Fantasy Fragments: Who to Start for Week 14

Bigger surprise: The 49ers incredible season, or the fact that a Mike Shanahan RB can be considered a "safe play?"

Written by: Jon Gale

Six players screaming “START ME” for Fantasy Football Week 14:

QB:

Philip Rivers, SD- Oddly enough, December seems to be a month that keeps on giving for Rivers and his fantasy owners, as it has been a month in which he has compiled a 19-2 record since taking over every week duties in 2006. Although I predicted him to further extend his abysmal season last week, Malcolm Floyd’s healthy reemergence seemed to take him back to the days of 2010 in which he compiled 30 TD’s and over 4700 yards. Look for him to have another useful week as he goes against a Buffalo defense that has been the 12^th friendliest to opposing QB’s. Proj. 24-37, 315 yards, 2 TD’s.

Tony Romo, DAL- I’m not going to lie, if I had to choose a quarterback to build a team around, I’m not sure Romo would be in my top 10. With that being said, and despite the number of times Romo will get knocked around in this game, I still expect a profitable game from him as the Giants D is giving up just short of 4 scores per game (26.25/game) and is dealing with several injuries to their defensive line. With the driver’s seat of the division on the line, look for Tony to find the way to our hearts once more in this epic clash of borderline elite quarterbacks on Sunday night.

Proj. 27-39, 295, 3 TD’s.

RB:

Roy Helu, WAS- Just when we thought we had finally pegged Shanahan’s shenanigans, he throws us completely off by holding true to his word about his backfield plans. Helu garnered 27 touches last week (23 rushing, 4 receiving) and totaled 142 yards with a score to follow up his 162 yards-and-score performance against Seattle in week 12. Expect him to be a little more involved in the passing game this week as New England will likely have Washington on the ropes by the third quarter. Proj. 16 carries, 72 yards, 8 receptions, 64 yards, 1 TD.

WR:

Antonio Brown, PIT- With Mike Wallace in line to get a large dose of Joe Haden, look for Brown to reap the benefits of the open space provided by the TJ Ward-less Browns secondary. Although Brown has only topped 5 receptions twice on the season, he is making the most of his touches averaging 15.5 yards/reception. Look for him to reach the century mark this week with a possible score while Wallace occupies “lockdown Joe.” Proj. 6 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD.

Julio Jones, ATL- In a matchup that has extreme potential of fantasy goodness, a healthy Julio is almost a sure bet for 8+ targets against the felines of Carolina. Look for Atlanta to try to get a quick start on Carolina through the air, involving the rookie in the passing game early. Assuming he stays injury free, this could be a nice rebound game for Mr. Jones. Proj. 5 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD.

TE:

Jermaine Gresham, CIN- I’m not sure why I‘ve yet to succumb to selecting Rob Gronkowski every week at TE. However, I will humor you and roll the dice on Gresham instead. With many owners suffering the loss of a consistent TE this week (insert Fred Davis rant), Gresham poses the potential for a fruitful day at the office versus the Texans. While Houston currently sits as the 3^rd best defense among fantasy TE’s, look for Dalton to target Gresham a few times in the red zone in hopes to get on the scoreboard. Who are these Bengals anyways? Proj. 5 receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD.