Author: Bobby McMann, Staff Writer
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in your playlist as we discuss shifting player values from some of the most recent Fantasy Football performances.
Happier by Ed Sheeran
Adam Thielen has followed up his 2016 breakthrough with an even more impressive start to 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Marcus Mariota has not taken the step forward that we were expecting yet this year, but there is still time for him to reward your patience. He does have four rushing TDs on the season, but the problem has been an inconsistent passing attack. After an ugly four INT performance on Sunday, he’s thrown 10 picks in just nine games this season. Interceptions haven’t been a problem for him previously, so we’ll chalk it up to an off day. With a healthy Corey Davis and a get right matchup against the Colts, Mariota is worth sticking with in Week 12. Beyond that, he is a matchup play, borderline QB1 option. Hopefully, he can catch fire and lead you into the Fantasy playoffs.
Loyalty by Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna
The Steelers offense looked off earlier in the season, but Ben Roethlisbergerand company are starting to heat up just in time for the schedule to ease up. Other than a tough matchup against the Ravens in Week 14, Roethlisberger looks locked in as a Top 10 QB with one of the easiest schedules at the position. JuJu Smith-Schuster’s rise has been a big part of the entire offense coming alive, so his ‘minor’ hamstring injury is at least a minor concern at the moment. There is a lot to like about how the schedule lines up for the Steelers Fantasy stars down the stretch, especially Big Ben.
Dang! By Mac Miller featuring Anderson Paak
Samaje Perine was talked about as a potential Jordan Howard-type this year, coming in and making a major Fantasy impact. The rookie seemed to take a backseat to the Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson tandem after getting an early opportunity, but he re-emerged as a viable asset in Week 11. It wasn’t just his 23 carries for 117 yards and a score, but also the season-ending injury to Thompson that further enhanced his appeal. He is shaping up to be an RB2 option, especially against bottom tier run defenses like Arizona (Week 15) and Denver (Week 16).
No Flex Zone by Rae Sremmurd
C.J. Andersonhas always left Fantasy owners wondering what things would be like if he could stay healthy for a full season and get a full complement of carries. He’s had some terrific RB1 stretches in his career, but given his entire body of work, he’s much closer to a FLEX option right now. Devontae Booker may be the future of the Broncos rushing attack and he is splitting work with Anderson. Jamaal Charles is also in the mix. If I am the Broncos, I am feeding Booker moving forward to see if he can be the main man in 2018. Anderson is an above average back, but not enough of one to separate himself from his peers, and it is draining his Fantasy value.
Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
Adam Thielen has followed up an unlikely 2016 breakout performance with one that is easily more impressive. He’s now scored in three straight (his only three TDs of the year) and has at least 96 receiving yards in six of 10 games. Thielen already has 916 yards on the season as one of Fantasy’s most consistent receivers this year. I maintain that Stefon Diggs is the Vikings’ most talented receiver, but you cannot argue with Thielen’s production right now. There is no reason to think it can’t continue. He’s a WR1 producer that you drafted as a WR4/5. That is something we all can be thankful for.
I Feel It Coming by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk
Dede Westbrook looked like a potential sleeper heading into the season, but an injury landed him on IR after a strong summer performance. With Allen Robinson out for the season and Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee not exactly playing to their potential, there is opportunity in Jacksonville. I’m interested in deep league speculation over the next few weeks to see what he can do, but the value here is more likely in 2018.
Into You by Ariana Grande
Jack Doylehas a very Fantasy-friendly schedule in front of him, which makes him a prime target if you are looking to upgrade at TE before your trade deadline. Doyle has been playing well of late, with the exception of a Week 10 dud. Combine that with a Week 11 bye and there is a slim chance he is on your waiver wire. If not, make his owner an offer while the lack of production is fresh in his or her head. Doyle is a Top 5 TE play from here on out.
Keep Me In Your Thoughts by Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
It may have seemed like an overdraft to grab mammoth-sized, small school freak Adam Shaheen in the second round, but that may end up being another pick that helps the Bears get back to glory. Shaheen has been getting more involved with Zach Millersidelined and while it is not enough to start him, it is certainly a trend to monitor. Shaheen could very well end up the starting TE in Chicago next season and building up a rapport with Mitchell Trubisky will make him a Fantasy Football sleeper.
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