RADIO
With the fantasy championship round approaching quickly, I thought it was only best to get a tad bit crazy this week. Of course, for those of us lucky enough to have made it this far, we want the sure thing. Not a dice roll. But injuries happen (missing you already, Melvin) while a ton of players are listed as questionable to play this weekend. Plus, don't you want to make room for Le'Veon Bell and David Johnson in daily fantasy formats this week?
Here is a look at the surprise target grabbers from Week 14, and a look at possible wide receiver breakout options for Week 15 based on the usage they are seeing in the passing game. You can ask me more waiver wire and game day questions on Twitter @DemetriRafto.
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Surprise Week 14 Target Grabbers
Kenny Britt - (WR, LA)
It was as unmemorable as unmemorable can get for the Los Angeles Rams Week 14. With most of the criticism surrounding rookie quarterback, Jared Goff, and the recent firing of head coach Jeff Fisher, the relocated Rams as a whole have left much to be desired for the fantasy world. Todd Gurley owners know exactly what I'm talking about. But there has been one bright spot amidst all the inefficiency.
Kenny Britt is only 63 yards shy of breaking 1,000 on the season, helped by his 82-yard performance against the Atlanta Falcons. Britt reeled in seven of 12 targets, posting his third straight productive showing for PPR formats. It's difficult to pencil him into your lineup confidently, because of how bad the Rams have been, but you can imagine that Britt's hungry for the milestone against the divisional rival Seattle Seahawks in Week 15.
Robby Anderson - (WR, NYJ)
Robby Anderson remains on this list as he continues to surprise New Yorkers, and continues to out-produce Brandon Marshall on a lackluster Jets offensive unit. Anderson led Gang Green with six receptions on 11 targets for 99 yards. He was held out of the end zone but has quietly become Bryce Petty's favorite target as the rookie starter continues to ignore Marshall. Anderson is a sneaky WR3/FLEX option against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15.
Trey Burton - (TE, PHI)
Zach Ertz has undoubtedly emerged as a reliable fantasy starter at the tight end position. That being said, it was interesting to see Carson Wentz get his backup tight end involved as well last Sunday. Burton was targeted 10 times during Sunday's loss to the Washington Redskins, tied for second most on the team with number one receiver, Jordan Matthews. Burton managed to reel in seven for 65 yards. It's been fun watching Wentz generously spread the ball, despite the team's struggles to put up a win. Burton is not on the fantasy radar, especially with the recent transformation by Ertz into a TE1.
Possible Week 15 Breakout Options
Kenny Stills - (WR, MIA)
Kenny Stills has been a boom-or-bust option all season. Two weeks ago, with DaVante Parker questionable to play, it seemed that Stills would get his chance at a boost in target volume, but then Parker played and Stills threw up a dud. Last week, in a crucial win against the Arizona Cardinals, Stills broke out and posted his best fantasy showing of the aging season. Targeted seven times, Stills caught six for 97 yards and a touchdown.
The Dolphins head to New Jersey for a rare Saturday night showdown with the rivaled Jets. There are certainly some factors to be mindful of before penciling Stills into your lineup. It looks like the Dolphins will take the field without Ryan Tannehill. Matt Moore will step in, a backup without the same rapport with Stills, Parker, and Jarvis Landry. The weather conditions in Jersey this weekend could also play a role in offensive output as snow and rain are both possibilities. Stills, known more for his home run abilities, could now be used in the short passing game. Unfortunately, it seems like the signs point away from Stills, especially in most league's championship rounds. But, to be bold, I'm still a fan of him against a Jets secondary that has been torched by a ton of receivers this season.
Seth Roberts - (WR, OAK)
Michael Crabtree is battling a finger injury, similar to what has been plaguing Derek Carr. Crabtree is still expected to play through the ailment, but it's unclear how much, if at all, the pain will bother him. This option for fantasy is another one consisting a ton of if's. Roberts has not produced over the past couple of weeks, but was targeted nine times against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14. If that's the case again this week, we're hoping he can tally more than two receptions. He hasn't accumulated more than four catches in a single game all season, but has found the end zone five times. He's certainly a boom-or-bust receiver and he will need to score a touchdown based on his low reception totals. But, if Crabtree has a setback, Roberts could easily step in as number two behind Amari Cooper.
The Raiders visit San Diego Week 15 in what should be an offensive showdown between two high-powered passing offenses.
Jeremy Kerley - (WR, SF)
Vance McDonald was recently placed on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury. McDonald became an integral part of San Fransisco's offense back in Week 9, and has been producing nicely for PPR leagues. With McDonald out of the equation, Jeremy Kerley is now the team's number one option in the passing game.
Kerley heads into a favorable matchup against an Atlanta Falcons squad that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Kerley has not scored a touchdown since Week 10, but has shown moments of brilliance throughout the campaign. He's a risky play considering the way it has gone for the Niners, but there could be worse FLEX options in PPR leagues of 12+ teams.
Other Options: Marqise Lee (WR, JAX) @HOU, Adam Thielen (WR, MIN) vs IND, Garrett Celek (TE, SF) @ ATL
