Seth Vigdor
Business is picking up in the NFL as we head into week 14 of the season. There are plenty of intriguing storylines heading into the week. Perhaps the biggest storyline is an “ex-girlfriend” returning to “her” old stomping grounds. Let’s get into it right now and take a look at my week 14 preview.
Here are my five biggest Fantasy Football storylines heading into Week 14
1. A Shady Return to Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s ex returns this week when LeSean McCoy and the Buffalo Bills head to Philly to do battle with the Eagles. The Eagles have their own share of problems with their new running back, so with their old one coming back, it may only complicate things. The comparisons will always be there between DeMarco Murray and McCoy – but right now as it looks, the Eagles were probably better off keeping McCoy. Sparks may fly in this one. You know Rex Ryan has McCoy’s back – so prepare for war this weekend.
Coach Kelly: I know LeSean McCoy is the focal point of Buffalo's offense. Our defense needs to be ready to play this week.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 7, 2015
Shit is about to get real.
2. Johnny Takes Cleveland
Johnny Manziel has been announced as the Cleveland starting QB for the rest of the season.
Browns officially name Johnny Manziel starting QB for Sunday's game vs 49ers. pic.twitter.com/VTEpEdWCKG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2015
Alrighty then. A couple things come to mind with that news.
Cleveland Browns to punish Johnny Manziel again by making him play the last four games of the year.
— Andrew Martin (@OfficialAMart) December 9, 2015
That’s certainly one thing. The next thing is, wasn’t Manziel just demoted to third string QB last week? What in the world is going on? The Browns can’t get anything right. They can’t win, they can’t punish right and at this point, their fans should be embarrassed of their team. I have no clue what in the blue hell that organization is doing. But, hey – what do I know? Let’s just all take in the greatness that is Johnny Manziel… sigh.
That video never gets old…
3. The Awakening
Don’t look now, but the Seahawks are on fire. They’re a dangerous team, as their offense is putting up big time points as of late. As soon as Jimmy Graham was lost for the season – it was as if something just clicked for them. Russell Wilson is back to playing exceptional football. The Seahawks are getting great productivity from Thomas Rawls and Doug Baldwin. They have a shot to run the table in the regular season and I can promise you that no team in the Playoffs will want to play Seattle.
4. Young Blood
Talk about a team that is going to be real good, real soon if they don’t bungle it – the Jaguars are that team. They have a nice nucleus of young talent with Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. Julius Thomas finally got his head out of his butt and is starting to play well. Their offense at this point can play with the best of them, so the league is now on notice.
Congrats to @Thee_AR15 on 1,000 receiving yards this season.
1st #Jaguars WR to do it since @JimmySmithJags in '05. pic.twitter.com/xuqhbgqlj8
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 6, 2015
5. Steel City Sleepers
An AFC team that I don’t think that any team wants to see in the Playoffs are the Pittsburgh Steelers. With DeAngelo Williams holding his own at the RB position, it allows for the Steelers to have a deadly passing attack. When Ben Roethlisberger has time to throw the ball, he makes magic happens. His WR core is crazy talented with Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton. With the Patriots not looking beatable as of late – look out! It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Steelers make it to the Super Bowl. I hope that nobody is sleeping on them.
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Daily Fantasy Sports
Each week I will give you my value picks for both FanDuel and DraftKings. Please remember that the salaries are a bit different at each site, so you may not hear the same guys on each list because of that. Also, at the end of the day, the final decisions are yours to make, but I’m here to guide you through some value picks. Without further hesitation, please give a listen to my DFS value picks for Week 14:
Each week I will present what I think are the juiciest fantasy matchups at each position. I don’t want to keep you guys waiting, so let’s take a look at the juiciest matchups for Week 14:
Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ vs. TEN) – Fitzpatrick has six touchdowns over the past two weeks. Look for him to add another three this week against the Titans.
Blake Bortles (JAX vs. IND) – Bortles has been cookin’ as of late and with such a talented receiving core, it’s completely understandable why that is. I expect three to four touchdowns for him this week against the Colts.
Russell Wilson (SEA vs. BAL) – Wilson is scary good right now and so are the Seahawks. Up next are the soft Ravens. Another big week is on the horizon for Wilson.
Wide Receivers
Jeremy Maclin (KC vs. SD) – Maclin was far from a WR1 for the first half of the season – now he’s on fire. The Chiefs are in a groove and Maclin is a big reason for it. The Chargers won’t be able to contain him this week.
Doug Baldwin (SEA vs. BAL) – Baldwin is one of those guys that’s going to help teams win in their fantasy playoffs. He needs to be deployed everywhere at this stage of the game.
Michael Floyd (ARI vs. MIN) – The Cardinals will present matchup problems for all teams they face in the Playoffs. They have three very good WR’s and Floyd is one of them. Look for him to be the star of the show on Thursday Night Football against the Vikings.
Running Backs
David Johnson (ARI vs. MIN) –It’s all David Johnson in the backfield for the Cardinals now and he’s going to take advantage of a Vikings team that’s struggling right now. The Cards potent passing game also assists in assuring that Johnson should have plenty of holes to run through – seeing that the Vikes can’t just focus on Johnson.
Todd Gurley (STL vs. DET) – Gurley and the Rams have been off rhythm the past three games. They play a tough Lions team this week and I expect the Rams to get back to basics by feeding Gurley. I think the Lions win, but Gurley will have an impressive game.
Doug Martin (TB vs. NO) – Martin’s rebound season continues this week when he gets a chance to gash the Saints D, which he’ll do. He’s seen at least 18 carries in all but three games this year. He’ll get 20+ this week to go along with two touchdowns against a bad Saints defense.
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce (KC vs. SD) – Kelce hasn’t been as great as I expected him to be this season. Still, the Chiefs are rolling. San Diego has nothing for him. He’s finding the end zone this week.
Julius Thomas (JAX vs. IND) – Thomas has one touchdown in each of his last three games. He’ll add another one this week against the Colts.
Kicker
Chris Boswell (PIT vs. CIN) – Boswell has double digit Fantasy points in four consecutive games. This game against the Bengals will be high scoring so expect at least 14 points from him this week, at the very least.
Defense
Carolina Panthers (vs. ATL) – The undefeated Panthers play the Falcons this week, who have lost six in a row. Perhaps it’s time for them to move on from Matt Ryan. He may need a change of scenery. In any event, the Panthers D is going to cause havoc on the Falcons all game long.
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Bust of the Week
Drew Brees (NO vs. TB)
Surprisingly enough, Tampa Bay is no slouch this year. Their defense is going to get to Drew Brees this week. The Saints just lost Mark Ingram for the season, which means the Saints will have to rely on their passing game more, which means they’ll be more predictable. Don’t expect much from Brees this week.
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Good luck this week!
You can stay up to date with everything Fantasy Football related by following me on Twitter (@ViggieSmalls765) and Instagram. I’ll be available on Twitter for upcoming Twitter Chats and to give out advice to help guide you through your fantasy season.
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Join Sean Brace and DJ Press Play for a jam-packed Thursday night at McGillicuddys in Manayunk! Vikings-Cards and Quizzo start at 8:30pm and Sean Brace DJs after to close down the night! Great specials & the best Thursday night crowd in the area!
