Week 16 Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers: Russell Wilson Soars
Russell Wilson made fantasy owners happy campers in week 15.
Championship week. Every roster spot counts. Every matchup needs to be analyzed. Don’t over-analyze and stray from logic, but go with your guns unless a matchup on your bench is calling your name. Obviously, fantasy football roster moves depends on your roster which varies from owner to owner, but here are some names to keep an eye out for whether good or bad:
Risers
Dennis Pitta, Tight End, Baltimore Ravens
Pitta was targeted 10 times and hauled in 7 of those balls for 125 yards and two touchdowns Sunday. Yes, one of those scores came on a 61 yard catch late in the game while the Ravens were down, but a touchdown is a touchdown. Pitta could be a solid option for you if you’re still trying to find a replacement for Gronk or just find a respectable tight end late.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
A rushing touchdown from a quarterback is a fantasy owner’s best friend. Wilson had three of them on Sunday and added 205 yards and a passing touchdown through the air as well. In the ESPN format, Wilson scored 39 points and he’s not even picked up in several leagues. While most owners in championship games probably have a solid quarterback set in stone at this point, Wilson could still be a nice addition in case your matchup is unfavorable. Robert Griffin III owners should also pick up Wilson in case RG3 isn’t able to go again Sunday.
Brandon Lloyd, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Lloyd was disappointing in the beginning of the season, but he is blossoming at just the right time for owners who stashed him away on the bench. Lloyd has had 17 catches in the last two games (on 25 targets). Lloyd’s 190 yard performance on Sunday against the 49ers could only mean continued success as the Patriots face the Jaguars next week.
Knoshown Moreno, Running Back, Denver Broncos
Moreno continues to be a life-saver for fantasy owners late in the season. Moreno rushed for 118 yards again but this week on only 22 carries. Moreno will face off against the Browns next week who gave up two touchdowns to Alfred Morris this past week
Fallers
Danario Alexander, Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers
0 receptions. 0 yards. Many angry fantasy football owners. Aside from Dez Bryant, there hasn’t been a hotter wide receiver down the stretch than Danario Alexander. Many fantasy owners, myself included, started Alexander last week since he has been pumping out huge games week-after-week. Week 15 proved why no Chargers offensive weapon can be trusted. There’s no doubt that Alexander is talented, but this team is so inept right now that nobody can be trusted, especially Phillip Rivers to get Alexander the ball.
Josh Freeman, Quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Freeman was a savior for many in the middle of the season but he needs to be dropped immediately, even in two quarterback leagues. Freeman threw 4 interceptions on Sunday, proving why he’s one of the streakiest players in the NFL. The Buccaneers’ offense has not produced anything the last couple weeks and Freeman is clearly out of sync with his receivers, making seemingly questionable decisions.
Declining Kickers, namely Lawrence Tynes (New York Giants) and Mason Crosby (Green Bay Packers)
Don’t overlook the kicker in setting your final championship roster. Lawrence Tynes had negative points yesterday. Mason Crosby missed two field goals and seems to be out of rhythm. Kickers get in and out of rhythm and you need someone who is hitting their stride heading into the championship. There are plenty of quality ones out there such as Shayne Graham and Blair Walsh. Walsh hit five field goals Sunday, including three over 50 yards. A 25 point kicker replacing a 2 point or -1 point kicker is the difference between a championship team and the runner-up. No one is safe for this weekend- good luck!
