It’s time for the Fantasy Football playoffs! Take on these last minute adds to make your lineup the envy of your league.
Some of you may have clinched a bye which might have come gift-wrapped with a cash reward. Some of you may have put the league on notice by peaking at the right time. Some are of you are asking yourselves, “How did I get here?”
From this point forward, none of that matters. The slates are wiped clean and the words, “Any given Sunday” carry a much deeper meaning.
Perhaps in the biggest week of fantasy, here’s who you should consider adding to bolster your lineups.
Buffalo Bills Defense
The Jacksonville Jaguars left the AFC South basement in mint condition for the Indianapolis Colts (3-9). Indy’s last visit to the division’s doldrums came in 2011 when they finished 2-14. It also prompted the passing of the torch from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck.
The Colts are averaging a meager 17 points per game and carry a woeful 1-5 road record into frigid Buffalo this coming Sunday.
On the flip side, the Buffalo Bills (6-6) find themselves logjammed with a handful of Wild Card hopefuls. Their recent defensive struggles against the Saints, Patriots, and Chargers certainly warrant reason for concern.
Jacoby Brissett is nowhere near the same caliber signal-caller as Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Philip Rivers. The North Carolina State product is the most sacked quarterback in the NFL, with a high propensity to turn the ball over.
Disclaimer:
Proceed with caution if Tyrod Taylor’s bruised patellar tendon keeps him sidelined on Sunday. Should rookie Nathan Peterman turn in a repeat performance of his brutal NFL debut, the defense won’t be sitting for long.
Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
If this gift is still sitting under the Christmas tree, grab it while you still can. A core muscle injury prevented Jacksonville from showcasing the rookie wideout until Week 10. It turned out to be perfect timing, as Allen Hurns hit the shelf with an ankle injury.
Since taking the field for his first regular-season game three weeks ago, Westbrook has made his presence felt. Over the last three games, he leads the Jaguars in targets, while amassing 154 yards on 15 grabs.
The schedule also sets up favorably for the Jaguars. After hosting Seattle and Houston they’ll head to San Francisco for a date with last-place 49ers.
Josh Doctson, WR, Washington Redskins
If Westbrook is already accounted for, Doctson makes for a great backup option. Although he’s posted back-to-back games with less than 30 yards receiving, Doctson still managed to find the end zone near the end of each contest. The big-bodied physical receiver is red zone magnet in Washington’s pass-happy offense.
This week, Washington will be opposed by an upper echelon Chargers pass defense. However, the next two matchups present an opportunity for the Redskins offense to go nuclear. Washington returns home to welcome the Denver Broncos, who are still winless on the road, and the reeling Arizona Cardinals.
Cameron Brate, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Attention Gronk owners! It will be ‘No soy fiesta’ for tight end Rob Gronkowski when New England invades Miami next Monday night. On Monday, the league suspended the four-time pro-bowler for his late hit on Bills’ cornerback Tre’Davious White. Whether you’re a Gronk owner, or just in need a streaming option, consider adding Cameron Brate.
Brate may as well have been in witness protection when Ryan Fitzpatrick assumed full-time duty under center. In three games without Jameis Winston, Brate totaled three catches for 28 yards and zero touchdowns. Now that Winston is back in action, Brate should flourish as he did out of the gate. Last week in Green Bay the duo reestablished their strong rapport by connecting for a pair of touchdowns.
Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon’s status for Sunday’s game against the Bears is uncertain after departing Monday’s contest with a concussion.
As a result, Giovani Bernard inherited all of the touches moving forward. The fourth-year back showed his elusiveness and burst on a for a season-high 13 carries for 77 yards. Bernard also added two catches for 19 yards in his expanded role.
Even if Mixon clears the concussion protocol, Bernard should see more playing time in Cincinnati’s offense.
The season is winding down so why not pick up a few of these guys? Trust me, they can only help you in your quest for fantasy glory.
