Fantasy football lineup advice: Week 14 boom or bust
Running Back
Boom: James White, NE vs. KC
After it appeared he was falling out of favor in New England’s backfield, White exploded in Week 13 with 37.7 fantasy points, over 20 points more than his previous season-best. Game script played a huge role in this, as the Patriots fell behind by more than two scores early in the third quarter and leaned on White to handle all their short-yardage work in the passing game. However, this outing proved that he’s still Tom Brady‘s right-hand man when it matters.
Kansas City has been a doormat for opposing halfbacks all season, surrendering a league-high 31 FPPG to the position. They’ve been especially vulnerable to pass-catching specialists like White, an area where they’ve given up 785 receiving yards (also most in the NFL). The Chiefs’ secondary has actually fared well against WRs, which should motivate Brady to shower White with plenty of targets underneath the coverage.
Boom: Austin Ekeler, LAC @ JAX
The second catch-first type of back to crack the “Boom” list, Ekeler’s stock is on the rise once again just in time for the fantasy playoffs. Although Melvin Gordon is the early-down workhorse in L.A., Ekeler’s high-volume passing-game role has remained intact. He’s dominated in the red zone, snagging four touchdowns in his past six games. During that stretch, the sure-handed back has averaged a sufficient16.6 FPPG.
The Jaguars’ embarrassing rush defense may boost the outlook of Gordon this week, but owners can be sure Ekeler will get plenty of run in this one. His nine carries last week were the most he’s gotten in four games, suggesting the Chargers want to keep him involved regardless of game script. Considering Jacksonville is coughing up 28.3 FPPG to enemy ball-carriers (fifth-most in the NFL), you’ve got yourself a strong RB2 for week 14.
Honorable Mention: Miles Sanders (PHI vs. NYG), Phillip Lindsay (DEN @ HOU)
Bust: Devin Singletary, BUF vs. BAL
It took a while for him to get going, but now that the Bills are beginning to give him more run, Singletary is developing into the late-season star owners hoped for when drafting him back in August. However, veteran Frank Gore’s continued involvement has kept Singletary from really taking flight. Easily the more talented pass-catcher of the two, Singletary caught three balls for 38 yards and a score last week against Dallas, but this was the first time in his last four games he’s managed to top double-digit receiving yards.
In order to return value against the Ravens, he’ll need to again make an impact through the air. This may be a tall task, as Baltimore ranks as top-seven group against RBs overall and has put the clamps on them through the air (fourth-fewest receiving yards allowed and only one TD). Singletary is extremely talented, but owners should roll with a safer option during the most crucial point of the season.
Bust: Peyton Barber, TB vs. IND
It’s been anyone’s guess which Buccaneers’ running back will get the most burn on a week-by-week basis. While Ronald Jones has looked superior to his teammate, it was Barber who handled the majority of work in Week 13 (17 touches compared to Jones’ six). After the game, head coach Bruce Arians claimed this was because of Jones’ lack of impact as a pass-blocker. Nonetheless, Barber ran with his increased opportunity, reaching pay-dirt twice for 18.4 fantasy points.
No matter which ball-carrier leads the charge this week, it’ll be difficult for them to post any worthwhile numbers. The Colts have sneakily possessed one of the strongest defensive fronts this season being led by budding star linebacker Darius Leonard. Their 20 FPPG allowed to the RB spot is fifth-best in the league, and they’ve surrendered just four rushing TDs all year long. This backfield has been a pulsing headache — avoid it at all costs.
Dishonorable Mention: Marlon Mack (IND @ TB), Bo Scarbrough (DET @ MIN)
Sleeper: Patrick Laird, MIA @ NYJ
No Miami running back is ever that appetizing for fantasy, but Laird flashed some PPR potential last week without Kalen Ballage, catching four passes for 40 yards and a score. His 0.5 yards per carry left much to be desired, but he gets a much easier matchup this week with the Jets, who’ve surrendered the fifth-most receiving yards to RBs.