By Winsto (12/06/2025)
- With Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR-Ari) and Greg Dortch (WR-Ari) both ruled OUT for Sunday, I wonder if Michael Wilson (WR-Ari) and Trey McBride (TE-Ari) are going to see 20 targets EACH against the Rams. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but would it really be that far-fetched? McBride was already my number one ranked TE, but this just solidifies my belief. Wilson, meanwhile, is a top 12 WR for this week. In addition, with Emari Demercado (RB-Ari) also ruled OUT, Michael Carter (RB-Ari) becomes more of a fantasy play in deep, PPR leagues.
- It is looking more and more likely that Kansas City will be missing THREE of their starting offensive linemen for a match-up against a very formidable Houston pass rush in Week 14. Not great, Bob. I am not saying to bench Patrick Mahomes (QB-KC), Rashee Rice (WR-KC), or Travis Kelce (TE-KC), but we should temper expectations here. In addition, for you deeper leaguers, Xavier Worthy (WR-KC) and Hollywood Brown (WR-KC) are probably best left on the benches. IF I were KC facing this situation in a must-win situation, I would lean tremendously into the running game. Kareem Hunt (RB-KC), and maybe even Isiah Pacheco (RB-KC) in deeper leagues, may be better plays than they seem. Of course, this is assuming that the KC coaching staff would take this seemingly obvious approach. The staff’s decision making this season has been a bit perplexing.
- My reaction to TNF’s Dallas-Detroit match-up is as follows: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB-Det) is good, in case you missed it. Isaac TeSlaa (WR-Det) is becoming a factor. With the injuries to the TEs, TeSlaa is emerging as fantasy relevant in 12-team leagues. I get many things wrong, but I get things correct as well. I liked what I saw from TeSlaa in the preseason and predicted he would be a factor, again and again.
- It seems pretty obvious that if CeeDee Lamb (WR-Dal) were to miss time, Ryan Flournay (WR-Dal) commands your attention. A 9-115-1 stat line on 13 targets in Week 14, for a 28% target share, will always get my attention. However, if Lamb is okay, Flournay can be left on the waiver wire in standart
- Darren Waller (TE-Mia) did not score for the first time this season in a game he finished. I do not think it will be two in a row.
- Be mindful of the weather for Week 14. Indianapolis at Jacksonville is seeing potential weather that could be cause for concern. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and 12 mph winds could impact the game, particularly the passing and kicking game. You may want to keep close eyes and be ready to pivot on some of these players, particularly Cam Little (K-Jax) and recently signed Blake Grupe (K-Ind).
- If you are in an IDP league and need a play, consider the following players who are returning from injury: T. J. Edwards (LB-Chi) or Noah Sewell (LB-Chi).
- I am interested to see if we wind up having a coming out party from 2nd round rookie Luther Burden III (WR-Chi) against Green Bay in Week 14. Rome Odunze (WR-Chi) is going to miss time. Green Bay’s stout run defense “should” be able to force Chicago to throw more. Personally, I like the chances.
- I wonder if we should reevaluate our expectations for R. J. Harvey (RB-Den) for the rest of the season. In the two games without J.K. Dobbins (RB-Den), Harvey still has not seen more than 61% of the snaps—that is close to a running back time-share as opposed to a lead-back running back. None of the other running backs are seeing enough touches to warrant fantasy consideration, but they are seeing enough touches to lower both Harvey’s floor and ceiling.
- And finally, I wonder what the best present is to give someone. I think it would simply have to be a broken drum. You just can’t beat it.