By Dan O’Shea
In a week when many fantasy football leagues opened their playoff slates, wintry weather had a major effect on almost every game played. The result: Probably more than a few top seeds suffered upsets.
If you were a winner, you very likely had one of the following surprise Week 14 stars on your team. Can you continue to count on them in Week 15?
Josh McCown, QB, BEARS: This story keeps getting better. With 348 yards passing and five total TDs on Monday Night Football, the anti-Cutler now has 13 TDs to 1 INT overall, and is giving the Bears little reason to rush Jay Cutler back for Week 15 (There is a real chance Cutler to could come back this week, but more likely next week)/ The bad news is the Cleveland defense he faces this week is pretty tough against the pass, but I would still call him a top five QB for this week, assuming I’m right about Cutler.
Marques Colston, WR, NO: You know it’s a weird week when the most inconsistent WR 1 in fantasy football comes up with 125 yards receiving and two TDs. This week he goes up against a middling Rams secondary, but as always, it’s hard to predict who gets Drew Brees’a second-choice throws after TE Jimmy Graham.
Marcel Reece, RB, OAK: Thought to be a fantasy sleeper this year, he only got his chance after Rashad Jennings suffered a concussion. He responded with 123 yards rushing and a TD against an NYJ defense that has been one of the toughest against the run this year. Unfortunately for him, Jennings is probably going to be back for Week 15.
Joique Bell, RB, DET: The most damaging move of the week to many fantasy teams likely was the very late scratch of Reggie Bush, RB, DET – a decision probably driven by the terrible weather in Philadelphia. Bell had little trouble in the snow, with 69 yards rushing, 58 yards receiving and a TD. If you handcuffed Bell and Bush, and were paying close attention, good for you. Hold onto Bell this week until we hear for sure Bush will start against Baltimore.
Cordarelle Patterson, WR, MIN: He has gradually been building up a his resume this year while the rest of the Vikings team has been crumbling around him. In Week 14, he had 111 yards receiving and a TD, along with more than 100 return yards and even six yards rushing. With his versatility, Patterson could be poised for an even bigger game in Week 15 against a Philadelphia defense that has given up the most fantasy points to WRs.
Expert Wire
* SI.com muses on what to do about Adrian Peterson, who may or may not start Week 15.
* Bleacher Report eyes Week 15 sleepers.
* SB Nation likes Patterson as a hot waiver wire pick-up.
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Dan O’Shea is our man in fantasyland. He welcomes your comments.
Posted on December 11, 2013