A-Aron Rodgers
Tall & Talented Rookie WR’s
A-Aron Rodgers drafted two of the top WR from this year’s draft class: Mike Evans and Jordan Matthews. While both rookies started off slowly, Evans and Matthews learned to utilize their elite size (Matthews: 6’3”; Evans: 6’5”) and talent since Week 9 leading up to fantasy playoffs:
Evans:
Week 9: 7 rec, 124 yards, 2 TD
Week 10: 7 rec, 125 yards, 1 TD
Week 11: 7 rec, 209 yards, 2 TDMatthews:
Week 9: 3 rec, 40 yards, 1 TD
Week 10: 7 rec, 138 yards, 2 TD
Week 11: 5 rec, 107 yards, 1 TD
If V-Jax continues struggling to find the end zone (7th in targets, 42nd in total fantasy points) and Foles remains injured (Matthews is 9th in WR scoring since Sanchez has started), both rookie WR’s should continue their torrid pace in exploitable matchups (TB @ CAR in Week 15, PHI @ WSH in Week 17). That could be the difference maker on top of A-Aron Rodger’s typically consistent performers in Antonio Brown and DeMarco Murray
Do Da Sankey Leg
X-Factor: Martavis Bryant
In the first six games of the year, Big Ben struggled on deep passes. While Antonio Brown dominated the majority of short to intermediate work, Big Ben still needed a tall receiver to score on deep passes. Enter Martavis Bryant.
Martavis Bryant is both tall (6’4”) and fast (4.42, 40 yard dash) enough to take the top off a defense. Against the Colts, Bryant was on the field only for 39.3% of the team’s snaps, yet Bryant managed to catch five passes for 83 yards and two TD’s. While his usage on deep balls and red zone situations are encouraging, Bryant has come back down to earth in the past few games (1 rec, 23 yards vs. NO; 2 rec, 11 yards vs. TEN).
Bryant is a high-upside flex for Do Da Sankey Leg. Under the right matchup, Bryant can thrive.
If Do Da Sankey Leg can defeat Leegion of Boom in Week 14, don’t be surprised if Bryant posts huge numbers against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15 (Atlanta gives up the 8th most fantasy points to WR’s). Stacking Bryant’s explosive production on top of Hilton’s consistency will help make up for deficits from Caleb’s RB position (Bernard, Robinson) and a potential off-game from Marshall or Allen.
Wussel Rilson
Jordy & Jimmy’s Red Zone Reels
While Wussel Rilson may not boast the best RB corps among playoff contenders (Joique Bell & LeGarrette Blount), Wussel Rilson has an impressive arsenal of receivers. So, what makes his receiving corps so formidable? Touchdowns.
Leegion of Boom
Dynamic Duo: Foster & Forte
Leegion of Boom has arguably the league’s top 2 running backs: Matt Forte and Arian Foster:
This season, Forte is averaging 6.5 receptions, 54.2 yards per game. Forte does have a difficult matchup against the Lions in the final week of playoffs, but the Lions still give up 6.3 receptions, 52.2 yards to RB’s. And as long as Foster is healthy, LOB can expect Foster to run all over the Jags (Week 14) and the Colts (Week 15).
Who is Leegion of Boom’s key to victory? Torrey Smith.
Torrey has 7 TD’s in the last 7 games! Week 15’s dance against the Jags could make the difference (should Leegion of Boom get past Do Da Sankey Leg in the first round).
Batmanziel Begins
Will the real Slim Shady, please stand up?
Shady loves to float around the perimeter and utilize his speed as a dynamic runner. In the beginning of the season, that style did not serve him well, as he plummeted to mid-range RB2 levels, totaling the lowest Rushing NEP (Net Expected Points) in Weeks 1–6. However, these past performances show promise.
Since Week 9, Shady has averaged the 10-the most fantasy points. The rise in production coincides with the return of key contributors to the offensive line (Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson). McCoy is also more patient to let effective blockers (Mathis, Celek) open running lanes.
Below average run defenses (Dallas and Washington in the last two weeks of playoff matchups) couldn’t come at a better time for Batmanziel Begins since Gore faces stout run defenses those weeks (Seattle, San Diego).
However, before Shady can eat, he has to run through Seattle’s defense first. If Shady can find running lanes against Seattle (Mebane out for the season), Batmanziel Begins should feel good about his chances against Wussel Rilson.
Golden Tater Tots
RB Chimera: Charles, Bell, and Lacy
This roster is led by the three-headed RB monster. Since Lacy’s increased usage in the passing game, each back is versatile enough to produce regardless of game flow. Their consistency enables this roster to withstand inconsistent performances from their top WR’s (Julio Jones, Alshon Jeffery).
We Won’t Miss You
This section is dedicated to the teams who were knocked out of the playoffs.
While we enjoyed kindling the flames of competition in the regular season with you, you couldn’t expect the playoff teams to really, really miss you, could you?
Playoff-bound owners can sleep well tonight, knowing your players’ fantastic performances in the upcoming weeks will not matter in the slightest.
R.I.P. Vincent’s Team, Ramon’s Team, DEZert Eagle, Mourning Woodhead, Turn Down for Watt, Beer Bear
