With four passing touchdowns last week on the road against the
New York Giants, Aaron Rodgers proved to be one of the better
cash game plays of Week 13. Look for a similar performance this
week at home against a Redskins team that ranks 11th in fantasy
points allowed to quarterbacks. The only concern here for Rodgers
is a negative game script created by the Green Bay defense creating
defensive scores against rookie Dwayne Haskins. While this is
a concern, I think Washington will look to run a ton on the Packers
and will find some success with Derrius Guice, forcing Rodgers
to continue to throw most of the game.
Other options to consider - Matt Ryan vs. Carolina &
Tom Brady vs. Kansas City
Tannehill at home against an Oakland defense that gives up the
third-most points to opposing quarterbacks is my favorite play
of the week at the position. Tannehill has at least two touchdowns
in each of his last three games, and his legs give him an added
dimension as a threat to score a rushing touchdown. Tannehill
is playing like Dolphins fans always wanted him to play, and the
Titans are a sneaky good offense with him under center.
Brees has been a solid play at home this season against subpar
defenses like Carolina and Arizona, but he faces arguably the
best defense in the NFL this week and could be in line for a rough
day. Save the $100 and play Tannehill at home against the Raiders.
Chubb was a fade last week on the road against a stout Pittsburgh
run defense that has shut down most opposing running backs this
season. This week’s matchup against the Bengals is on the opposite
end of the spectrum when it comes to difficulty level, as the
Bengals have allowed 14 different players to reach double-digit
fantasy points this season in 12 games. I like both Kareem Hunt
and Chubb in this game to score well, with a nod toward Chubb
based on the fact that I think he is going to get around 25 carries
and could post his best game of the season since his three-touchdown
game against the Ravens.
The Chiefs have been a much better run defense as of late with
the return of Chris Jones to the middle of the defensive line.
This game projects to be a fairly high scoring matchup, and the
Texans gave the Chiefs the blueprint on limiting Julian Edelman
with a double team and forcing the other wide receivers on the
Patriots to make a play. If that happens again, look for Brady
to hone in on his other trusty underneath option with James White
out of the backfield garnering a ton of targets.
A fully healthy Cook would be the smash play of the week at home
against the Lions. But with a possible negative game script in
play with the Lions rolling out a rookie quarterback and head
coach Mike Zimmer limiting his touches for fear of making his
injured shoulder worse, I would avoid Cook this week.
Diggs struggled to the tune of four receptions for 25 yards and
no touchdowns last week against the Seahawks. While the production
was not there, he did receive nine targets and should get a similar
target share this week against a far worse defense in the Lions.
Look for Diggs to bounce back this week with a similar performance
to what he put up against the Broncos when he posted five catches
for 125 yards and a score.
Washington is on a hot streak with an average of 22 fantasy points
in his last two games. This week’s matchup against the Cardinals
is a plus-plus matchup that should afford him the opportunity
to continue his solid play. JuJu Smith-Schuster looks to be out
once again, leaving Washington as the main receiving threat for
Duck Hodges.
The injuries to the running back corps for the Chiefs lead me
to believe that Bill Belichick will devote even more of his resources
to stop the passing game for Kansas City, including giving Stephon
Gilmore more help than usual on Tyreek Hill. Sure, Hill is the
type of player who can bust a big touchdown score at any point
in the game, but I’d rather look elsewhere in a week where
there are a ton of good options.
The Bucs are the third-worst team in the league at stopping tight
ends and Doyle has become a focal point in the offense as of late
with injuries to the wide receiving corps and with Eric Ebron
placed on IR.
Other options to consider - Hunter Henry @ Jacksonville
This game has the makings of a shootout, and I want a piece of
the action where I can get it. Gesicki is averaging seven targets
per game over his last three contests and continues to gain more
favor from Ryan Fitzpatrick in the passing offense. If you need
a low-cost tight end with huge upside, Gesicki is your play.
Other options to consider - Ryan Griffin vs. Miami
Mark Andrews made me look like a fool last week when I recommended
fading him against a Niners defense that ranked 32 in points allowed
to tight ends. While it is possible Cook may do the same, I am
avoiding him this week in favor of Doyle or Gesicki.
Defense & Special Teams
High Priced Option Worthy of the Cost: Packers
($4,000) vs. Redskins
