Managing the fantasy quarterback position this season has been like surviving a slasher flick. Slowly, one by one, the cast is cut down.
There’s an episode of “Cheers” when they try to identify the horror movie in which someone goes to the barn and doesn’t come back. Someone is sent to look for the missing person, and they don’t come back. And another goes and doesn’t come back. What was the name of that flick?
Phil: “Don’t Go in the Barn.”
Well, it seems like a lot of fantasy QBs have gone to the barn this season. Luckily, Ben Roethlisberger made it back. Hopefully Andrew Luck will return for the fantasy playoffs. Perhaps Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford and Ryan Tannehill can outrun poor showings thus far. And maybe Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan can dodge the reoccurring down week.
There is another who appears to have escaped the fantasy barn. Tony Romo is expected back this week after missing seven games with a collarbone injury. And it might come just in time to rescue your fantasy season in more ways than one.
Romo elevates virtually every fantasy option on the Cowboys roster. Certainly Dez Bryant is a no-questions-asked, every-week starter again. Terrance Williams is back on the map as a potential weekly sleeper or a cheap daily option. Tight end Jason Witten didn’t catch a touchdown during the Brandon Weeden/Matt Cassel creepshow.
All of that said, it also pays to temper unrealistic Romo expectations. He will help, of course, but his best remaining matchup is this week against the Dolphins — we like Wilson better against the 49ers. None of the Cowboys’ remaining games presents a glorious fantasy matchup, and two are scary — next week vs. the Panthers and Week 15 versus the Jets.
We project Romo to barely crack the top 10 over the rest of the season. Sure, he is a better option than choosing between Joe Flacco or Jameis Winston or Alex Smith, etc., which you likely have faced this season. But standing pat is like taking a breather as soon as you escape the barn. Keep running. If your trade deadline hasn’t passed, take a stab at a swap — targeting Derek Carr, Blake Bortles or even Wilson in return.
Be happy if you’re still alive in your fantasy league and are getting Romo back. Be even happier if you can use him to obtain an even safer option.
Big weeks
Brock Osweiler, QB, Broncos
at Bears (DraftKings $5,000 / FanDuel $6,000)
Athleticism, ability to buy time could create opportunities for big plays downfield. No film to game-plan against, so he is mystery to defense. Decent shot in the dark.
Frank Gore, RB, Colts
at Falcons (DK $4,700/ FD $6,600)
With Matt Hasselbeck at QB, expect Colts to lean on ground game. Falcons rank 26th in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs.
Jordan Matthews WR, Eagles
vs. Buccaneers (DK $6,000/FD $6,300)
Matthews and QB San Bradford have yet to click, but this week Mark Sanchez steps in for injured Bradford. He and Matthews had a few nice games last season. Dolphins offer little resistance.
Eric Ebron, TE, Lions
vs. Raiders (DK $3,500/FD $5,400)
Oakland doesn’t do a lot of things well on defense, and the thing the Raiders arguably do the worst is cover tight ends. Raiders have given up at least one TE touchdown in all but one game this season.
Small weaks
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals
at Cardinals (DK $6,600/FD $7,900)
Arizona allows just 223 passing yards per game and are tied for league lead with 14 interceptions. Dalton coming off his worst game of the season.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills
at Patriots (DK $5,500/FD $7,500)
The Patriots have allowed one TD to running backs in the past seven games, and yield the second fewest fantasy points to RBs. If there are goal-line TD carries, expect Karlos Williams to get them.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts
at Falcons (DK $6,200/FD $7,200)
It has been a disappointing season for Hilton, and it could get worse. With Hasselbeck at the helm, on the road against a pass defense that has allowed three TDs by receivers all season.
Jarvis Landry, WR, Dolphins
vs. Cowboys (DK $6,700/FD $7,200)
Gets plenty of looks and catches, but not enough touchdowns. Cowboys have allowed just one TD to receivers in the past four games.
Tweet of the week
The Decision: Travis Kelce vs. Jason Witten
Post fantasy Madman Drew Loftis and Roto Files columnist Jarad Wilk debate whom you should start this week
Drew: Kelce — If Alex Smith looks to throw near the end zone, Kelce is the guy he likely will target first. Kelce has been a more consistent fantasy performer than Witten over the past season-and-a-half. In Tony Romo’s first game back, not expecting one of Witten’s best days. But we could get one of Kelce’s best against a banged-up Chargers squad.
Jarad: Witten — We know there is a lot to like about anyone going against the Chargers’ defense, but there is even more to like about Witten against the Dolphins on Sunday. First off, Romo is back. Second, the Dolphins have allowed 427 yards to opposing tight ends (including 200-plus yards to Brent Celek and Zach Ertz last week) in five games since their Week 5 bye. Witten is just nine receptions away from becoming just the 11th player to collect 1,000 receptions in his career. He should be targeted early and often as Romo looks for a familiar face.
Last week: Jarad 5 (Stefon Diggs — 46 receiving yards, 10 rush yards), Drew 2 (Jordan Matthews — 21 receiving yards)
Season series: Drew leads, 6-4