RADIO
There is a clearly identifiable core group that has led you to your fantasy football Super Bowl. You know who your must-starts and essential players are as you head into the big game.
But as with any championship team in any sport, there are “role players” that support your nucleus of standouts. In fantasy football, it’s important to also identify the best one-week matchup plays to work in with your locked in starters.
Today we identify the best guys that can become the lesser-heralded heroes for you and etch their names into your personal fantasy history books. These are players who may not start consistently on your teams, but you should use them now.
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Super Bowl Winning Plays and Sneaky Starts
Running Backs
Raheem Mostert, SF: He is the best RB on the 49ers, and he can score from anywhere on the field. To execute an optimum offensive game plan, the Niners need to firmly establish the run against the Rams. Los Angeles has allowed the most rushing yards and the fourth-most Fantasy Points Per Game to RBs among NFC teams over the past month.
Devonta Freeman, ATL: He has not been reliable even when healthy and Freeman’s best fantasy days are definitely behind him. But the Jaguars have allowed the most FFPG to RBs over the past month. Freeman should at least be in your flex spot this week.
Patrick Laird, MIA: He is more of a desperation play, but some owners are certainly in that situation. Myles Gaskin started to cut into Laird’s workload last week. But of the two, Laird has the safer floor because of his receiving abilities, and the matchup is a tasty one for any RB against Cincinnati.
Marlon Mack, IND: He has been banged up and unreliable recently, but the Colts need to establish some offensive balance if they want to play respectably. The Panthers have allowed the most rushing yards to RBs over the past month.
Kenyan Drake, ARI: There will naturally be a drop-off after last week’s huge performance, and Drake has been very inconsistent since coming over from Miami. The Seahawks, however, have allowed the most receiving yards to RBs over the past month.
Devin Singletary, BUF: Many owners will automatically want to reserve him when seeing the New England matchup. But the Bills simply must get the ball into his hands in a huge game, and New England has allowed the most receptions to RBs over the past month.
Wide Receivers
Tyler Boyd, CIN: Look for a big rebound game this week. Miami has allowed the most FFPG to WRs over the past month.
Michael Gallup, DAL: The Eagles pass defense is a notorious weak spot. Dallas appears to be more successful when running the ball more, but the temptation to attack the Philly secondary will be too much to not take advantage of. The Eagles have allowed seven TD catches over the past month, most in the NFC.
Breshad Perriman, TB: He has been elevated to Tampa Bay’s No. 1 WR role, and Jameis Winston will continue to gun the ball to him this week against Houston. Perriman has recently gone from an NFL bust to a surprising breakout performer.
A.J. Brown, TEN: He has been up and down this season, but the big-play ability is undeniable. Brown has progressed to the point where he is a dangerous big-play artist who can also position himself well for possession catches. The Saints have allowed the second-most FFPG in the NFC to WRs over the past month.
Terry McLaurin, WAS: He has been the one constant in the Washington offense this season as he has provided quality production during an impressive rookie campaign. The matchup is obviously a very friendly one against the Giants. McLaurin will help you finish strong in your Super Bowl.
D.K. Metcalf, SEA: He actually should be a regular starter for you as a fantasy WR3. Arguably the best fantasy WR in one of the best incoming groups we have seen in years, he should benefit as the Seahawks really open up the passing game more this week against Arizona.
Quarterbacks
Matt Ryan, ATL: He has not been nearly as explosive as hoped this year, but he gets a strong draw at home against a Jaguars pass defense that has allowed the fourth-most FFPG to the position over the past month.
Kyler Murray, ARI: His skill set could really give the Seattle defense fits. The Seahawks are also dealing with multiple injuries and player losses on that side of the ball as well.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, MIA: You should not use him over a more established, proven passer who has been more dependable over the full season. But if you have been streaming QBs and do not have an ideal starting option, he should be considered. Fitzpatrick, though, is not a Top 12 play at the position when everything is on the line.
Tight Ends
Jacob Hollister, SEA: He gets the obviously great matchup against the most notoriously vulnerable team against TEs. Hollister is easily the prime tight end plugger this week. He gets important looks on key downs and scoring situations.
Mike Gesicki, MIA: He has not come through with his breakout game yet, but Gesicki has the promise to provide a quality floor this week and should get some chances to score.
Dallas Goedert, PHI: The TE2 for the Eagles has been picking up consistent targets as Philly has been dealing with a thinned receiving crew. He has to get the ball in some key situations this week in the highly hyped showdown for the top spot in the NFC Least.
