Fantasy Football Edge: Late-Season Options
By Matt Cott and Matthew Schwimmer of RotoAnalysis
Going into the last few weeks of the season, lineup decisions are as crucial as ever. This week, we at RotoAnalysis are going to break down some of the players we like for the last few weeks who you might not expect. We'd recommend starting these guys and believe they could carry you to that crucial late-season victory.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars RB
Despite his terrible start, Jones-Drew actually has the 15th most points among running backs this season. The Jaguars' offense has rebounded a bit, and MJD is closing the fantasy season with three home matchups against the Texans, Bills, and Titans. When it comes to RB2, all you need is carries and the chance for a touchdown, and MJD will put you in that position to succeed.
C.J. Spiller, Bills RB
The first-round fantasy bust looked explosive and everything fantasy owners wanted him to be when they drafted him against the Falcons last week. Spiller, finally healthy, rushed for 149 yards and a score against the Falcons in Canada. Spiller's matchups the rest of the way look increasingly interesting to fantasy owners as his matchups include games against the Jaguars and Dolphins. The Jaguars are a great matchup for Spiller as they have a real lack of speed at the linebacker position. If you're in a position to reach the playoffs despite drafting Spiller high, he may finally reward you.
Stevie Johnson, Bills WR
Stevie Johnson is finally healthy at the same time as his starting quarterback, E.J. Manuel. While he didn't have an extremely productive first week back, he's clearly Manuel's first target. The Jaguars are extremely poor against the pass and the Bucs will be with a less than full strength Darrelle Revis. Johnson has the upside of being a top 20 WR in each of these weeks.
Kendall Wright, Titans WR
Wright has been remarkably consistent, and sometimes that's all you can ask for at receiver – we can't all have Calvin Johnson, after all. Wright has at least 50 yards in every week since Week 2, and is averaging 84 yards/game over his last six. He's not a red zone threat and doesn't have the upside of some other receivers, but somteims playing it safe is the right call and if you're shallow at WR, Wright is a great WR3 and passable WR2.
Agree? Disagree? Questions? Tweet @RotoAnalysis and be sure to follow Moe @MoeProblems, Matt @KidCotti21, and Matt@Schwimingly. Check out their work on RotoAnalysis.com, as well as The RotoAnalysis Fantasy Sports Podcast.
