Tue Dec 10 10:04am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
McCormick is gaining value
The good news it the bye weeks are officially done. We don’t have to deal with that anymore. The bad news is the options in the waiver wire this week aren’t the best. We have a few that could help but for the most part, there aren’t any big-time impact players on this list. It shouldn’t be a surprise at this time of the year. Hopefully, the injury bug isn’t much of a factor right now for you. But if so, below are some options to consider for Week 15.
QUARTERBACK
Bryce Young, Panthers (22.9% owned). Young didn’t have a great fantasy game last week but played well on the road against a good Eagles team. He had another touchdown pass and scored 15.45 fantasy points. He has 19-plus points two of three games. Young has made big strides since his return to the lineup and gets the Cowboys this week. He can help fantasy teams on a spot-start basis.
Aaron Rodgers, Jets (61.9% owned). Rodgers had his first 300-yard game of the season last week and topped 20 fantasy points for the fourth time. He has multiple touchdowns two of three games. Rodgers gets the lowly Jaguars this week, so he could be worth a spot play for fantasy teams. He is playing better.
RUNNING BACK
Sincere McCormick, Raiders (45.4% owned). Ameer Abdullah was back this week but McCormick led the backfield in playing time. He dominated the work, rushing 15 times for 78 yards. He also caught two passes for 11 yards, toppling double-digit fantasy points for the first time all season. McCormick should continue to get his chances for a lot of playing time the rest of the season.
Isaiah Davis, Jets (1.7% owned). Davis pretty much split the running back work with Braelon Allen last week. Davis ran 10 times for 40 yards and a touchdown. He also caught three passes, giving him three receptions each of his last two games. Davis has at least 12 fantasy points two straight as well. He has value as long as Breece Hall is out.
Patrick Taylor, 49ers (5.3% owned). Isaac Guerendo was injured very late in the Week 14 game. If he has to miss any time because of his foot injury, Taylor is the next man up in San Francisco. He was the top backup last week and ran seven times for 25 yards and a touchdown. Taylor is a good speculative pickup for fantasy teams.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos (50.9%). It is never certain when it comes to the Broncos backfield situation, but McLaughlin took a step forward his last time out. He led the backfield in playing time and had a big showing, running 14 times for 84 yards, Maybe he is the go-to guy the rest of the way at running back. He is worth grabbing if you need the running back help.
WIDE RECEIVER
Adam Thielen, Panthers (66.1% owned). Thielen is owned in more leagues this week but still out there in a decent amount. He shouldn’t be. He had a 100-yard game last week and has 17 receptions for 201 yards on 21 targets his last two games. Thielen could be a big fantasy factor down the stretch.
Tim Patrick, Lions (2.0% owned). Patrick found the end zone two times last week, getting his first touchdowns of the season. He is getting more looks, though, having at least three receptions three of four games. Patrick is worth a look in deeper leagues.
Jalen McMillan, Bucs (15.7% owned). McMillan got more chances last week and took advantage, catching four passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets. He has some potential going forward in an offense looking for help at receiver opposite Mike Evans. McMillan could be earning the trust of Baker Mayfield.
Ray-Ray McCloud, Falcons (24.4% owned). McCloud just keeps making plays with his chances. He had season highs across the board last week, catching eight passes for 98 yards on 11 targets. He has double-digit fantasy points three straight and four of five games. The numbers don’t lie. He is getting it done.
TIGHT END
Juwan Johnson, Saints (17.6% owned). Johnson got some more looks and playing time with Taysom Hill done for the season. Johnson scored his third touchdown of the season last week. He has scores two of three games. He has 12-plus fantasy points two of those games. Johnson is a decent spot starter at tight end at this stage of the season.
Grant Calcaterra, Eagles (2.6% owned). Calcaterra is likely to start the rest of the season with Dallas Goedert out. He has produced some decent games in that role. He found the end zone last week, catching three passes for 16 yards and a score It was his second game of the season with double-digit fantasy points.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Los Angeles Chargers tight ends Will Dissly (knee) and Tucker Fisk (toe) are both listed as questionable for the Week 5 game on Sunday at SoFi Stadium against the visiting Washington Commanders, according to Eric Smith of Chargers.com. Dissly missed the team's last two games with his knee injury and was limited in practice all week, so he could be a true game-time decision to play this weekend. If he's forced to miss another game, rookie Oronde Gadsden would become intriguing as a TE2 streamer in fantasy against a Commanders defense that hasn't really been able to slow anyone down through the air through the first four weeks of the season. Dissly entered the season as the favorite for TE1 duties in L.A., but he drew just two targets in two games before getting hurt. He should stay on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues, even if he returns against Washington.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has struggled through the first quarter of this season, tallying just one touchdown and 158 receiving yards thus far-and his journey won't get any easier in Week 5 as he lines up against the Broncos. What's especially worrying about Smith is that he was thrown to just twice in his most recent performance, which sets a new season-low for him after having three targets in the season opener. He has built a reputation as a boom-or-bust WR, and should be seen as a risky WR3 candidate against a Denver defense allowing 186 yards per game through the air.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) was not on the Friday injury report and seems ready to play on Sunday. Goedert has three scores over his last two games since returning from injury, hauling in two in the first half last week against the Buccaneers. Goedert has been one of the most consistent and reliable players at his position so far this season and is the only player on Philly's roster with multiple receiving touchdowns. He matches up against one of the league's best defenses in Week 5 as the Broncos visit Philly. Denver allows the sixth-least amount of fantasy points to TEs through four games this year, but Goedert has proven himself as one of Jalen Hurts' favorite targets. He's a solid TE1 this week.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott didn't put a ton of points on the board last Sunday against the Buccaneers, but he did stay perfect on the season by making his lone field goal attempt and all four of his extra points. While Elliott is still yet to miss this season, it's not necessarily translating to much fantasy value. He faces the Denver Broncos in Week 5, a defense tied for second-best in the league in terms of opponent points per game (16.8). For right now, there are likely better kickers available in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back A.J. Dillon was the lead backup for Saquon Barkley against the Buccaneers, being on the field for 14% of snaps and carrying the ball three times for 17 yards. Anyone in the Philly backfield not named Barkley remains irrelevant in fantasy, especially against a Denver Broncos defense allowing less than 100 rushing yards per game. Jalen Hurts will continue to take up a good amount of rush attempts as well, so Dillon is at best a handcuff option for if Barkley goes down. He should not see lineups in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
A.J. Brown managers were having flashbacks to the first two weeks of the season this past Sunday, as the Eagles wide receiver put up another lackluster statline despite getting plenty of looks. It's encouraging to see Brown get at least eight targets in each of his last three outings, but he's still only had one truly productive game. His Week 4 matchup against the Broncos may prove difficult, as Denver allows the seventh-least amount of points to opposing fantasy WRs. Of course, there's star cornerback Patrick Surtain II to worry about as well. It's getting harder to start Brown each week, but as long as he keeps getting the bulk of targets, he should be in lineups. Consider him a fine WR2 this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had ten catches for 85 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: Nacua now has posted at least ten catches in four of five games this season. It's a ridiculous (and NFL record) pace that even he will have a hard time keeping up with. Regardless, he's putting together a fantasy MVP-level season and is showing no signs of slowing down. Nacua is an untouchable player in dynasty leagues with his value more than some entire rosters.
Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne had ten catches for 142 yards in a win against the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Considering Bourne had just 8 catches on 13 targets for a total of 87 yards in his first three games, this was a shock even with the 49ers running out of healthy bodies. This will undoubtedly go down as his best game of the year but it also puts him back on the short-term roster radar. If you had to use him as a dart throw this week, you hit a bullseye.
Dynasty | 49ers quarterback Mac Jones completed 33-of-49 passes for 342 yards with two touchdowns no interceptions in a win against the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Say what you will about his tenure in New England but Jones has looked more than capable in three starts this year, throwing for 905 yards with six touchdowns and just one interception so far. He was extraordinary in this one, showing a lot of heart while hobbling around and basically playing on one good leg. Jones is no threat to Brock Purdy but he's clearly making the league think twice about giving up on him so quickly.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has failed to eclipse 50 rushing yards in each of his last two games, and will face another hurdle this Sunday against the Broncos. Denver is allowing 99.3 rushing yards per game this season-just one of 11 teams to average under 100. They also stifled Bengals RB Chase Brown on Monday, keeping him to 40 yards on 10 carries with his longest attempt going for six yards. However, Philly does have a much stronger offensive line than Cincinnati does, and Barkley averages more yards per carry (3.1) than Brown (2.3). Even with a couple things going against him, Barkley remains a definitive RB1 for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (ankle, knee) missed practice all week and carries a questionable tag into Sunday's game against the hosting New York Jets at Met Life Stadium on Sunday. Although the team has not ruled Sanders out, he's not expected to suit up this weekend. Not that he was much of a flex play to begin with in fantasy lineups, but Sanders should not be counted on versus New York. With the 28-year-old unlikely to be available in Week 5, rookie Jaydon Blue is expected to be active for the first time this year -- Blue was a healthy inactive for the first four weeks. Sanders, in his first year in Dallas, has served in a change-of-pace role behind starter Javonte Williams so far, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries (5.9 yards per tote). He has added eight catches for 30 yards. There's no guarantee Sanders will be available for Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers if he's unable to play this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard has seen a fairly heavy workload through the first four games of the season. Pollard has carried the ball 14 times or more every game, but he could see his workload decrease going forward. Fellow back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is currently questionable for the Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Spears has been out all season long, but appears to be almost ready to go. Pollard will likely see less carries once Spears returns. Until then, Pollard figures to remain the workhorse back in Tennessee. Pollard has rushed for 60 yards or more in three of his first four games of the season. The status of Spears could shift his value, but for now Pollard has flex appeal for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts did not complete a pass in the second half of his game against the Buccaneers, yet still put up a respectable fantasy performance by throwing for two early touchdowns. Week 4 marked his third game with multiple scores, and his third time this season rushing for 40 or more yards. But, Hurts will have his toughest challenge yet in his upcoming contest against the Broncos. Denver's defense gives up just 16.8 points per game-tied for second-best in the league-and they're allowing the fifth-least points to opposing QBs in fantasy. Fortunately, the game is in Philly instead of Mile High, and Hurts has given managers no reason to bench him thus far. He's a high-end QB1 in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward has experienced an ugly beginning to his professional career. Ward has been held to 175 passing yards or less in three of the first four games of the season. The 23-year-old looked lost last week when he completed 10-of-26 passing attempts for 108 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception in the loss. The potential is certainly there, but something big needs to change in Tennessee. That being said, Ward is an extremely risky fantasy option for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring) is back in action for the Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Legette will return this weekend after a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury. The targets have been there for Legette, but the 24-year-old has been unable to make an impact. Through two games, Legette has hauled in four of his 15 targets for eight yards this season. The Panthers offense isn't having much success right now. Legette clearly needs to build more chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young. Legette is worth a stash in certain formats, but isn't worth a start for Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker remains a strong fantasy option with a high floor, despite only having one field goal attempt in the team's recent loss. Dicker is still perfect on all his field goal attempts (eight) and extra points this season, reinforcing his status as matchup-proof. The Chargers' offense is widely expected to bounce back at home against a vulnerable Washington Commanders defense, leading to multiple scoring drives and more field goal opportunities than in their previous game. RotoBaller projects Dicker as K6 this week. Fantasy managers should trust this potent offense to rebound and can confidently start Dicker in their lineups.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen aims to turn volume into production in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders after catching just five passes for 37 yards against the New York Giants. Despite the underwhelming performance, the veteran had seven targets and will face a favorable matchup against Commanders cornerback Trey Amos. The Commanders' secondary is one of the worst in the league, ranking 27th in passing yards allowed per game. RotoBaller moves Allen up to WR15 this week. He remains a borderline WR2 and a strong start in all formats, especially PPR leagues, due to the expected high passing volume. However, managers should monitor his performance over the next few weeks, as aging veterans often start the season productive but tend to decline as the season progresses.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (calf) is cleared to suit up for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The rookie wideout was a bit banged up this week, but is fine for this weekend. It has been a slow start to the season for McMillan. He hauled in four of his eight targets for 62 yards in the loss to the New England Patriots last week. The good news is, McMillan has seen eight targets or more in every game this season. Sadly, McMillan only surpassed 70 receiving yards in a single game once so far. The Panthers offense isn't clicking right now, which is going to limit McMillan's value. Fantasy managers should consider McMillan a high-end WR3 for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is now firmly established as the team's top wideout entering Week 5, leading in targets, receiving yards, and touchdowns. The former first-round pick was one of the few bright spots in the team's first loss to the New York Giants, catching eight of 11 targets for 98 yards and his fourth touchdown of the season. Johnston now faces a vulnerable Washington Commanders secondary in a prime home matchup. He is expected to draw coverage from CB Marshon Lattimore, but the Commanders' overall passing defense has been significantly exposed, ranking 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed. RotoBaller upgrades Johnston to WR12 this week. Given his target volume and big-play ability, he is a borderline WR1 and a must-start in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton has firmly established himself as the Chargers' workhorse after his impressive performance against the New York Giants. Hampton handled the majority of snaps (89%) and rushed 12 times for 128 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown, while adding five catches for 37 yards. The Washington Commanders are stronger against the run than the pass, but they remain vulnerable on the road, allowing 131.5 rushing yards per game away from home. Although star tackle Joe Alt (ankle) is out, the expected return of veteran guard Mekhi Becton (concussion) adds interior stability. RotoBaller projects Hampton as RB7 for this week. Considering his workload, increased targets, and pass-catching skills, he is a solid RB1 and a must-start in all formats.
From RotoBaller