Fantasy Football Week 14: Proven Big-Play Point Machines
Fantasy football Week 14 marks the single most important time in many fantasy leagues. It is the final week of the regular season in most leagues, and in the rest it is the first week of the playoffs.
This is the time when you need to know which players are capable of making a splash, and just how big of a splash they'll make.
That's where we come in. This list breaks down the 20 players with the best big play potential this week. Big plays don't have to be scores, it just means that when the final whistle sounds, these guys will have tallied the best games of the week.
Let's take a look, shall we?
20. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
1 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: If you've watched McCoy run this season, you know he's capable of ripping off a big play at any time. He's versatile, skilled as a rusher and a receiver, and he doesn't need 25-30 touches to rip off a monster day, as we've seen with some of his biggest games this season.
Who’s the Matchup: Dallas ranks 14th in the NFL against opposing running backs, but McCoy's pass catching skills will come in handy against the Cowboys' shoddy secondary.
The Verdict: McCoy will find room to run, and room to catch passes against a Cowboy defense that can't stop much. 12 carries, 60 yards, 3 catches, 25 yards.
19. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers
2 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Here's the thing about Gates: right now, he doesn't have a foot to stand on. He's battling all kinds of injury issues right now, but as we saw last week (six catches, 75 yards and a score against the Raiders), he doesn't have to be all that healthy to produce, as long as he plays.
Who’s the Matchup: Kansas City ranks third in the NFL against tight ends, but Gates doesn't care; he smoked them for 95 yards and a score in Week 1, anyway.
The Verdict: He's a risk not to play this week, but he was last week too, and that didn't stop him from going off. Expect him to do it again. 6 catches, 85 yards.
18. Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
3 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Even before Big Ben's return, Wallace showed us what he could do with a big game against Tampa Bay. Now, he's posting big numbers on a regular basis, thanks to his uncanny ability to get open downfield.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bengals rank 28th in the NFL against wideouts, and Wallace toasted them for 110 yards and a score in Week 9.
The Verdict: Wallace should find plenty of room to make plays downfield against a swiss-cheese Bengals secondary; expect him to torment them all game. 5 catches, 85 yards.
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17. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
4 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: With teams focusing so much energy on containing DeSean Jackson, they seem to have forgotten about Jeremy Maclin's playmaking ability, and the second-year wideout is making them pay. He's ripping off big plays, and posted 129 yards and a score against the Giants in Week 9.
Who’s the Matchup: Dallas ranks dead last in the NFL against opposing wideouts; even in their recent run of success, the Cowboys can't contain passing games.
The Verdict: With such a lovely matchup, expect Maclin to run rampant over the NFL's worst defense. 6 catches, 89 yards.
16. Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints
5 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Colston has come alive in the second half of 2010, much like he's done in years past. He's posted three straight games with 10 or more points, and has five such games in his last six matchups. He's the best wideout in a pass-happy Saints offense, and is the team's most dangerous deep threat.
Who’s the Matchup: St. Louis ranks 18th in the NFL against opposing wideouts, and Colston is just the type of receiver they struggle to contain.
The Verdict: It's not the best matchup of the week, but it's not the worst, and Colston has been positively electrifying in recent weeks. 6 catches, 89 yards.
15. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
6 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Good defenses, bad defenses, Matt Stafford throwing to him, Shaun Hill throwing to him, Drew Stanton throwing to him; it doesn't matter. Megatron makes big plays regardless of the matchup, his quarterback situation, or just about any other possible factor.
Who’s the Matchup: Green Bay ranks fourth in the NFL against opposing wideouts, and, unlike Chicago, they've got an elite cover corner (Charles Woodson) capable of containing Johnson, to an extent.
The Verdict: The key words in the sentence above are to an extent. Look for Megatron to get open a few times, and make the Packers pay when he does. 5 catches, 90 yards.
14. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
7 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: McFadden's been electrifying for most of 2010, posting plenty of 100 yard games, both through rushing and his skills as a pass catcher. He's struggled a bit in recent weeks, but found his stride against San Diego in Week 13.
Who’s the Matchup: Jacksonville's run defense ranks 17th in the NFL, but in all honesty, they've been much worse than that for most of the year, and have allowed five 100 yard rushers on the season, not counting all the yards they've given up to running backs in the passing game.
The Verdict: With a soft matchup, expect McFadden to put those two subpar weeks even further in his rearview mirror. 15 carries, 60 yards; 4 catches, 30 yards.
13. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
8 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Reggie's shown us what he's capable of against Dallas in Week 13 (14 catches, 200 yards), New England in Week 11 (7 catches, 107 yards and Jacksonville in Week 6 (15 catches, 196 yards). He's the only healthy, reliable receiver Peyton Manning's got right now, which means he can expect plenty of passes his way.
Who’s the Matchup: Tennessee ranks fifth against opposing wideouts, but their defense is reeling after a pair of bad losses, and Wayne's got the skills to punish them all game long.
The Verdict: With a reeling opponent, and the Colts needing to get a win to stay in the division hunt, expect Wayne to step up in a big way. 8 catches, 95 yards.
12. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Blount's bruising, explosive running style makes him conducive to big plays and big games. Since taking over for Cadillac Williams in Week 7, he's posted 120 yards and two scores against the Cardinals, 91 yards and a touchdown against Carolina, and, most impressive, 103 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons' solid run defense in Week 13.
Who’s the Matchup: The Redskins rank among the league's worst defenses, and are currently 26th in the NFL against running backs. Their last four opponents have each eclipsed 110 yards rushing.
The Verdict: Blount might not get enough work to break the 110 yard mark again (Washington is flat-out terrible against the pass), but you can bet he'll still have a big day. 17 carries, 95 yards.
11. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons
10 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: White's been double-teamed by most opponents in 2010, but that hasn't stopped him from ripping off big gains every once in a while. He's shown he can do it for a full game against Pittsburgh (111 receiving yards), San Francisco (104 yards), Cleveland (101 yards), Cincinnati (201 yards), and Baltimore (138 yards).
Who’s the Matchup: Carolina might rank third in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but it's because most teams are so far out in front that they stop throwing the ball in the second half.
The Verdict: With a soft defense, look for Roddy to have a monster game, until the Falcons stop throwing the ball. 7 catches, 95 yards.
10. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
11 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Jackson might not be a lock for 120 yards anymore, but the running back still has plenty in the tank. He's posted three 100 yard games in 2010, and has yet to be held under 50 rushing yards all season, something none of the other big name backs (except Adrian Peterson) can say.
Who’s the Matchup: New Orleans ranks 15th in the NFL against opposing running backs, but they gave up 96 yards and two scores to Cedric Benson and the Bengals in Week 13, and Jackson is a better back than Benson.
The Verdict: With a relatively soft defense, and his versatility as a rusher and receiver, expect Steven Jackson to have a strong outing. 20 carries, 85 yards, 1 catch, 10 yards.
9. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos
12 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Now that he's fully healthy, Moreno appears to be living up to the promise he showed in college. He's posted four straight games with at least 15 points, and just gashed the Chiefs for 161 yards on 23 carries. As if that weren't enough, he's a skilled pass catcher, too.
Who’s the Matchup: The Cardinals run defense ranks dead last in the NFL, and their pass defense isn't much better.
The Verdict: Moreno will have another monster day, even if new head coach Eric Studesville is tempted to throw a ton on such a soft secondary. 15 carries, 80 yards; 3 catches, 25 yards.
8. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
13 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Charles has been the quintessential big-play back in Kansas City this season, averaging a fantastic 6.2 yards per carry. He's posted back-to-back 100 yard rushing games, and has the ability to eviscerate an opposing defense in the passing game, as well.
Who’s the Matchup: San Diego ranks 16th in the NFL against opposing running backs, and just got lit up like a Christmas tree by the Oakland Raiders. Charles should find plenty of room to run.
The Verdict: Charles will have yet another strong performance, as the Chiefs try to end the Bolts' playoff bid once and for all. 17 carries, 85 yards, 2 catches, 20 yards.
7. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
14 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Davis appeared to re-capture his dominant form against Green Bay in Week 13, racking up 129 yards and a touchdown on just four catches. He's big, fast and has superb hands, making him a threat to go off at any time.
Who’s the Matchup: Seattle may rank eighth against tight ends this season, but Davis had 73 yards against them in Week 1, when nothing in San Fran's offense was working. Now that they're functioning, expect him to eviscerate them.
The Verdict: Alex Smith's return under center should be a boon to Davis, he'll get plenty of looks. And with Seattle's reeling defense, he'll be able to make plays all game long. 7 catches, 105 yards.
6. Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers
15 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Floyd is literally the only healthy wideout San Diego has, and with Vernon Davis banged up, he'll be counted on to make plays all game long. He's got the size and skill to be a big play receiver; now all he needs is the chance.
Who’s the Matchup: Kansas City ranks 21st in the NFL against opposing wideouts, and have struggled to contain opposing passing games all season.
The Verdict: With a soft defense, and no healthy alternatives, Floyd can't help but have a big game. 7 catches, 105 yards.
5. Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons
16 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Turner has been blasting away at opposing defenses all season long, posting six 100 yard games, including four of his last six contests.
Who’s the Matchup: Carolina ranks 29th in the NFL against the run, and they look primed to give up big plays to Turner.
The Verdict: With such a soft opponent, expect Turner to get plenty of work this week. 25 carries, 110 yards.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
17 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: The human bowling ball is back, having posted six straight 100 yard games, including a 100 total yard game against Kansas City in Week 7.
Who’s the Matchup: Oakland has been one of the NFL's worst run defenses all season, and currently rank 25th against opposing backs.
The Verdict: With a back this hot against an opponent who can't stop the run, MJD owners are in for quite a treat. 20 carries, 115 yards.
3. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
18 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: He's not getting 20 carries a game this season, but it hasn't mattered for Adrian Peterson in 2010. He's been one of the most dynamic rushers in football all year, and is fresh off a 16 carry, 107 yard demolishing of the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.
Who’s the Matchup: Sure, the Giants rank ninth in the NFL against the run. But Peterson's been stellar against everyone, and he's sure to keep it going against the Giants.
The Verdict: With the quarterback situation in a state of flux, look for AP to carry the load this week. 20 carries, 115 yards.
2. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers
19 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: It took him a few weeks to get going, but once he did, Greg Jennings has been unstoppable. He's posted no fewer than five catches or 74 yards since Week 6, and he's racked up three straight 100-yard games.
Who’s the Matchup: Detroit rank 21st in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but they've been getting smoked by just about everyone this season.
The Verdict: The Lions don't have anyone who can stop Jennings, and Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to love finding him in recent weeks. 8 catches, 119 yards.
1. Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
20 of 20
Why He’s a Big Play Candidate: Hillis has blossomed into one of the NFL's elite running backs in 2010; prior to Week 13, he had racked up five straight double digit scoring games, and has blown up some fantastic defenses this season. He's a fantastic pass catcher, making him even more likely to go off in a given week.
Who’s the Matchup: Buffalo ranks 30th in the NFL against opposing running backs, and have allowed 20 or more points to the position seven times this year.
The Verdict: Could you conceive of a better matchup for Hillis in Week 14? He's going to go off in a big way, and torment the Bills all day long. 20 carries, 110 yards, 3 catches, 35 yards.
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