Quarterbacks:
Mark Sanchez, QB Philadelphia Eagles, 42.3 percent owned (ESPN) – Sanchez got the Eagles offense on pace in a Week 11 matchup against the Panthers. The former Jets quarterback threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns.
Nick Foles problem this year has been turnovers. Although he threw just two in 2013, he has already thrown 10 interceptions this season.
Sanchez has suffered with the same problems throughout his career, but looks to have turned things around since joining the Eagles.
With Foles sidelined 7-8 weeks with a broken collarbone, Sanchez will remain the starter for the majority of the season and will go into Green Bay this week for a meeting with the Packers.
The Packers’ pass defense has been decent this season, giving up the tenth-fewest amount of passing yards to opposing quarterbacks, but have given up an average of 260.3 yards over the past three games.
Sanchez and the Eagles may not get the win Saturday, but the former USC Trojan should put up respectable numbers in Chip Kelly’s offense and is worth a roster spot.
Other options: Josh McCown (TB) and Teddy Bridgewater (MIN)
Running Backs:
Theo Riddick, RB Detroit Lions, 3.3 percent owned (ESPN) – Riddick only had three carries for six yards in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, but he did catch a game-winning touchdown pass.
Reggie Bush has reinjured his ankle, and Riddick is next in line as the Lions’ number one backfield receiver. Riddick will not garner very many carries away from Joique Bell, but will make up for his lack of production through the air.
Over his past four games, Riddick has caught 15 passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns.
If Bush is banged up again on Sunday, Riddick will be worth an add, as he will be the only receiving threat out of the backfield. Arizona is giving up the third-most passing yards in the league, setting up Riddick for another solid game.
C.J. Anderson, RB Denver Broncos, 52.8 percent owned (ESPN) – Anderson broke out in Week 11, rushing for 90 yards and catching four passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Ronnie Hillman was a disaster in pass protection for Peyton Manning on Sunday, and was benched in favor of the second-year back.
Anderson did not disappoint, and with Hillman struggling and Montee Ball dealing with injury, Anderson should be the Broncos number one back for the foreseeable future.
The Rams have not stopped the run this season, and Sunday should be no different. Manning will open things up through the air and Anderson should have success on the ground.
Other options: Pierre Thomas (NO), Bryce Brown (BUF), Terrance West (CLE)
Wide Receivers:
Taylor Gabriel, WR Cleveland Browns, 7.7 percent owned (ESPN) – Gabriel was held to three catches for 31 yards last Thursday versus the Bengals, but the Browns did not have to throw very often as they blew the Bengals out.
Gabriel is putting together a solid season, and with Jordan Cameron and Andrew Hawkins on the injury report, the wide out should be able to continue his success.
The return of Josh Gordon from his suspension may eventually hamper Gabriel, but the Browns may look to assimilate Gordon back into the offense slowly.
The Browns return home Sunday to face the Texans. Houston has given up the fourth-most passing yards in the league, and with Brian Hoyer playing extremely solid football, look for Gabriel and the Browns to have success through the air.
Jordan Matthews, WR Philadelphia Eagles, 33.4 percent owned (ESPN) – Matthews exploded onto the scene last Sunday, catching seven passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Matthews’ success can be attributed to the performance of the first Eagles player on the list, Mark Sanchez.
The two have had chemistry since training camp in the summer, and it showed on the field, as Matthews garnered the most targets on Monday night.
Matthews should be able to torch the Packers’ defense playing in the slot. The former Vanderbilt Commodore will continue to post strong numbers and is worth an add in leagues.
Other options: Jarvis Landry (MIA), Cecil Shorts (JAX), Josh Gordon (CLE)
Tight Ends:
Kyle Rudolph, TE Minnesota Vikings, 11.6 percent owned (ESPN) – Rudolph has been sidelined with a groin injury since Week four, but is looking to make a comeback this Sunday against the Bears.
Before going down with his injury, he looked like the number one target in the Minnesota offense. Teddy Bridgewater now has a solid tight end to throw to and will likely look to find Rudolph early and often.
The Bears have given up the most points against opposing tight ends this season, making this the perfect time to insert Rudolph into fantasy lineups as he looks to make his long-awaited comeback.
Other options: Mychal Rivera (OAK), Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (TB)
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To contact sports editor Connor Grott, email sports@mtsusidelines.com
