Digging In The Crates Daily 2016 week 14

By Justin Lonero
Justin Lonero
Draft Kings (Main Slate)

Quarterbacks


Andy Dalton @ Cleveland ($6,100)
It is debatable if Andy Dalton fits the inexpensive criteria for this column, he is still the thirteenth priced quarterback on Draft Kings Week 14. Despite losing A.J. Green and Giovani Bernard for the season looked sharp, completing 23 of 31 for 332 yards, and two touchdowns. Dalton will face the Browns who rank near the bottom in pass defense.

Carson Palmer @ Miami ($5,700)
Occasionally I will gravitate towards a mediocre quarterback, or an aged quarterback solely based on the talent surrounding him. This week Carson Palmer has a favorable matchup at Miami and while his numbers haven't been stellar he is coming off a three touchdown, 300 yard game against the Washington Redskins. Palmer has a first ballot Hall Of Famer wide receiver in Larry Fitzgerald, and arguably the best running back in the NFL at his disposal any given week the Cardinals can score points with ease. This is an example of me striking while the iron is hot, and inexpensive.

Running backs


Darren Sproles vs. Washington ($4,400)
What if I told you that 33 year old Darren Sproles was sixth amongst running backs in targets? Side note:Duke Johnson is fifth and he's had an awful season. This season I have learned that just because a player is heavily targeted, it does not mean he will provide fantasy production. Thirty three year old seemingly ageless Darren Sproles, whom was extended in the offseason, has averaged double digit fantasy points in three of the last four games. The Eagles back field has been cloudy like many other backfields, Sproles has caught 20 passes over the last four games. He'll face a Redskins run defense that is allowing 114.3 rushing yards per game, and 17 rushing touchdowns, which is the most in the NFL. The involvement Sproles has on Special Teams is an added bonus each week with the potential of a kick or punt return touchdown.

Isaiah Crowell vs. Bengals ($3,900)
Or Duke Johnson ($3,500)
There is a chance that the Browns will lean on the running game with the uncertainty of their quarterback situation. Robert Griffin is slated to start. Week 7 Crowell had 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. There has been some buzz that Duke Johnson could be involved more due to some recent running inefficiencies by Isaiah Crowell. The Bengals are allowing 114.9 yards per game on the ground so it is conceivable that one of these two will eat.

Wide Receiver


Dontrelle Inman @ Carolina ($4,800)
Dontrelle Inman has caught 19 of 29 targets and caught two touchdowns over the last four weeks. Inman will face a Panthers secondary that has been atrocious against the pass so far this season allowing 294.2 yards per game. The Chargers are one of these teams that tend to spread the ball around making Inman a tournament play due to the uncertainty of target share's he'll receive. His production will also depend on which version of Phillip Rivers will show up in Carolina.

Taylor Gabriel @ Rams ($4,300)
Matt Ryan could be without Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu Sunday against the Rams, which would thrust Taylor Gabriel in the starting lineup. Gabriel has caught 15 of 21 targets over his last four games, with three touchdowns. The Rams secondary has given up 21 passing touchdowns so far this season. If Sanu and Jones do not play Week 14 Gabriel would become one of the top value plays on the board Sunday. "Turbo Taylor" has scored in four out of the last five games the Falcons have played.

Tight End


C.J. Fiedorowicz @ Colts ($3,900)
It is important to realize how vanilla and generic the tight end position has become in fantasy land. We either pay up, or pay down week to week, and not much in between. Week six C.J. Fiedorowicz caught 6 of 7 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown against the Colts which is something that jumped out at me. Brock Osweiler has leaned on his tight ends heavily as safety blankets. Fiedorowicz has caught 19 of 30 targets over his last four games. Touchdowns in the passing game are at a premium in Houston and the recipients have been their tight ends. Price not factored in, Fiedorowicz is an overall top-10 play Sunday.

Ladarius Green @ Buffalo ($3,900)
It wasn't that long ago Ladarius Green was supposed to replace future Hall Of Famer Antonio Gates as the tight end in San Diego. Green's career was very much in doubt this season but he has persevered. Green caught 6-of-11 targets week 13 against the Giants and he didn't play half of the snaps (35 of 73). It is nice to have a piece of the Steelers potent offense without having to spend on Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. The sample size on Green is tiny, and the masses will be skeptical making him more of a tournament play than a fixture in cash games. His ceiling is as high as any tight end's Week 14.

Defense/Special Teams


Chargers @ Panthers ($2,600)

Most of the time we like to target defenses that are home in their back yard but in some cases it doesn't matter where the game is. The Chargers have six interceptions, two defensive fumble recoveries, three sacks, and two touchdowns over their last four games. Cornerback Casey Hayward has become elite and rookie Joey Bosa will be mentioned as the top defensive rookie when this season is wrapped up. Cam Newton at home is fantastic and this call is no sure shot, but I'm in love with the price and the big play opportunities that this unit is creating consistently.