For some, your playoff hopes and dreams are gone with the wind. For others, you are fighting for your lives for that last playoff spot. For the rest of you, welcome to the fantasy playoffs, and best of luck. This time of the year, you are relying more on the team you spent the last 13 weeks building to get to this point, and I hope you built around studs, with great options on the side. I was having a conversation with my league mates about my bench yesterday. See, I planned to be in the playoffs (wound up being closer than it should’ve), I have backups for every position besides QB and Kicker. Set myself up to make a championship run with two stud Defenses, because Defense and Kickers win championships. Without further adieu, lets get down to business, building a championship bench! NOTE: check your league platform for when waivers go into effect this week due to the Ravens v Steelers not playing until Wednesday afternoon.
Alexander Mattison- 32% owned
I don’t know how many times I have to talk about this guy until he is owned in 75% of leagues. He is easily the best handcuff in the NFL, and could quite possibly get the start in Week 13. Dalvin Cook left the Week 12 matchup with an ankle injury. Regardless, with Dalvin Cook’s injury history, he is worthy of being on a team in every league.
Photo: Denver Post
Keke Coutee- >1% owned
Ah we knew it was too good to be true… Will Fuller was JUICIN’ which is why his hamstring didn’t fall off this year. With Randall Cobb also headed to IR for the foreseeable future, the only two competent receivers for the Texans are now Keke Coutee, and Brandin Cooks. With Cooks obviously being the stud of the two, Keke has undeniable breakout potential. In Week 13, he faces off against the FRAUDULENT Colts Defense, who he torched in his coming out party last year for 109 yards, and then again in the playoffs for 110 yards. I like him as a desperation streamer this week, but also someone you can keep on your bench heading into the playoffs.
Ryan Fitzpatrick- 10% owned
What would be better than a little FitzMagic taking you to fantasy glory? Answer: Nothing. There aren’t too many things more truer than this: Fitz is better than Tua and give them the best chance to win. Tua is not ready for the NFL, and I don’t want to be that guy, but I told you so. Fitz is electrifying, hairy, and ready to win at all times. I wouldn’t count on him blowing the roof off but for a great floor, with solid weapons, he’s worthy of an add as a backup QB heading into the playoffs.
Photo: Ap Images
Kirk Cousins- 40% owned
Kirk Cousins is not a sexy name, but he gets the job done which is what you are looking for to stay alive in the playoffs. Now he won’t necessarily win you a championship, he will prevent you from losing one. If you need a boom player, he's not your guy, and QB shouldn’t be where you are looking for it. Cousins has averaged 22 fantasy points in the last 4 games, which is slightly above the league average.
Devontae Booker- 9% owned
With Josh Jacobs banged up, the Raiders might play it safe with their workhorse running back in Week 13, as they face off against the worst team in the history of the NFL in the Jets. In a game in which, in theory at least, the Raiders look to bury the Jets after an upset loss, there should be plenty of garbage time carries for Booker in this Week 13 matchup. If you need a spot start in Week 13, and Jacobs is out, or there are rumors of him being on a snap count, Booker could be your guy.
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