Fantasy Football A passion for many people. Sometimes this passion drives fantasy managers to make emotional decisions even when the data suggests otherwise. Each week during the 2024 NFL season, Liz Loza will try to balance the rhetoric of data and the desire of the heart. Facts vs. Feelings say.
Back home Thanksgiving week after spending five days covering the Grand Prix in Las Vegas and the word “lucky” couldn’t be more fitting. The journey from poker to pumpkin pie is by no means traditional, but it has been rich. Yes, it’s another Turkey Day trope, and it’s totally appropriate. Because what are we doing if we’re not filling (or filling?) with extra helpings of goodness every day?
There is constant chatter about burnout and exhaustion. And most of it is justified. The go-go-go pace of modern life can be downright taxing. But what if, instead of responsibilities, we jammed the open spaces of our days with activities (or people) that drain (rather than) fill our energy? I returned home from Sin City completely knackered (as my new British friends would say), but equally invigorated. A nap was necessary. The smile that hasn’t left my face since last week, though? That was the reward.
That’s something to think about when we gather with friends and family on Thursdays. Instead of feeling stressed about lumps in mashed potatoes, let’s be grateful for the spread. Who cares if the turkey is dry or the tablecloth is stained? Hopefully, the people you’re celebrating with are more interested in catching up than showing off. Stick to tradition if it makes you happy. Or start a new practice entirely. Let it be a day that fuels you, not a day you’re trying to “get through.”
Do the same in fantasy. We are two weeks away from the playoffs. This is not the time to hold back. Double-digit weeks are all about tilt. did you miss Jordan Addison Last Sunday? i did It blew my bench. But I have no patience for the past. I want to play well until December. It means taking inventory and working hard, not because it’s work… but because it’s fun.
So, arrange your lineup with the same fervor you use to debate the merits of canned versus homemade cranberry sauce. Treat your flex spots to toasted marshmallows on top of these delicious yams. Make a defense that — just like pecan pie — is equal parts sweet and salty. And remember, it’s all extra, guys. We are lucky to have fun, even if it means taking a nap.
Bryce YoungQB, Carolina Panthers: Staying grateful has certainly been a tough endeavor for Young during 2024, but the 2023 first-round pick seems to have turned a recent corner in his development. Young has thrown for over 200 passing yards in two of his past four while finding the end zone in every contest since Week 8. He also collected 12 rushing attempts during that time. Coming off the third-highest fantasy output of his career (16.5 points), the second-year signal-caller’s stats are, at least, holding up to his job.
Young’s 263 passing yards in Week 12 were the second most of his career. That total included an eight-play, 59-yard drive that put the team in field goal range before halftime. The team scored on six of eight drives, which is even more impressive in retrospect. Josh Allen And the Bulls have scored more points against Kansas City this season.
Not only is Young improving as a passer, he’s now totaled 50 rushing yards in his past two games, the first time he’s rushed for more than 20 in back-to-back contests. The Tampa Bay vs. matchup is clearly attractive. Without a team on a bye, however, starting Young doesn’t make sense. But its growth and potential sustainability have to be monitored. For now, the arrow is pointing up.
Jeremy McNicholasRB, Washington Commanders: After McNichols saw high action Brian Robinson Jr. He was ruled out of Sunday’s contest with an ankle injury. He registered just three carries in relief of Robinson, but has been circling Washington’s backfield since Week 4. McNichols, 28, has recorded four games of at least seven carries while also managing four rushing scores on the season. The coaching staff clearly trusts him. A dual-threat talent with powerful legs and strong hands, McNichols could be a key streamer this holiday weekend.
The Commanders are fourth in the league in total rushing attempts (368) and rushing scores (20). While Jaden Daniels Certainly pushing those numbers up, the rusher is big enough to take on the backs. in fact, Austin EcklerRobinson, Daniels and McNichols have each netted four rushing TDs. If Robinson and/or Eckler (who was concussed late in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys) were to miss time, McNichols’ odds of finding the end zone would skyrocket. As 5.5 point favorite vs. TitansThey will be in line for more than just goal-line opportunities, providing managers with a healthy flex appeal. Keep an eye on the team’s injury report and act accordingly.
Nico CollinsWR, Houston Texans: How grateful are we for Nico’s return? The Texans’ alpha has averaged 16 goals in two games since returning from a hamstring problem that kept him out for five contests. While he technically only found the end zone once, the 25-year-old had TDs called back because of penalties on back-to-back attempts, further illustrating his red-zone prowess. His 79% snap share in Week 12 (up from 49% in Week 11), indicates that he is fully back and ready to dominate.
Collins imposed his will on the Titans in Week 12, logging a 5-92-1 stat line. These numbers may not initially pop, but given context they certainly impress. Collins’ 92 yards is the second most by any player in 2024 against Tennessee. In fact, no player had completed a pass of 30 or more yards entering Week 12 against the Titans, led by Collins’ 56-yarder. The play (which he caught 45 yards down the field) most notably. In a key matchup against a Jacksonville secondary that has given up the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers, Collins enters Week 13 with top-5 appeal. Get greedy!
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals: Harrison is the frontrunner for this year’s fantasy tormentor. His talent is undeniable, but his output has been disappointingly scattered. In fact, the rookie has posted fewer than 70 receiving yards in 10 of 12 games. Frankly, his fantasy stock has been boosted by TDs. For context, he has logged fewer than 8.0 fantasy points in seven outings in which he failed to find the end zone. This makes the swing in his stats equal parts infuriating and difficult to predict, and has resulted in his 36.4% “start” rate at Tristan H. Cockcroft. Consistency rating (E+).
Of course, Harrison’s average depth of target (13.7) is listed as the 10th deepest among 79 qualified wide receivers, explaining the existence of a few boom stat lines that offset the bust. However, his 56.3% catch rate ranks ninth-worst at the position, which outlines a persistent problem. A deep threat isn’t expected to convert at the same rate as a short-range slot man. Even so, the team’s coveted Alpha — selected fourth overall this past April — should shine in high-variation situations.
Interestingly, he wins in the red area. In fact, Harrison’s eight end-zone looks (40% team end-zone target share) rank within the top 10 among wide receivers. Gambling on scores, however, is a tricky proposition. The 22-year-old might get lucky against a weak Vikings secondary that has allowed the seventh-most TDs (13) to his position. Still, it’s not easy to rely on, which is why managers see it as a flex option going forward.
Noah GrayTE, Kansas City Chiefs: Gray, 25, has upset the fantasy community — especially those invested. Travis Kelce — Over the Chiefs last couple of games. The tight end hasn’t drawn as many looks as Kelce, but he’s been extremely efficient with his opportunities, converting eight of nine targets and finding the end zone four times since Week 11. Dangerous play, it seems as if Gray’s emergence in the passing game is quite intentional.
Andy Reid has been equal parts adamant and transparent about his desire to handle Kallis’ workload. The 35-year-old averages nine appearances per game for the first half of 2023. After that, the number was reduced to seven per match Rashi Chawl material as finally Patrick MahomesOption to carry over to second half of regular season. It wasn’t until the 2023 NFL postseason that Kelce’s numbers increased again.
His usage has followed a similar trajectory in this excursion. As the established No. 1, Rice began 2024 as the team’s leading pass catcher, with Kelce playing a distant second fiddle. After Rice suffered a season-ending knee injury, however, Kelce was called back into action. He dominated the touch during the team’s development. Xavier WorthyTraded for. DeAndre Hopkinsand (here we are) find ways to incorporate more gray. Noting the chain of events, Kelce’s modest stat lines over his past two outings (70 total receiving yards and no TDs) are understandable and doable.
Gray can remain a fantasy fluke in his own right. Even so, his elevated role indicates that Kelce is unlikely to receive midseason attention, which would make the veteran TE a stealth trade option for managers facing the postseason trade deadline. is If that’s not possible, Gray deserves at least consideration for a matchup versus a Raiders squad that has allowed the most fantasy points at the position over the past four weeks.
Follow Liz on social @LizLoza_FF.