Garbage Grab Week 14
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

 

Week 14 is the beginning of the playoffs for most fantasy leagues, so it’s not a situation to take lightly. You’ve had a formula that has gotten you here, so you don’t really want to take chances if you don’t have to. That being said, it’s a necessity for many players to do so, as injuries and bad match-ups have rendered many fantasy options useless. That’s why we have the Garbage Grab.

Marcel Reece RB, Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden has been ruled out, and Rashad Jennings still hasn’t been cleared from a concussion he sustained in week 13, so that leaves Reece to pick up the pieces should Jennings not play. Reece has been an occasional fantasy superstar, but the Raiders are playing the run stuffing Jets so his upside would be limited. Still, he’s a playmaker in the open field, so he would be worth a flex spot if he starts– especially in PPR leagues.

Scott Chandler TE, Buffalo Bills: Chandler is an oft targeted red-zone beacon in an offense that is regaining its footing after losing its QB several weeks ago. E.J. Manuel is now under center again, and things are looking up for Chandler once again. Tampa Bay has been giving up scores to tight ends recently, and Chandler should be no exception.

LaVon Brazill WR, Indianapolis Colts: T.Y. Hilton has been a non-issue in the Colts passing game as of late, so Andrew Luck has been exploring other avenues in the passing game. Brazill is a speedster like Hilton, but defenses aren’t paying as much attention to him right now. He’s getting a ton of targets, and he’s going to pop one or two of them off for big plays in the near future. Cincinnati is tough over the middle but is prone to succumb to the deep throw, so I like his chances this week.

Andre Holmes WR, Oakland Raiders: If you’re not feeling so confident in starting a Raiders RB this week, how about a WR instead? Holmes feasted against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, and he will have another big day versus the Jets who are almost as bad against the pass. Denarius Moore looks to be out for this game as well, so that will allow Holmes even more action. It’s elementary.

Antone Smith RB, Atlanta Falcons: With a season in the tank, and not much to play for besides pride, the Falcons are giving their up and coming players more and more playing time. We saw Smith flash speed and power on a tasty 38 yard scamper last Sunday, and hopefully that is an indicator of things to come. He will get at least a handful of carries against the Packers, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he popped off another TD.

Andrew Hawkins WR, Cincinnati Bengals: Hawkins is one of several young and able pass catchers in Cincy, but he plays the slot and Andy Dalton has had trouble getting the ball down the field recently. This means that there will be dump offs a plenty versus the Chargers on Sunday.

Willis McGahee RB, Cleveland Browns: It’s been a game of musical chairs in the Browns backfield, but McGahee seems to have gained the upper hand since last week. Their week 14 opponents, the Patriots, will most likely look to stymie Josh Gordon in the passing game, leaving McGahee and co. to make hay on the ground. If nothing else, McGahee should be to go to on the goal line, so there are worse options out there if you’re hurting at RB.