Can you honestly believe that it’s the last week of the season? It really doesn’t feel like 16 weeks ago the Patriots were facing the Steelers in the opening game of the season. This is your last opportunity to do some fantasy sports betting on all the NFL teams in the league, so get to it!
Starting at quarterback and look towards Eli Manning (Giants) for a solid middle level player. Manning’s price tag is not too high considering his potential against a weak Eagles defense that has allowed the second most points to opposing quarterbacks over the 2015 season. Combine this with the return of Odell Beckham and you have the potential for a huge week. Slightly cheaper is Matt Ryan (Falcons) who faces the Saints, who allow the most points to opposing quarterbacks in the entire league. Last week the Falcons manage to knock off the previously undefeated Panthers so you know Ryan is in good form. AJ McCarron (Bengals) has been solid in his first few starts and is still a cheap option, so when he faces the Steelers defense that leaks points he has a good looking week.
Tim Hightower (Saints) had a fantastic week 16, and he should ride that into this week when he faces the Falcons defense that ranks in the bottom five against opposing running backs. Hightower is still in the middle range when it comes to price tag, and that’s great news for a starting player that gets a lot of carries in their offensive system. The Cowboys have had a rough season this year, but their running game hasn’t been too bad. Darren McFadden is their starting runner this week when they face the Redskins. The Redskins clinched the division last week so will rest some of their starting players, leaving the door open for a great performance from McFadden.
Two groups of receivers stand out this week; the Patriots and the Raiders. The Patriots face the dolphins who rank in the bottom quarter of teams against opposing wide receivers and have nothing else to play for this week. Whether it’s Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman or Brandon LaFell you probably can’t go wrong and can choose who you want based on what salary cap you have remaining. It is worth noting though that if the Patriots are in a strong winning position they may rest some of their starting players and that means fewer points for starters. As for the Raiders, they face the Chiefs that also rank in the bottom quarter against the opposing teams wide receivers. The three stand outs this year have been Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree and Seth Roberts, and you have the same option here taking any one of the three based on money you spent elsewhere.
Benjamin Watson (Saints) has had a great year and that could continue this week against the Falcons who leak points to tight ends. Watson has stepped into the shoes formally held by Jimmy Graham and has a great connection with Brees. Further down and Zach Ertz (Eagles) has a great matchup against the Giants in an NFC East match that only has bragging rights riding on it now the division has been decided.
These is the last week of the regular season, so good luck and enjoy it before you have to wait until next year!