Fantasy Football Trust or Bust: Week 14
Week 13 is finished and in most fantasy leagues that means the playoffs start next week. In these playoff matchups, fantasy owners need players that are consistent and reliable. This week featured some intriguing performances; let’s recap the best and worst of last week from fantasy:
Quarterbacks
Deshaun Watson, Texans: Watson threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns, also catching a 6-yard touchdown on an option trick play in a crucial win over the Patriots on Sunday. He finished with 28 fantasy points, leading quarterbacks for the week. Since a tough loss to the Ravens, Deshaun Watson has shredded through the Colts and Patriots.
He does, however, face a tough matchup this week against the Denver Broncos.
Decision: TRUST
Nick Foles, Jaguars: Foles played two quarters Sunday passing for 93 yards and an interception with two lost fumbles. He finished with minus fantasy points, which caused the decision to bench him in favor of rookie Gardner Minshew.
Foles was injured for the majority of the season following a broken collarbone in week one. His poor play since returning has created quarterback controversy for head coach Doug Marrone, especially since Foles was given a contract worth $88 million. He is someone not to be trusted going forward and Minshew Mania is back against the Chargers.
Decision: BUST
Running Backs
James White, Patriots: White took on an unusually large role rushing for 79 yards and catching eight passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Patriots running backs are known for inconsistency thanks to head coach Bill Belichick not ever favoring just one back. However, in a game that required the Patriots to pass the majority of the time, it led White to his best performance all season. He finished with 36 PPR fantasy points, leading all running backs.
With an impending shootout against the Chiefs, White requires RB2 attention.
Decision: TRUST
Miles Sanders, Eagles: Sanders ran for 83 yards along with catching five balls for 22 yards and a touchdown despite a brutal 37-31 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday. Sanders had one of the most impressive fantasy weeks with 21 PPR fantasy points. The rookie from Penn State was given a workhorse role and rewarded the Eagles.
With Jordan Howard still questionable with a shoulder issue, Sanders may be the lead back again next week against the division foe Giants. Sanders performance will be based around his workload and matchup.
Decision: TRUST
Wide Receivers
Devante Parker, Dolphins: Parker pulled in seven catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns for 34 PPR fantasy points, leading all receivers. Despite talks of Parker being a draft bust the last couple seasons, he has come out of his shell this season and looked amazing thus far. Parker will be a player that wins many teams playoff games because he was such a low value at the beginning of the season to where he is now.
A week 14 matchup against a major rival Iin the Jets, Parker should be good for at least 10 targets with a chance to make a major impact.
Decision: TRUST
Anthony Miller, Bears: Miller corralled nine catches for 140 yards for 23 PPR fantasy points in a Thanksgiving day win over the Lions. Miller has emerged as the top option in this Bears offense and a solid fantasy option despite poor quarterback play. He will most likely be on the waiver wire and is the type of player that can be picked up to plug and play immediately.
With his current workload increasing throughout the season a week 14 Thursday night game against the Cowboys, Miller is a solid flex and WR2 for teams looking for another option.
Decision: TRUST
Matt Noah is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact him, email matthewnoah29@gmail.com.
