Running backs went wild in week thirteen, with 22 of them reaching double digit fantasy points. Defenses are getting worn down as the season rolls on and these rushing performances should keep coming. Now is the time to scoop up some high upside players from the waiver wire and get ready to make that run (no pun intended) to a championship.
Week 13 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring)
· Derrick Henry TEN – Bye Week
· Kenneth Dixon BAL – 6 carries 56 yards 4 catches 21 yards 7 Fantasy Points
· Matt Asiata MIN – 6 carries 30 yards 1 catch -3 yards 3 Fantasy Points
· Shaun Draughn SF – 5 carries 20 yards 2 Fantasy Points
Henry returns to action in week 14 and is supposedly going to see more action as the short yardage back. The full breakout for Kenneth Dixon is still not here, but his talent certainly is evident. A touchdown was not in the cards for Asiata in week 13, so a pedestrian day was the predictable result. Speaking of predictable, how about a low fantasy point total for a receiving back (Draughn) in a game where no passes are thrown.
Week 14 Waiver Wire Picks
One More Time
Kenneth Dixon BAL 48.4% owned
Despite almost limitless potential, Dixon remains unowned in more than half of fantasy leagues. The Ravens coaching staff are bound to catch on to the fact that Terrance West is being outclassed by the rookie soon. At that time, the value for Dixon is going to shoot through the roof. He might be a risky start for the playoffs, but he has been a fairly steady source of points lately (8-10 per game). There are a lot worse options to have in your flex spot considering the upside here.
The Rest Of The Waiver Wire Picks
Bilal Powell NYJ 40.4% owned
The Jets have been much more successful on offense lately and Powell has had a role in that success. Two double digit fantasy performances in his last four games have Powell back on the radar for fantasy owners. His week 13 game is later tonight so not all of the data is in, but the Jets play the 49ers in week 14 and that is good news for running backs. The matchup alone is almost enough to pick up Powell and put him directly into starting lineups.
Worth A Look
Jacquizz Rodgers TB 25.7% owned
It has been a rough year for Tampa Bay running backs. Everyone has been injured at some point, but Rodgers is back and looking healthy. Doug Martin is the clear starter when he is available, but he missed time at the end of his week 13 matchup. If Martin is unable to play in week 14, Rodgers should step right in as the starter. Given the success he had earlier this year in that role, he would be a very strong play against the Saints defense.
Mike Gillislee BUF 25.4% owned
There is no injury concern for LeSean McCoy at the moment, but Gillislee is the clear goal line back. The Raiders gave up a ton of yardage on the ground, but Gillislee was the back that managed to get into the end zone…twice. Going forward he should be no more than a change of pace back to McCoy, but he has decent upside each week due to his goal line role. Think of him as this year’s version of Karlos Williams.
