Demaryius Thomas has seen at least 8 targets
and scored three touchdowns in his last five games.
Grab a Helmet
Demaryius
Thomas @ MIA: The parade of horrors at the quarterback
position in Denver has caused the once mighty Thomas to tumble down
the ranks of fantasy receivers. But fear not playoff teams, Thomas
has a dandy match-up and the return of his least terrible QB to
thank for a rosy Week 13 outlook. Until last week's dud, Thomas
was riding a three-game touchdown streak, and despite struggling
to get past 50 yards, he has at least seen 8+ targets in six of
his last seven games. It’s hard to be overly excited about any Denver
skill position player, but Thomas gets a Miami team that’s been
beaten into submission, and a secondary that has given up 6 touchdowns
to receivers in the last five games. Thomas has had a frustratingly
low ceiling for much of the year, but the volume and touchdown opportunity
remain to return WR2 numbers.
Dontrelle
Inman vs SF: Simple physics indicate that someone has
the catch the ball when Chicago throws it, and it seems Inman has
been the most effective since coming over to the Bears several weeks
ago via trade. In his three starts with Chicago, Inman has totaled
13 receptions for 195 yards on 22 targets. These are hardly numbers
to go nuts over, but they make Inman an interesting option for fantasy
teams. He’s clearly option 1 in the passing game, and this week
Chicago hosts a very burnable secondary in the 49ers. I don't think
I’d ever feel truly good about myself if I had to start Inman, but
it also wouldn’t shock me to see him put up 70+ yards and a score.
If there was ever a week you were holding out to unleash the fury
of Dontrelle Inman on your league, this is the week to do it.
Marquise
Goodwin @ CHI: With Jimmy G officially at the helm this
week, the Niners will trot out the most talented QB they’ve had
on the roster since the ghost of Colin Kaepernick was roaming northern
California. Goodwin, a single dimensional deep threat for all of
his career has been forced into the No.1 role due to injuries and
a crappy roster. Surprisingly he’s adjusted well, especially the
last three games where he’s tallied at least 68 yards in each. This
week he faces off against a Bears team that’s struggled to compete.
With Goodwin getting more consistent looks and hopefully more stable
quarterback play, he finds himself on the edge of WR3 territory.
And hey, if anything, he’s good for a random 50-yard bomb that might
land him in the endzone!
Grab Some Pine
Josh
Gordon @ LAC: Unless you are simply playing out a lost
season, and want a few laughs for your league, don’t do it. Don’t
put in a guy who hasn’t seen an NFL field for over two years in
your lineup and expect anything. If you are fighting for your
playoff life and have to trust Gordon to save you, you are the
definition of desperate. After being away for over two years,
Gordon has gotten exactly two weeks of practice in, is playing
on an 0-11 offense being led by a struggling rookie quarterback.
The Browns also have to go on the road to face one of the league’s
best pass defenses. Do it for the memes, but don’t do it seriously.
Mike
Wallace vs DET: Bad things happen when you combine
a deep threat with a team that can’t throw deep. This is the world
Mike Wallace fantasy owners have lived in the entire season. With
his catch rate just north of 50%, Wallace isn’t doing much with
the targets he’s getting. He’s been held to single digit yardage
in four games this season. The culmination of this frustration
came last week when Wallace was able to haul in only 4 of his
11 targets for a measly 48 yards. Sure, he’s always a threat to
pop one for 60+ yards, but hope is no way to win late season fantasy
games. He’ll also get a heavy dose of Detroit’s Darius Slay, so
there isn’t even a positive matchup to pin your hopes on. Take
a look somewhere else.
Sammy
Watkins @ ARI: The serious match-up downgrade sinks
the value of Sammy Watkins in Week 13. Few corners in the NFL
are able to dictate where the offense goes with the ball, and
unfortunately for Watkins owners, Patrick Peterson is one of them.
Peterson has eaten No.1 receivers alive this year, and without
Robert Woods on the other side to take some attention away, I
expect the game plan to filter the passing game through the slot
and tight ends this week. Watkins delivered against the Saints
with one of his best games as a Ram, soaking up 9 targets 83 yards
and a score as the clear WR1, but be willing to shy away this
week if you have better options.
