If you’re reading this it probably means you’re deep into a playoff run, congratulations! The best piece of advice The Machine can give you when in comes to setting your playoff roster is this: Don’t Get Too Cute! Roll with the studs and productive players that have gotten you to this point! For your marginal players/ borderline guys, check out the match-ups and recent history.
If you’re in a bind (RG3, Dez owners….watch for the inactive reports in both cases) then here are a few plug-and-plays that could help you reach the promised land…..
1. David Wilson, RB NYG (67%Y!) – Sure, a 67% owned player is hardly a “sleeper”, but in fairness Wilsons ownership has spiked 39% this week based on his monster showing against the Saints. Further, Ahmad Bradshaw has been ruled out this week, clearing the path for an increased workload for Wilson. Wilson has elite quickness and speed, which more than makes up for his penchant for fumbling. The Giants simply can’t keep this guy off the field anymore; he can take it to the house on any given play. Backflips…err…gangnam style dances should be a plenty this weekend! If you are in one of those 33% leagues that he is still available, or if you are questioning whether or not to start him, hesitate no longer!
2. Brandon Weeden, QB CLE (13%Y!) – If you’re an RG3 owner (has taken zero 1st team reps and could be seriously limited with a sprained MCL) then maybe you want to downgrade (just a bit) to this fellow rookie. He is certainly a hard guy to trust (hence his 13% ownership) considering the ideal Cleveland game plan is to run the ball 80 times a game, however the matchup this week is tasty. Washington’s secondary is atrocious! They are almost a lock to give up 250+ yards passing. Plus, Josh Gordon has developed into the player the Browns were hoping Greg Little would become, a legitimate No. 1 WR. We put Weeden in that Phil Rivers – Joe Flacco – Carson Palmer range; so while he isn’t going to win you a fantasy championship, he won’t kill your chances this week. We recommend Weeden with a shot of Jack followed up by a frost brewed Coors Light…..(or 12)! Enjoy!
3. Nate Washington, WR Tenn (51%Y!) – Washington has had a forgettable season this year, registering only 39 catches for 648 yards and 4 scores. In many ways, Washington epitomizes that Titans offense this year: awful! Drafted as a WR3, fantasy owners have been largely disappointed and have rightfully either benched Nate or dropped him altogether. If you’ve hung on, and are in deep shit at WR and/or FLEX this week, your patience might just be rewarded. The thought process behind this one is simple. A. Cromartie (insert Christmas shopping joke here) has been balling this season; his efforts are largely overshadowed by the train wreck that is the New York Jets. Cromartie should be matched up on the surging Kenny Britt for this MNF tilt, leaving Washington to prey on the rest of the NYJ secondary. He has shown nice rapport with Locker in the past, so hopefully these to get on the same page this week. This move wreaks of desperation so sure, but it might not be as crazy of an idea as it sounds.
4. Dennis Pitta, TE BAL (30%Y!) – I’m not afraid to admit this is merely a “gut pick”. But I’d be surprised if Pitta doesn’t at least match his production (5/46/1) of last week. Take that as you may.
Others to consider: Dallas Clark, TE TB (25%Y!), Miami DEF (41%Y!), Danny Woodhead RB NE (34%Y!)