Congratulations! If you’re reading this, I assume you made into your league’s playoff bracket. There’s not a lot of meat on the bone but hopefully you don’t need a ton of help from here on. However, if there are any holes to fill I might be able to help.
I group the adds by position and then within the position, rank them in order of preference. With the playoffs upon us, I have removed percentages of the FAAB. If you need any of these guys to start for your team, then spend what you need to spend. The sherpa will only advise players who are rostered in less than 50% of ESPN leagues.
Single QB –
Jalen Hurts – He’s still not the confirmed starter, but the writing seems to be on the wall. If your playoff roster needs an upside QB dart throw then toss 5% of your FAAB on him. If he happens to be available in your superflex league, then unload everything you have.
As stated last week – Philip Rivers, Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr are streaming options down the home stretch with good matchups.
Superflex / 2QB – if you’re desperate
Ryan Finley – He seems likely to start for Cincinnati if Brandon Allen misses. You’d have to be incredibly desperate to even think about it and I haven’t even looked at the matchup.
RB –
Cam Akers – When Darrell Henderson missed a chunk of time in the middle of the game, Akers was given the workhorse treatment. He wound up with 22 touches for 94 yards and a score. Just when it looked like Akers was breaking out, Henderson returned and made a house call on a long run. Even if this committee can get whittled down to 2 instead of 3, both Akers and Henderson would be FLEX plays in the fantasy playoffs.
Ty Johnson – The unstoppable Frank Gore suffered a concussion in week 13 causing the Jets to dig deep into their bench for a running back. Johnson was next man up and had a really nice showing gaining 117 yards on 24 total touches. He was an intriguing prospect last year but never stuck with the Lions. If he’s the starter against Seattle, he’d make a worthwhile FLEX play in week 14.
Kalen Ballage – Joshua Kelley left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and didn’t return. If he misses week 14, Ballage could fill the change of pace role for the Chargers. They will face Atlanta who can be extremely generous on defense. Ballage would only be a desperation play even in deeper leagues, but he’s at least worth of a start.
WR –
T.Y. Hilton – The late season resurgence of Hilton has been quite shocking, but perhaps the presence of Pittman helped keep defenses more honest. He’s heating up just in time for the Colts’ playoff run and still has beautiful matchups with the Raiders and Texans on tap.
Keke Coutee – There are some people who have been waiting 3 years for what Coutee showed this week. He reeled in 8 passes for 141 yards and looked to be the main target for Deshaun Watson. If needed, you can ride him into the playoffs but unfortunately they have a date with the stingy Chicago defense in week 14.
Henry Ruggs III – It’s been a slow process but Ruggs is trending up. His 6 catches on 9 targets over the last 2 weeks are the most in any 2 week stretch this season. He is an exciting player and while Darren Waller is the obvious alpha, Ruggs can hit on splash plays and may do that more as the season wears on.
Quintez Cephus – The 5th round pick saw his biggest workload since week 1 and delivered in a big way with a long touchdown catch. He should get a nice look as the Lions wind their season down, as the staff will want to know what they have in the rookie.
Chad Hansen – This former 4th round pick has bounced around multiple teams since 2017 but got a shot to get on the field for the depleted Texans. He exploded for 101 yards on 5 catches and may be a part of this unit for the next few weeks.
Lynn Bowden Jr. – Malcolm Perry was out and Bowden stepped in for an increased role. He looked good, gaining 52 yards on his 5 touches. He is certainly an interesting player who needed to learn a new position after playing a running quarterback his final season at Kentucky. This is only a consideration for very deep leagues or dynasties where you may want to stash him for the future.
TE –
Anthony Firkser – Jonnu Smith’s understudy turned in an admirable performance catching 5 passes for 51 yards on 7 targets. He’d be a fine plug and play against Jacksonville in week 14 and even Detroit in week 15 should Smith remain out.
Jordan Reed – This was submitted prior to the San Francisco game, but he should be a back end starter as long as George Kittle remains in sweats.
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