Every fantasy owner has star players that they can rely on, but picking the right sleeper during the week can tilt the odds in your favor. Listed below are several individuals poised to make the most of their Week 14 matchup:
QB Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
Last week’s game against the San Diego Chargers marked the first time in four weeks that Dalton did not throw for multiple touchdowns. But squaring off against the Dallas Cowboys presents the second-year quarterback with an easier matchup. During the past month, the Cowboys have surrendered nearly 250 passing yards per game, while allowing opposing offenses to score an average of 26 points. Overall, Dalton has played very well this season, so view him as a quality start against a defense that has underperformed.
RB Alex Green, Green Bay Packers
Starting running back James Starks is apparently out for the year with a knee injury, opening the door once again for Green. Green averages just 3.3 yards per carry, but the Detroit Lions have been vulnerable against the run. Since Week 10, the Lions have allowed just over 145 rushing yards per game. Green should receive the bulk of the carries in this upcoming matchup even though Ryan Grant has resurfaced on the Packers roster. Given Detroit’s struggles in stopping the run, treat Green as a viable flex option.
WR Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
With leading wideout DeSean Jackson (ribs) out for the season, Maclin should be the centerpiece of the Eagles’ passing game. Despite losing to the Cowboys on Sunday night, Nick Foles had a decent outing, throwing for 251 yards and a touchdown. This week, Philadelphia heads to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers, who give up the most fantasy points (29.06) to opposing receivers. Foles should not have too much difficulty attacking their secondary, which bodes well for Maclin. Look for the fourth-year receiver to surpass his three-reception, 38-yard performance from a week ago.
WR Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens
Over the past three games, Boldin has become more involved in the passing game, leading the team with 32 targets. With Torrey Smith drawing much of the attention, Boldin is making the most of his opportunities. Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 10-year veteran had one of his best performances of the year, posting five receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. Their upcoming opponent in the Washington Redskins allow just over 310 receiving yards per game. Boldin is primed for another solid outing given his increased looks and Washington’s suspect pass defense.
TE Jacob Tamme, Denver Broncos
Tamme and the rest of the Broncos receivers should benefit from playing the Oakland Raiders. In his last two games, Tamme has stepped up his play, scoring his second touchdown of the season against Kansas City, and hauling in nine receptions for 89 yards last week against Tampa Bay. Slot receiver Brandon Stokley will also likely sit out with a hip injury, possibly earning Tamme a more prominent role in the offense. Oakland gives up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, making him a worthy low-end start.
Cleveland Browns Defense/Special Teams
The Browns have the luxury of facing the 21st-ranked offense in the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Their running backs can generate yards, but over the past three games, the Browns have only surrendered 65.7 rushing yards per game. If Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis are held in check, the Browns should not have much difficulty slowing down the rest of their offense. The Chiefs are ranked 29th in passing, and only score 15.7 points per game.
Sources:
cbssports.com
denverpost.com
football.fantasysports.yahoo.com
nfl.com
Travis Chan is a fantasy sports enthusiast and contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. You can follow him on Twitter @Travischan1.
