Week 14 Slingshot Plays
“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 Dynasty League Football. 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 doing 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, not the nonsense remake with Jayden Smith) highlight a person or team defying all odds to bring home the trophy.
David’s slingshot, the Flying Vof 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 playoff 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).
It’s playoff time! Are you ready?
The playoffs can be a stressful time for all of us as each decision is magnified and one wrong move can end your season. Dynasty owners of Matthew Stafford, James Conner, Eric Ebron, and TJ Hockenson might feel like Jesse Spano coming down from a caffeine pill high (not sure if that’s actually a thing) as you are without one or more of your most important fantasy contributors at the most crucial time of the year.
Below, I’ll give you some players who have the ability to help fill the void left in your roster by those players who are MIA this week.
Week 13 Slingshot Plays Recap
Ryan Tannehill, QB TEN: 17/22 182 yards, 2 TDs, 13.8 FP- Miss
Tarik Cohen, RB CHI– 4 Targets, 4 Recs, 26 Receiving Yards; 4 Rushes, 9 Yards, 7.5 FP- Miss
Russell Gage, WR ATL: 9 Targets, 5 Receptions, 52 Yards, TD, 16.2 FP- Hit
DeVante Parker, WR MIA: 10 Targets, 7 Recs, 159 Receiving Yards, 2 TDs, 34.9 FP- Hit
Tyler Higbee, TE LAR: 8 Targets, 7 Recs, 107 Receiving Yards, TD, 23.7 FP- Hit
Tannehill had a solid day, but I strive for better than QB19 with my recommendations. The Titans are a team whose preferred method of winning football games is to run the ball and play solid defense which comes at a detriment to their signal caller’s fantasy value as a low-end QB1. Cohen is a risky flex play moving forward as there’s no rhyme or reason to his usage.
Gage has capitalized this past month on Austin Hooper’s absence as he likely turns back into a fantasy pumpkin with Hooper’s week 14 return. Parker is a WR2 with week-winning upside as long as the Dolphins secondary remains awful and Ryan Fitzpatrick is under center. Be careful with Higbee moving forward as this was simply a matchup play.
Week 14 Slingshot Plays
Devlin Hodges, QB PIT
Let me be clear, this is the definition of a desperation, boom/bust play based entirely on matchup data. Hodges’ fantasy performances in his last two starts (9.08 FP, 11.68FP) wouldn’t inspire much confidence for a fantasy owner to stream him this week, and I don’t disagree. However, the Cardinals pass defense has been so Charmin soft the last five games the Samford alum must be given consideration. The Arizona secondary has not only given up an average of 369 passing yards during this stretch, but each of the last two quarterbacks they’ve faced has thrown for over 400 (!) yards.
It’s unrealistic to expect this kind of stat line from the undrafted rookie, but seeing the Steeler signal-caller toss for 275 yards and two touchdowns is not. If you’re in a deep superflex league and are looking for a QB2 streamer, fly with Duck Hodges over Mitchell Trubisky or Andy Dalton.
Darwin Thompson, RB KC
Chiefs HC Andy Reid conceded that there's a "good chance" RB Darrel Williams (hamstring) misses Sunday's game against the Patriots. There was no update from Reid on RB Damien Williams, who missed Week 13 with a rib injury. If both Williamses are out this… https://t.co/xjqIUO03U4
— Fantasy Football (@FantasySmarts) December 2, 2019
“Patience is a virtue.” “Good things come to those who wait.” To those who have held dynasty shares of Darwin Thompson since the Summer, these words might appear hollow… Until now!
In the lead up to week three this season, it was reported both LeSean McCoy and Damien Williams would be inactive for the Chiefs. The dynasty community was abuzz as anxious owners were ready to cash in on their shares of the Utah State alum. Unfortunately, Andy Reid had other plans as Darrel Williams (15.9 PPR FP) and not Thompson (0.8 FP) picked up the fantasy slack in the Chiefs backfield for that contest.
Both the Williams twins (not actually related) could be sidelined this upcoming Sunday opening the door for the Chiefs rookie to make an impact. Yes, the matchup against the Patriots (least FP allowed to opposing RBs) is less than ideal. Yet, those in PPR leagues shouldn’t fret as Texans scatback Duke Johnson was RB8 against the vaunted Pats defense in week 13.
McCoy and Damien Williams have both been averaging 10.2 PPR FP per game in the KC offensive attack. Thompson is a solid flex option with top-15 upside if he’s manning the satellite back role come Sunday.
(Author’s note: This was completed before the Chiefs signed veteran running back Spencer Ware making Thompson a much riskier option this week.)
Sterling Shepard, WR NYG
Upon returning in week 12 from his second concussion, Shepard has reclaimed his alpha dog status of the Giant receiving corp, leading the unit in snap percentage (90%), targets (16), and fantasy points (21.7) over the last two weeks. In better news, the former Sooner has a red zone target in each of his past two games (converting one into a touchdown) as rookie quarterback Daniel Jones looks his way when it matters most.
Shepard appears to be rounding back into form at exactly the right moment for this week’s matchup with the Eagles pass-funnel defense which allows the fifth-most points to enemy wideouts. Yes, the same Philly defense that allowed DeVante Parker to finish as the WR1 in the entire league last Sunday. The Oklahoma product is the 31st-ranked fantasy wide receiver on Fantasy Pros, which is too low. He’s a low-end WR2 with WR1 upside and I’d insert him into your lineups over Terry McLaurin, Jamison Crowder, and Christian Kirk.
Vance McDonald, TE PIT
#FantasyFootball TEs vs ARI Last 4 Games:
Week 9: George Kittle- 19.9 PPR
Week 10: O.J. Howard- 14.7 PPR
Week 11: Ross Dwelley- 17.4 PPR
Week 13: Tyler Higbee- 23.7 PPRFire up Vance McDonald this week! #HereWeGo #redsea
— Josh Brickner (@joshbrickner) December 3, 2019
There were many dynasty degenerates (hand raised) who thought Vance McDonald was in store for a monster 2019 season. Fresh off a TE10 finish in 2018, the expectations around the Rice alum only intensified when backup Jesse James joined the Lions. Not only has McDonald not had the fruitful fantasy campaign we all hoped, but he’s currently the TE24 in PPR leagues with a putrid ten receptions for 66 yards in his last four games combined.
Why am I recommending you start the Steeler tight end in this do or die opening playoff round? Simple, the Arizona Cardinals cannot defend the tight end position. I’m fairly certain my plump self could strap on some shoulder pads and produce a 5-52 stat line at the position against Arizona. Fire up McDonald with confidence as he should easily record his best statistical game of the season this Sunday in the desert.
Ian Thomas, TE CAR
As self-appointed president of the Ian Thomas fan club, I’ve been more than disappointed in his fantasy disappearing act (5-28-0) this season. I expected the IU product to be more of a complement to veteran Greg Olsen, but that hasn’t been the case. Yet, when Olsen took a violent hit to the head last Sunday, Thomas was ready when called upon. With the Panthers in catchup mode, Thomas caught all four of his targets for a scoreless 24 yards (yes, he only had a single receiving yard before week 13).
The Panthers didn’t have any specifics on their veteran tight end’s status for Sunday’s tilt with Atlanta, but specifically mentioned Thomas needing to step up. The former Hoosier provided a lifeline for his fantasy owners during last season’s playoff run finishing as TE5 and TE8 in weeks 14 and 16 respectively. With Olsen ruled out for Sunday’s contest versus Atlanta, Thomas instantly becomes a low-end TE1 streamer.
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