One wide receiver that has helped several teams reach the fantasy football playoffs this season is New York Jets’ Eric Decker. Although he hasn’t been flashy, or featured in many SportsCenter highlights, Decker has had a fantastic season. In 11 games he has hauled in 59 passes for 801 yards and eight touchdowns.
Not only has he been a consistent performer for his fantasy owners, Decker has also become one of head coach Todd Bowles’ favorite players.
"Every week you look at him, he just makes plays, he works hard, he blocks, he does the right things and the ball finds him," Bowles said, according to Pro Football Talk. "He’s just good in there. He’s good in there and he’s good outside. We have some slot guys that can go in there, but Eric is more heady than everybody else."
Decker isn’t skilled enough to be a No. 1 receiver on an NFL team, but he may be one of the best No. 2 receivers in the league. With Brandon Marshall playing across from him, Decker has become a very reliable WR2 option for fantasy owners.
I love Decker’s matchup in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans. If you have him, you better start him.
Speaking of matchups I like this week, Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme practiced on Wednesday and should be ready for a full workload on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers do have one of the best defenses in the league, but Tamme has been Matt Ryan’s security blanket as of late and I expected him to look for his tight end early and often in this matchup.
Tamme enters the game with 47 receptions for 541 yards and one touchdown.
Tamme should be considered a low-end TE1 in PPR leagues or a high-end TE2 in other formats.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Eddie Royal reportedly looked good in practice on Wednesday and should be ready for action against the Washington Redskins this week. Although Royal has been sidelined since Nov. 1, he will immediately become quarterback Jay Cutler’s No. 2 option in the receiving game with Martellus Bryant on injured reserve.
I would consider Royal a WR3 in Week 14. However, Royal’s presence should benefit fellow receiver Alshon Jeffery. Lately opposing defenses have been double covering Jeffery, but Royal should be able to take some of the heat off of him.
Jeffery should be considered a WR1 this week, especially if Royal plays.