Dark Horses - Week 14

 

Dark Horses

MIA at NYJ

ADONAI MITCHELL - AD has seen a resurgence in New York, racking up 25 targets in his 3 games as a Jet. On paper, Miami has been solid against the pass but they rank 25th worst against opposing WRs the last 4 games. 

PIT at BAL

ISAIAH LIKELY - The Steelers defense has been one of the most favorable against opposing tight ends this year. Considering the lack of reliable pass catchers in Baltimore, Both Mark Andrews and Likely should have good games.

NO at TB

DEVAUGHN VELE - The unheralded second year WR was acquired by the Saints a few weeks ago having done very little. That is until last week where he caught all 8 targets for 93 yards and a score. Saints pass catchers have been a fantasy surprise with garbage time production. 

IND at JAC

TREVOR LAWRENCE - Would you believe it if I told you TLaw was QB9 over the past 8 games? Now he faces a highly suspect Colts secondary. While they did improve with the acquisition of Sauce Gardner, he will miss the game this week.

SEA at ATL

KYLE PITTS - The Seahawks have been one of the best defenses all season. However, they’ve shown vulnerability to the TE position, averaging 70 yards per game to tight ends. Kirk Cousins doesn’t appear to have much left in the tank but still a TE friendly QB. Pitts should lead the Falcons in receiving this weekend.

TEN at CLE

JERRY JEUDY - Jeudy’s season matches his career of inconsistency. On the season he has just 1 game over 66 yards & just 1 TD on the year as well. Both happened in the same game. Jeudy was called out by the media last week and I think he’s primed for a professional prove it performance. The Titans shaky defense coming to town should be just what he needs.

WAS at MIN

JORDAN ADDISON - The good news for Addison (and Justin Jefferson actually!) is that the Commanders are missing their top 2 corners. The bad news is the Vikings QB play has been abysmal. This feels a bit like the moveable object facing the stoppable force. Still, if ever a week for Addison, it is this one.

CIN at BUF

DAWSON KNOX - The Bengals rank dead last against opposing tight ends. Dalton Kincaid hasn’t played in a month and is still questionable with multiple injuries. Even if he suits up, I like Knox this week.

DEN at LV

PAT BRYANT - It’s common for rookie receivers to have a surge as the season goes on. That’s happening for Bryant, who has seen snap share rise over the last 3 weeks. In fact, he had a higher snap share than presumptive starter Troy Franklin, who has actually seen his share drop 4 weeks in a row. The Raiders rank 28th against the WR position this year. Bryant poised for his best game yet. 

CHI at GB

ROMEO DOUBS - Doubs has been mostly a TD dependent play this season despite leading the team in snap share. This week the Packers face a Bears secondary that has been gashed at the WR position. The Packer leading receiver seems to rotate week to week and feels like Doubs turn.

LAR at AZ

BLAKE CORUM - The Cardinals run defense has been a mess in recent weeks, giving up 150 yards on the ground and 7 TDs to RBs over the last 4 games. Conventional wisdom says big game incoming for starter Kyren Williams. But the Rams have been giving Corum significant work in effort to keep Williams fresh. The game could be a runaway for LA, so Corum has a chance to be fantasy gold.

HOU at KC

JAYDEN HIGGINS - A defensive game projects on tap for Sunday night. The Texans face one of the tougher run defenses, so Texans will need the pass game for production. Chiefs have shown some vulnerability to outside receivers and I suspect KC will attempt an ‘anyone but Nico Collins’ strategy, which bodes well for Higgins. The rookie has seen increased usage the last month, averaging 5 catches, 50 yards and 2 scores over the 4 game span. 

PHI at LAC

OMARION HAMPTON - The rookie hasn’t played since week 5. But he is finally back at practice and expected to lead the rush attack on Monday night. In Hampton’s 2 full games before injury, he had a whopping 294 total yards and a pair of scores. Now back behind the line, he faces an Eagles defense who has been suspect vs the run and will be missing Jalen Carter, their top run defender.