to the Redskins makes the rest of the year academic — and quite honestly it’s better for Detroit to lose and improve their draft slot. I don’t care how “maniacal” Stafford is about returning this season, the team needs to step in and tell him to get healthy for 2020. I’m guessing that’s what happens and moving him down. Jeff Driskel has been all right, but Sunday was brutal.
Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams
I’ve seen enough of Goff and the 2019 Rams offense. The former No. 1 pick finished November with ZERO touchdown passes and five interceptions. Yes, he faced three tough defenses, but he had Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks and Todd Gurley out there Monday night and looked lost. It would not surprise me if an “injured” Goff gives way to Blake Bortles at some point.
Others of note
Everyone in my top five has, on paper, a very tough closing schedule except Russell Wilson. There are no adjustments coming from that, but I thought it was worth pointing out … Baker Mayfield has looked much better recently and still has two games with the Bengals and one with Arizona on the schedule. He could have some nice QB1 numbers down the stretch … Same deal with Ryan Tannehill, who has played better than expected and faces some struggling secondaries in December … Ryan Finley has been pulled for Andy Dalton; I don’t think the Red Rifle is playable, but he should help guys like Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd carry more value … One other switch of note is Mason Rudolph giving way to Devlin Hodges. That’s not a great situation for anyone involved in the Steelers passing game.
RUNNING BACKS
Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Christian McCaffrey
CAR
7
2
Dalvin Cook
MIN
12
3
5
Alvin Kamara
NO
9
4
Ezekiel Elliott
DAL
8
5
8
Nick Chubb
CLE
7
6
Saquon Barkley
NYG
11
7
4
Aaron Jones
GB
11
8
Josh Jacobs
OAK
6
9
Leonard Fournette
JAC
10
10
13
Derrick Henry
TEN
11
11
Le’Veon Bell
NYJ
4
12
Melvin Gordon III
LAC
12
13
9
Chris Carson
SEA
11
14
Mark Ingram II
BAL
8
15
11
Todd Gurley II
LAR
9
16
Phillip Lindsay
DEN
10
17
Carlos Hyde
HOU
10
18
Joe Mixon
CIN
9
19
Austin Ekeler
LAC
12
20
28
Devonta Freeman
ATL
9
21
27
Devin Singletary
BUF
6
22
Kenyan Drake
ARI
12
23
17
James Conner
PIT
7
24
Damien Williams
KC
12
25
Sony Michel
NE
10
26
30
Miles Sanders
PHI
10
27
19
Jordan Howard
PHI
10
28
22
James White
NE
10
29
23
Tevin Coleman
SF
4
30
NR
Jonathan Williams
IND
6
31
34
Matt Breida
SF
4
32
29
David Montgomery
CHI
6
33
Ronald Jones II
TB
7
34
46
Bo Scarbrough
DET
5
35
Latavius Murray
NO
9
36
Kareem Hunt
CLE
7
37
Jamaal Williams
GB
11
38
Duke Johnson
HOU
10
39
44
Tarik Cohen
CHI
6
40
Chase Edmonds
ARI
12
41
45
Frank Gore
BUF
6
42
51
Rashaad Penny
SEA
11
43
Derrius Guice
WAS
10
44
NR
Benny Snell
PIT
7
45
41
Kalen Ballage
MIA
5
46
Peyton Barber
TB
7
47
40
Royce Freeman
DEN
10
48
47
Adrian Peterson
WAS
10
49
Alexander Mattison
MIN
12
50
32
David Johnson
ARI
12
51
Nyheim Hines
IND
6
52
LeSean McCoy
KC
12
53
NR
Gus Edwards
BAL
8
54
Tony Pollard
DAL
8
55
Raheem Mostert
SF
4
56
38
Jaylen Samuels
PIT
7
57
Giovani Bernard
CIN
9
58
Malcolm Brown
LAR
9
59
53
Brian Hill
ATL
9
60
NR
Ty Johnson
DET
5
61
Marlon Mack
IND
6
62
NR
Jay Ajayi
PHI
10
63
Ryquell Armstead
JAC
10
64
56
Darrell Henderson
LAR
9
65
Darrel Williams
KC
12
66
Jalen Richard
OAK
6
67
Chris Thompson
WAS
10
68
Reggie Bonnafon
CAR
7
69
Justin Jackson
LAC
12
70
Dion Lewis
TEN
11
RUNNING BACK MOVEMENT
Arizona Cardinals
Chase Edmonds (hamstring) is expected to return in Week 13, but all signs point to this being Kenyan Drake’s job with Edmonds and perhaps David Johnson sprinkled in. We’ll know more after Sunday, but I’m left to speculate without ever seeing the Cardinals take the field with all three backs healthy. My final read is Drake as an RB2, Edmonds as a flex and Johnson as someone to hold in reserve just in case there are injuries or the Cardinals change course.
Indianapolis Colts
A week ago I thought Jordan Wilkins (ankle) would be the back to own with Marlon Mack (hand) out. No more. Jonathan Williams broke off a second consecutive 100-plus-yard performance, and I’d be shocked if the Colts didn’t keep feeding him the ball. As such, Williams is in as an RB3 with Wilkins departing the rankings — I don’t see him getting more than a few touches. There’s still no timeline on Mack, who I’ve dropped toward the bottom, though I wouldn’t get rid of him just yet.
Pittsburgh Steelers
There isn’t much news relating to James Conner (shoulder) and his injury, but one thing was made clear in Week 12: Benny Snell is the preferred backup over Jaylen Samuels. The only caveat to that is Samuels’ best game came in Hodges’ lone start, and he’s taking the reins going forward.
[lawrence-related id=447172]
Others of note
It sounds like Devonta Freeman (foot) could play on Thanksgiving, and after getting nothing out of Brian Hill as a starter I’m sure the Falcons are anxious to have Freeman back on the field … Anyone else mildly concerned about Chris Carson’s fumbling problems? I wonder if that’ll crack open the door for Rashaad Penny, who was good against the Eagles … Kareem Hunt’s return hasn’t impacted Nick Chubb at all, and better play from Mayfield should open things up for Chubb, who has earned a top-five slot … Bo Scarborough has looked decent, and the Lions don’t want to throw a million times if it’s Driskel instead of Stafford.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Michael Thomas
NO
9
2
DeAndre Hopkins
HOU
10
3
Julio Jones
ATL
9
4
Mike Evans
TB
7
5
Tyreek Hill
KC
12
6
Chris Godwin
TB
7
7
6
Davante Adams
GB
11
8
9
Julian Edelman
NE
10
9
Amari Cooper
DAL
8
10
Stefon Diggs
MIN
12
11
16
D.J. Moore
CAR
7
12
Adam Thielen
MIN
12
13
13
Tyler Lockett
SEA
11
14
11
Kenny Golladay
DET
5
15
Keenan Allen
LAC
12
16
John Brown
BUF
6
17
10
Cooper Kupp
LAR
9
18
14
Odell Beckham Jr.
CLE
7
19
32
Tyler Boyd
CIN
9
20
DJ Chark Jr.
JAC
10
21
29
T.Y. Hilton
IND
6
22
Calvin Ridley
ATL
9
23
18
Courtland Sutton
DEN
10
24
Christian Kirk
ARI
12
25
30
Jarvis Landry
CLE
7
26
Robert Woods
LAR
9
27
Michael Gallup
DAL
8
28
22
Golden Tate
NYG
11
29
26
Marvin Jones Jr.
DET
5
30
51
Will Fuller V
HOU
10
31
20
JuJu Smith-Schuster
PIT
7
32
DeVante Parker
MIA
5
33
35
Allen Robinson II
CHI
6
34
Terry McLaurin
WAS
10
35
Mike Williams
LAC
12
36
31
Brandin Cooks
LAR
9
37
33
Alshon Jeffery
PHI
10
38
Tyrell Williams
OAK
6
39
Sammy Watkins
KC
12
40
Emmanuel Sanders
SF
4
41
DK Metcalf
SEA
11
42
47
Deebo Samuel
SF
4
43
49
Randall Cobb
DAL
8
44
Jamison Crowder
NYJ
4
45
53
Dede Westbrook
JAC
10
46
Larry Fitzgerald
ARI
12
47
50
Cole Beasley
BUF
6
48
Marquise Brown
BAL
8
49
43
Curtis Samuel
CAR
7
50
56
Darius Slayton
NYG
11
51
59
A.J. Brown
TEN
11
52
Nelson Agholor
PHI
10
53
48
Josh Gordon
SEA
11
54
60
Chris Conley
JAC
10
55
64
James Washington
PIT
7
56
44
Mohamed Sanu
NE
10
57
69
Allen Hurns
MIA
5
58
68
Robby Anderson
NYJ
4
59
54
Corey Davis
TEN
11
60
Allen Lazard
GB
11
61
71
Auden Tate
CIN
9
62
Demaryius Thomas
NYJ
10
63
72
Sterling Shepard
NYG
11
64
Mecole Hardman
KC
12
65
73
Anthony Miller
CHI
6
66
80
N’Keal Harry
NE
10
67
Danny Amendola
DET
5
68
46
Hunter Renfrow
OAK
6
69
Phillip Dorsett II
NE
10
70
58
Taylor Gabriel
CHI
6
71
Tim Patrick
DEN
10
72
Adam Humphries
TEN
11
73
Andy Isabella
ARI
12
74
67
Kenny Stills
HOU
10
75
Willie Snead IV
BAL
8
76
Diontae Johnson
PIT
7
77
M. Valdes-Scantling
GB
11
78
55
Zach Pascal
IND
6
79
Tre’Quan Smith
NO
9
80
88
Trey Quinn
WAS
10
81
Pharoh Cooper
ARI
12
82
Chester Rogers
IND
6
83
Russell Gage
ATL
9
84
Ted Ginn Jr.
NO
9
85
Geronimo Allison
GB
11
86
Zay Jones
OAK
6
87
DeSean Jackson
PHI
10
88
Alex Erickson
CIN
9
89
Miles Boykin
BAL
8
90
79
Paul Richardson Jr.
WAS
10
91
81
Keke Coutee
HOU
10
92
Devin Funchess
IND
6
93
62
A.J. Green
CIN
9
94
John Ross
CIN
9
95
Antonio Brown
FA
—
WIDE RECEIVER MOVEMENT
New York Giants
There’s a lot of moving parts with the G-Men. Sterling Shepard finally returned in Week 12, just in time for Golden Tate (concussion) to suffer a head injury of his own. Darius Slayton remained involved even with Shepard back, but would a healthy Evan Engram (foot) affect the overall dynamic? I still like Tate as the top wideout and Slayton as a matchup play.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Jones (shoulder) has a shoulder injury, but he’s one of those guys that’ll miss practice all week, check out of the game a half-dozen times doubled over in pain and still catch 10 passes for 170 yards and two scores. I think he’ll fight through it.
Others of note
It sounds like Tyreek Hill (hamstring) may not miss a single game with his hamstring injury … Speaking of hamstrings, Adam Thielen should return this week as well … Will Fuller is an every-week play when he’s healthy. His presence down the field opens up so much offensively for Deshaun Watson… As noted, Dalton’s return should be a positive for Boyd as well as Auden Tate and Alex Erickson; of those two, I’m rolling with Tate. As for A.J. Green (ankle), something tells me he’ll still be day-to-day in mid January … Denver’s passing game is just brutal right now, so I feel obligated to bump Courtland Sutton out of the top 20 … Hunter Renfrow (ribs) is set to miss time with a rib injury. That’s not enough to make me bump up Tyrell Williams, though.
TIGHT ENDS
Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Travis Kelce
KC
12
2
Zach Ertz
PHI
10
3
4
George Kittle
SF
4
4
Hunter Henry
LAC
12
5
Darren Waller
OAK
11
6
Jared Cook
NO
9
7
Mark Andrews
BAL
8
8
6
Evan Engram
NYG
7
9
Jacob Hollister
SEA
11
10
Austin Hooper
ATL
5
11
Greg Olsen
CAR
6
12
22
Jack Doyle
IND
6
13
Dallas Goedert
PHI
10
14
11
Noah Fant
DEN
10
15
16
Ryan Griffin
NYJ
4
16
Jimmy Graham
GB
11
17
Tyler Eifert
CIN
12
18
Kyle Rudolph
MIN
12
19
Gerald Everett
LAR
9
20
Mike Gesicki
MIA
7
21
18
Vance McDonald
PIT
6
22
O.J. Howard
TB
7
23
Cameron Brate
TB
7
24
T.J. Hockenson
DET
9
25
Delanie Walker
TEN
11
26
Jason Witten
DAL
8
27
Irv Smith
MIN
12
28
Jonnu Smith
TEN
11
29
David Njoku
CLE
7
30
28
Darren Fells
HOU
10
TIGHT END MOVEMENT
Others of note
George Kittle (ankle) is officially back, whereas Austin Hooper (knee) is unlikely to play on Thanksgiving but could return the following week … Eric Ebron (ankle) is done for the year, which should mean more targets for Jack Doyle; he’s someone I’d pluck off waivers immediately … Engram (foot) missed another game, and with the Giants eyeing up on a high pick I wonder how aggressive they’ll be in trying to get him back on the field … Does anyone hate fantasy football more than Bruce Arians? Rather than call a play for O.J. Howard or Cameron Brate at the goal line, Arians called Vita Vea’s number. Great. Thanks, Bruce. Awesome job.
Week 12 in the NFL brought a lot of teams that were flying high down to reality. With many talented players on a bye week, it provided lineup issues and possibly even last second waiver wire adds.
Some leagues have playoffs starting this week while others will begin over the next few weeks. Even so, the waiver wire will be important with handcuffs and injuries at the most important positions.
With trade deadlines having passed, here are the top waiver-wire pickups for Week 13:
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
RB Rashaad Penny — 29.1% rostered (ESPN)
Penny finally had his breakout career game on Sunday against Philadelphia as he finished with 14 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks have shown to give a lot of attention to the run in recent weeks but with Chris Carson still having issues holding on to the ball, Penny will be a more focused piece of this offense.
We aren’t at the point where the former first-round pick will be taking over the backfield, but head coach Pete Carroll hinted that more of a timeshare could be on the way in Seattle.
With a Monday night matchup against Minnesota on the horizon, look for Seattle to use Penny and other offensive pieces as they try to keep pace with San Francisco in the division race.
You’re waking up on Tuesday reading all that you can about the players that you should be picking up off the waiver wire as you prepare for Week 13 of fantasy football in 2019.
But it’s likely there aren’t as many things written about who you should be dropping to grab those players. That’s what this weekly column — keep ’em or dump ’em! — will hopefully answer for you: Some help in the debate over who you should keep or drop in order to improve your team.
Wahoo! No more bye weeks! That means you don’t have to worry about covering for your stars being off. Still, your bench is as important as ever if you’re preparing for a playoff run. Let’s discuss some names you might be thinking about this week.
1. RB Jaylen Samuels, Pittsburgh Steelers
He was supposed to run all over the Bengals … but that’s what Benny Snell did with 21 carries. Ugh. Still, with James Connor’s health a question mark, you need to keep both of them on your bench, and Samuels is still a weapon in the passing game.
VERDICT: Keep him
2. RB Brian Hill, Atlanta Falcons
Last week, he was a keeper. This week? Not so much, especially if Devonta Freeman seems like he’s back either this week or next.
VERDICT: Drop him
3. Any backup quarterback
I mentioned this in last week’s edition of our “four fantasy things you need to know” video. If you have a top-10 fantasy starter at the QB position, your backups are dropable. That roster spot should be used for a backup running back, especially a handcuff to one of your starters. You can always pick up streamers on the waiver wire at quarterback. That’s not always true at RB.
I was absolutely wrong about how the Colts would handle the replacement of Marlon Mack. Indy rode the hot hand and gave Jonathan Williams most of the backfield work in Week 12. Unless you absolutely need the roster spot for someone else — and I don’t see there being a ton of talent on the waiver wire this week — I’d keep him for another week and see if the Colts work him into the mix more. Remember, the Colts have the third-most run attempts in the NFL.
VERDICT: Keep him
5. WR Auden Tate, Cincinnati Bengals
I saw him get picked up in a few places, but he’s safe to drop now.
VERDICT: Drop him
6. WR Josh Gordon, Seattle Seahawks
Just two targets in each of his first two games with the Hawks. If you’re in a keeper league, maybe you hold on to him. But in re-draft? He’s stuck in a run-first offense that looks more at Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and Jacob Hollister, along with the running backs.
VERDICT: Drop him
7. TE Noah Fant, Denver Broncos
Did you see my note above about backup quarterbacks? The same goes for some tight ends — for example, I’m hanging on to Ryan Griffin and Jack Doyle — if I have one of the top five at the position. Fant is on that list of guys I’m dropping if I had Hunter Henry or Travis Kelce off this week.
Even though bye weeks are behind us with one game left before most fantasy football playoffs begin, don’t give up 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
(Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY Sports)
Quarterbacks
1-Week Plug & Play
Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
The annual Turkey Day battle in Motown brings Trubisky for Round 2 in the last four weeks. He tossed a trio of touchdowns in that contest but managed only 173 yards. Considering his weaponry is the healthiest it has been in some time, and Trubisky looked unfazed by the hip pointer, he is a low-end starter for teams in desperation mode. Without byes, he’s more likely to be an option in two-QB leagues.
Availability: 52%
FAAB: $2-3
Grab & stash
Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Two full games into the Nick Foles tenure has resulted in a pair of noncompetitive losses and will likely have a desperate coaching staff looking hard at whether benching Minshew was indeed the right call. Purely speculative, but it’s difficult to see the Jaguars sticking with Foles — an ideal backup to a young passer. The Jaguars face one of the easiest remaining fantasy schedules with matchups vs. Tampa, the Los Angeles Chargers, at Oakland and at Atlanta in the remaining fantasy weeks.
Availability: 57%
FAAB: $1-2
[lawrence-related id=430414]
(Joe Maiorana, USA TODAY Sports)
Running Backs
priority free agents
Bo Scarbrough, Detroit Lions
Simply a repeat of last week but with the caveat that he went from being a one-week play to a must-own option in all conventional formats. His availability is between 43 percent in the most casual of leagues polled and 51 percent in 12-team competitive setups. It’s worth checking just the wire for your league, regardless of its level of play.
Availability: 47% aggregate
FAAB: $18-20
Benny Snell Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers
James Conner (shoulder) is back on the shelf, and Snell returned from a minor knee surgery to rush for 98 yards on 21 carries in Week 12. Jaylen Samuels carried it only twice and snagged a trio of passes — his mostly role. It’s unclear when Conner will return, and Snell belongs on rosters if for nothing but depth as we are on the cusp of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues.
Availability: 77%
FAAB: $12-14
1-Week Plug & Play
Qadree Ollison, Atlanta Falcons
I’ve resisted adding him because of Ollison having such a limited role, Brian Hill’s presence, and the likelihood of the injured Devonta Freeman reclaiming his normal role upon returning. After scores in consecutive weeks, the rookie is a worthy add in deeper setups and should be considered a fringe flex if Freeman sits again. Ollison is merely a flier for a TD vs. the Saints, which requires situational football to be on his side. Tread with optimistic caution.
Availability: 88%
FAAB: $1-2
(Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports)
Wide Receivers
priority free agents
Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots
Injuries galore thrust the talented rookie into the spotlight. He has looked every bit the part of an NFL-capable wideout from the onset of his professional career. Meyers will continue to play a large role in the offense as long as Mohamed Sanu (ankle) is out of commission — luckily they’re similar weapons. Wideout Phillip Dorsett (concussion) may return in Week 13, or at least is closer than Sanu. The issue with the Patriots is we’re never really know until we know when it comes to injuries. Meyers snagged only four of his nine targets in Week 12 but managed a respectable 74 yards. The Patriots head to Houston this week before hosting KC in Week 14. The fantasy season closes with a visit to Cincy and home game vs. the Buffalo Bills.
Availability: 79%
FAAB: $5-7
Allen Hurns, Miami Dolphins
While he isn’t necessarily a priority, gamers can roster Hurns for the remaining run. He faces Philly, at the New York Jets, at the New York Giants, and vs. Cincinnati to close out 2019’s fantasy schedule. Hurns has emerged as a reliable No. 2 target for Ryan Fitzpatrick behind DeVante Parker. The well-traveled Hurns has at least four targets in three straight games, producing four receptions in each of the last two. The six-year vet found the end zone in Week 12 for the second time in the last five games and could be in the argument for a flex every weekend the rest of the way.
Availability: 90%
FAAB: $2-3
1-Week Plug & Play
Chris Conley, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Regardless of what happens under center, Conley has the best matchup available and is a quality place to turn for a flex option. He has a higher probability than usual for a touchdown against a defense that has gifted them like Santa dishes out Christmas presents. Conley has seen 17 targets from Nick Foles in the last two games, snaring 10 for 107. Should Gardner Minshew take over, the former Chiefs receiver garnered seven looks in three consecutive games prior to Foles taking over.
Availability: 49%
FAAB: $2-3
1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & stash
Anthony Miller, Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
The second-year receiver finally is showing signs of being healthy and living up to his potential. He has yet to find the end zone in 2019 after scoring seven times as a rook, but 20 targets in the last two games — resulting in a pair of six-catch games — makes him a quality fantasy option on the wire this week. Chicago travels to Detroit in Week 13, which makes Miller almost an automatic play in any PPR format. The Lions entered Week 12 as the sixth-weakest defense of the position since Week 6. The schedule gets much tougher afterward (DAL, @GB, KC), so consider stashing him for depth.
Availability: 60% FAAB: $2-4
(Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports)
Tight Ends
priority free agents
Ryan Griffin, New York Jets
Replay of last week’s inclusion: Griffin is a must-own in all formats right now. The Jets are hitting their stride on offense, and the former Houston Texan is a large reason why the passing game has stepped up. He served up two total duds in the last seven weeks but cobbled together five efforts with at least 11 PPR points in that time. Cincinnati is the Week 13 opponent, and entering Week 12, this was the sixth-easiest matchup to exploit over the prior five weekends of play.
Availability: 49%
FAAB: $8-10
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
Eric Ebron is heading to IR and will miss the remainder of the season. The position offers low-end TE1 viability with the right matchups, in part because Doyle displayed tremendous chemistry working with quarterback Jacoby Brissett in 2017. Tight ends have been a viable bunch in 2019, and if nothing else, the veteran is worthy of depth as we march into the fantasy postseason. Tennessee, at Tampa Bay, at New Orleans and Carolina are ahead: All but the last offer a lineup-worthy fantasy matchup, and even the Panthers had given up a strong game in Week 12 to Saints TE Jared Cook.
Availability: 41%
FAAB: $5-7
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins
He was included a few weeks back as a watch list guy, but after seeing six or more targets in four straight contests, the Penn State product belongs in the weekly conversation for PPR gamers. He finally found the end zone in Week 13, and while only two of those games resulted in more than six PPR points, we’re starting to see consistent involvement and some sense of reciprocation from the second-year pro. Miami needs all the help it can get from the skill guys, and the defense forces the offensive side to sling it around the playground most every week. It won’t always be pretty, but the point here is finding a serviceable option. Ahead: CIN, at NYJ, at NYG, CIN.
Availability: 57%
FAAB: $2-3
1-Week Plug & Play
Rhett Ellison, New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers
Major caveat: If Evan Engram (foot) doesn’t return and Ellison (concussion) does, get him into a lineup. The Packers are among the weakest teams vs. tight ends, ranking worst in yardage and catches allowed per game in the five weeks leading up to George Kittle smacking them down in Week 12. The upside here is gamers have to invest nothing but a roster spot in Ellison, which also means you can wait until late in the week to find out what’s up with he and Engram … low risk, high reward, but utilizing him is probably better served for DFS action.
Availability: 99%
FAAB: $0
[lawrence-related id=447011]
Kickers
1-Week Plug & Play
Josh Lambo, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lambo has been awfully quiet in recent weeks, and it has directly coincided with the struggles of this offense in the last three games. We saw a little more life from the offense in Week 12, although the kicking game essentially gets abandoned when your defense creates such a deficit on the scoreboard. No team provides a better opportunity for fantasy kickers than the Bucs.
Availability: 48%
FAAB: $0-1
Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins
The Philly offense has crash landed, and it has been no different for Elliott. He has just one game with more than two field goal attempts an only two others with more than one. Elliott has generated at least eight fantasy points only once this year. Injuries to the backfield, receiving corps and offensive line should help even the playing field for these rosters, making the No. 2 matchup for fantasy kickers even more appealing than usual.
Availability: 76%
FAAB: $0-1
Defense/Specials Teams
1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & stash
New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals
New York has two defensive scores in the past three weeks and have allowed only 20 offensive points in the last two outings. With 17 sacks to their credit in the past four appearances, the Jets have generated five takeaways and take on a rookie quarterback who has five turnovers and been sacked 11 times over the last three starts. New York has some staying power with a Week 14 meeting against Miami.
Availability: 57%
FAAB: $1-2
1-Week Plug & Play
Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins
The Philly defense has posted exactly two games in 2019 with more than seven fantasy points, and one of them was in Week 12 vs. the Seahawks. Six sacks and a pair of takeaway later, it couldn’t have come at a better time to give gamers some sense of hope that this defense can exploit a Miami offense that has turned it over 11 times and yielded 23 sacks in the last six games.
Availability: 61%
FAAB: $1-2
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
Even though LA hasn’t posted squat for fantasy points in 2019, with just two contests in double figures, the matchup is too tempting, especially with the Chargers returning from a bye week. Denver gave up 17 points to Buffalo in conventional fantasy scoring in Week 12, mostly fueled by allowing four sacks and a turnover. Should your league reward for limiting offensive points, Denver has scored just 26 offensive points in the last two games combined.
Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.
SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks
Yards
TD
Ryan Tannehill
259 – 40
4
Jameis Winston
313 – 38
3
Sam Darnold
315 – 16
3
Ryan Fitzpatrick
214 – 45
3
Baker Mayfield
327 – 5
3
Running Backs
Yards
TD
Derrick Henry
165
2
Leonard Fournette
159
2
Christian McCaffrey
135
2
Nick Chubb
164
1
Rashaad Penny
129
1
Wide Receivers
Yards
TD
Chris Godwin
184
2
Jarvis Landry
148
2
D.J. Moore
126
2
DeAndre Hopkins
94
2
A.J. Brown
135
1
Tight Ends
Yards
TD
Jared Cook
99
1
Zach Ertz
91
1
Mike Gesicki
28
1
Logan Thomas
24
1
George Kittle
129
1
Placekickers
XP
FG
Dustin Hopkins
1
4
Austin Siebert
5
2
Will Lutz
4
2
Chase McLaughlin
4
3
Younghoe Koo
1
3
Defense
Sck-TO
TD
Jets
1 – 2
1
Redskins
6 – 4
1
Seahawks
3 – 5
0
Buccaneers
6 – 2
1
Steelers
4 – 2
0
Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts
WR Julio Jones – Shoulder
WR Hunter Renfrow – Ribs
QB Mason Rudolph – Splinters
QB Dwayne Haskins – Wrist
WR Paul Richardson – Hamstring
Chasing Ambulances
Week 12 was the most injury-free slate of games that I can remember. Julio Jones hurt his shoulder but went back into the game. Dwayne Haskin’s wrist may be an issue, but he’s already a terrible fantasy play anyway and the Skins would likely benefit reverting to Case Keenum.
Mason Rudolph was benched and Devlin Hodges played better, but the Steelers already struggle when they pass and Hodges is no late-season savior.
There wasn’t an injury that would spawn any meaningful depth chart changes. And that’s likely to repeat until the end of the season because those who were going to get injured, already have. And everyone else is already banged up by now anyway.
Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables
RB Jonathan Williams – The Colts will still miss Marlon Mack for a few more weeks and Williams followed up his surprise 147-yard Week 11 performance with 121 yards and a touchdown last Thursday in Houston. This week at home against the Titans holds a lot of promise.
WR Will Fuller – Missed five games but his first Sunday back and he posted seven catches for 140 yards against the Colts. The next two games go against the Patriots and Titans, so he’s likely to crawl back under the rock.
WR Russell Gage – Hasn’t scored this year but turned in a season-best eight catches for 76 yards in the loss to the Falcons. Notable is that while his two previous games were mediocre and on the road, his only previous homestand since Muhammad Sanu left was when he caught seven passes for 58 yards. The Falcons play at home versus the Saints and Panthers for the next two weeks.
RB Qadree Ollison – The Falcons rookie power back totaled only 13 touches over the last two games but they were the first with him playing and he scored a touchdown in each.
QB Brian Allen – The Broncos quarterback was held to only 10-of-25 completions for 82 yards and one interception in the loss to the Bills. The Broncos 2.10 draft pick of Drew Lock is practicing again after spending the season on injured reserve because of a wrist injury. He’ll be starting sooner than later and the next three opponents are LAC, @HOU, and @KC. The Broncos will lose, but it could be a good experience for Lock who is bound to throw for more than 82 yards.
WR Sterling Shepard – Returned from his serious concussion and ended with five receptions for 15 yards in the loss to the Bears. This week hosting the Packers isn’t a great matchup, but the Giants will face the Eagles, Dolphins, and Redskins after that.
WR Allen Robinson – Just posted six catches for 131 yards and a score against the Giants. He’s done well only when facing weaker defenses and usually at home. With an ending schedule of @DET, DAL, @GB, KAN, and @MIN he’s going to be very hard to rely on again.
RB Benny Snell – With James Conner sidelined, Snell was given another start and he ran for 98 yards on 21 carries at the Bengals. His only other start was Week 6 when he posted 89 total yards at the Chargers. Keep an eye on the Conner situation because the Steelers face the Browns and Cardinals next. Jaylen Samuels wasn’t a factor and he comes into play only as a receiver when the Steelers are facing a tough defense and need to dump the pass off to a running back. Conner (shoulder) never practiced last week so he may miss a second game.
QB Baker Mayfield – Comes off a season-high 327 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Dolphins. Mayfield has been a major disappointment to many, but the Browns slogged through a murderous schedule. Mayfield threw for two or more scores in the last three weeks (all at home). He plays at the Steelers this week but then faces the Bengals and Cardinals.
WR D.J. Moore – The Saints were without CB Marson Lattimore in Week 11 but still held Mike Evans to only 69 yards on four catches and that was in Tampa Bay. But this week in New Orleans, Moore turned in six receptions for 126 yards and two scores for a career-best performance. Moore’s first score was on a 51-yard catch and run.
RB Josh Jacobs – was held to only 34 yards on ten carries and only caught one pass for two yards. The rookie merely went through his first NFL trash game and Derek Carr only threw for 127 yards and no scores. They were also likely thinking ahead to this week in Kansas City.
QB Sam Darnold – He passed for 315 yards and two scores and even ran in a touchdown. That came on the heels of 293 yards and four touchdowns last week at the Redskins. Granted, the Skins and Raiders didn’t feature top secondaries, but neither will the Bengals and Dolphins the next two weeks. Even Robby Anderson (4-86, TD) came to life.
RB Rashaad Penny – Chris Carson is the starter, but he only gained 26 yards on eight runs while Penny became the “hot hand” at the Eagles and ran for 129 yards on 14 carries. Penny never had a catch while Carson ended with four receptions for 31 yards. There’s no changing of the depth chart and this is the same back that only gained two yards last week while Carson turned in 101 yards and a score at the 49ers.
RB Bo Scarbrough – The Week 11 surprise took his second start and ran for 98 yards on 18 carries. He still has not caught a pass and realize that he’ll be facing the Bears, Vikings, and Buccaneers next. That won’t be nearly so accommodating.
RB Derrius Guice – The Skins 2018 draft pick only managed ten runs for 32 yards at home versus the Lions who brought the No. 32 defense against running backs. With Dwayne Haskins as the starter, this offense has lost all punch. The out schedule is worse but there is a chance that Haskin’s wrist is bad enough to bring back Case Keenum.
RB Leonard Fournette – He ran for 97 yards and two scores plus caught nine passes for 62 yards in the loss in Tennessee. It was his only score since Week 5 and these last two weeks with Nick Foles as the starting quarterback resulted in season-high seven and nine catches, respectively.
Huddle player of the week
Chris Godwin – The only safe fantasy play is to start both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin if you could somehow draft both because you’re probably going to receive a monster game from one of them every week. Never both. And a tough call as to which one will go off. But this week, Godwin led all fantasy scorers with seven receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He was already one of the best sleeper types and now helped win many fantasy games this week.
Salute!
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry
All bets are off when fantasy football is on the line.
The internet’s new boyfriend Paul Rudd isn’t just the seemingly ageless star of everyone’s favorite new meme, he’s also an incredible trash talker.
As you may or may not be aware (depending on the depth of your football and/or Marvel fandom) a large swath of actors who’ve played superheroes in movies are in one, big, 14-person celebrity fantasy football league called the AGBO Superhero League. The league gets its name from Avengers Endgame director Joe and Anthony Russo’s production company.
Paul Rudd, alongside other Marvel stars like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Tom Holland and more, are competing not just for bragging rights but a hefty donation to the charity of their choice. Throughout the season, the stars have been going head-to-head in weekly match-ups and have turned out some delightful, profanity-laced trash-talking videos.
This week, the Ant-Man star went up against the Star Lord himself, Chris Pratt and considerably raised the bar. Both actors are playing for good causes –Pratt for The Brain Treatment Foundation in Seattle and Rudd for Big Slick Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City–but that’s no excuse to play nice.
Pratt weighed in pretty well with his own video, and leaned into the short jokes, but Rudd went next level. He grabbed his Peter Quill costume, got his friends from NFL Network’s Good Morning Football involved and found some visual aids. The end result is an entire segment devoted to trashing Pratt.
[jwplayer 5D97FGb3-D3ux87Cq]
Truly, there is much to appreciate here, but Rudd’s level of commitment stands above the rest. Rudd starts off by referencing a favorite Avengers fan theory about Ant-Man flying up Thanos’ butt and goes from there.
“I have flown into Chris Pratt and destroyed him, just like I’m going to destroy his fantasy football team this Sunday.” Rudd said.
From there, it’s open season on Pratt’s acting resume and then comes this old, candid beach photo.
Chris Pratt
“Who would desecrate the American flag like that,” Rudd asks. “Betsy Ross is simultaneously rolling in her grave and throwing up in her mouth.”
Also, Pratt isn’t the only Chris that Rudd takes a shot at. He also goes after the God of Thunder, Chris Hemsworth, who is leading the league. Rudd has built his reputation as a nice guy, but apparently all bets are off when fantasy football is on the line.
Game-by-game NFL Week 12 breakdowns, with NFL betting odds, lines, predictions, picks and betting tips for each game.
SportsbookWire’s NFL Betting Guide is at your service for Week 12; 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 12, where our Ken Pomponio is 19-14 on underdog predictions with this weekly staple.
BYE WEEK ALERT: The Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings have the week off.
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