Fun, Failure, Frustration, & Fame: Week 16

FUN

This is my reminder that fantasy football should be fun.  It is also fair warning that I only play (and write about) fantasy football for fun.  I have never done a paid league, and I would not suggest you use my thoughts in a betting situation.  I am NOT an expert, and I play for fun.

FAILURE

Part One:  My Failures

WR Ladd McConkey

I predicted Ladd McConkey would rebound, but he had another poor game, with only two catches for 20 yards on three targets.

TE Travis Kelce

I predicted Travis Kelce would have another subpar game, but he put up solid numbers in the loss.  He had seven catches on nine targets for 70 yards.

QB Shedeur Sanders

I suggested Shedeur Sanders as a waiver wire pickup, but he was a flop this week, going 18 of 35 passing for 177 yards and 0 touchdowns.  He also threw 3 interceptions, while only adding 2 rushes for 24 yards.

Part Two:  This Week’s Player “Failures”

QB Joe Burrow

As a Ravens fan, it was great watching Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense get shut out!  For fantasy owners relying on Burrow to give them a boost, he was a flop!  He finished 25 of 39 passing for 225 yards and 2 interceptions.  With the Bengals now officially eliminated from the playoffs, it’s hard to say how motivated this team will be.  I don’t think he can be trusted as a fantasy starter at this point of the season.

Verdict:  TREND

WR Jaylen Waddle

Jaylen Waddle and the Miami Dolphins did not have a good game and saw their slim playoff hopes shattered.  Waddle had only 2 catches on 4 targets for 26 yards.  Waddle and the Dolphins have been up and down this year.  If you have another option at WR, I would look elsewhere as I don’t think he is reliable.

Verdict:  TREND

TE Jake Ferguson

Jake Ferguson has been a steady, reliable TE for most of the year.  However, he did not have a good game this week, as he managed only 2 catches on 4 targets for 16 yards.  I think he will bounce back.

Verdict:  FLUKE

RB Chuba Hubbard

Several people may have picked up Hubbard after he rebounded in Week 13 (the Panthers had their bye Week 14) with a nice game.  However, he did not produce Sunday in an embarrassing loss to the Saints.  Hubbard had only 8 rushes for 29 yards and 1 catch for 9 yards.  Fellow RB Rico Dowdle had double the rushing attempts (16), so it appears Hubbard can be benched/cut for the remainder of the season.

Verdict:  TREND

FRUSTRATION

QB Patrick Mahomes injury

I loved watching the Chiefs struggle, but what a horrible injury at the end of a rough season for QB Patrick Mahomes.  Hopefully, he is back and ready to go for the Chiefs next year.

FAME

Part One:  What I Got Right Last Week

QB Jalen Hurts

I predicted QB Jalen Hurts would rebound, and he did that with a very solid game: 12 of 15 passing for 175 yards and 3 TDS, 7 rushes for 29 yards.

RB Bijan Robinson

OK, this one was easy.  I predicted Bijan Robinson would rebound with a good game, and he did just that.  He finished with 19 rushes for 93 yards and 1 rushing TD + 8 catches on 11 targets for 82 yards.

TE Mark Andrews

My prediction that Mark Andrews can’t be relied on to put up good numbers was true.  Andrews finished with only 2 catches on 3 targets for 18 yards.  This Ravens offense isn’t right, and if they win games, it will be because of their defense (and Lamar Jackson playing superman)

JACKSONVILLE defense

I suggested the Jacksonville Jaguars defense on the waiver wire because they have been playing well and I liked their matchup.  They came through with a solid day.  In default Yahoo scoring, they scored 10.00 fantasy points last week.

Part Two:  Who I Like on the Waiver Wire

TE Colby Parkinson

Rams TE Colby Parkinson had another nice showing finishing with 5 catches for 75 yards and 2 TD.  He has also scored a TD in 5 of the last 6 games.  He is definitely worth an add if you need a TE.

RB Michael Carter

Michael Carter stepped in and played well when RB Bam Knight was knocked out with an ankle injury.  Carter finished with 14 carries for 56 yards and added 4 catches for 38 yards.  If you have the roster space, it’s worth adding Michael Carter; if Knight misses time, he could be a solid plug-and-play option.

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