Welcome to week 17. I will not say, “if you are still playing it’s time to find a new league” because that’s what everybody says and I’m frankly getting tired of it. There are plenty of teams still playing for something and plenty of players trying to make a name for themselves, boost their position in negotiations, impress a girl, you name it. So all you have to do is figure out who those guys are! It’s actually kind of fun. And don’t call me frankly.
Some under the radar guys I like who should see more playing time/targets are: Brandon LaFell (Legedu Naanee out), Derek Hagans (Brad Smith out), Roy Williams, Matt Flynn, James Jones, Brandon Saine, Jacquizz Rodgers, Maurice Morris, Steven Ridley, Mike Tolbert (Ryan Mathews may be out), Daniel Thomas (Bush is out), Torrey Smith (Anquan Boldin out), Dexter McCluster (Jackie Battle out), and Toby Gerhart (All Day out).
It should be a good day of foozball even if you aren’t playing because there is still FanDuel to play! Join our 20 team league here and take me on. Here is my team for the league:
Cam Newton: The Saints give up a lot of yards passing and rushing and Cam Newton is good at both of those things. He’s expensive on FanDuel but I love this matchup. I also am targeting Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Brady.
Kahlil Bell: I’ve gone back and forth on Bell. He’s a great value and should get the ball a ton just like last week so he’s worth a start. The Vikings have been a little worse at defending the run of late and McCown looked better than Hanie so I think they’ll be able to get into the red zone. I also like C.J. Spiller, Michael Bush, and Marshawn Lynch.
Maurice Jones-Drew: He’s just a solid player and brings it each week. If he gets near the end zone there’s nobody else who is going to score for the Jags.
Miles Austin: This is a playoff game so both teams will be going for the kill and right now I think Miles Austin is the most reliable player on the Cowboys. Even with McGee at QB Austin got into the end zone last week so with Romo back and the Giants a poor excuse for a pass defense I’m going Miles and Miles with Miles.
Stevie Johnson: I’m loving Stevie this week. He had a nice game against them last time around and the patriots pass defense hasn’t improved. This should be a shootout and Stevie wants a big contract.
Brandon LaFell: I’m going cheap here with LaFell because Legedu Naanee is out, the Saints pass defense is poo and I just like LaFell. It’s risky to be sure but the upside is pretty up. Other WRs I like are James Jones, Wes Welker, Malcom Floyd, Antonio Brown, Marques Colston, Jeremy Maclin, and Torrey Smith.
Jimmy Graham: The Panthers are last in DVOA to tight ends and Graham is going for the record for most receiving yards by a tight end. I don’t see the Saints letting up because they need to win. Other dudes I like are Brandon Pettigrew and The Gronkinator.
John Kasay: Kicker
Miami Dolphins: This should be the 49ers but I ran out of money. The Niners will most likely be my defense of choice for the most part but I do like Miami against Sanchez.
Hot Links:
Check out Football Freak0nomics. This is some awesome stuff for reals. Have fun!
A.J. Green has shown that he is already an elite receiver.
Just The Facts, A whole bunch of them.
Greg Cosell on The Shutdown Corner podcast is always a must listen.
Pete Prisco looks at the game tape from week 16.
Bill Simmons takes a look at the slate of NFL games for today at Grantland.
The Packers have allowed more yards than they’ve gained, but what does that mean?
