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Championship week.
We are here.
It’s been a long season. One full of injuries. There’s a good chance that you lost both your starting quarterback and running back at some point.
For those of you that are still with me, congratulations.
Similar to the hit reality TV show Survivor — congrats to this season’s winner, Ben — fantasy football is all about outwitting, playing and outlasting your opponent. Now we have to do it one more time. Maybe two if you have a two-week final.
Good luck.
QUARTERBACK
Must have: Case Keenum, Minnesota Vikings
There’s a chance this game is a blowout, so the Vikings might just run the clock out in the second half. Even if that’s the case, Keenum is still a borderline starter this weekend.
Pass: Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
Garoppolo has been a nice fill-in for owners missing out on Aaron Rodgers or Carson Wentz these last few weeks. However, the buck stops here. Stay away from Jimmy G in an extremely tough matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Worth a shot: Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills
How could I leave a Buffalo Bill out in my most important column of the year? Believe it or not, but the New England Patriots still feature the 27th-best defense against quarterbacks this season. Taylor should have Kelvin Benjamin this week — he didn’t have KB in the previous matchup — and his knee looks back to normal after sitting out Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor is streaming option this week.
RUNNING BACK
Must have: Dion Lewis, New England Patriots
The Bills are really bad against the run. Trust me. I know. Without Rex Burkhead, Lewis should see an uptick in carries. And if this game turns into a blowout, it only works in the Patriots running back’s favor.
Pass: Orlean Darkwa, New York Giants
Darkwa was a sneaky play earlier on in the season, but has lost playing time to Wayne Gallman. Darkwa is no longer a must start.
Worth a shot: Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions
The Bengals looked like they packed it in last week. Considering Ameer Abdullah logged eight offensive snaps in Week 15, which was third on his team behind Riddick and Tion Green, Riddick seems to be the lead back moving forward. He’s a top-20 play.
WIDE RECEIVER
Must have: Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers
If you were able to pickup Bryant off of the waiver wire this week, you’re in luck. With the injury to Antonio Brown, Bryant should get the highest uptick in fantasy value this weekend. Bryant is a flex play with WR2 upside against the lowly Houston Texans.
Pass: T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
While Jacoby Brissett has been impressive at times this season, he has completely cratered Hilton. Not only do the Baltimore Ravens rank as the fifth best against wide receivers, but Hilton has scored double-digit fantasy points in four games this season.
Worth a shot: Dede Westbrook, Jacksonville Jaguars
If you’re looking for a shot in the arm after losing Antonio Brown last week, Westbrook is out there in a ton of leagues. San Francisco is a good matchup and Westbrook has led Jacksonville in both targets and yards for the last handful of weeks. He’s a low-end flex play.
TIGHT END
Must have: Vernon Davis, Washington Redskins
Denver ranks 29th against tight ends. If Kirk Cousins gets the time to throw, Davis could be in for a big week.
Pass: Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons
Chances are good you weren’t starting Hooper this weekend anyways, but if you were thinking about it, I’d look elsewhere. Hooper hasn’t put up double-digits since Week 10 and New Orleans sports the top defense against tight ends.
Worth a shot: Antonio Gates, Los Angeles Chargers
Without Hunter Henry, Gates deserves some look as a streaming option. Not to mention, the New York Jets are middle of the pack against tight ends this season.