Weekly Hail Mary: Week 14

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 14:

Running Backs

Giovani Bernard, Bengals (24% owned). He had 6 receptions on 8 targets on Sunday. Bengal pass-catchers are dropping like flies, so it is reasonable to expect the target volume to continue. Plus, you would assume that an inexperienced QB like Jeff Driskel - a former five star recruit, another HMF favorite - will be checking down early and often.

Rex Burkhead, Patriots (24%). We’ve seen him have value in the Patriots offense before, and he had nine touches in his first game back from injury. That’s probably a floor for the rest of the season.

Kenneth Dixon, Ravens (11%). Like Burkhead, he had nine touches in his first game back from injury. The difference between the two is that there is more talent in the Patriots’ backfield than in the Ravens’, so Dixon should have an easier road to touches.

Charcandrick West, Chiefs (1%). Signed by the Chiefs in the wake of Kareem Hunt’s release. If he earns a role in the Kansas CIty offense - easily one of the best in the league - he could have standalone value. All that stands in his way is Spencer Ware…

Jeff Wilson, Jr., 49ers (1%). Admittedly, I had never heard of this guy before Sunday. But he led the team in carries and rushing yards (15 for 61), so he’s worth an add, and a start if you’re desperate.

Wide Receivers

Chris Conley, Chiefs (16%). For as long as Sammy Watkins is out, Conley has value as a starting wide receiver for the most exciting offense in the league. He saw seven targets on Sunday. He’s always had a good athletic profile, and is finally playing with a QB who will chuck it down the field.

Bruce Ellington, Lions (9%). With Marvin Jones on IR and Golden Tate now in Philly, Ellington is soaking up targets. He had ten on Sunday, and also THREW a touchdown. Aside from Kenny Golladay, there really isn’t much competition for looks in the Lions’ passing game, so opportunities will continue to abound for Ellington.

Dante Pettis, 49ers (3%). HMF really nailed it last week recommending Pettis: he EXPLODED for 129 yards and two TDs, finally showing why the Niners traded up to get him in April’s draft. He seems to be locked in as “the man” moving forward.

Kenny Stills, Dolphins (30%). He has been seeing over 90% of Miami’s snaps, and finally ended his scoring drought on Sunday.

Tight Ends

Chris Herndon, Jets (13%). The end stat line isn’t pretty, but he was second on the team in targets on Sunday. Tight end is a wasteland, so when you find something even marginally useful, it’s noteworthy.

Ian Thomas, Panthers (0%). Greg Olsen is hurt again, so there should be ample opportunity for Thomas moving forward. He caught all five of his targets on Sunday.

CJ Uzomah, Bengals (26%). We should probably give up on this guy because the meaningful stats are never there, but it’s hard to overlook the playing time and the targets. The math says eventually he should produce. He is averaging nine targets per game over the past two weeks.