Andrew Hedglen
Contributing Writer
If you’re struggling at a roster spot or two heading into the playoffs, here are the solutions.
Vick Ballard (Colts RB) – Ballard ran for 41 yards and a touchdown last week, and the Colts play the Titans, who give up the most fantasy points to running backs. What’s more enticing is that Donald Brown was forced out of last week’s game with an ankle injury, so it looks like Ballard should get most, if not all of the carries.
Jonathan Dwyer (Steelers RB) – He will get the start again this week. He ran for 49 yards and a touchdown last week and should be productive again as the new workhorse in the backfield. They play the Chargers, who have given up the 13th-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Not a match-up that’s scaring me. Go ahead and deploy Dwyer as an RB2 in deep leagues, or a flex otherwise.
Chris Givens (Rams WR) – The Rams play the Bills, who have given up the 10th-most fantasy points to wideouts. In Danny Amendola’s absence, Givens has had 20 targets in the past two weeks, posting 17 and nine fantasy points. He’s really beginning to come on, the match-up is great this week and he could be a fantasy playoff gem.
Mike Thomas (Lions WR) – If you really, really need a guy this week, Thomas could most certainly be that guy. After being signed a few weeks ago, things have been looking bright for Thomas’ fantasy perspective. With Nate Burleson going down for the year earlier this season, rookie sensation Ryan Broyles tearing his ACL last week, and Titus Young’s removal from the team due to attitude issues, Thomas will now start opposite Calvin Johnson. The Packers are middle of the pack in pass defense. This has potential to be a shootout, so Thomas should fair well.
Brandon Myers (Raiders TE) – If you need a tight end, go with this guy. He’s fifth in the league among fantasy tight ends, and somehow is only owned in 59 percent of leagues. He had his best game of the year against Cleveland last week, catching a whopping 14 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. Yes folks, he is the real deal, and the only consistent receiving option for Carson Palmer. What’s great about this week is that they play the Broncos, who have given up the most fantasy points against tight ends.
Brandon Weeden (Browns QB) – If you are hard-pressed for a quarterback this week, Weeden has another great match-up against Kansas City, who has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. He put up 17 fantasy points against Oakland last week and has only scored below 10 points in three games this season. Cleveland plays at home in the match-up as well.
Montell Owens (Jaguars RB) – If you’re having trouble outside of fantasy football, I’m not Montell Williams. But what I can tell you to do is start Montell Owens if you need a running back. He’s starting for the Jaguars with Jennings and Parmele out and MJD unlikely to play. At 2-10, the Jaguars won’t rush MJD back. They also play the Jets, who have been miserable altogether while giving up the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. Owens is only owned in eight percent of leagues, as it seems that nobody knows that he’s starting and has a great match-up. Take advantage if you need him this week.
Andrew Hedglen can be reached for comment at
ahedglen@springfieldcollege.edu