Week 13 Slingshot Plays

Josh Brickner Posted On November 27, 2019

“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.”

-1 Samuel 17:1-25:7

Don’t fret, you are still at the DLF website. The story of David and Goliath is oft-quoted to describe any underdog situation. As a society, we are enamored with cheering for people to not only defy the odds but to do so in simplistic yet spectacular fashion. Hollywood has capitalized on this desire as movies like the Mighty Ducks or the Karate Kid (the 80s version) highlight a person or team defying all odds to bringing home the trophy.

David’s slingshot, the Flying V of the Ducks, or Danielson’s Crane Kick all highlight an important idea – sometimes it only takes a simple action to bring down a giant. Enter the below list of players. Now let me be perfectly clear about one thing, I am not advocating starting anyone mentioned in this article over any reliable, consistent fantasy contributor or a stud player who has had a few down weeks.

These players are designed for those dynasty degenerates who may be facing long odds in their weekly matchup and/or are searching for that last starter in a flex spot in leagues with no kickers or defenses (the preferable way to operate a dynasty league).

This week 13 is a de facto playoff game for many of us. Winning means securing a spot in the playoffs or the coveted first-round bye, and losing… is unacceptable!

Ryan Tannehill, QB TEN

Since week seven, the QB2 behind Lamar Jackson in fantasy points per game is ~~Patrick Mahomes~~, ~~Josh Allen~~… Ryan Tannehill?! Yes, the former Dolphin signal-caller has found a new home in Tennessee and is silencing his critics (hand raised) while rewarding the one person (Zach Wilkens) who remained faithful.

During this five-game stretch, Tannehill has offered both a safe floor (19 FP) and a decent ceiling as displayed in last week’s 32-point explosion against Jacksonville. The matchup against the Colts (13th-stingiest pass D against opposing fantasy receivers) is less than ideal, but I still see a range of 20-25 points for the former Aggie. I’d start him over Jimmy Garoppolo (at Baltimore) in a tough matchup or the struggling Jared Goff (at Cardinals) or Carson Wentz (at Dolphins).

Tarik Cohen, RB CHI

Cohen has come full circle the last two and a half years in the fantasy football community. From being vastly overrated thanks to a jaw-dropping debut in his rookie season, to getting the Rodney Dangerfield treatment as the 32nd-ranked running back in the weekly FantasyPros consensus PPR rankings.

Over the last three weeks, Cohen is fourth in running back targets (19) and the RB9 in PPR leagues. The Lions have not only given up the second-most fantasy points to running backs on the season but have allowed a staggering 638 yards receiving to the position. Don’t forget to insert the NC A&T alum into your lineup for the early Thanksgiving kickoff before the face-stuffing commences. The shifty Bears satellite back should get the starting nod over Benny Snell, Carlos Hyde, or Kenyan Drake despite all three being ranked higher.

DeVante Parker, WR MIA

Look, if you had told me in August I’d be writing a week 13 article where I’d recommend starting both Tannehill and Parker… I’d have laughed you out of the room. In fact, myself and other league-mates mocked Zach Wilkens for his foolish devotion to the Louisville product and his former teammate. Yet, Zach is having the last laugh as in fantasy football (dynasty specifically), you can either adapt or watch your championship aspirations die a slow, painful death.

Parker has been on a tear the last four weeks as he’s the WR10 in PPR leagues and fourth in wide receiver targets (37) over the same time period. Need more convincing? Not only has the Dolphin wideout seen double-digit targets in three straight games, but he’s facing an Eagle secondary which is in the top ten (ninth) in allowing fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Start the Miami receiver with confidence as he has offered both a safe floor (11.9) and an intriguing ceiling (20.5) during this most recent hot streak.

Russell Gage, WR ATL

There’s a cornucopia of reasons to slide Gage into your lineup this week for his Thanksgiving night tilt against the Saints. First and foremost, the Falcon wide receiver has 28 targets, 21 receptions, and 189 yards receiving the last four games with a season-best line of 8/76 on ten targets against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

The LSU product has done the majority of his damage with Julio Jones in the lineup. Yet, the superstar receiver is dealing with a shoulder issue and his Turkey night status is anything but guaranteed. Finally, the New Orleans defense has been in the giving spirit the last two weeks sans top corner Marshon Lattimore. The Saint secondary is giving up the tenth-most fantasy points to enemy wide receivers including getting torched by DJ Moore (6/126/2) on Sunday.

Gage remains a solid flex play with Jones in the lineup and would become a rock-solid WR2 without.

Tyler Higbee, TE LAR

Rams TE Usage in Weeks 11 & 12:

Tyler Higbee: 73% Snap Rate
Gerald Everett- 28% Snap Rate

Higbee: 11.5% Target Share
Everett: 5.8% Target Share

Higbee is the my top TE streaming option this week vs ARI#LARams #RedSea #FantasyFootballAdvice

— Josh Brickner (@joshbrickner) November 26, 2019

Whether due to a lingering injury or a trip to the doghouse, it appears Gerald Everett has ceded TE1 responsibilities on the Los Angeles Rams to Tyler Higbee. This promotion for Higbee couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. The Rams are taking on an Arizona squad who is more charitable than UNICEF when it comes to giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

How bad have the Cardinals been in defending tight ends? In their 11 games, the opposing TE1 has scored ten-plus PPR points nine times as the fragile Tyler Eifert (2/14/0) and Josh Hill (3/39) were the only two to not reach this double-digit benchmark. We know Higbee will have a safe floor this week… but what about his ceiling? Kliff Kingsbury’s bunch has allowed a TE to score 15+ points seven times and 20+ points on four occasions. Higbee is a top-12 option for me this week without hesitation.

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Josh Brickner

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

Josh has been playing fantasy football since 1995 when he was 10 years old helping his grandfather. Josh played only in redraft leagues until recently when someone told him dynasty fantasy football could feed his addiction year round. Now he’s hooked! Outside of fantasy football, Josh loves having his heart broken by Cleveland professional sports teams, quenching his thirst for travel with his wife, and taking long walks with his four-legged best friend Roosevelt. Give him a follow on Twitter.