Welcome to the 2023 season. We all begin the season with optimism for our players and a (mostly) healthy roster. But to win, you have to make moves that keep you ahead of the game. That’s what this weekly post is all about. Here, I’ll be looking at lightly rostered players who could benefit you this season. Here are some players to look for in Week 14. All roster percentages are courtesy of the NFL.
We’re coming to the end of the fantasy regular season, and this is the final week for byes, so hopefully, you’re stocking your roster for a playoff run or with an eye toward next season.
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
Roster Percentage: .1
About: Winston came in for Derek Carr again on Sunday. Carr took some massive hits and ended up out with a concussion and a shoulder injury. He’s come out of games during this season before and not missed, so it’s not a lock Winston gets a shot this week. And even if he does, there is risk. We’ve seen Winston sling it and get touchdowns and interceptions. But the Saints are fighting for a playoff spot and have a good set of weapons. He’s worth the add.
Bailey Zappe, New England Patriots
Roster Percentage: 0.1
About: Zappe was, indeed, the starter in Week 13, and there’s no reason to suspect he won’t start for the Patriots on Thursday night. It wasn’t an exceptional showing, but the Steelers’ defense has allowed some decent days this season. Zappe did manage to remain turnover-free on Sunday, which is a positive sign.
Mitch Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers
Roster Percentage: .1
About: Kenny Pickett left Sunday’s game with an injury, and Trubisky finished up. It wasn’t a wonderful showing, as the Steelers got handled by the 2-10 Arizona Cardinals. But the Steelers are on a short week, which increases the odds that Trubisky gets the start on Thursday. And the Patriots aren’t an imposing opponent in 2023.
Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
Roster Percentage: .7
About: The Browns didn’t beat the Rams on Sunday, but Flacco looked solid. He went for more than 250 yards and a touchdown. He brings a stable, veteran presence to the field. With the Browns at 7-5 and in line for a playoff berth, I suspect that Flacco will be the choice down the stretch. The team has weapons, which makes him an interesting addition to your roster.
Running Backs
Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles
Roster Percentage: 16.5
About: Gainwell began the season as the Eagles’ lead back but ceded that to the more explosive D’Andre Swift. Still, Gainwell has consistent work as a part-time rusher and receiver in the Eagles’ backfield miss. He also seems like the best handcuff option for Swift going into the fantasy playoffs. If he’s been cut free in your league, he’s a guy I’d target for an end-of-bench slot.
Ezekiel Elliott, New England Patriots
Roster Percentage: 24.5
About: It feels weird to see Zeke in a column like this, but that’s where we’re at. He may well be rostered in your league, but if not, he’s a must-add. Rhamondre Stevenson was injured during Sunday’s game, and with the Patriots on Thursday night, it’s likely he’ll miss. Elliott was the man in the backfield with Stevenson out, meaning he’s in line for a big workload in Week 14.
Wide Receivers
Noah Brown, Robert Woods, John Metchie – Houston Texans
Roster Percentage: 13.1, .8, .1
About: I’m grouping these three together as replacements for Tank Dell, who fractured his fibula during Sunday’s win. With him out, we saw both Brown and Metchie get targets. In addition, the Texans have veteran Woods in the mix. Nico Collins will be the primary target, but for a Texans team in the thick of a playoff race, other weapons will be needed. The most interesting long-term option for me is Metchie, who I think would work in a bigger role in the future.
DeVante Parker, New England Patriots
Roster Percentage: .8
About: Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas are ailing and out, which leaves holes for the Patriots. On Sunday, with Zappe under center, it was Parker who had a bigger day. We’ve seen him do it before, and he got a new deal from New England prior to the season. It’s a dart throw, but that seems to sum up the entire New England offense at this point.
Xavier Gipson, New York Jets
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Gipson is an undrafted rookie who has continued to climb up the depth chart for the Jets. While we’ve seen Randall Cobb inactive and Allen Lazard failing to make an impact, Gipson continues to quietly make the most of his chances. The Jets don’t have a robust offense, but Gipson still managed five receptions for 77 yards on six targets. He’s worth an add now and for the future.
Tight Ends
Harrison Bryant, Cleveland Browns
Roster Percentage: 0
About: No doubt you’ve seen the drops from David Njoku in the past few weeks. It’s impacted the Browns’ offense, which still wants to use the tight end. Sunday, it was the other tight end, Bryant, who stepped up with Flacco. Bryant caught all five of his targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. For those looking for a spark at the position, he’s worth a speculative stash.
Kylen Granson, Indianapolis Colts
Roster Percentage: .1
About: Granson stepped up for the Colts Sunday. He caught all three of his targets for 72 yards. The Colts have a number of tight ends and haven’t featured any. We’ve seen Granson have a few splashes this season previously. This, too, is a speculative add, but he seems like the best bet among a crowded group at the position for the Colts.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
