Fantasy Football Championships: Ride or Die Week 16
Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Tight Ends to Ride With:
Rob Gronkowski, vsNYJ- There is no stopping him and there is no benching him. One of the rarities this fantasy football season. Plus, you’re getting a match up against the Jets in week 16? This is why you drafted him. Let him carry you. Enjoy the ride.
Greg Olsen, vsCle- He’s been pretty much the most reliable tight end not named Gronkowski. He’s listed as questionable right now, but he is fully expected to play on Sunday. Even without Cam Newton he is still one of most productive guys you can roster.
Brent Celek, @Was- If you’re desperate for a tight end and you still made you championship then you may want to consider Celek. There’s good chance you’re desperate because you drafted ZachErtz after listening to me, but in my defense I was not alone. His own coach had high goals for him this year. Either way, Celek has emerged more consistantly especially since Sanchez took over the quarterbacking duties. He had six targets last week and Washington has allowed the second most points to tight ends this season.
Tight Ends to Die With:
Larry Donnell, @StL- He’s had two maybe three games of actual fantasy relevance. None since week 11. I can’t rely on this guy to help me win a title.
Martellus Bennett, vsDet- Unless you’re a Jimmy Claussen fan, the benching of Jay Cutler is not good for you. Especially if you’re a Bennett owner. Claussen is not what we would call a prolific passer. Getting the ball to anyone this week will be difficult, especially given the match ups against the Lions defense.
Defense/ Special Teams to Ride With:
Green Bay, @TB- The Buccaneers are giving up the third most points to opposing defenses this season. That’s enough for me. The Buccs love turning the ball over, not scoring points and generally giving your fantasy team a boost. If you’re like me you’ve been following the Buccs schedule for weeks and were prepared to use the Packers this week.
Philadelphia, @Was- Washington is the team giving up the second most amount of fantasy points. I realize that the Eagles have had two weeks out of there last five with decent fantasy numbers for the defense, well.. it’ll be three out six after this week.
New England, @NYJ- This could be as easy as following the Jets schedule. The Jets are allowing the fourth most points to opposing defenses and its even worse when Geno Smith is starting. Geno Smith is the Jets starter. This is where the Patriots win you a fantasy championship.
Defense/ Special Teams to Die With:
St. Louis, vsNYG- They have been a good option for you the last few weeks. This week against the Giants I don’t see it. Maybe I am wrong, I have been before but the G-Men are not turning the ball over lately. Since Eli Manning’s five interceptions against the 49ers he has thrown only two.. And they were in different games. He has protected the ball a lot better this season and with the emergence of Odell Beckham Jr. the Rams will have a tougher go of it than they have when they faced those awesome receivers from San Diego, Oakland, Washington and Arizona.. Id the sarcasm seeping through yet?
Arizona, vsSea- The last time they faced each other the Cardinals sacked Russell Wilson seven times. Something tells me that they don’t do that again. Since the Seahawks are one of those teams who protect the ball I am not anticipating a lot of fantasy points here. Maybe you don’t have a better option. After all, Arizona has been one of the better fantasy defenses this year. For this week, I am nervous they give you very little when you need to generate points from all spots on your roster.
There you have it, the final Ride or Die of 2014. I will be back with 2015 previews all next year leading up to your draft. I will also have some NFL post season material to read but you’ll have to wait for that. For now, have a Happy Holiday Season and may the fantasy football gods forever be in your favor.