Fantasy football is a game, just enjoy it
I got knocked out of the playoffs in one of my leagues over the weekend. Six of my players suffered on-the-field injuries, and three of them are probably season enders, which has to be a personal record for me. It’s a real bummer, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop playing. When you join a league, you sign up for 16 or 17 weeks, depending on the league. Message whoever you are playing and smack talk them into competing against you. You should still have fun, even if you are out of the playoffs.
Unfortunately, fantasy football is full of players that get upset when people who are knocked out make any moves at all. I have a few endearing names for these people, such as Aaron Rodgers Impersonators and Fantasy Football Fascists. I’m playing because it’s fun and I’m out to prove that I can outscore the teams that are still in. What’s that? I picked up someone you wanted? Sorry about that, pal, I’ll just drop him. I might as well drop the rest of my team too right? I have some players you could use. Do you have any other boo-boos that need kissing now that I have freshly wetted lips? Anyway, start these guys this week.
QB – Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this year. After an uninspiring career in Miami where he had a 42-46 record, he was ultimately let go this offseason. The Titans picked him up as a backup and made him their starter after Marcus Mariota disappointed them for the umpteenth time. He’s been so impressive that they’re going to pay him this offseason to be their QB of the future. Tannehill currently leads the NFL in passer rating at 118.5. Since becoming the starter, he’s averaged 22 fantasy points per game. He has a great matchup against the Texans this week. Houston is coming off a week in which they allowed Drew Locke to complete 81 percent of his passes in his second game ever. Tannehill is a surefire starter for the remainder of the season.
RB – Raheem Mostert
Last week, Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida combined for nine carries. Mostert had 10 carries and two total touchdowns. It’s likely that Breida’s usage was limited coming off an ankle injury last week, so he’s bound to steal some work from Mostert this week. Regardless, Mostert is available in most leagues and worth a look. His strong performance against the Saints suggests that the 49-ers won’t have a problem stomping the Falcons in Week 15. On a side note, if Josh Jacobs of the Raiders sits another week, DeAndre Washington should be in your lineup.
WR – Breshad Perriman
In Week 14, Jameis Winston threw for over 450 yards and four touchdowns. He also had three interceptions, but that’s not what’s important. Mike Evans, the team’s number one option, is potentially out for the rest of the season. Winston is going to throw the ball to someone, and the number of options is dwindling. Chris Godwin will obviously be involved, as will O.J. Howard. The next man up is Breshad Perriman. Perriman caught three passes for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Colts. The Bucs face the Lions in Week 15. The ball has to go to someone, which gives Perriman a solid shot at scoring a touchdown in back-to-back weeks.
TE – Noah Fant
Fant reminds me a lot of George Kittle. When he catches the ball in stride, he’s one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL. I pity the first person to try to tackle him because he almost always gets trucked. Fant is certainly going to be high on my draft board next season. Last week, he caught all four of his targets and pounded the Texans for 113 yards and a touchdown. Next week, he and the surging Drew Locke travel to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs. I think this game is going to be closer than a lot of people expect, and Fant has the potential to break off a score every time he touches the ball. As far as streaming options go, Fant is an excellent choice.