Is Chris Ivory doomed to fail in Week 14?
Depending on personnel and schemes, an NFL defense can be especially good or bad against an offensive position. For example, the Kansas City defense is quite average against QBs but rank as the best defense for opposing WRs and the worst for TEs. Using the tools at SportFanalytics, we found a few surprising trends that go against the grain.
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Why Chris Ivory Will Disappoint
1. He’s a good, physical RB but is playing a Tennessee defense that gives up the least fantasy points to RBs on the season in PPR formats.
2. Eight RBs are averaging 18 or more rush attempts. Of those eight, Le’Veon Bell, Chris Johnson, Carlos Hyde and Matt Forte have missed substantial time or are on IR. Of the other four healthy ones, only Jonathan Stewart has more carries than Ivory since the 2014 season.
3. Lastly, since Powell returned from injury (Week 11), Powell has not just been eating into Ivory’s production but he’s actually earned more fantasy points, too!
Todd Gurley is Still an RB1
During the last two weeks, Gurley has played two of the top-five defenses against RBs, Arizona and Cincinnati. Things should get a little easier against a much friendlier matchup in Detroit.
The Rams have been getting blown out, having lost three of the last four by 24 points. They’ve had no choice but to throw the ball. This young and talented team has been a disappointment, but head coach Jeff Fisher is fighting for his job. Gurley is the best player this team has on offense, so look for him to get the ball early and often so the Rams can finish with a respectable record.
Tyrod Taylor is a Top-Five QB this Week
While the Eagles’ defense presents a very friendly matchup for all positions (except TEs) the one thing this defense has done well is keeping RBs out of the end zone. In fact, the Eagles have given up the least rushing TDs to RBs this season. This means LeSean McCoy is unlikely to steal away touchdown opportunities from Taylor. Taylor is a must-start this week and is still available in most leagues despite back-to-back good games.
Waiver-Wire Players to Target
- Vernon Davis is playing Oakland, the third-most friendly defense to TEs
- Shaun Draughn is playing Cleveland, a team that has given up the most rushing yards
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Rishi Patel is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Rishi, check out his archive or follow him on Twitter @sportfanalytic.
