9 Spot Starters to Keep You in The Fantasy Playoffs
You made it. Congratulations. Now don’t blow it!
You’ve made it to the second round of the playoffs (or you just really want to win the consolation bracket to shove it in the face of your boss). Either way – good for you. You should always start your studs, unless your studs happen to be a dinged-up RG3, a plodding Michael Turner, a woefully ineffective Larry Fitzgerald, or a concussed Brent Celek. If so, here are a few options to consider.
(Photo: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports)
QB: Russell Wilson, Seahawks
Wilson might not be the biggest guy on the field, but that doesn’t mean the undersized Wisconsinite doesn’t come up big. After accounting for 12 touchdowns over the last six weeks, and a merciless slaying of the Cardinals, Wilson faces a Buffalo team that has given up 22 passing scores and is very susceptible to the run. Don’t forget – Wilson can make plays with his feet, too.
RB: Joique Bell, Lions
Now locked into a timeshare with teammate Mikel Leshoure, Bell touched the ball 17 times last week. However, that number could be on the rise on Sunday against an Arizona team that is flat-out dreadful. Bell is the primary pass-catcher out of the Detroit backfield so he is a good look in a PPR league.
RB: David Wilson, Giants
After possibly shedding some tears and languishing in Tom Coughlin’s doghouse for much of the year, Wilson ran like a man possessed last week. Ahmad Bradshaw is beat up, and even if he plays, Wilson certainly earned a good amount of work.
WR: Kenny Britt, Titans
In Tennessee’s second game with a new offensive coordinator, Britt blew up for eight catches and 143 yards. Always somewhat of a volatile option, Britt is a huge boom or bust play on Monday night against the New York Jets, but could have that big scoring night that wins you the week. He could also stink like no one’s business – we’re not responsible either way.
WR: Jason Avant, Eagles
With Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson both done for the year, Philadelphia QB Nick Foles looked Avant’s way 12 times in week 13. Avant, who’s due 2 million dollars next year, has shown in the past that he can put up numbers. Even though the Eagles have no reason to play, Avant has about 2 million of them.
TE: Clay Harbor, Eagles
Like his teammate, Harbor benefited from some offensive injuries and filled in nicely for Brent Celek on Sunday with six catches for 52 yards and a score. He’s expected to start this week and could have some value at the increasingly thin tight end position.
TE: Tony Scheffler, Lions
Matthew Stafford threw the ball Scheffler’s way 10 times on Sunday and even though only three of those passes got caught, one was for six points. Detroit loves to chuck the pigskin (592 pass attempts is tops in the league) so Scheffler should have his chances again this week against Arizona.
K: Adam Vinatieri, Colts
Remember this guy? Vinatieri booted a 53-yard field goal last week, and this Sunday Indianapolis takes on a Houston defense that is primed after a big loss. The Colts have been moving the ball well lately though, and should be able hang tough. Good defense vs. good offense = lots of field goals. Get it?
D/ST: Detroit
Not to beat a dead horse (or dead Cardinal) but Arizona’s offense is so bad that at one point last week they had more turnovers than first downs. So while Detroit isn’t the cat’s pajamas on D, they should be able to polish off the Cards without much difficulty.
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