Week 15 Fantasy Surprises

Last week was a solid one for my fantasy surprises as while nobody put up exceptional numbers, many of the guys I selected were more than serviceable options. Jimmy Garoppolo, Giovani Bernard, Marquise Goodwin and Travis Coons all were contributors at their respective positions. If you advanced in your year long fantasy league, congrats on making the final four or championship game. Your savvy on the waiver wire and in the draft I’m sure was very helpful to your season.

If you didn’t make it, well there is always next year but that doesn’t mean the fantasy season is over. Daily fantasy will be an option to get your fix over the next few weeks.

QB: Blake Bortles vs Texans: Don’t look now, but Bortles has been a top ten fantasy quarterback in each of the past three weeks. While he may not ever become a fantastic real life option, Bortles limiting turnovers and contributing with his legs has really helped the past few weeks. The good times could continue this Sunday as the Texan defense has struggled all year against the pass. If you’re looking for a quarterback in daily formats who could make a big difference in tournaments, Bortles is your guy. Expect around 260 total yards and two touchdowns.

RB: Mike Davis vs Rams: Davis is among a handful of backs who have started a game for the Seahawks, but he’s making the most of his chances. In each of his last two games, Davis has seen 15 plus touches and has averaged a little over 80 total yards. Now he gets a Ram defense that has been vulnerable against the run in a game that could be a shootout. If you’re in need of a flex option or second back in deeper leagues, Davis could provide a big boost. Expect around 90 total yards and a touchdown.

WR: Mohamed Sanu vs Buccaneers: The Buccaneers’ inability to stop Julio Jones has been well documented, but Sanu the last time these teams played had a game in his own right. He hauled in eight of the nine targets thrown his way, and also threw a 51 yard touchdown pass to Jones. The Bucs will surely try and throw more defenders at Jones, which opens things up even more for Sanu. While he has yet to clear 100 yards in a game, Sanu does have five touchdowns and his six plus targets a game make him a safe bet in PPR leagues. Expect around 70 yards and a touchdown.

TE: Jared Cook vs Cowboys: As we’re all aware, the Raider passing attack has been extremely frustrating to all fans this year but especially those who participate in fantasy. In what would have seemed crazy to say back in August, Cook (who can still be frustrating due to inconsistent performances) is their leading receiver. With Amari Cooper looking doubtful to suit up, Cook will most likely be Derek Carr’s second option on Sunday night.

The Cowboys have had some difficulty covering tight ends, so at a thin position Cook is worth a look.  Especially when factoring in that he should see at least a handful of passes thrown his way. Expect around 50 yards and a touchdown.

K: Robbie Gould vs Titans: The 49ers have moved the ball much more successfully with Jimmy Garoppolo as the starting quarterback. However, due to an inexperienced and banged up supporting cast, that hasn’t turned into touchdowns. That’s why Gould in the past two weeks has made a whopping nine field goals. For kickers all you can ask for is opportunity, and Gould’s certainly had that. The Titans defense has aspects that are vulnerable, so Gould should be in play for all formats. Expect around three field goals and two extra points.

DEF: Giants vs Eagles: This play isn’t one for the faint of heart, but if you’re a risk taker who doesn’t have faith in Nick Foles, the potential payoff is big. To take pressure off Foles, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Eagles emphasized the ground game early on. Run defense is an area where the Giants defense remains pretty strong. When Foles drops backs to pass is what will be the ultimate factor. He doesn’t offer the out of the pocket ability of Carson Wentz, but the strong supporting cast against a banged up Giant secondary is still there. If you’re not a believer in Foles, this defense is one that could swing your daily fantasy lineup at a cheap price. Expect around two sacks and an interception.