Who To Watch:
Jeremy Langford (CHI • RB),
Tevin Coleman (ATL • RB),
James Starks (GB • RB),
Spencer Ware (KC • RB),
Giovani Bernard (CIN • RB),
Jay Ajayi (MIA • RB)
Week 13
In fantasy football, there are two points in the season that are the most important. One is at the very beginning of the season, the draft, which is obviously important because this is when your team is being strategically created. The second is during the waiver wire of week 13. Why is this so important? Because this is when you prepare your team for the playoffs. Every waiver claim, add/drop, and start/sit are crucial from this point on in the fantasy season. Especially this season, we have seen a ton of star players go down with injuries. With teams leaning on their stars heavily in the next few weeks to ensure wins for their playoff push, it's a strong possibility that more injuries may occur in the coming weeks. With that being said, this article is going to be a little different. Instead of focusing on one particular player, I want to share my thoughts on a few running backs that are vital for some owners, strategic for others, but, most importantly, could save your season and win you the championship.
Jeremy Langford, Chicago Bears, is the most vital pickup for every Matt Forte owner, and he has one of the most important pickups in the later half of this season. The Bears are known to rely on their running back a ton, especially when their QB, Jay Cutler, starts making mistakes. When Forte went down in week 8, the Bears promoted their rookie back to the starting role. In the 3 weeks that Forte was out, Langford had 51 rushes for 170 yards and 3 touchdowns. An incredible performance for such a young player. Even when Forte came back last week against Green Bay, the Bears decided to share the workload, which favored Jeremy Langford in the end. He ran for 48 yards on 12 carries and recorded a touchdown. With Forte's contract ending this year, the Bears could decide to stick with the younger Langford as their star back. This makes him a valuable pickup in all Dynasty and deep Keeper Leagues. Adding to that, he's only 74% owned entering into a favorable matchup against San Francisco this week. Priced at $5,300 in DFS, Langford will still be getting work alongside Matt Forte. Keep an eye on Forte's injuries; if Forte re-injures himself, it would jolt Langford back to a top 3 fantasy RB.
Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons, was a highly talked about running back during the preseason. Drafted roughly between the 4th and the 6th round in most standard, fantasy drafts, Coleman played well in the first 2 weeks of this season. When he was forced to sit out due to an injury, the Falcons turned to his backup DeVanta Freeman. We all know how that went; he became one of the best fantasy running backs in the league. Freeman took control of the Falcons backfield, until he had to sit out week 12 with a concussion. This gave Coleman the opportunity to shine, but he played barely above average. Freeman is now cleared, which doesn't like good for Coleman's playing time. With Freeman's return, many fantasy owners are going to drop Tevin Coleman; it is the perfect time to pick him up, especially if you are a Freeman owner. Going into the final games of the season, the waiver wire is slim. Owners are more focused on their needs for this week, rather than their playoff strategy. With the recent injuries to running backs and the NFL becoming stricter on Concussion Protocols, Freeman has a high probability of being injured again. Instead of battling on the waiver wire during the playoffs, pick up Coleman now while he's cheap and available. He's only owned in 58% of leagues. Staying away from Tevin Coleman in Daily, his price is $4,800.
James Starks, Green Bay Packers, has gone from barely owned to solid handcuff to starter to loosing value once again. It's been an up and down journey for Starks this season; you could say the same about Eddie Lacy, as well. The Packers have always played multiple running backs in years past, but coming into this season, the Packers believed that Eddie Lacy would be their every-down back. Similar to last season, Lacy started out extremely slow but has picked it up in the second half of the season. James Starks, while Lacy was struggling, played well. With Eddie Lacy's recent success, many owners will drop Starks to waivers. This is a great time to pick up James Starks. If Lacy starts struggling again or gets injured, Starks would be the only back for Green Bay; he'd be a low-end RB1 in standard but a top 10 RB1 in PPR. Only owned in 64% of leagues, Starks' availability will increase this week, due to owners' frustration with the Packers' unpredictable backfield. Starks is a must-add for all Lacy owners. Possibly loosing some playing time to Lacy against the Lions, I'd stay away from Starks in Daily; his price is $4,500.
Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs, is one of the most talented handcuffs in the NFL. The Chiefs lost their star back, Jamaal Charles, in week 5 to a season-ending, torn-ACL injury. Chacandrick West stepped into the starting role and shined. He instantly became a top 5 running back in fantasy; rushing for 259 yards on 86 carries and recorded 3 TDs. In week 11, West went down early with a hamstring injury and sat out the rest of the game. Spencer Ware stepped in and performed in the Chiefs' backfield. The Chiefs have proven time and time again that they are a run-dominate team. In week 12, Ware put up top tier fantasy stats. The former 3rd string RB has become a dominating running back. With Ware's price at $4,900 and West's price at $5,200 in DFS, keeping in mind that we don't know who will lead the carries in Kansas City. Looking ahead, we don't know if Ware or West will start for the Chiefs. Many say that the touches will be split among the backs, similar to the Bears' backfield. In a season full of injuries, both Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware are must-owned in all leagues. If either back gets injured or slows down production, the other will be a top tier, fantasy running back.
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals, is another running back that's apart of a one-two punch backfield. The Cincinnati Bengals began the season with high hopes in Jeremy Hill to be their star running back. Those plans quickly failed when Hill's struggles began in the early weeks. Because of Hill's struggles, he split time with Giovani Bernard. Entering into week 13, we still don't have a lead back in Cincy. It can be very frustrating for fantasy owners; we don't know which back to start each week. This past week against the Rams, Jeremy Hill looked a little banged up and seemed to be playing through some minor injuries. Going forward, Bernard is a another one of those halfbacks that could blow up in the weeks to come, if Hill were to miss some time. Owned in 92% of leagues, Gio is still available in a few leagues but could be more available after waivers his week, due to some owners forced to create room for some injury fill-ins at tight end, wideout, and QB. Priced at $4,500, Gio Bernard could be an interesting play in Daily as a FLEX with upside option.
In order to save some time, here are some quick names of other backs that could increase in performance: Jay Ajayi (Miami Dolphins) - Looks to increase playing time toward the end of this season. 17% owned, Ajayi is widely available and should be owned by all Lamar Miller owners. Jay Ajayi would be a very smart pickup in Dynasty and deep Keeper Leagues; you might be looking at the future of the Dolphins offense. Ajayi is an interesting FLEX option in DFS with a price of $3,000. Thomas Rawls (Seattle Seahawks) - A non-factor when Marshawn Lynch was healthy, Thomas Rawls struggled to get touches in a backfield that was owned by BeastMode. Since Lynch's serious injury in week 11, Rawls has completely taken over the fantasy world. His stellar performance has jolted him into the top tier of running backs in the NFL. Unsure whether or not the Seahawks will resign Lynch for next year, Rawls has the talent to be the future of the Seattle backfield. 86% owned, Rawls is a smart pickup for all leagues (standard, keeper, dynasty, daily). Priced at $5,400 in DFS, Rawls is still cheap for an RB1. Charles Sims (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - An after-thought in Tampa Bay during the preseason, Sims wasn't highly drafted at the beginning of the season. With everyone betting on Doug Martin, Sims was barely owned in many standard leagues. After a few weeks of low production, Martin soon split the touches with Charles Sims. Not long after, Sims became a big part of the passing game in Tampa Bay, which increased his value in many PPR leagues. Looking forward, the Bucs' schedule seems favorable for the pass-catching back. Also, in a young and improving offense, Charles Sims is more likely to be the starting back for Tampa Bay over the older, more expensive Doug Martin. Owned in 30% of leagues, Sims could be a valuable pickup for the rest of this season and the seasons to come. Priced at $3,500 this week, Sims is priced as an RB3/FLEX; with a likable matchup against Atlanta's struggling defense, he has more upside this week than any previous.
There you have it, my Who To Watch for week 13. I know it was a little different than my previous weeks, but there is much to talk about this week. It's very important for owners to take this week seriously. Fantasy owners need to carefully make decisions to prepare for the playoffs and for the 2016 football season. From this week on, owners will be adding and dropping players like crazy in order to fix their rosters for their weekly matchups. No matter if you're in the playoffs or not, it's vital for your fantasy team to continue to watch the transactions page, study the matchups, rank the players, take part in the weekly waiver wire frenzy, and prepare then play your lineup. Not only is it important for your league, but it is important for you as a fantasy player.
Who Else To Watch in Wk 13
Jay Cutler (CHI • QB) - Last week against a strong Packers team and in a hostile, rival-driven Lambeau Field, Jay Cutler led his Bears to sloppy victory. Throwing 19/31 for 200 yards and 1 touchdown, Cutler had just another average performance. Although he's had two average fantasy weeks in a row, Jay Cutler's fantasy value seems to be increasing as a weekly QB streamer. With the number of times the Bears are making him throw, the value of Alshon Jeffery, Jeremy Langford, and Zach Miller go up, as well. Looking ahead, Cutler and the Bears have a favorable schedule, leading right into the fantasy playoffs. 43% owned, Jay Cutler goes up against a horrible 49ers defense, which makes the Bears' QB solid streaming option for week 13. Priced at $5,100 in DFS, Cutler has the makings of being a smart, strategic start at QB.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ • QB) - Last week against the Miami Dolphins, Ryan FitzMagic completed 22 of 27 targets for 277 yards and 4 touchdowns. In an offense that's playing well together, Jets' HC, Chan Gailey, says he's sticking with Fitzpatrick as his QB. Which is a smart move when your only other option is Geno Smith. I believe he's a smart guy, an average NFL quarterback, and one of the luckiest QBs in the league to have such a talented offense. With the help of Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Chris Ivory, and the Jets' D, Ryan Fitzpatrick will be able to perform steadily this week against their "Big Apple" rival, the New York Giants. Only 23% owned, Fitzpatrick is widely available for a weekly streamer to help replace injured QBs, like Romo or Taylor. If you're not ready to believe in the Broncos' Brock Osweiler, go with Ryan Fitzpatrick off waivers this week. Priced at $5,200, I'm staying away from him this week in Daily.
Jameis Winston (TB • QB) - With the help of two outstanding wideouts in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found their franchise quarterback. Jameis Winston has developed into a sound QB in the NFL. With his offensive weapons all healthy, look for Winston to finish the season as a top tier fantasy quarterback. Only 43% owned, Winston is a guy I like over these QBs: Matt Ryan, Russell Wilson, Eli Manning. I've got him ranked as my number 5 QB going up against a shaken up Atlanta defense. Priced at $5,300, I like Winston as a great start in Daily.
Theo Riddick (DET • RB) - Known for being a PPR monster, Theo Riddick is now the only safe bet in the Detroit backfield. Taking more snaps away from Ameer Abdulah, Riddick is the only back that's producing. Going up against a defense in Green Bay that's strong against the run but struggles against the pass out of the backfield, look for Theo to get a lot of work in TNF. Owned in 24% of leagues, Theo Riddick is still available to be picked up. In a league that's dependent on steady production, Theo Riddick has a safe floor. With a price of $3,500 in Daily, Theo could make an interesting FLEX option.
Carlos Hyde (SF • RB) - Allow me to say what everyone already knows, the San Francisco 49ers have no idea who they are offensively. With no Kapernick, no defensive stability, no deep threat, and a coach that seems non-existent, the 49ers have no identity. And what happens when an offense has no idea who they are? They run the ball over and over again, until they get close enough to kick a field goal. So I ask you (the fantasy owners), who are the most important players on San Fran's team? It's simple; it's the kicker and every running back that they have. Carlos Hyde seems to have been overlooked these past few weeks. Because of a foot injury, he was dropped in over 30% of standard leagues (67% owned); Shaun Draughn is owned in 29% of leagues. While Hyde should be getting all the carries, Draughn will be used more in the passing game. Shaun Draughn has become a great FLEX play in PPR scoring; Carlos Hyde will be a top 15 RB ROS. Priced at $3,800 this week against Chicago, Hyde is a good start as a RB2 in Daily.
Marvin Jones (CIN • WR) - Last week against the St. Louis Rams, Andy Dalton targeted Marvin Jones 5 times; they connect 3 times for 25 yards; in fact, he was given the opportunity in the run game with a trick play that he rushed for 30 yards. Moving up in his role as a No. 2 wideout for Cincinnati, Jones has been improving his game more and more. Looking for a WR3 this week? Check your waiver wire. Only 53% owned, Marvin Jones has a great matchup against the Cleveland Browns this week. Looking forward, Marvin Jones is a great WR3 option for ROS. Priced at $3,80" in DFS, Marvin Jones is a cheap wideout with a ton of upside.
Ty Montgomery (GB • WR) - In an offense that's been struggling at wide receiver, HC Mike McCarthy was clearly upset with his receivers last week. The loss of Jordy Nelson, at the beginning of the year, has impacted the Packers' offense worse than expected. Randall Cobb has not been able to perform as the No. 1 WR; James Jones played well at first but has shown his age late in the season; and the most irritating performance has been from DeVonte Adams, who has been non-existent. After a disappointing loss at home against their rival on Thanksgiving Day, I believe that the Packers know that it's time to mix it up. Only owned in 2% of standard leagues, I expect rookie wideout, Ty Montgomery, to be the new favorite target for Aaron Rodgers. Look for Rodgers to force the long ball to Montgomery this Thursday against the Lions. With a low DFS price at $3,000, the rookie wideout is one of my favorite starts in Daily for this week.
Seth Roberts (OAK • WR) - With it being this late in the fantasy season, I don't expect many owners to take a chance on a young receiver. However, if you are in a dynasty league or are looking for a sneaky WR (boom-or-bust, secret weapon) that could help you win the championship, Seth Roberts is your guy. He has quickly become one of Derek Carr's go-to target, alongside Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Last week against the Tennessee Titans, Roberts had 6 receptions of 7 targets for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. Coming off a great performance last week, Roberts is only 1% owned. Going up against the Kansas City Chiefs this week, I expect Carr to continue to target the young receiver, while a top 5 Chiefs' secondary focuses on Cooper and Crabtree. Priced at $3,600, Seth Roberts is a great play in Daily.
Vance McDonald (SF • TE) - Tight ends that can score every week are rare, Vance McDonald has become one of those TEs. He's been in the top tier of tight ends for the past few weeks. Still not owned at all in the fantasy world, I expect that to change this week after the waiver wire. Priced at $3,000, McDonald is a solid play at TE this week against the Chicago Bears. Coming off a big injury week for tight ends, McDonald is a great pickup.
Zach Miller (CHI • TE) - To go along with Vance McDonald as a injury week fill-in at TE, Zach Miller is another great pickup. Becoming one of my favorite Daily starts (Priced at $3,100 this week against the 49ers), Zach Miller has put up solid fantasy points since week 9. Last week, even with Forte's return, Cutler continued to target Miller. He had 2 receptions of 7 targets for 10 yards and had a touchdown. What makes Miller such a good start is that he's gotten 4 TDs in his last 5 games. Only 20% owned, Zach Miller is one of the best week 13 fill-ins for Gronk owners.
Scott Chandler (NE • TE) - At 7% owned, Scott Chandler is going to be the highest added player at the end of this week's waiver wire. When dealing with Rob Gronkowski's injury, the Patriots will be shady, secretive, and untruthful. No one will know the time-frame of his absence. With this uncertainty, Gronk owners need to make other arrangements. Scott Chandler will be stepping in as New England's TE against the Eagles this week. When Gronk went down last week, Chandler stepped up his game and had a decent, fantasy game. Knowing that Brady's not afraid to use the backup TE, Chandler moves to a top 5 tight end this week. Priced at $2,500, Scott Chandler is a cheap TE that will have a monster week in Gronk's absence.
By: Cameron Black (KingShivaFantasy)
@GBCam_Black & @RealKingShiva
