Hail Mary: Week 14
Hail Mary is a play that most people won't even attempt. It is one of those last resort efforts to win. With this article, we would like to point out 4 players in which we expect to be x-factor players. Players that can do great any given week even if it’s just because of one play. These players are also each started in under 20% of leagues according to NFL.com. Here are the four big time players that could make a difference maker in your lineup this week:
RBs:
Jalen Richard:
Start Percentage: 2.4%
Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers
Analysis: Richard has been pretty consistent since the Raiders lost Lynch for the season. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, his consistency has been getting around 5-6 points per game. Last week was the first time all season Richard hit double digit fantasy numbers in Non PPR formats. With the Raiders expected to play from behind big time on Sunday, it would make sense for the game script to favor Richard over the banged up Doug Martin. Do not be surprised if Richard puts up his second straight double digit fantasy week this week.
Justin Jackson:
Start Percentage: 7%
Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis: With Melvin Gordon ruled out again this week. Jackson and Ekeler should both be viewed as starting caliber players. Although Ekeler is ahead on the depth chart and he will get the start, Jackson has shown enormous potential especially last week when he scored late in the game to help the Chargers take down the Steelers. Expect Jackson to outscore Ekeler from a fantasy perspective as he gets 60 yards and another TD.
WRs:
Sterling Shepard:
Start Percentage: 6.7%
Matchup: Washington Redskins
Analysis: A huge bomb in the fantasy football universe was the surprise injury ruling out OBJ in what will be most leagues’ first week of fantasy playoffs. For any of you who may have OBJ, now is the time to grab and start Shepard. He has shown both good and bad games this season, but the uptick in targets that he will receive make him a good start this week against the Redskins’ defense. Expect Shepard to get targeted at least eight times and rack up over 80 receiving yards this weekend.
Zay Jones:
Start Percentage: 0.6%
Matchup: New York Jets
Analysis: One of my personal favorite matchups this week is Zay Jones going against the Jets’ defense that has allowed the 7th most points to opposing fantasy WRs this season. Back in Week 10, Zay carved up the Jets to the tune of 91 yards and a TD. That was the first of two of his +15 point fantasy weeks within the past three weeks. With Kelvin officially out of Buffalo, expect rookie QB Josh Allen to target Zay often this Sunday. It is reasonable to expect an output similar to what he did the last time he went up against the Jets.