By Dalton Del Don
1. Darren McFadden – Since McFadden was taken fairly high in most fantasy leagues, this suggestion isn’t nearly as under the radar as the next two, but considering the rookie RB has been virtually unusable since Week 2, this would still require a leap of faith during crunch time. Despite what can only be described as a highly disappointing first season in the NFL, Run DMC has averaged a solid 4.5 YPC while being an exciting option in the passing game (10.6 yards per catch) when given the opportunity. Unfortunately, the opportunities have been few and far between; in fact, he hasn’t played one snap in the first quarter in either of the last two games. However, after McFadden totaled 114 yards and a touchdown on just 15 touches last week, Tom Cable has been getting ripped in the media all week for his lack of usage, so you can expect a major correction Sunday. Facing a Houston front seven that has allowed 4.5 YPC and 17 rushing scores this year in what could be wet conditions, there are worse flex options than McFadden this week. I’m personally starting him over Chris Johnson in the RotoWire Staff League.
2. P.J. Pope – Who? An undrafted rookie out of Bowling Green, Pope could be a major factor Sunday. He totaled 75 yards with a score on just 10 touches against a tough Carolina defense last week, outplaying the always disappointing Tatum Bell. Moreover, Selvin Young is unlikely to see many touches after his devastating fumble, which led to an inactive second half last week. Pope has been taking starter snaps during practice all week, and at worst, is the team’s best option at the goal line as well as in third down situations. It’s never wise to guess what Mike Shanahan is thinking, but the weather should be conducive to running in Denver on Sunday, and Buffalo has allowed 4.2 YPC and 15 rushing TDs this season – which rank No. 21 and No. 24 in the league, respectively. It’s doubtful anyone who has made it this far would be desperate enough to turn to such an uncertain option, but with Frank Gore, Joseph Addai, Marion Barber and Anquan Boldin all unusable, crazier things have happened. I’m not a religious man, but I would have no problem turning to the Pope this Sunday.
3. Cleveland Browns Defense – Do you realize the Browns lead the NFL in takeaways? Over their last five games, they’ve forced a whopping 15 turnovers, and that’s been against the likes of the Texans, Colts, Titans and Eagles’ offenses. The Browns don’t rack up many sacks, and its overall defense ranks just No. 27 in the NFL, but the weather conditions could be brutal in Cleveland this week. Additionally, Ryan Fitzpatrick has gotten an astounding 5.0 YPA with a 1:5 TD:INT ratio during four games on the road this season, so the matchup is highly enticing. In one of my other leagues, I’m going with the Browns over the Titans D this week.
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