With the fantasy football playoffs in the second round, I have switched the list from emergency streamers to sneaky starts to help each team move on to the championship round. Below are five players that can help you win your week that can slot into your starting lineup in the fantasy football semi-finals.
Jerome Ford RB (CLE)
Jerome Ford should benefit from a larger role with Nick Chubb out for the season. He scored 18.4 points last week against the Chiefs and has two performances over 15.5 points without Chubb this season. This week, he faces a Bengals defense that has been vulnerable to running backs, especially in the passing game, which plays to Ford’s strengths. The Bengals in their last three games have allowed over 190 receiving yards with three straight running backs going over 15 points. With his ability to break off explosive runs and his involvement in the receiving game, Ford should be a strong RB2 option.
Brenton Strange TE (JAX)
With Evan Engram on injured reserve, Brenton Strange stepped up with his impressive 11-catch, 73-yard performance against the Jets. Strange has scored at least 9.2 PPR points in three of the last four games Engram has missed and is now positioned as a key piece of the Jaguars’ offense. Mac Jones in his career has over a 20% target rate to the right end position as well which could lead to more production for Strange than he had with Trevor Lawrence. The Raiders are one of the most generous defenses to tight ends, ranking 5th in fantasy points allowed. Given Las Vegas’ struggles against tight ends, Strange is a solid pick to continue his success as a fantasy starter.
Keandre Miller RB (NO)
Keandre Miller will slot into the lead-back role for the Saints with Alvin Kamara being ruled out. Last week against the Commanders he had 9 carries for 46 yards and has seen his role increase in the previous two weeks. Miller is not the dual threat that Kamara is but has shined in limited work with a 7.1% explosive run rate, a 36% missed tackle rate, and 2.96 yards after contact per attempt. Additionally, New Orleans will face the Packers in Week 16, a defense that ranks 19th in the NFL against running backs. He will be in line for many dump downs against the Packers as the current spread is -14 Green Bay. With an increased workload, Miller can cash in as an RB2 in Week 16 and is worth a start.
Matthew Stafford QB (LAR)
Matthew Stafford put up a stinker in last week’s win over the 49ers, but that doesn’t reflect how well he’s played lately. Stafford posted 19-plus points three times in his previous four games and threw for multiple scores in every contest. Since Week 8 when the Rams got healthy, Stafford ranks 5th in the NFL in passing touchdowns showcasing his value when the Rams are at full strength. Next up is a matchup against the Jets, who have allowed the fifth-most points to quarterbacks since Week 8 including 18.7 points to Mac Jones last week while having the second-highest completion rate over expected. Stafford should be in line for a good outing against a struggling Jets defense.
Keenan Allen WR (CHI)
Keenan Allen has been excellent recently, with three top-15 fantasy finishes in his last four games, including a monster 73 yards and two touchdowns against Detroit in Week 13. The Lions’ defense continues to struggle against wide receivers ranking bottom three in points allowed this season. Allen has seen his target share and first read share significantly increase against a single high making it a plus matchup against Detroit which runs it at a 51% clip. Allen is a must-start with his play trending in the right direction and a plus matchup against the Lions.
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- Sam LaPorta o45.5 Receiving Yards: LaPorta has been a key target for the Lions, accumulating 165 yards over the last two weeks. The Bears have struggled against tight ends, and LaPorta should see significant involvement in this matchup.
- Keenan Allen o50.5 Receiving Yards: Allen was dominant in the last game against the Bears, catching five passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns. His role in the Chargers’ offense is critical, and the Bears’ defense struggles against top receivers.
- D.J. Moore 5+ Catches: Moore has had at least six catches in five straight games. He was a standout against the Lions last time, catching eight passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. Moore should be heavily involved in the Bears’ passing attack.