By Winsto (12/09/2022)
Las Vegas Falls to the Los Angeles Rams
In a game that was tough to watch until the 4th quarter, Las Vegas seemed to have the game in control, as they led 13-3 with 12:25 left in the game, with a win probability over 95%. And then, something strange happened in SoFi stadium: Baker Mayfield (QB-Carolina QB-Los Angeles) led two consecutive touchdown drives, with the second starting from Los Angeles’s own 2 yard line with 1:45 and no time-outs left. I tip my cap to that effort, as that was an absolute event of unlikelihood.
For Los Angeles, it appeared that Mayfield seemed to have a connection with Ben Skowronek (WR), as the latter went for 7-89 on 8 targets. Skowronek, a 2021 7th round draft pick, proved to be instrumental in those last 2 drives. Unfortunately, of the remaining four opponents for Los Angeles, they are all top 12 defenses against wide receivers, so I would not rush out to acquire him. But, Las Vegas was 17th best, and Los Angeles will probably be playing from behind in most of those games. If you are in a deeper league and may need help down the stretch, consider him. As for Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell, I think they are more fringe fantasy players as of right now. In terms of the backfield, Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, and Malcolm Brown all played over 20%, with no one reaching 50%. Akers did receive the bulk of the carries 12-42 and scored a TD, but also lost a fumble and averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Three of their remaining four games are against defenses that struggle against the rush. Akers “could” prove to be serviceable, as Coach Sean McVay seems to be committed to keeping him on the field as much as he can, and Akers has scored 3 TDs in the past two games. Just know that he is not going to catch many passes.
This loss may have knocked Las Vegas out of play-off contention. The concern with that centers on Josh Jacobs, who injured his pinky finger. He came back int he game, but it still bothered him. Further tests are coming. With Las Vegas having nothing left to play for, Jacobs could miss some time. If that were to happen, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah, Brandon Bolden, and maybe even Brittain Brown could all mix in. In addition, of their remaining games, only the Week 16 match-up against Pittsburgh is somewhat attractive. Thus, I would not rush out to grab any of these guys if Jacobs winds up missing time, as we just do not know how it would play out. But, if you had to go for one, Abdullah in a PPR league is not the worst option.
Week 14 Backfield Questions
Did Josh McDaniel pull a “Shanahanigans” in Week 13, when Jeff Wilson Jr., who seemed to have (somewhat) control of Miami’s backfield gave way to Raheem Mostert? Wilson played only 37% of the snaps compared to Mostert’s 61%. What is really unfortunate in this development is that Miami’s Week 14 opponent (Los Angeles Chargers) is a dream match-up for running backs. The problem is who will it be a dream match-up for? I would view both players as flex options here, and they could both have success–in Week 9 against Chicago, Mostert had 9 touches (26 total yards) and a TD and Wilson Jr. had 12 touches (72 total yards) and a TD. I “think” of the two, I would lean toward Wilson Jr., as I “think” Week 13 against San Francisco was more of an anomaly. Still, we are talking about a coach from the “Shanahanigins” tree.
The current outlook of Ken Walker III (RB) playing for Seattle against Carolina is not promising, though that could change. He is currently considered Questionable. If he were to miss, then quite simply, good luck to you. Travis Homer, DeeJay Dallas (Questionable), Tony Jones, and Wayne Gallman (recently signed to the practice squad) are all in play. Homer looks like the safest, as he looks like he is the healthiest, but clarity may not come until 90 minutes before kick-off. Considering this is a 4:25 EST game, make sure you have a back-up plan in place if you are hoping to start one of them.
Is it true? Could it be? Has D’Andre Swift (RB) FINALLY become healthy enough to be fantasy relevant? I DO NOT KNOW! I feel like the fantasy community is being teased, as he had double-digit carries in Week 13, the first time that has happened since Week 1. I really want to believe he is back. I really do, but it is hard to trust his ankle and the coaching staff, given what we have witnessed in 2022. There are a wide variety of possibilities in Week 14, as Detroit faces Minnesota. Swift is not on the injury report, but was limited in practice on Wednesday. The reality is this: Detroit needs to win to keep themselves in play-off contention–yes, that is crazy to say this late in the season. I think Swift plays significant snaps, and I would try to start him, as the upside and talent is there. This game has an over-under of 51.5, which is the second highest of Week 14. BUT, what if I am wrong? Even if I am wrong, one thing to note is that in his limited games (not counting Week 1 and Week 13), he still scored a TD in 4 out of the 7 games. What I am saying is that IF he were limited in usage again, the floor may not be that awful. As for Jamaal Williams, the more Swift plays, the less valuable Williams is. Still, based on this season, he is still a decent bet to get a TD. Again, this “should” be a high scoring affair.
There is a slight concern Saquon Barkley (RB-NYG) could miss Sunday’s match-up against Philadelphia, as he is listed as Questionable. If that were to happen, Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell would likely form a committee, with Breida being more valuable in PPR and Brightwell more valuable in non-PPR. That said, I would temper my expectations, as this is not a good match-up for them.