Fantasy Football Week 14: Bench Warmers Sure to Help You Make the Playoffs

With the right situation, even NFL reserves can become valuable options for fantasy owners. This trio haven’t had many starts on the field in 2011, but starting them in fantasy play will bolster a last-minute playoff run:

Brad Smith, Buffalo

If there was ever a time to start Buffalo’s sometime-wildcat QB as a wide receiver, this looks to be the week. Quentin Jammer will presumably be covering Stevie Johnson, and San Diego’s pass defense—which isn’t nearly as good as its No. 6 ranking—does especially badly against the receivers Jammer isn’t covering.

Smith will also be helped, paradoxically, by his own team’s subpar defense. It’s likely that the Bills will be playing catch-up against Philip Rivers’ offense for most of the night, meaning more pass attempts for Ryan Fitzpatrick and more potential receptions for Smith.

Roy Helu, Washington

Figuring out which running back Mike Shanahan will start is an exercise in futility. However, whether he comes off the bench this week or not, Roy Helu is a safe bet to get his numbers. He's had some monster games for PPR owners this season, and the Patriots’ porous pass defense will have a hard enough time with the Redskins’ wideouts, let alone Helu.

The Nebraska rookie should get a few chances on the ground as well, considering that keeping the ball out of Tom Brady’s hands is always a good idea. Still, with the game likely to degenerate into a Patriots blowout, it’s Helu’s receiving ability that will make him an outstanding fantasy option this week.

Mike Tolbert, San Diego

The disastrous Chargers appeared to break out of their shell on Monday night against the Jaguars, and defensively-challenged Buffalo should help them keep the momentum rolling. The Bills have been especially vulnerable on the ground, allowing the third-most fantasy points of any team to opposing rushers over the last five weeks.

Even with Ryan Mathews ahead of him, Tolbert will get enough carries to make some noise in this home matchup. He continues to be a better power option than Mathews, so if there are goal-line carries to be had, expect Tolbert to get them.