Defenses to Attack Week 16-Playoff Version
Welcome to the playoffs. Did you make it through with all the complete nonsense that happened last week? Congratulations! I personally am recovering from the trauma brought on by sitting Aidan O’Connell, Derrick Henry averaging 0.6 yards per carry, and Tyreek Hill’s ankle. But it’s okay. There is always DFS.
So, let’s get this party started and attack…attack…attack.
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Attack of the Quarterback
Justin Fields v Arizona Cardinals, Bears -4.5, 44.5 o/u.
The Bears may be thinking of trading Fields, but until that day, just ride the fantasy high. Last week, against a very good Cleveland Browns defense (the number one ranked defense against the pass, allowing 110.5 passing yards per game at home), Fields was serviceable. (not O’Connell serviceable—yeah, that’s me with sour grapes). Fields finished with 166 passing yards on 40 attempts. He had one passing touchdown and two interceptions. He was also second in the team in rushing yards with 30 on seven rushing attempts.
This week, he gets a less formidable defense. The Cardinals are ranked 13th against the pass, allowing 220.1 passing yards a game on the road. They have also allowed quarterbacks to score at least 19 fantasy points in five of their last six games.
They have played Brock Purdy, Drew Lock, and Matthew Stafford in three of their last four games. And while two of the three will sling it, I wouldn’t call any of them mobile quarterbacks.
And speaking of slinging it, Fields averages 197.6 passing yards per game with a 61.4% completion percentage. He has 14 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Bears are averaging 31.3 passing attempts per game.
Attack of the Running Back
Joe Mixon @ Pittsburgh Steelers, Bengals -2.5, 36.5 o/u.
Honestly, with the product the Steelers are putting on the field, I am surprised the Bengals are not favored by more.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will be out this game. And while that will impact Tee Higgins more, with no Chase, no Joe Burrow, and the Bengals currently sitting in the sixth position for the playoffs, surely, they will lean on the run game.
Last week, Mixon only had 10 carries and three targets, but he averaged 4.7 yards per carry and had a touchdown.
Meanwhile, the Steelers allowed the Indianapolis Colts’ backup running back, Trey Sermon, to average 5.2 yards per carry on 17 rushing attempts. Even Tyler Goodson (exactly) averaged 6.3 yards per carry on 11 rushing attempts.
There is no fear in Pittsburgh anymore unless you count George Pickens not blocking for his running backs for fear of injury. There’s that.
Attack of the Wide Receiver
Garrett Wilson v Washington Commanders, Jets -3.0, 37.5 o/u.
This suggestion has a caveat: Wilson is in play if Zach Wilson is under center. Wilson, with Wilson under center, averages 15 PPR points per game. Without Wilson, he averages eight.
And then there is the fact that Washington’s pass defense is a sieve. Last week, Cooper Kupp collected 111 yards and a touchdown against them. Week 13: Tyreek Hill continued his scorched earth policy by gathering 157 yards and two touchdowns against this defense. And I know what you are thinking: that’s two of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Valid. But in Week 12, Dallas Cowboys WR2 Brandin Cooks had 72 yards and a touchdown on four receptions against the defense.
And we all fondly remember Week 11 when Tommy DeVito had three passing touchdowns and 246 passing yards against them. The main beneficiary was Darius Slayton, who collected a touchdown and 82 yards on four receptions.
Listen, these are two teams who are out of the playoff picture. Players are playing for contracts and maybe new teams. Remember what Z. Wilson looked like last time he came in with “nothing to lose.”
Attack of the Tight End
Pat Freiermuth v Cincinnati Bengals, Bengals -2.5, 36.5 o/u.
Freiermuth has an injury designation, so check his status before game time. The Bengals cannot cover tight ends. They have allowed an average of 72.5 yards to the tight end position and 8.9 fantasy points.
In the Week 12 game against the Bengals, Freiermuth was targeted 11 times. He led the team with nine receptions and 120 yards. And yes, I realize it was Kenny Pickett under center, but at this stage, I am not willing to bet that Mason Rudolph is a massive step down from Pickett.
Razzball has all kinds of delicious takes to get you through the playoffs and beyond, like Matt Stiles’s waiver wire article that you probably want to check out. You know if winning is your thing.
Good Luck!
