🏈 All I want is healthy RBs

GOOD MORNING. We’re back, and ready for a high-scoring football game with huge fantasy implications, between the only two teams that couldn’t beat the Lions.

In related news, my fantasy team has tested positive for being ass. Losing Derrick Henry, Darren Waller, and Calvin Ridley (or only one of them) will do that to a team. Just look at the Ridley-less Falcons.

Thursday Night Lights

A quick preview of every fantasy-relevant player in the Vikings & Steelers game, with excerpts from a great Fantasy Points article.

Passing:

• Ben Roethlisberger hit 18+ FP twice in his last three games and stunned the Ravens in Week 13. Jared Goff posted 296/3 passing in this matchup last week, his first 20+ FP performance since Week 2.

• Kirk Cousins posted a casual 340/2 passing last week, giving him 21+ FP in seven of his 12 games. However, he’s without his favorite red-zone target in Adam Thielen (ankle) and Steelers have allowed multiple TD passes just once in their last seven games.

Rushing:

• Najee Harris has seen 25+ touches in six of his last eight games, and the Vikings are giving up the eighth-most rushing yards per game (101.0) to RBs. Steelers offensive line is horrible (second-from-last in generating before contact yards over the last eight weeks).

• Alexander Mattison is a bellcow without Dalvin Cook (shoulder). Playing 86% of the snaps and logging 25 touches, Mattison has 21+ FP in his three spot starts for Cook.

• Dalvin Cook is questionable with his shoulder injury.

Receiving:

• Diontae Johnson nearly had 40 points against the Ravens, but dropped a walk-in 37-yard touchdown early in the first half. With 11+ FP in each of his 11 games and the Vikings allowing the second-most FPG (42.0) to WRs this season, Diontae is a strong start.

• Chase Claypool played an eight-week low 63% snap share last week: his turf toe keeps flaring up. James Washington (perimeter) and Ray-Ray McCloud (slot) would get more run if Claypool is out.

• Pat Freiermuth played after passing the concussion protocol - The Vikings allowed both T.J. Hockenson and Brock Wright to score touchdowns and reach 10+ FP last week. BUY.

• Justin Jefferson has 8+ catches and 140+ yards in three of his last four games and the Steelers are giving up 10th-most FPG (36.2) to WRs. Cook, young King, cook.

• K.J. Osborn had 7 targets after Thielen went down and should have an almost every-down role this week. Tyler Conklin is back on the fantasy radar with Thielen out, but Steelers are giving up the ninth-fewest FPG (9.8) to TEs.

If you’ve enjoyed this, use AMHUDDLE for 15% off at FantasyPoints.com.

Playoff Scenarios

Team’s able to clinch a playoff birth this weekend:

• Cardinals win, they’re in

• Packers can win their division with a win + Vikings L

• Buccaneers win their division with a win + Saints and Panthers L

Here’s how the seeding shakes out if the playoffs started today:

Is my RB healthy? Will I be forced to start a backup TE again?

We’ve got some injury updates for you:

• David Montgomery missed practice and is suffering from a slew of injuries (shoulder, groin, glutes). Please stash Khalil Herbert.

• Mike Williams joined Kennan Allen on the Covid 19 list as a close-contact (not testing positive).

  • Because Williams is unvaccinated, he is out 5 days (started Monday). Big Mike will likely miss the entire week of practice but should be able to suit up for their Week 14 game against the Giants.

• Rams promoted RB Mekhi Sargent from the practice squad. His promotion this early in the week doesn't bode well for Darrell Henderson's Week 14 status.

Tony Pollard missed practice with a foot injury. While it’s (apparently) not serious, Cowboys signed Ito Smith as an insurance policy. Ezekiel Elliott mentioned he won’t be 100% healthy for at least 3-4 weeks. 

• Elijah Moore is dealing with a quad injury that could sideline him for the game against the Saints on Sunday. Jamison Crowder is worth stashing.

• Harrison Bryant and David Njoku are both out for Week 14, meaning Austin Hooper will be the Browns’ lone tight end vs. the Ravens (3rd-most TE points)

Elijah Mitchell is in the concussion protocol and an MRI revealed an “irritation.” 49ers signed Brian Hill off the practice squad, while JaMycal Hasty is the only other healthy back. Hasty is a must-grab.

• Melvin Gordon returned to practice Wednesday, increasing the chances he ruins Javonte Williams.

• Tevin Coleman missed practice with a concussion. Austin Walter should see additional reps. 

Updates for Key Guys we miss: 

D’Andre Swift: Shoulder is improving but expected to miss Week 14. 

Darren Waller: Did not practice Wednesday. Return Sunday unlikely.

Alvin Kamara: Is expected to play, and Mark Ingram is in concussion protocol.

Guess who’s back?

Evan Silva is “emphatically back after taking a breather the last two weeks.” Here’s fantasy football’s can’t miss weekly thread:

Quick Slants

• Stash Jalen Guyton or Josh Palmer, who might be Justin Herbert’s only WRs this week.

• Falcons HC Arthur Smith said there is still no timeline for Calvin Ridley's return.

• Patriots 2021 NFL Playoffs Pursuit 'Vengeance' Trailer - THE BATMAN ft. Mac Jones (video).

• Justin Fields will start this week vs Packers.

• @Gregcosell breaks down Dallas Goedert’s usage after a huge performance on Sunday (video)

• WR Leaders by Total Fantasy Points (Since Week 9): 1. Justin Jefferson (126.0) 2. Elijah Moore (100.3) 3. Keenan Allen (98.3)

Tweet of the Day

Thanks for joining us this morning! It’s a great day to be great.

- Jake & Eddie