Time flies – less than a month remains in the NFL regular season. Over the last 14 weeks, we’ve seen contenders emerge and pretenders fall across the league. That’s especially true in fantasy football, where a never-ending plague of injuries have forced managers to get creative. As an added wrinkle, several clubs are on bye in Week 14. Even at this late point of the season, adding a few players off the waiver wire might be necessary.
Which names are flying under the radar this weekend? Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS contests before Week 14’s 11-game featured slate.
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QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints at TB ($4,600)
It’s a low bar, but the Saints have moved the ball more effectively with Tyler Shough under center. That’s not to say the rookie is flawless, but there’s some reason for hope in New Orleans. Alvin Kamara (knee) is out once again, leaving the team’s running game depleted. To make matters worse, Sunday’s game will be against a dangerous Buccaneers offense that can put up points in a hurry. Shough and company might need to sling it more than usual just to keep pace.
Last week vs. the Dolphins, Shough recorded 239 passing yards and two touchdowns while coughing up two turnovers (19.4 FPTS). A similar performance on Sunday wouldn’t be the worst outcome. After all, the Bucs have allowed 247.5 passing yards per game, fourth-most in the NFL. In addition, Tampa Bay ranks 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Shough, while untested, has plenty of upside against a lackluster secondary. If you’re looking to spend more on running back and wide receiver, this rookie gunslinger makes sense.
TE Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. IND ($3,900)
The most important game of the week might take place in Florida, when the Jaguars and Colts battle for first in the AFC South. For Jacksonville, gaining yards on the ground with Travis Etienne ($6,300) could prove difficult. Indianapolis has done a stellar job at stopping the run this season. Should that continue, it’ll be up to Trevor Lawrence ($5,400) and an inconsistent passing game. One name that could help out the quarterback is Brenton Strange. The tight end, when healthy, is a difference maker. However, he’s spent plenty of time on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury.
Through seven outings this season, Strange has notched 28 catches for 342 yards and a touchdown. An average of four receptions and 48.8 receiving yards per game makes for solid production at tight end. To make things more enticing, the Colts have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing TEs. Since returning from injured reserve, Strange has tallied 27.8 total fantasy points. Another double-digit showing would make Jacksonville’s underrated pass catcher a must-start on Sunday.
WR Andre Baccellia, Arizona Cardinals vs. LAR ($3,000)
Let’s go with a deeep sleeper to round out this list. Marvin Harrison Jr. (calf) and Greg Dortch (chest) have been ruled out, leaving Michael Wilson ($5,600) as Arizona’s WR1. After that, the depth chart is wide open. Xavier Weaver (hamstring) is questionable; a DNP during Friday’s practice doesn’t bode well for his chances at playing. The Cardinals may need to get creative with their personnel this weekend, creating a potential opportunity for Andre Baccellia.
The former undrafted free agent has recorded just one catch over his four-year NFL career. Still, he’s someone that’s familiar with Arizona’s offensive scheme. Baccellia played 19% and 22% of all snaps in Weeks 11 and 12, respectively. Three of the four names that took the field at wideout in Week 13 are now unlikely to play. Sunday’s opponent, the Rams, could race out to an early lead, forcing the Cardinals into more passes. Los Angeles has allowed the 11th-most receptions to wide receivers this season. Given his dirt-cheap price tag, Baccellia is worth a dart throw for managers looking to spend more elsewhere.
