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I can tell you one thing, I’m not trusting Derek Carr again this season.
Facing a lowly Kansas City Chiefs passing defense in Week 14 — Darrelle Revis was a starting cornerback for Pete’s sake — the Oakland Raiders quarterback was set up for a major game, along with his top weapons. But no.
Carr was better off staying home. The young QB threw for 211, a single touchdown and a pair of interceptions — good for a grand total of 10.4 points. I mean, Josh McCown had just put up a 31-point week and that was with Marcus Peters suited up for the Chiefs. Carr couldn’t even manage half that.
The move — granted it was either Carr or Jameis Winston — set my one of my teams back 34 points heading into the second week of the two-week semifinal matchup. But hey, somehow Aaron Rodgers was on waivers and I was able to scoop him up. Problem solved.
All right. I’ve said my peace. Maybe I’ll trust you next year Derek Carr.
If you’re still with me and haven’t disregarded my columns all together at this point, lets move on to the second week of the postseason.
QUARTERBACK
Must have: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Sure, Ryan’s not playing at the level from his MVP campaign a year ago, but he’s facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterbacks have thrown for at least 300 yards in three of the four games against the Bucs. That other game? Brett Hundley and the Green Bay Packers. I’m taking my chances.
Pass: Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith got off to such a hot start, but he’s put up 15 or more fantasy points in two of his last six games. I’m not comfortable starting the Chiefs quarterback against a talented Los Angeles Chargers defense.
Worth a shot: Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles
Yup. I said it. Give me Foles this week. The former Pro Bowl offensive MVP gets the New York Giants in his first game back as Eagles starter. I have no problem starting Foles as Carson Wentz’s replacement.
RUNNING BACK
Must have: Kenyan Drake, Miami Dolphins
Let me tell you, my beloved Buffalo Bills struggle to defend the run. Drake comes in red-hot. Travelling up to Buffalo, the Dolphins are going to have to run the ball to win that game. Expect a heavy dose of Drake, who’s thriving in his new role.
Pass: Orleans Darkwa, New York Giants
Darkwa has struggled of late and things won’t get any easier against one of the league’s best defenses against the run — the Eagles.
Worth a shot: Jay Ajayi, Philadelphia Eagles
I don’t like picking from the Eagles stable of backs, but Ajayi is facing the Giants this week. It’s a favorable matchup. The G-Men have given up at least 30 points to running backs in back-to-back games.
WIDE RECEIVER
Must have: Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
If you’ve been sitting out Nelson the last few weeks waiting for the return of Aaron Rodgers, it is now safe to insert the first-round pick back into your lineup. Nelson is a solid WR2 against the Carolina Panthers.
Pass: Chris Hogan, New England Patriots
Fantasy owners were massively disappointed if they took a flier on Hogan last week. I’d expect much of the same against the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially with Rob Gronkowski back in the fold.
Worth a shot: Marquise Goodwin, San Francisco 49ers
Flash Goodwin is a good flex option this week. The Titans have given up at least 20 points to wide receivers in five of their last six games, including four 30-plus point performances. Goodwin has seen an uptick in usage with Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback as well.
TIGHT END
Must have: Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills
Clay has his guy Tyrod Taylor back at quarterback for the Bills. Clay also seems to do well against his old team. He has 16 receptions for 202 yards and three touchdowns in four games against the Dolphins.
Pass: Tyler Kroft, Cincinnati Bengals
Kroft has been a touchdown-dependent tight end of late. In a tough matchup against the Vikings, I’m looking elsewhere.
Worth a shot: Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
The Oakland Raiders have given up at least 15 points to tight ends in four of their last six games. Witten is a TE1.