USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Whether you believe in the NFL scriptwriter conspiracy, at least we can relish in the fact the league has seemingly fixed its issues with lame prime-time games.
The 65-point extravaganza between the Lions and Packers on Thursday night capped off what has been a stellar run of prime-time games that have kept the viewing audience glued to its televisions from start to finish.
But what happens when your fantasy football team is on the losing end of these big games?
What happens in Week 14 when you face Jared Goff and Josh Jacobs, two of Thursday’s top performers?
If you find yourself behind in your must-win matchup, it’s time to shoot for the moon.
Fantasy managers are constantly at odds with themselves regarding their roster construction each week.
Do I go with a safe, high-floor lineup and trust that my players are better than my opponent’s?
Or do I feel like I need to swing for the fences and shoot for upside?
It can be a fine line at times, but when you find yourself down 50-60 points and your opponent has had just two guys play, it’s time to swing away.
The NFL is riddled with boom-or-bust players, so finding the right ones to use can be difficult.
Right now, two of the most popular are Nick Westbrook-Ihkine and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Far from being household names, these two receivers have been fantasy darlings for weeks right now.
Westbrook-Ihkine averages just three catches each week, but with eight touchdowns over his past eight games, he needs to be leaned on if you are looking for ceiling.
Valdes-Scantling is doing the same with four touchdowns over his past three.
Both should be fixtures in your WR3 or Flex spot, especially if you are behind on the scoreboard.
Looking ahead for other possible solutions, you should check in with the Raiders.
Jakobi Meyers has averaged 6.4 receptions per game since Davante Adams was traded to the Jets, and he warrants starting consideration every week.
He popped up on the injury report late in the week, though, so if he is out or limited, Tre Tucker should be an immediate add to your roster.
Tampa Bay routinely struggles in pass coverage, especially over the middle of the field.
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We should also be looking at players such as Darius Slayton against a depleted Saints secondary, Calvin Austin III and Mike Williams facing the Browns, and Josh Reynolds, who was just added to the Jaguars roster with Parker Washington hitting the injury report.
He faces his former team, the Titans, and their secondary is also living on the injured list.
Though you don’t want to use boom-or-bust players throughout your entire lineup, there is always a time to splash a few in there.
Don’t make decisions based off website projections, but if you see you are already behind the 8-ball, it’s time to pull out all the stops.
This could be your last chance to make the fantasy playoffs.
Do whatever it takes to get in.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football news and advice.