Week 14 in the NFL featured just about everything a fan could ask for from a weekend of football. There were blizzard-like conditions in multiple games, three games decided in the final two minutes, the longest field goal in NFL history (although comes with a Rocky Mountain sized asterisk because it happened in the thin air in Denver; sorry Matt Prater) and Peyton Manning telling critics to shove something where the sun doesn’t shine.
It was indeed a wild weekend as teams jostled for playoff position and the league set a record for most touchdowns scored in a day. However, if you’re reading this column, that means you’re still alive in your fantasy playoffs and have come seeking a weekly dose of my advice. I had a lot of time on my hands to write this weekend, thanks to being snowed in (I only took one sledding break, in case you were wondering), so my picks should work out extra well. We’re just playing in the snow during this week’s trends.
Dylan Sinn is a freelance contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSinn or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
Week 15 Who's Up-Down
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Alfred Morris RB – Washington
The situation in Washington is a mess right now. The team has lost five in a row and six of seven and Mike Shanahan could get fired between the time I write this and the time it’s published. RGIII continues to struggle, and, even worse, Morris, arguably the Redskins’ best offensive weapon at this point has seen a noticeable drop in touches.
The former sixth-round pick hasn’t had the ball in his hands on more than 15 plays since Week 11 and he’s run for less than 100 yards combined in the last three games. Morris’ last single-game 100-yard effort came the week after Halloween and he only has one TD in five games since then, as well.
With his team in such disarray, it’s very difficult to trust Morris’ production enough to start him in your fantasy playoffs. His lack of participation in the passing game limits his fantasy value when the Redskins fall behind and are forced to throw. That happens a lot, so try to find a replacement for Morris if you can. Toby Gerhart is probably available.
Arrow Pointing: DOWN
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Bobby Rainey RB – Tampa Bay
This pick is if you’ve been struggling at running back or flex and are in need of a fresh option. Rainey has now had two great games in his last four, including a 127-yard performance on Sunday against the Bills. The former Western Kentucky star also found the end zone against Buffalo, the fourth time in six games he has done so.
Those who are skeptical because his two breakout games came against the Swiss chees-like defenses from Atlanta and Buffalo should remember that Rainey also had 71 total yards against the Panthers in Week 13, a team that boasts one of the best defensive units in the league. The 26-year old is owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues right now, so I would recommend picking him and starting him if you can. He could be a lottery ticket in your playoff game.
Arrow Pointing: UP
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Charles Clay TE – Miami
Clay has become a viable pass-catching threat for Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins offense in recent weeks. The third-year tight end (or fullback, depending on who you ask) has had at least seven targets in five straight games and has gained 90 yards or more through the air in three of those contests.
In Week 14 against Pittsburgh, the Tulsa product had one of his best games to date in the NFL, catching seven passes for 97 yards and two taking it to the house twice. The Steelers rank seventh in the league in pass defense, so Clay didn’t feast on an overmatched secondary. He might get that this weekend against New England, which just got torched by the Jason Campbell-led Browns (never a good sign for a defense). Clay is only owned in 53.7 percent of leagues and he has a favorable matchup this week. He’s definitely worth a start if you’re looking for someone to replace Gronk.
Arrow Pointing: UP
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Cordarrelle Patterson WR – Minnesota
In recent weeks, Patterson has been flashing the big-play ability that led the Vikings to choose him in the first round of the 2013 draft. Patterson certainly has breakaway speed, as evidenced by his league-leading 33.3 yards per kick return. Now, Minnesota is making a concerted effort to get him the ball in space on offense, and, once he has some room, the former Tennessee star knows exactly what to do with the ball.
The 22-year old Patterson sprinted for a 33-yard TD from the tailback position against the Bears in Week 13, and then went off in Week 14 in Baltimore, racking up 147 total yards. That figure included a 79-yard run to pay-dirt on a simple screen pass that put the Vikings ahead with 57 seconds left in the game. After a performance like that, Leslie Frazier will no doubt try to get Patterson even more touches. With a game against the Eagles’ 31st ranked pass defense, the rookie could be in for another big day on the heels of his breakout game. He’s only owned in 5 percent of ESPN leagues, so pick him and watch him run all over Philly.
Arrow Pointing: UP
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Shane Vereen RB – New England
With Rob Gronkowski out for the season with a torn ACL, the Patriots must look elsewhere for production. On Sunday, they looked Vereen’s way. The former Cal standout only carried the ball three times, but he caught 12 passes on 17 targets from Tom Brady, giving him 15 or more touches (even split between carries and receptions) in four of his five games this season.
Vereen racked up 153 yards on those 12 catches against the Browns in Week 14 and he’s had at least 72 total yards in all of his games in 2013. Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount each had eight carries on Sunday, but Vereen remains the top running back in New England. The Pats have a Week 15 matchup against a middle-of-the-road Dolphins defense, so Vereen could have another big game. He’s a solid RB2 or flex option this week and could be available on the waiver wire, as he’s only owned in 82 percent of ESPN leagues this week.
Arrow Pointing: UP
