By @JorgeBEdwards
This week’s slate of NFL action took the fantasy football world by storm! From surprise performances by unproven players to future football Hall of Famers showing you why they are indeed just that, Week 13’s NFL Fantasy Football action was something to behold making narrowing down just four players for this week’s 4-EYED OBSERVATIONS a tricky endeavor. Yes, my friends, it’s a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it!
As is my custom every week I’m entrusted to present to you four players that performed well in each week, discuss with you how they, in fact, did well, and give you my assessment of their fantasy potential going forward. So with that sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s 4-EYED OBSERVATIONS FROM WEEK 13!
4-EYED OBSERVATION #1: Josh Allen is what we expected Lamar Jackson to be!
Normally for quarterbacks, I include their passing NEXT GEN STATS in my write-ups in order to provide you with the advanced scope of their performance from the past week of action. However, I feel that not much really has to be said in regards to Josh Allen’s performance from this past week other than, “LOOK AT THOSE RUSHING YARDS”!
The past two weeks in fantasy, Allen has averaged 27.5 fantasy points per game with the majority of fantasy points coming from his rushing production where he’s averaged 117 yards rushing per game. Now I understand, it’s fantasy playoff time and many of you have their quarterback position set already. However, for those in 16-team leagues or those who’ve been riding the waiver-wire for quarterbacks all season you might be looking for a sneaky advantage to get you through to the first round of the fantasy playoffs. With a matchup against the lowly Jets in week 14, Allen might be that quarterback to provide you with that fantasy upside considering the Jets defense ranks 26th against the run.
4-EYED OBSERVATION #2: Golden Tate showed up on Monday Night Football!
Ever since the trade to acquire Golden Tate became official the Eagles have spent weeks trying to figure out how to utilize him properly, with very little success. Their own offensive coordinator came out publically stating even he was confused as to how to use him. Apparently, they were just waiting for the right time to strike, naturally against my beloved yet controversial Redskins, on Monday Night Football yesterday. Targeted more than any other receiver on his team on Monday, Tate displayed on the field what made him such a sought-after trade target.
He’s not the type of person to go fast and deep down the field for a big play, but quarterbacks will target him on short to intermediate throws and let Tate’s athleticism do the rest as he picks up extra yardage. In 0.5 PPR leagues he scored 20 fantasy points. 20! THIS ALL BEING SAID, this performance DID come against my Redskins and with the Eagles facing the Cowboys on a short week, whose defense is vastly superior to Washington’s, look for Tate’s production to come back down to Earth, making him not worthy of starting in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs!
4-EYED OBSERVATION #3: Jeff Wilson is another name to add to the long list successful running backs under a Shanahan!
Video: Rookie UDFA RB Jeff Wilson’s first start with the team was pretty good. Stats: 7 Carries, 33Yards, 4.7 Avg, 18 Long & 1 Reception for 8 Yards. #49ers #JeffWilson #NorthTexas #JefferyWilsonJr @WakeEmupJeff903 #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/eLzHhufOZs
— 49er_Edits (@49er_edits) December 2, 2018
After Matt Breida was declared inactive for this past Sunday’s game, head coach Kyle Shanahan turned to Jeff Wilson, rookie running back out of North Texas, to lead his backfield against one of the better run defenses in the league. How did Wilson respond to the pressure? He ended the day with 134 total yards, both rushing and receiving, and came away with 15.4 fantasy points. With Matt Breida already being declared out for week 14 according to head coach Kyle Shanahan (believe it when I see it), look for Wilson to have a good matchup lined up versus the Broncos who are allowing 122.1 yards per game rushing. For those suffering from running back injuries heading into the playoffs, Wilson is a must-add and must-start this week!
4-EYED OBSERVATION #4: Derwin James is my pick for defensive rookie of the year!
Kids, this is how you tackle. Shoulder into hips then lift. Don’t use helmet, don’t get near head / shoulders. Thank you Derwin James. #LACvsPIT pic.twitter.com/GB5mtPAtlh
— Maximiliano Bretos (@mbretosESPN) December 3, 2018
Using the FANTASY IN FRAMES IDP scoring rubric:
Derwin James has averaged 13.3 fantasy points per game over the past two weeks and 9.8 fantasy points per game on the season! His 1 INT, 3 passes defensed, 2 solo tackles, and 1 assisted tackle this past Sunday night was just another example of how much of a staple he is to the Chargers defense in pass coverage as well as against the run. With Joey Bosa back along the defensive line opposing quarterbacks will be pressured into making big plays in the passing game allowing James to take full advantage of costly mistakes. He should already be rostered and started in IDP leagues. If not pick him up and start him!
Waiver-Wire Bonus:
Jaylen Samuels (3.4% managed in ESPN leagues): With James Conner already being declared out for week 14’s matchup look for Samuels to shoulder the load against a Raiders defense allowing 153.2 yards rushing to opposing running backs this season.
Justin Jackson (12.2% managed in ESPN leagues): If Melvin Gordon cannot go on Sunday, I believe Jackson will be the primary beneficiary going forward in the Chargers’ backfield. His 7.9 yards per carry on Sunday versus the Steelers for 68 yards and 1 TD showcased just how talented of a back he is. All preseason he was hyped up to be THE handcuff for Gordon should anything happen to him. Something HAS happened. Go grab Jackson as an insurance policy now!
Deion Jones (19.2% managed in ESPN leagues): His first game back since week 1, Jones returned to the IDP landscape with a resounding BOOM as he tallied 15 total tackles and 1 sack. It’s safe to say head coach Dan Quinn would not put him back on the football field unless he was good to go. Consider his performance in week 13 an indication that he is good to go. He should be rostered and started in all IDP leagues and formats!
Those are my 4-EYED OBSERVATIONS from past week!
Check back later this week for our week 14 podcast and our 4-EYED PREVIEWS!
Thanks for checking out FANTASY IN FRAMES!
*Also don’t forget to go back and read over our previous IN SEASON ARTICLES. You might find some nuggets of fantasy football gold that could propel you into the fantasy playoffs and even help you win a fantasy football championship!*
