Tue Oct 14 10:08am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Knight has emerged as starter
For a second straight week, we didn’t get too many catastrophic injuries. This is a positive trend. Let’s keep it going. But even with that said, some teams are looking for help because of poor play and bye weeks. There are some options out there to help. Below are some players to consider grabbing.
QUARTERBACK
Bryce Young, Panthers (44.3% owned). Young seems to be turning the corner a bit, playing his best football the last few weeks. He had his second three-touchdown game of the season last week. He topped 20-fantasy points for the second time. Young has multiple touchdowns two straight games. He is gaining fantasy value as a spot starter.
RUNNING BACK
Bam Knight, Cardinals (3.2% owned). Knight was the lead back for the Cardinals last week, moving past Michael Carter on the depth chart. Knight found the end zone for the second straight game and led the Cardinals in rushing, running 11 times for 34 yards. He is no sure thing in this offense, but is the back to own in Arizona right now. Knight is worth grabbing for any fantasy teams looking for a back the next weeks.
Kimani Vidal, Chargers (53.7% owned). There was much speculation on the back that would lead the Chargers backfield after the injury to Omarion Hampton, but that speculation should be cleared up after last week. Vidal was the best back and had a huge game, rushing 18 times for 124 yards. He also caught three passes for 14 yards and a touchdown. Vidal scored 22.8 fantasy points. This will be the last week you can grab Vidal if he is available in your league.
WIDE RECEIVER
Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (23.5% owned). Boutte finally got it going again last week after a big season opener. He had done little since Week 1, but got it going in a big way again last week. Boutte had five receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns on five targets. We still think he’ll be up and down in an offense that likes to rotate receivers, but he still has fantasy value as a spot play for an emerging passing game.
Josh Downs, Colts (56.5% owned). Downs has 11-plus fantasy points two straight games and three of five. Downs has at least four receptions three straight. He isn’t flashy but a consistent performer in a much better Colts passing game. He has a pretty solid floor for fantasy owners.
Zay Jones, Cardinals (0.2% owned). If Marvin Harrison has to miss any time with a concussion. Jones will have some appeal to fantasy owners. He might be the top option at receiver for the Cardinals. Jones had season highs across the board last week, catching five passes for 79 yards on eight targets.
Kendrick Bourne, 49ers (48.7% owned). Bourne served as the No. 1 receiver for the 49ers once again last week and had 142-receiving yards for the second straight game. He has been targeted 20 times his last two games. He has 19-plus fantasy points each of those games. Bourne might be earning a role in this offense even when all the 49ers receivers get healthy.
Kameron Johnson, Bucs (0.0% owned). Johnson was a huge surprise last week, catching four passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. He did not have a single reception or target before this one. But injuries at receiver opened the door for Johnson and he took advantage. He might be worth a look for fantasy teams if the Bucs top three receivers remain sidelined.
Tez Johnson, Bucs (1.0% owned). Johnson has nine-plus fantasy points two straight games, getting some more chances because of a lot of injuries at receiver for the Bucs. Johnson has seven targets his last two games and found the end zone last week. Just like the other Johnson from the Bucs, this Johnson will have some fantasy value if the Bucs top receivers remain out.
Luther Burden, Bears (37.2% owned). Burden saw more playing time last week, catching four passes for 51 yards. Burden had a season-best in receptions. The Bears got him more involved and he made some good plays. And now D.J. Moore is banged up, so Burden could play an even bigger role this week if Moore has to miss any time. Burden is a solid pickup for fantasy teams looking for a spot start this week.
TIGHT END
A.J. Barner, Seahawks (46.3% owned). Barner reached double-digit fantasy points for the third straight game and fourth time in five games. He has become the clear top tight end for the Seahawks and is producing solid numbers in that role. He is a legit No. 1 fantasy tight end right now.
Taysom Hill, Saints (18.8% owned). Hill had just a touch last week but it was a one-yard touchdown run. You would like to see Hill get more consistent work but he showed he has a high weekly ceiling despite a lack of touches. He has touchdown potential and is always capable of breaking off some big plays in this offense.
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers (6.2% owned). Gadsden had the best game of his young career last week. He finished with seven receptions for 68 yards on eight targets. He has five or more receptions two of four games. Gadsden is gaining more and more confidence in the offense and could see his playing time continue to increase in the coming weeks. He is a good speculative pickup for fantasy owners.
Michael Mayer, Raiders (3.6% owned). Mayer returned to the lineup last week after missing the past two games with a concussion. And he got the start with Brock Bowers injured. Mayer took advantage with a big game, catching five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. As long as Bowers is out, Mayer has some good fantasy value in an offense that likes to utilize the tight end.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert battled through a broken left hand during Monday night's 22-19 overtime win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He completed 12 of 26 passes for 139 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a lost fumble while adding 10 carries for a team-leading 66 yards on the ground. The star quarterback was under siege all night, finishing with a 68.3% pressure rate and a career-high seven sacks. It was the sixth-highest pressure rate in a game over the last 10 seasons, per Next Gen Stats. Herbert scrambled more than usual with the constant pressure and recorded his most rushing yards in a game this season. However, he struggled as a passer, and this game was just the third of his career with a completion percentage of 50% or below. Herbert will take some time this week to rest his hand and gear up for another tough matchup in a divisional clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal recorded 14 carries for 44 yards while adding one catch for a team-leading 60 receiving yards on three targets in Monday's overtime win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Vidal still narrowly led the Chargers in carries over rookie Omarion Hampton, who handled 13 carries for 56 yards in his first game since Week 5. On the Chargers' first third down of the game, Vidal slipped out of the backfield for a checkdown from quarterback Justin Herbert and burst down the sideline for a 60-yard gain. It marked the longest play of the second-year back's career, and he continues to make the most of his opportunities. Since Vidal took over in Week 6 after Hampton's injury, he's totaled 131 carries for 569 yards and three touchdowns with 13 receptions (19 targets) for 102 yards and another score as a receiver, ranking as the RB13 in total PPR points in that time. The 24-year-old running back's role will decrease with Hampton back, but he should continue to stay involved as an important piece of the Chargers' offense.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter had three carries for 13 yards in Sunday's 45-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14. Carter also had two catches for 18 yards on four targets. The 26-year-old was unable to get involved in the passing game despite the Cardinals' offense dropping back to pass 44 times on Sunday. Carter also saw fewer targets than fellow running back Bam Knight, who had six targets on Sunday. Carter's fantasy value will be left up in the air with Trey Benson (knee) potentially coming off Injured Reserve and Emari Demercado (ankle) potentially returning in Week 15. If Benson or Demercado returns, Carter will fall to RB3 duties in the Cardinals' offense. Even if both Benson and Demercado miss another week, Carter can't be trusted as a flex play in 12-team fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight had seven carries for 16 yards in Sunday's 45-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14. Knight also had three catches for 18 yards on six targets. The 24-year-old was kept out of the end zone for the first time since Week 10, snapping a three-game touchdown streak. The Cardinals' offense quickly abandoned the run game to try to keep up on the scoreboard and finished the game with 44 passing attempts to only 14 rushing attempts. Knight continues to live off his touchdown production this year and has yet to produce over eight fantasy points in a game without scoring a touchdown in half-PPR formats. Heading into Week 15, Knight's role in the offense will be cloudy with the possible return of Trey Benson (knee) from Injured Reserve. The team initially opened Benson's 21-day activation window leading into Week 12, but they have yet to activate him. Benson will have to be activated before Arizona's Week 15 matchup against the Houston Texans to avoid reverting to season-ending IR.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia had one catch for three yards on three targets in Sunday's 45-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14. The 28-year-old saw a season high in targets and snap share, but he was unable to sniff any fantasy relevance. Baccellia saw more playing time on Sunday with both receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) and Greg Dortch (chest) inactive due to injury. Dortch has since been placed on Injured Reserve and is unlikely to return this year. Even if Harrison cannot suit up next week, Baccellia should remain off the fantasy radar in most fantasy leagues. In Week 15, Arizona will face the Houston Texans, who boast the best defense in the league.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride cooled off in the Week 14 loss against the Los Angeles Rams, recording five catches for 58 yards on nine targets. Despite an off game relative to his high standards, McBride still finished inside the top 15 in Week 14 for tight ends in PPR formats. Sunday marked only the third time McBride had fewer than eight catches since Jacoby Brissett took over at quarterback. The 26-year-old has now hauled in 88 passes for 937 yards and eight touchdowns on 127 targets across 13 games this season. As long as McBride remains healthy, he profiles as the top tight end in fantasy football. Arizona will face one of the best defenses the NFL has to offer in a difficult Week 15 matchup at the Houston Texans, but McBride should remain in all starting fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton recorded 13 carries for 56 yards with two receptions (two targets) for 11 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's overtime win over the Philadelphia Eagles. In Hampton's first game since fracturing his left ankle in Week 5, he caught a touchdown on the opening drive and looked good overall as a runner. The rookie first-rounder split touches with Kimani Vidal, as expected, and Vidal narrowly edged him out with 14 carries for 44 yards to go with one reception for 60 yards on three targets. Hampton's workload should gradually grow as he gets further removed from his ankle injury. He looks primed to come back and immediately be an impactful player for fantasy managers as the fantasy playoffs begin in Week 15. Hampton should at least have RB2 upside in a divisional rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown hauled in six of his 13 targets for 100 yards in Monday night's overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Brown has now posted four straight games with double-digit targets and has topped 100 yards in three consecutive outings after having only one double-digit target game and two 100-yard performances over his first nine games. The star wideout could have had an even bigger day, but he just narrowly missed on a few deep throws from quarterback Jalen Hurts. Brown did, however, drop a pass that led to one of four interceptions for Hurts on the night. The Eagles' WR1 still looks like his dominant self when he's targeted, even with the Eagles' collective struggles on offense. He'll continue to profile as a high-end fantasy option in Week 15 in a plus matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley handled 20 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown while adding zero catches on two targets in Monday night's 22-19 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Barkley scored the only touchdown of the night for the Eagles on a 52-yard run to begin the fourth quarter. The star running back notched his second 100-yard outing and second-longest run of the season on Monday night, with both previous marks coming back in Week 8 against his former team, the New York Giants. The 28-year-old has been disappointing for fantasy managers who spent an early first-round pick on him, but he'll look to build on this performance for the rest of the season with several favorable matchups on deck. Next up will be a home date in Week 15 versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Although Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has had a pair of high-profile near-touchdowns over the past two weeks, the 25-year-old is also quietly emerging as a more consistent feature in his team's passing game. Across his last two outings, Likely has recorded nine catches for 120 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. Baltimore continues to split tight end snaps between Likely and veteran Mark Andrews, which limits the upside for both players. Still, Likely has proven to be a relatively capable target-earner in a part-time role. In Week 15, the Ravens have a highly favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' defense has struggled to contain tight ends this season, and Likely torched them for 95 receiving yards on five catches in Week 13. In deep leagues, Likely could be a solid tight end streamer for fantasy managers in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had his best game of the season in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills, recording six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown on six targets. The 30-year-old's involvement in the Cincinnati passing game has been trending up in recent weeks, as he's earned 16 targets across his last three games played. Gesicki could move even further up the pecking order in Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) back in concussion protocol. Higgins played in Week 14 after missing Week 13 due to a head injury, but he re-entered the league's concussion protocol on Monday. If Higgins is sidelined, Gesicki could be a solid streaming option for fantasy managers at the tight end position in Week 15. He should be a waiver-wire target in all leagues with 14 or more teams.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten had an underwhelming game in Week 14, recording just two carries for five yards against the Indianapolis Colts. Tuten briefly exited the game and was evaluated for a concussion before being cleared to return. Still, the injury scare could be a reason why his workload was limited against the Colts. Tuten's upside is limited by the presence of veteran Jaguars back Travis Etienne Jr., who remains the clear RB1 in Jacksonville. However, Tuten has flashed upside this season, recording 277 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 77 carries across 13 games. If Etienne Jr. were to miss time due to injury, Tuten would be in line for a significant role increase. Heading into his Week 15 matchup against the New York Jets, Tuten should be rostered as a high-end handcuff option in all fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.
From RotoBaller
Across 13 games this season, Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier has recorded 108 carries for 378 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The 25-year-old's workload upside is limited by the presence of star Falcons back Bijan Robinson. However, as evidenced by his eight rushing touchdowns, Atlanta has shown a willingness to use Allgeier near the goal line. Additionally, Allgeier has now earned double-digit touches in four out of his last five games, and he's recorded 68 receiving yards over the last two weeks. As the 4-9 Falcons hit the home stretch of the season, they could be looking to lighten Robinson's workload and put more on the plate of Allgeier. Even if he remains firmly behind Robinson the rest of the way, Allgeier's touchdown upside gives him flex appeal in the right matchups. Heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Allgeier profiles as a priority handcuff option with some standalone value and should be rostered in all fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.
From RotoBaller
In his last game before his team's Week 14 bye, New York Giants running back Devin Singletary recorded 102 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 15 touches against the New England Patriots. Heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Washington Commanders, Singletary has recorded double-digit touches in five straight games. With Giants running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) on Injured Reserve, Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip) have been splitting backfield work in New York. Tracy Jr. suffered a hip injury in Week 13 against New England that forced him to leave the game early, but it's not expected to lead to missed time. Still, the Giants could limit Tracy Jr.'s usage, which would mean more touches for Singletary. In fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams, Singletary is worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Across 13 games this season, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has recorded 657 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 130 touches. The 26-year-old has recorded just 35 rushing yards over the last two weeks, and he's been held to rushing yards or less in five out of his last six games. However, Gainwell has emerged as a safety blanket for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. Over the last four weeks, Gainwell has hauled in 21 receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets. Pittsburgh is splitting backfield snaps between Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, which limits the upside of both players. Still, Gainwell's role as a receiver makes him a viable flex option for fantasy managers. Heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, Gainwell is worth rostering in PPR leagues with 10 or more teams.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III is getting an increased look in this offense down the stretch of the season. Over the last three games, Metchie has seen seven or more targets in each contest. The 25-year-old has also played 82 percent or more of the offensive snaps in four straight games since being acquired via trade. The Jets are without Garrett Wilson (knee), potentially for the rest of the year, and someone has to catch passes for Gang Green. Metchie is seeing a ton of the field, although he's still inconsistent for fantasy purposes in a Jets offense that could be forced to start Brady Cook. He has been held under 35 receiving yards in each of his last two games. The Jets haven't been afraid to target him in the passing game, which should count for something. Metchie could be a possible waiver-wire addition as a boom-or-bust option for Week 15 in a matchup against the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant has been able to put himself on the fantasy radar over the last few weeks with increased involvement in the passing game. Bryant was a non-factor in fantasy football leagues until his five-catch performance in Week 11. After that, Bryant has finished with seven receptions for 74 yards over his last two games. The rookie wideout has been the second-best wideout lately behind Courtland Sutton. His recent performances should be enough to put Bryant on the fantasy radar as a WR4/flex option in Week 15 when the Broncos host the Green Bay Packers. Both Sutton and Troy Franklin figure to be involved as well, but Bryant has done enough to earn consideration off the waiver wire for WR depth going into the fantasy playoffs.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker missed the first six weeks of the season due to an injury. Once he returned, Coker was quiet on the field during his first few games. The 24-year-old has picked up his play lately, which could make him an intriguing waiver-wire option coming out of Carolina's Week 14 bye week. Over the last three games, Coker has recorded 11 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown. Coker appears to be gaining more trust after seeing a season-high six targets in the Week 13 upset win over the Los Angeles Rams. He has put himself on the fantasy radar and could be worth snagging in deep leagues ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the division-rival New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan (knee) agreed on a one-year extension with the organization on Monday. Jordan has been sidelined all season due to a torn ACL that he suffered in August. The 25-year-old was set to become a free agent after the season, but he will stick around in Houston for at least one more season. Clearly, the Texans view Jordan as part of their future on offense. During his last healthy season, he finished with 17 receptions for a career-high 219 yards with two touchdowns in 2023. The Texans don't have a ton of viable options at tight end outside of Dalton Schultz. Jordan could have a path to being a solid contributor in Houston next season, but he'll still be off the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues next fall.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner has been pretty inconsistent this year, but that could change soon. Barner has been splitting up the tight end reps with rookie Elijah Arroyo (knee), who went down during the Week 14 victory over the Atlanta Falcons with a knee injury that could cause him to miss time. Barner figures to see an expanded role if Arroyo is forced to miss additional time. The 23-year-old hasn't been an ideal fantasy option lately, with 35 receiving yards or fewer in each of his last three games. Barner could see a few more targets coming his way, assuming Arroyo is unable to play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15. Barner is someone worth monitoring on the waiver wire in deep leagues this week and will have more TE2 streaming appeal if Arroyo is out.
From RotoBaller