Weekly Hail Mary: Week 11
Each week, HMF will provide you with at least one “Hail Mary” at RB, WR, and TE - a guy who is not generally regarded as a starter for the week, but who has the potential to pay off big. These are lottery tickets that are not likely to hit, but if they do, you’ll be thrilled, as you can likely grab them for free off your waiver wire. We only focus on players who are available in at least one-third of Yahoo! leagues.
In other words, if you’re desperate, we’re giving you a prayer. The Hail Marys for Week 11:
Running Backs
Josh Adams, Eagles (14% owned). He is slowly emerging as the lead back for the reigning Super Bowl champs. He is averaging over 6 YPC over the last three weeks. Beware, though, that volume is still a concern. He had only 7 carries on Sunday.
Giovani Bernard, Bengals (25%). You’ll see a lot of Bengals on the list this week. Finally back from a pesky knee injury, and just in the nick of time. The Bengals are without A.J. Green for at least the next few weeks, so they are going to have to get more creative on offense. This could lead to more receptions for Bernard, at least in the short term.
Rashaad Penny, Seahawks (17%). Hello! The 2018 first round pick delivered the first big performance of his inaugural season, posting 108 yards and a score on just 12 totes. That carry number is a bit worrisome, but hopefully the big performance will lead to added trust from the coaching staff and, consequently, more touches in the season’s second half.
Wide Receivers
Donte Moncrief, Jaguars (11%). I’m not sure how many times I have to recommend this guy before people finally catch on. He has operated most of this season as the Jags’ top option in the passing game, and that continued on Sunday against his former team, where he posted 98 yards and a score. He is, at worst, a high-ceiling flex play.
Josh Reynolds, Rams (3%). This is more of a gamble than what we usually recommend. Reynolds doesn’t have a history of production in the NFL, but he’s certainly going to be given the opportunity to succeed now that Cooper Kupp is lost for the year to a torn ACL. Getting on the field for the best offense in the league is likely to result in production. A guy who’s going to get snaps for Sean McVay? And he’s free? Count me in.
John Ross, Bengals (16%). Former first round pick, finally healthy, and A.J. Green is out for the foreseeable future. He got six targets on Sunday, a season high, and he’s got speed to burn. There are certainly worse dart throws.
Tight Ends
Jeff Heuerman, Broncos (6%). Another repeat name, but folks may have forgotten about him since he was on a bye last week. His role in the offense has been expanding over the last month, and now the Broncos have traded Demaryius Thomas, which should theoretically increase his looks. With the dumpster fire that is tight end this season, Heuerman is an intriguing add.
Ricky Seals-Jones, Cardinals (18%). I just wish I knew how to quit you… or something like that. He had 9 targets on Sunday. The Arizona offense looks at least functional under Byron Leftwich, and they have the abysmal Raiders on tap next.
C.J. Uzomah, Bengals (28%). He’s averaging about four targets a game since the injuries to the tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart. A.J. Green, as mentioned repeatedly, is out, so the Bengals need Uzomah’s size in the red zone. He also has a soft schedule down the stretch, with four of his final five games are against teams who are in the bottom ten against the tight end in giving up fantasy points.