Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Please, don’t hurt me.
It’s the second week of the playoffs in most leagues, and the pressure and stress is piling up. Congratulations to those who have advanced, but if you did, there’s a really good chance that you are missing out on one of your stars. Injuries suck, folks. With big name players banged up, plenty of fantasy questions need answering.
Q: Will Adrian Peterson play and if not, should I add Toby Gerhart?
AP: First of all, you need to go grab Gerhart regardless, assuming you own Peterson. Handcuffs, people. As for the injury, I’m not medical genius, but reports are that he will not require surgery, but the Vikings will sit Peterson this Sunday. There were some reports that Peterson still has a slight chance to play, but after what happened to him a few seasons ago in a lost year, why risk your future like that? There is no reason to rush Peterson out there. The Eagles defense has been improving, but Gerhart, assuming he plays (hamstring), he’s a borderline top-20 option.
Q: Thoughts on Roddy White this week? Juciy matchup.
AP: When Roddy returned from injury, I said he would win fantasy championships for owners. I’m sticking by that statement, especially this week. Finally, Roddy looks as close to 100 percent as he has all season long, and the matchup this week is juicy, indeed. The Redskins have totally given up, and are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. Meanwhile, White has re-asserted himself as the top receiver in Atlanta, as Matt Ryan has targeted him 24 times over the last two games, resulting in an awesome 18 catches. Roddy is easily a top-20 play.
Q: Need a Gronkowski replacement. Delanie Walker or Dennis Pitta?
AP: I’ve received a ton of Gronk questions, and, of course, I fully expected it. After taking a brutal low shot, Gronkowski was diagnosed with a torn ACL and MCL. A top fantasy tight end, Gronk leaves massive holes in lineups. Walker is my top Gronkowski replacement among tight ends, as he gets the best possible matchup against the Cardinals. Arizona has surrendered a league-leading 14 touchdowns to the tight end position, including a league-high 18.12 fantasy points per game. Walker is expected to play after passing concussion tests, and because Ryan Fitzpatrick loves to check it down, Walker may be very busy come Sunday. He’s a low-end tight end one.
Q: Nick Foles or Josh McCown at QB this week?
AP: Wow. Who would have thought that this would actually be a good problem to have. I think Foles is the better play here, though both are easily top-10 options with the way they have been playing. The Vikings and their lowly pass defense welcome the Eagles, who go from playing in eight inches of snow to a dome. Minnesota is surrendering the second-most fantasy points per game to passers (25.42) and the opposition knows they can beat them through the air, averaging 40.7 pass attempts per game against the Vikings (second-most). They have allowed multiple passing touchdown performances in six of their last seven games, so Foles should be a top-five play this week.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
