As the Fantasy Football playoffs are upon us, adding depth to your roster is important on your run to your league’s championship.
Week 14 is here which means the Fantasy Football playoffs are about to get underway. If you’re reading this, you’re either still alive in your league and need advice or you’ve been eliminated but you really like reading what I write. As much as I appreciate those of you in the latter group, this column is for closers only. I’m talking about the owners out there who have pushed the right buttons to make it to the fantasy football playoffs.As much as I appreciate those of you in the latter group, this column is for closers only. I’m talking about the owners out there who have pushed the right buttons to make it to the fantasy football playoffs.
Although there were no standout winners from last week’s column, Julio Jones did sustain a turf toe injury that could lead to Taylor Gabriel receiving more looks in Atlanta. And even better news for us streaming defenses is that the Browns are back this week!
Worthy Of Your First Waiver Claim:
Tyler Lockett
Tyler Lockett finally exploded on Sunday Night Football for the monster game Seattle has been waiting for all season long. Lockett grabbed five of six targets for 63 yards and tacked on a 75-yard touchdown run in Seattle’s blowout win over the Panthers. That performance landed him the second highest point total among wide receivers prior to Monday night’s game. While Lockett is probably the Seahawks third option in the passing game, his electric skills make him an intriguing player down the stretch. Up next for Lockett will be the Packers susceptible pass defense.
Justin Forsett
I know I made it a point in an earlier installment of this column to create a new section for Justin Forsett telling you he was not worthy of any waiver claim. That was written under completely different circumstances. Forsett was joining a Detroit Lions team with depth at running back, but was still among the worst in the NFL at running the football. Claimed off waivers by the Broncos on Monday, he will be joining a backfield that includes rookie Devontae Booker and … that’s it. Furthermore, Forsett played under Gary Kubiak when Kubiak was the offensive coordinator in Baltimore 2014. This means he will have familiarity with the Bronco’s current offensive schemes and most likely be active in Week 14. The running back position is pretty barren at this point in the season, so you could do worse than Forsett.
Worthy Of Your Second Waiver Claim:
Mike Gillislee
Figuring out who the Buffalo Bills are is tough, but one thing they love doing is running the football. While that usually means a heavy dose of LeSean McCoy, it also means Mike Gillislee in relief. On Sunday that meant Gillislee cashing in on two short yardage situations for touchdowns. McCoy is finally fully healthy, but the Bills like to give him a breather when they can. Gillislee isn’t the starter but since he’s the backup, he’s always one play away from being a top 15 fantasy football running back.
Dennis Pitta
I’ve suggested a few tight ends that were worth picking up throughout the season and most of them have panned out. Just call me “The Tight End Whisperer”. Boy, does that sound wrong. But my latest recommendation at this position would be Dennis Pitta. Pitta caught two touchdowns in Week 13 en route to leading all tight ends in scoring. Entering the week, Pitta led all players yet to score a touchdown in targets, receptions and receiving yards. Pitta is heavily involved in Baltimore’s offense and is worthy of starting for your team in the playoffs.
Getting Defensive:
Lions D/ST
Outside of the obvious start of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Cleveland Browns, the Detroit Lions present a great opportunity for those streaming defenses. The Lions D/ST scored nine fantasy points against a potent Saints offense in New Orleans and now they get a home game against the Chicago Bears. This is a Bears team that let the lowest scoring defense in fantasy football (49ers D/ST) score three points against them in Week 13. The Lions have forced seven turnovers over the last three weeks all while allowing less than 20 points per game. Add in the fact that you probably couldn’t name a Bears starting wide receiver right now and you’ve got a recipe for success in Detroit.