Fantasy Doctor: Playoff push edition

Week 14. It’s the last week of your fantasy regular season or the first week of the playoffs. Are you making that playoff push? If so, listen up: Now is your last opportunity to take a chance on a waiver-wire pickup. Do it now, before you regret it, because taking that chance might be the difference between a fantasy football playoff appearance and playing fantasy golf next week instead.

Are you missing a wide receiver, a running back or a tight end? Do you still not have a quarterback on who you can rely?

Never fear, the Fantasy Doctor is here! I’m making a playoff push of my own, so I understand the importance of this week. As a result, you’re getting an up and down at each offensive position this week. You can thank me later, preferably with candy and flowers or maybe with a nice bubble bath (I’m a sensitive guy, you know).

Quarterback Up: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Texans

Fitzpatrick seems to be locked in as Houston’s starter after tossing six touchdowns last week against Tennessee. Ryan Mallett also just landed on injured reserve, effectively leaving Fitzpatrick as the main man in Houston. Add to that a juicy matchup against Jacksonville, and Fitzpatrick is a great start for your team this week. 

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Running Back Up: Tre Mason, Rams

Mason busted out last week against Oakland, scoring two touchdowns on the ground and adding one through the air. He racked up 164 all-purpose yards, helped considerably by an 89-yard touchdown dash. He faces a reasonable Washington team this week, but if you remember this time last year, Mason went bananas in the SEC Championship game. I’m gambling he will again this year, and I’d love it if you gambled with me. Grab Mason.

Wide Receiver Up: Donte Moncrief, Colts

Moncrief is a bit of a flash in the pan, but he might just be worth a spot on your roster this week. Hakeem Nicks has shown little explosiveness with Indianapolis, so Moncrief may emerge as the third option in Andrew Luck’s arsenal. Joe Haden will blanket T.Y Hilton this week, but after Haden, the Browns secondary is lousy.

Tight End Up: Colby Fleener, Colts

You might not want both Fleener and Moncrief on your team this week on the off chance one steals the other’s catches. Fleener was a beast against Washington, getting open in the secondary several times. Again, Cleveland has a weak defense, and it definitely seems like Fleener has a good connection with Luck. If you need a tight end, Fleener is your dude.

Quarterback Down: Brian Hoyer, Browns

Hoyer was named the starter against Indy this week, but with Johnny Football coming on strong, head coach Mike Pettine will have a quick hook ready for Hoyer. Stay away from Hoyer and if you’re feeling confident, grab Manziel for your bench before Johnny gets hot. 

Running Back Down: Darren McFadden, Raiders

Things continue to look rough for Oakland, and against San Francisco this week, there’s no way that McFadden does well. Give up on the Raiders’ season, and stay far away from their players, including McFadden.

Wide Receiver Down: Martavis Bryant, Steelers

After ripping off four games in the middle of the season that were otherworldly (310 yards and six touchdowns). Bryant has fallen off of the fantasy map. Against Cincinnati, he’s unlikely to rebound, so I’m not sure if I would start him if I were you. 

Tight End Down: Owen Daniels, Ravens

Baltimore is coming off of a difficult loss to San Diego, and Daniels hasn’t caught a touchdown pass in six weeks. Four catches for 37 yards since the team’s bye week is uninspiring, and it’s safe to say I’d be pretty scared to start Daniels.

Jay Cutler Memorial Wild Card: Jay Cutler, Bears QB

The prodigal son returns! In this, the last week of the fantasy football regular season, Jay might be your best bet at quarterback. If you’re feeling desperate, just remember, he throws to Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey, and he could blow up. That said, he could stink, after all, he has all year. Take your chance on Smokin’ Jay if you dare. You (and I) will look like genius if he goes off.

Peter is a sophomore in Media. He can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter @PBaileyWells