Week 14 is here, and most of our leagues are in the playoffs. Looking at the available players being added in Fleaflicker, though, I don’t see too many of them starting for you in the playoffs. Many of these players simply had breakout games within their team roles, and likely won’t see much of an increase in sustained production. That said, players still need to be added as depth, and this is what is available at such a late point in the season.
Top Fleaflicker Players Added For Week 14
Ray Rice (RB, FA)
The first time we have had a player on this list without a team, Ray Rice is now free to sign anywhere after having his suspension overturned. While fantasy owners were quick to snatch up Rice who is now owned in 48% of Fleaflicker leagues, it is no surprise that NFL teams are much more hesitant to add a player that will come with Rice’s media baggage. Besides, it’s not exactly like he was a fantasy stud last season with Baltimore. After a 2012, during which Rice’s 1,926 total yards and 12 TDs made him a top-five RB, his 2013 declined to 981 yards and four scores.
I wouldn't bet on Rice being signed, but even if he is, I wouldn't expect much. Furthermore, it isn't often that a guy comes back after inactivity to a new team and has immediate success. Unless you're in a deep keeper league, look elsewhere.
Jordan Reed (TE, WAS)
Jordan Reed is finally healthy, and it showed last week. Going against the Colts in a game that ended up being a blowout, Reed made the most of it, catching nine of his 11 targets for 123 yards. Colt McCoy, who is now under center for the Redskins, has shown a fondness towards tight ends, which helped Reed to immediately regain his TE1 status. Niles Paul will go back to irrelevance, similarly to Jacob Tamme when Julius Thomas returns in Denver.
Reed doesn’t have the best matchup this week against a Rams D that has been great against TEs, which was on display in their utter destruction of Oakland last week. Reed should have a much easier road his final three games against the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys.
Kenny Stills (WR, NO)
I’m sure Marques Colston doesn’t like that Kenny Stills is on this list. After back-to-back solid games, Stills blew up the Steelers for 162 yards and a TD on five receptions. On a day where Jimmy Graham couldn't get open, Stills had a team-high six targets to Colston's three. In fact, Stills has seen more targets in four of the five weeks. Available in 60% of leagues, I'd feel much more comfortable playing Stills over Colston going forward, especially with a nice matchup this week against the Panthers.
Finishing the season against Carolina, Chicago, Atlanta and then Tampa Bay, Stills could have a nice end to the season for you guys in the playoffs. A lot will depend on how much Jimmy Graham is used, but I would comfortably play Stills as a WR3 going forward.
Tre Mason (RB, STL)
Mason had the best game of his rookie season last week against Oakland, getting 14 carries for 117 yards and two TDs, along with three receptions for 47 yards and another score. Overall, that’s a 34.40 point day in standard fantasy leagues. Zac Stacy saw more action last week, but that was due more to game flow than anything else. Mason is one of the few running backs in the league who has a firm grip on his starting job.
This week is tough for Mason, as the lowly Redskins have nevertheless been top-five defense against the run. Despite some tough games against Arizona, Seattle and the Giants, I would trust Mason as a RB2 more than anybody else who is likely on the waiver wire.
I have developed a general rule from this column: a case can be made to add any and all of the players on this list. However, there is generally a reason these guys were not drafted in most leagues. Make sure to share your thoughts and comments below; leave any questions you have for me about these guys or anything related to fantasy football. Good luck in Week 14, RotoBallers!