RUNNING BACK
Zack Moss – Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Giants (Khai Berry)
Rumor is that Deon Jackson got into an argument with Jeff Saturday and since then he has all but disappeared from the field (this was compounded by a week 15 fumble). Moss is the primary back for the Colts, you could do worse in your fantasy finals if you are in desperate need for a running back.
Tyler Allgeier – Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals (Chris Hendrickson)
I was very high on the Allgeier play last week and he got you there. In Week 17, I think he gets you there and more. He has been the clear RB1 in a Falcons offense running the ball at the highest rate in the league. He ran the ball 18 times for 74 yards in Week 16. He added 4 catches for 43 yards, which typically isn’t a part of his game but makes things even more interesting. Allgeier dominated carries in this backfield in Week 16:
- Early downs: 19 Allgeier, 8 Patterson, 5 two backs, 1 Williams
- Goalline: 3 Allgeier, 1 Patterson
- Short yardage: 4 Allgeier, 1 Patterson
- Third downs: 5 Allgeier, 2 two backs, 1 Patterson, 1 Williams
- Two minute: 8 Allgeier, 6 Patterson, 3 Williams, 2 two backs
- Total: 39 Allgeier, 17 Patterson, 9 two backs, 5 Williams
I really think this Allgeier play could be a league winner if he’s available (39% owned). He has been extremely consistent since Week 11, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Arizona has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to running backs this season. Atlanta should find themselves in a neutral game script at worst for the entire game. Expect a huge day from Allgeier.
JaMycal Hasty – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans (Chris Hendrickson)
This is a 100% a stash play. Travis Etienne is not healthy. He wasn’t 100% healthy going into Week 15 and suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys. He eventually came back into the game in overtime, but this is concerning in the fantasy football playoffs. Hasty played 14 of his 16 snaps in Week 15 when Etienne was on the sideline, even though Etienne played all three overtime snaps. If you have a free spot on your bench or a role player you’ve stashed with a garbage schedule, this waiver spot is for you. The Jaguars play Houston in Week 17, the fantasy football championship. If there is news that Etienne is hindered by this or is unable to go come Week 17, Hasty played 78% of snaps when Etienne missed Week 12. Houston has been a defense we’ve attacked with running backs all season long (and last season and the season before that). If you are able to stash Hasty, I would recommend doing so.
WIDE RECEIVER
Jahan Dotson – Washington Commanders vs. Cleveland Browns (Khai Berry)
3 PPR games in a row of at least 16 points. Against the 49ers elite defense, Dotson put up 6 catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. This week he gets the Cleveland Browns, a bad run defense. Dotson, depending on your team’s build, is a must-start if you have limited options.
Isaiah Hodgins – New York Giants vs. Indianapolis Colts (Khai Berry)
The Giants can clinch a playoff spot with a win this Sunday. Hodgins was a former Bills WR with Brian Daboll and is emerging as a redzone favorite in this New York offense. In his last four games, Hodgins has averaged 4 receptions and had a touchdown in 3 of the 4 games.
TIGHT END
New England Tight Ends vs. Miami Dolphins (Chris Hendrickson)
This is my if-then play of the season. Both Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith left the game Week 16 with injury. The Patriots started the game with three straight two tight end sets. Smith played every snap in the game until he left the game hurt. Henry has been a consistent piece to this offense down the stretch. If Hunter Henry is active, he is playable as a borderline TE1/TE2. If Henry misses, I expect Smith to step into a gigantic role in the offense and become a borderline TE1/TE2. If one or the other misses this week, the other should step into 90%+ of snaps in an offense desperate for passing options. If both of these guys miss, Scotty Washington was not targeted after being activated from the practice squad for Week 16. Miami has allowed the third most fantasy points to the tight end position this season. Miami also plays man defense at the second highest rate. Smith has averaged 2.78 yards per route run against man coverage this season, almost two yards higher than against zone coverage.
