It’s Championship Week Folks! Well, for most of us it is at least, I know some leagues go through week 17. I’d like to think that I’ve helped you along the way with some valuable flex plays in these Sexy Flexies articles and I want to do that again for you in a championship week. Last week I was pumped when BOTH of my Sexy Flexies scored touchdowns by 1:20 eastern time and let’s hope we can do that again this week. That is exactly why I write this column, to help you make these tough decisions and win your weeks!
As you know, every Thursday here on Razzball, I will be posting the week’s “Sexy Flexies” to give you a couple of players to consider starting in your flex spot. The objective isn’t to point out the obvious guys you’re starting in your RB or WR slots, but to take a look at a couple of players who are a bit more under the radar. These will likely be guys that you don’t start every week but will be good rotational pieces in the flex spot of your lineup based on matchup and opportunity.
What I do here is look at the matchups and opportunities and highlight for you a couple of guys who I believe will perform in the situation they are in for the given week. For this column, we will be looking at players who are ranked 60th or later at the flex position for the week, according to Fantasy Pros’ Consensus Rankings, but will still get you double digit fantasy points in your flex spots. Let’s take a look at the players who will be the “Sexy Flexies” for week 16!
Darrell Henderson– RB – Los Angeles Rams – at Seattle
With the emerging Cam Akers now sidelined indefinitely with a high ankle sprain, the Rams backfield will once again be led by Henderson in week 16. We saw earlier in the season that, when given the lead dog role, Henderson could be a very productive fantasy running back. If you don’t count these last 2 weeks that Akers was given the reins, Henderson eclipsed double digit fantasy points in a PPR in half of his contests. That includes many weeks that the Rams backfield was a three headed monster. Malcolm Brown will still be involved this week, but I believe that Sean McVay will use Henderson as the lead back and he should command 15-20 touches in this game.
Henderson has 6 touchdowns this season and I expect him to add to that total in week 16. The Seahawks are the opponent this week and they have allowed the 13th most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Seattle has allowed 17 rushing touchdowns, the 9th most of any team in the league. I don’t think Henderson completely goes off in this game, but with the expected volume and the likelihood of him finding the endzone, I expect a solid performance. I will look for Henderson to carry 14 times for 65 yards and a touchdown while adding a few receptions as a PPR bonus.
Allen Lazard – WR – Green Bay Packers – vs Tennessee
Allen Lazard looked to be poised for a breakout season in the beginning of the year before his injury. Lazard scored 18 and 26 fantasy points in 2 of the Packers first 3 games before Lazard suffered a major injury that required him to have core surgery. Even once he returned, he was eased back into things so he wouldn’t reaggravate the injury. Last week, in a game that the Packers didn’t need to do much in the passing attack, Lazard looked to be back to full strength and led the receiving corps with 56 yards while catching 5 of 6 targets. What I also liked was that he finally outsnapped MVS as well, playing 77% of the offensive snaps. I think Lazard, Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers will look to build on that this week in a great matchup against the Titans.
The matchup this week against the Titans is a great one for the Packers passing game. The Titans have allowed 3977 receiving yards this season, which is the 4th most allowed by any team. They have also allowed the 4th most receiving touchdowns, giving up 29 so far. The expected point total for this game is 56 which is the highest of any game on the schedule in week 16. With plenty of points to be scored in what should be a shootout, there will be enough volume to go around since you know Davante Adams will certainly get his fair share. I expect Lazard to get another 7 or 8 targets and haul in 6 of them for at least 60 yards. That alone will get you a double-digit performance, but when he adds a touchdown to that it will be a 18 point PPR performance for us to help propel us to a championship!
As always, let’s crush this week and hopefully these Sexy Flexies will help you get some wins, and maybe even a title! Both players have great double-digit point upside and should have significant roles in their team’s game plan this week. Don’t forget, for some more help with setting your lineups check out Rudy Gamble’s Pigskinator for weekly projections! I always encourage you to follow me on Twitter @fantasycoachjb and ask me all your questions there as well. Good luck in all your matchups this week! Lets dominate these fantasy playoffs and take home some fantasy gold!
