Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Can’t stop, won’t stop.
The 2013 season is winding down, but I’m already prepping towards 2014. It’s that degenerate life, folks. However, I do realize that there are some people who play up until Week 17, so for not posting a Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down column, I apologize. Let me make it up to you by providing you with some sneaky plays for the final week of action.
Final week of action. Yep, still makes me sad typing that.
Mike Tolbert @ Atlanta Falcons: When Tolbert crosses the goal line, I get all warm and fuzzy inside. I love seeing a fat guy score, because then you get a fat guy spike, followed by a fat guy dance. It’s the greatest, and I think we see Tolbert dancing this week. With Jonathan Stewart on IR, Tolbert will continue to see the most touches behind DeAngelo Williams. This week’s matchup is ideal, as the Falcons and their lowly defense host Carolina. Atlanta is surrendering the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing rushers, allowing 135.9 rushing yards per game, the second-most among defenses. The Falcons have also coughed up 14 rushing scores this year (10th-most) and Tolbert found the end zone during the first meeting between these two. I expect Carolina to run the ball a ton in this game, seeing as opponents are averaging 28.4 rushing attempts per game against the Falcons (9th-most).
Cordarrelle Patterson vs Detroit Lions: It appears that the Vikings have finally realized how talented a player Patterson is. The rookie is finally getting the ball in space, as well as in other situations. He’s scored a touchdown in four straight games, whether it’s been through the air or on the ground. He’s seen at least five targets and one carry in each of his last five games, and if that utilization continues, Week 17 may be very kind to the explosive rookie. Detroit’s beatable secondary comes to town, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts (32.99). Over their last three games, the Lions have allowed four touchdowns that have gone for 20 yards or more. Patterson is a big play guy, so he could definitely exploit this vulnerable pass defense.
Jonathan Grimes @ Tennessee Titans: A guy with seven career carries isn’t very appealing in fantasy circles, but with the Texans roster a mess, Grimes is worth a look in deeper leagues. Ben Tate is on IR, Dennis Johnson is banged up, so Grimes, an unproven back out of William & Mary, will get the final start of the year. The matchup may help him here, as the Titans are surrendering the third-most fantasy points per game to running backs (25.63). In fact, prior to last week, the Titans have allowed double-digit fantasy points to running backs in 11 straight contests. He’s out there if you are desperate.
Ryan Griffin @ Tennessee Titans: Another rather unproven Texans weapon, Griffin I like a lot this week, actually. He’s hauled in all 11 of his targets over the last two games, and if Matt Schaub remains under center, you know he’ll get looks, as Schaub loves targeting his tight ends, especially in the red zone. Meanwhile, the Titans have also struggled against tight ends, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Tennessee has coughed up a touchdown to a tight end in three straight contests, and the last time Schaub was under center against this team, he tossed two touchdowns to Garrett Graham and Owen Daniels. Oh, hey. Both of them are tight ends.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
