It has been a great fantasy season thus far, full of many surprises and disappointments. But the rollercoaster of fantasy football does not always have to end in the regular season, as playoff season is finally upon us. If you are one of the teams lucky enough to make it this far, this column will help you make the decisions you need to make to win. If you are not in the playoffs next week, better luck next season.
Stock Up:
Gus Edwards RB, Baltimore Ravens: The end of the Joe Flacco era in Baltimore also apparently means the end of the Alex Collins era as well. Collins has conceded his lead back role to Edwards, who has received 17 and 23 carries in Baltimore’s two games with Lamar Jackson as their starting quarterback after only having 15 carries on the season before then. Making the most of his opportunity, Edwards has posted back to back 100 yard games, a mark which Collins had not reached all season. Edwards’ late season performance is reminiscent to that of Tim Hightower’s league winning run back in 2015. Edwards should be added in all leagues if he is still available.
Stock Down:
Adrian Peterson RB, Washington Redskins: Peterson has proven to be a timeless wonder in his first season with the Redskins, but unfortunately I am apprehensive about starting Peterson if you are a team entering the fantasy playoffs. The Redskins saw their playoff chances die before their eyes after Alex Smith suffered a gruesome leg injury in week 11, and their offense sputtered with Colt McCoy as their quarterback. Peterson was one of the main players hurt by McCoy’s play, as he only rushed for 35 yards in week 12 against the cowboys in McCoy’s only start. Unfortunately, I do not think McCoy’s play is going to improve and Peterson will continue to be an afterthought in an offense that is forced to throw the ball often due to game script.
Waiver Wire Watch:
Lamar Jackson QB, Baltimore Ravens (owned in 49.1% of leagues): It’s very rare that you find a quarterback that is worthy of starting in fantasy that has not eclipsed 200 yards passing all season, but Jackson has posted two solid starts since being named the starter. Jackson has been able to make up for the lack of passing yards by rushing, posting nearly 200 yards on the ground over his two starts. With favorable matchups lined up for the Ravens over the next three weeks, Jackson is worth a look for teams struggling at the quarterback position.
Broncos D/ST (owned in 39.7% of leagues): Denver’s defense has not been exceptional thus far this season, but they have a great schedule for the rest of the season, facing Cincinnati without Andy Dalton, San Francisco, Cleveland, and Oakland over the next four weeks. The Broncos are definitely worth starting over the course of the fantasy playoffs as they face four turnover prone offenses.
Bruce Ellington WR, Detroit Lions (owned in .8% of leagues): After Marvin Jones was shockingly put on season ending IR after week 12, Ellington appears to be in line for more targets in the Lions’ offense. The Lions run a pass first offense, making Ellington an interesting play going forward.