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 15. All roster percentages are courtesy of the NFL.
We had more quarterback woes in Week 14. As we enter the fantasy playoffs, particularly in Superflex leagues, the QB situation is getting rough. If you have two, good, healthy options right now, count yourself lucky. Much of this week’s focus is on other options.
Quarterbacks
Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
Roster Percentage: 1.2
About: Not only did Flacco throw for three more touchdowns and more than 300 yards on Sunday, but his head coach also said he’ll start the rest of the season. Flacco has been solid in his two starts, he has weapons and he’s on a good team. You could do much worse down the stretch.
Bailey Zappe, New England Patriots
Roster Percentage: .1
About: Will the real Zappe come on down? I say this because he was poor in Week 13 and looked great, throwing three touchdowns, in Week 14. Is he growing into the position? Either way, Zappe looks to be the starter for the balance of the season.
Zach Wilson, New York Jets
Roster Percentage: 1.4
About: It’s been a roller-coaster for Wilson and the Jets. But Robert Saleh said he’ll start the rest of the season. That feels like it puts to bed thoughts Aaron Rodgers will return, especially with the Jets at just 5-8. Wilson looked good on Sunday, going for 300 yards and tossing a couple of touchdowns. Maybe the break did him good? Either way, he looks like an option.
Mitch Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers
Roster Percentage: .2
About: The Steelers are 7-5 and still pushing for the playoffs. Kenny Pickett, who had surgery last week, isn’t likely to return in Week 15. Trubisky wasn’t great in Week 14, and his grasp on the position might be tenuous, but he has some weapons.
Nick Mullens, Minnesota Vikings
Roster Percentage: 0
About: It appears that Josh Dobbs’ run as the Vikings’ starter is over. He couldn’t put any points on the board Sunday and got the hook for Mullens, who led the Vikings on their game-winning drive. Mullens looked decent. He might not have Justin Jefferson, but the Vikings still have plenty of weapons.
Davis Mills, Houston Texans
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Mills finished up Sunday’s game for a concussed C.J. Stroud. If Stroud can’t clear the protocol this week, Mills will get the start. We’ve seen him do decently in the past, making him an interesting option. Let’s just hope he has some receivers.
Easton Stick, Los Angeles Chargers
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Let’s file this under “if you’re desperate.” Justin Herbert broke the index finger on his throwing hand and his team plays on Thursday night. Safe to say he isn’t likely to be available. If you have no other options, Stick looks like the guy for the Chargers.
Running Backs
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Roster Percentage: .1
About: I mentioned in Stock Watch that Brown has been strong the past few weeks, getting touches and putting up yardage. Joe Mixon has been fine for the Bengals but hardly efficient or impressive. Brown is a spark plug down the stretch that could have good future potential.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens
Roster Percentage: 26.6
About: Increasingly Mitchell looks like the main option in the Ravens’ backfield. That’s not only good for this playoff run, as the Ravens fight for the No. 1 overall seed, but Mitchell looks like a player with some decent future value. Snap him up if available.
Wide Receivers:
Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars
Roster Percentage: .6
About: Washington might have been stashed in your league, but if he’s not he’s worth an add. Christian Kirk is on injured reserve and could well miss the rest of the season. Washington has stepped up in his stead with touchdowns in each of the last two games. The Jaguars are in the thick of the playoff race, giving Washington even more stretch-drive appeal.
Juju Smith-Schuster, New England Patriots
Roster Percentage: 13.3
About: Could it have been a blip? Sure, but Juju had four receptions for 90 yards and seemed to have a good connection with Zappe on Thursday. The Patriots are hurting for receivers who are healthy and looking for a spark in general. That could give Juju some deep league appeal if you’re also hurting for production.
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.
