December 5, 2013

Fantasy Football Report: Week 14

By - Tim Swift

Here's the fantasy lowdown entering Week 14 of play.

1. Steady, Russell Wilson.

Photo by: Getty Images
With his 320 yard/3 touchdown performance on Monday Night Football, Russell Wilson propelled himself back to top 10 fantasy QB status. The 25-year-old has now gone six-straight games with scoring at least 2 TDs. You know Wilson isn't going to register outrageous passing numbers because of Seattle's commitment to the run game, but hitting those running lanes like he did against New Orleans increases his value. Those run yards will be a key down the stretch if you're going to continue to start Wilson, but if he keeps playing like he did this past week, he can potentially help you win your league.

2. The momentum should continue for DeMarco Murray.

Last Thursday, Murray had 22 total touches for 102 yards and 3 touchdowns versus Oakland; his second-best fantasy day of the season. In Week 14, Murray and the Cowboys should be licking their chops going up against a Chicago run defense that is dead last in the league, giving up 154 yards per game. If Murray adds anything in the passing game, he could have the best performance of any running back this week.

3. Don't get too excited about Eric Decker's big day.

On Sunday, Decker had the game of his life against the Chiefs, hauling in 8 receptions, 4 of them for TDs, for 174 yards. The month prior, Decker only had a total of 170 yards, and had not found the end zone at all. Kansas City's secondary was much more focused on Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas, so Decker was able to get open with little resistance. The Broncos take on the Titans this week, who boast one of the better secondaries in the league, giving up just 8 scores through the air the entire season; tops in the NFL. Simply put, it's hard to see Decker having the same impact as he had last week against a banged up defense.

4. Michael Floyd is performing down in the desert.

Over the last month, Michael Floyd has blossomed into the No. 2 receiver that the Arizona Cardinals have been looking for to compliment Larry Fitzgerald. The 220-pound wideout has been very physical, and is getting a ton of single coverage while defenses focus on Fitz. Floyd has 18 catches for 395 yards and pair of touchdowns over the last three weeks. Heading into your playoffs, you can start Floyd with confidence, knowing he's a near lock for double-digit targets each game.

5. Stalk that putrid Jet offense the remainder of the season.

Whether it's Geno Smith or Matt Simms at the helm, New York's offense is in shambles. The pass offense is last in the league and has the most interceptions. Because of those statistics, the run game has struggled over the past few weeks as well. In their three outings since the bye, the Jets have compiled a grand total of 664 yards and just 20 lousy points. Baltimore, Buffalo and Miami, all middle-of-the-road fantasy defenses, had their best days this season against New York. If you can start whoever is taking on the Jets that particular week, do so.

The Underrated 15 For Week 14:

- Quarterbacks

1. Matt Ryan
2. Matt McGloin
3. Josh McCown

- Running Backs

1. DeMarco Murray
2. Ben Tate
3. Steven Jackson

- Wide Receivers

1. Torrey Smith
2. Cecil Shorts
3. Rueben Randle

- Tight Ends

1. Charles Clay
2. Dallas Clark
3. Martellus Bennett

- Defense/Special Teams

1. Oakland
2. Cincinnati
3. Baltimore

*Catch me on Fantasy Football Live every Sunday morning from 8:00 till 9:00 on Sports Radio 560 WNSR Nashville, as well as 95.9 FM, or online @ wnsr.com.

1 comment:

  1. listened to your show this morning. enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete