Week 14 closes many fantasy regular seasons and sights shift to the playoffs. Deep lineups can be the norm in Dynasty, and contributions from under-the-radar players can swing leagues. We asked our staff for recommendations and players who fit that profile.
Question: Who is an under-the-radar player capable of emerging as a contributor in deep league formats during the fantasy playoffs?
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee
Ryan Weisse- Is Westbrook-Ikhine still under the radar? If so, choose him. He has scored in seven of his last eight games and has a favorable schedule for receivers in the fantasy playoffs.
Another option could be Ja'Tavion Sanders. Once he gets cleared to play, Sanders could make an impact for some tight-end needy teams. The Panthers offense is finding some footing at the perfect time, and they face a few teams that give up plenty of points to the tight end, including a championship week tilt with Tampa Bay. Bryce Young has targeted the tight end spot about five times per game since taking over and threw to tight ends 10 times in Week 13. A healthy Sanders could be a top-10 option down the stretch.
RB Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh
Matthew Montgomery- Warren has been a serviceable back for the Steelers despite being the second fiddle to Najee Harris, who is having a renaissance year. Warren has a steady number of touches per game (10.3), which is the first clue that he can help you in a deep league. However, I am most excited about his ability to perform well in his divisional games. In standard PPR leagues, he averages 11 points per game. Two of his next three matchups are against divisional opponents. While they’ll be typical AFC North battles, I expect he will continue this success, specifically in the receiving game.
RB Craig Reynolds / Sione Vaki, Detroit
Josh Fahlsing: One place to find gems is buried on the depth charts behind star players relied upon by playoff-bound teams. With David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way, Reynolds and Vaki with the Lions fit that bill. These guys are so under the radar that they might live in a bunker below it. Combined, they barely have more career rushing yards than I do. However, Detroit wants to run the football.
There is risk. Detroit is chasing that top seed and is unlikely to rest anyone unless or until they clinch it, and Minnesota, Green Bay, and Philadelphia are not going away. But here’s the upside: Detroit is going to run the ball. If Minnesota, Green Bay, and Philly stumble in the next couple of weeks and the Lions keep winning, there is a real possibility Detroit could rest some stars as it tries to get healthy headed into the playoffs. If you’ve relied on Gibbs and/or Montgomery all year or just need a flyer RB for the playoff depth, it would be negligent not to stash these guys now. Detroit would have to clinch before Week 17 for Reynolds and Vaki to be useful, but if either one is plugged into the lineup for a game, the volume - and fantasy points - could easily follow.
RB Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas
Corey Spala: Sincere McCormick offers the upside desired for the fantasy playoffs. The running back depth is a bonus. After a strong performance, he signed to Las Vegas’ active roster this week. He has four rushes over 10 yards in two games, while Zamir White and Alexander Mattison have combined for seven on the season. McCormick offers a spark to the offense and should earn more reps with White and Mattison’s lingering injuries.
Since being activated from the practice squad, he has averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 17 carries. Looking into McCormick and the playoffs, Las Vegas has the second-best favorable matchup, playing Atlanta, Jacksonville, and New Orleans.