Fantasy Football Roundup: Playoffs Heating Up
December 09, 2016 | Sports,
By: Billy Finn
As the end of the regular season approaches, the FFB playoffs begin. Fantasy playoffs are always filled with many twists and turns, and are really almost unpredictable. However, there are some players I predict are going to have a big weekend and some guys who you should stay away from.
There is no doubt that this year has really been a revival for the running back position. With players like Ezekiel Elliott, Jay Ajayi, and Jordan Howard emerging as fantasy studs, the running back position has really become vital to a team’s success. In the past few seasons, the league, the networks and fantasy football all seemed to have focused on the wide receiver position.
With the microscopes back on the boys that tote the rock, there are definitely some running backs that you should look to strike fantasy gold this week. These guys can really help your team if you are lacking a running back two or flex option.
The first player is running back Rex Burkhead from the Cincinnati Bengals. Burkhead is definitely a guy who not many people know about. Everyone is used to the main two backs in Cincinnati being Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard. However, Burkhead has found his way to the third down back role following a season ending knee injury to Bernard. Burkhead is valuable because the Bengals this year have been, at the very best, mediocre. With that being said, coach Marvin Lewis may look to keep Jeremy Hill healthy and give Burkhead some more opportunities. Burkhead has even more value in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues because he is pass catching back. Burkhead has been given many opportunities for screen passes, check downs, and just plays for him to get into the open field and make something happen. Burkhead has a very favorable matchup this week against a horrendous Cleveland Browns team. If Burkhead is available in your league and you’re looking for a “shot in the dark” play this week, then Burkhead is your guy.
The next player that would be a great guy to have as a flex in deep leagues or just a security option is newly acquired running back Justin Forsett of the Denver Broncos. Everyone knows about what Forsett did in Baltimore and just how valuable he was. Forsett, has just been added to the Denver Broncos, who, cannot stay away from the injury bug at the running back position. Forsett, will look to provide some change of pace, and maybe become the number one guy over the next couple of weeks. Forsett is going to help young quarterback Trevor Siemian who also has been hit with some injuries this season. Forsett has always been a very valuable guy in fantasy. He could even be the deciding factor in a fantasy playoff game given the right circumstances. Forsett, like Burkhead, is even more valuable in PPR leagues, due to his shifty moves and elusiveness. The Broncos will try to get him the ball in space. Also, Trevor Siemian is known for being a short pass quarterback and loves throwing screens. This may just be a match made in heaven for Forsett and the Broncos. It may even be a better match for your fantasy roster!
If you are still in the playoffs this season, I hope you can ride these players to the Super Bowl. If your season is over, however, I wish you the best of luck next season. Whatever your case may be, thank you for reading, and have a very happy Holiday Season.