Whatever a player’s regular-season struggles are, a strong showing in the playoffs can make everything better. The same can be said in fantasy football circles.
With the fantasy playoffs approaching championship week, every performance is magnified in importance. We had some surprises as well as some resurrected stars.
Cam Akers could join the ranks of Billy Volek, Pierre Thomas, C.J. Anderson, and (last year) Rashaad Penny as unlikely fantasy playoff heroes.
Sizzlers
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers: What a whirlwind season this has been for Akers. He struggled in the early going, demanded a trade, went three weeks without playing, then returned to the lineup with little success. On the other hand, he rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday. That makes sense.
Philadelphia Eagles WR DeVonta Smith: Smith’s detractors in fantasy were that it was difficult to predict when he’d have good games. That has all changed, as he hasn’t had fewer than eight targets in a game since Week 9.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott: Prescott’s play has steadily improved over the last three weeks, culminating in a 388-yard outing against a tough Philadelphia defence. However, with Tennessee coming up next, Prescott’s ascent up the statistical mountain may not be complete.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson: Hockenson was targeted 16 times and caught 13 of them for 109 yards and two touchdowns, proving that the Giants can’t defend tight ends.
TE The San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle: It’s good to have Kittle back to bolster a position that has been a fantasy wasteland all season. Kittle has 213 receiving yards and four touchdowns in two games with Brock Purdy at quarterback, which could be a coincidence.
Fizzlers
D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions: It’s a problem when quarterback Jared Goff leads the team in rushing yards against Carolina with 15. Swift’s value could rise if Jamaal Williams’ leg injury is serious, but the Detroit run game can’t be relied on after this.
Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins has a better chance with Colt McCoy at quarterback than Trace McSorley, but this isn’t the offence or result that coach Kliff Kingsbury envisioned. Hopkins gained 4 yards on one of his ten targets on Sunday night.
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarelle Patterson: Patterson does not appear to be a part of Atlanta’s future plans. As the Falcons look ahead to 2023, rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder and running back Tyler Allgeier will be in the spotlight.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie: McKenzie’s fantasy prospects from the slot have been harmed by the signing of old friend Cole Beasley. He was held without a catch on two targets against Chicago.
Tennessee Titans TE Chigoziem Okonkwo: Okonkwo was all the rage in fantasy circles — until he wasn’t. Okonkwo’s production was clearly impacted by the loss of QB Ryan Tannehill, who only had one reception for 10 yards.
