As we are into the last couple weeks of the Fantasy regular season, it is time to load your roster up for a championship run. Evaluating not only where your current players stand, but also their teams will be crucial in keeping your roster afloat. Look over divisional standings for certain better teams; understand who may end up resting starters come fantasy championship time (week 16 and 17). Also understand that some bottom dwelling teams may also bench some of the better players (i.e. LeSean McCoy in 2012) to save from injury and help obtain a higher draft pick.
You don’t want to get caught with your pants down because your starting QB, RB and WR are all benched after the first quarter. Below is a list of players to sit on your bench for the next couple weeks, to ensure you have depth come the games that matter.
QB: Look for these options if you own: Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck
Mike Glennon (QB Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Courtesy: Zimbio
Though this week’s matchup (against the Lions) is he most favorable for the rest of the year, he will be throwing the ball a lot. The Buccaneers need to know what they have in Glennon and will give him every shot possible, as a team with nothing to lose. He also plays in a dome (and out of the could) for the final two weeks of the season (at St. Louis and at New Orleans to finish the year), making it easier to pass the ball.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB Tennessee Titans)
Fitzpatrick has been respectable the last two weeks (against divisional opponents Indianapolis and Jacksonville), and his team will be in the hunt for the final Wild Card sport for the rest of the season. Though he does not have many options in the passing game, having Chris Johnson in backfield will open some things up through the air. He also has the luxury of playing the Jaguars and Texans the last two weeks, who are two of the worst pass defenses in the league.
RB: Look for these options if you own: Adrian Peterson, Knowshon Moreno, Jamala Charles, Marshawn Lynch
Courtesy: Zimbio
Montee Ball (RB Denver Broncos)
As soon as the Broncos took Ball in the draft, everyone expected him to take over the work load in the back field. Issues with blocking assignments and fumbling have led to his limited duty for the first half of the season. The Broncos seem to be progressively adding him into the game plan over the past couple weeks and come fantasy playoff time, Ball may take the bulk of the carries. They also may rest Moreno for the playoffs because he has already eclipsed his season-high rushing total.
Chris Ivory (RB New York Jets)
The Jets are in control of the 6th wild card spot in the AFC for the time being; doing so with a stout defense and strong running game. Ivory has wrestled the bulk of carries away from Bilal Powell, with his size, physicality and speed combination. The Jets will continue to hand him the ball in order to win games (it helps he is their goal line back as well) and especially look to play him in week 14 against the Raiders.
WR: Look for these options if you own: A.J. Green, Calvin Johnson, Wes Welker
Courtesy: Zimbio
Randall Cobb (WR Green Bay Packers)
The Packers have been struggling without Aaron Rodgers at the helm, but he should return before the fantasy playoffs. As so, he will need to do everything in his power to keep his team in the hunt (which basically means he will be slinging the ball all over the field). Cobb cannot return until week 15, but if he does make his way back, expect him to be used heavily. Rodgers will want to get his most dynamic weapon back into the groove, getting him the ball in several different fashions.
Michael Crabtree (WR San Francisco 49ers)
The 49ers have gone to favorites in the NFC, to barely staying afloat in the wild card hunt. Colin Kaepernick has struggled mightily and needs to have his go to weapon back in the mix. When Crabtree returns from the IR designation to return list, expect him to rekindle his connection with Kaepernick, as his No. 1 option for the rest of the season.
