Week 15 flames: Another round of presents from 'Christmas' Cam Akers

Each week the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60% of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week (Scoring thresholds – QB: 18 fantasy points, RB: 12 fantasy points, WR: 11 fantasy points: TE: 10 fantasy points; .5 PPR). If you’re a member of TEAM HUEVOS, reveal your Week 15 Flames on Twitter @NoisyHuevos.

Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants

(8% started in Yahoo; DK DFS: NA)
Matchup: vs. CLV
Vegas line/Total: CLV -3.5, 45

If even the most sagacious, sane individual approached this talkative twit in September and proclaimed Browns/Giants would be flexed into primetime Week 15, it would have elicited immediate thoughts of preponderance and a sarcastic reply, “Ya right, and Adam Gase will still coach the Jets come December.” Welp, in this bizarro Year of Our Ceaseless Pestilence, here we are. Giants/Browns is critical to the playoff picture in both conferences. Cleveland is on very stable ground to secure a Wild Card spot, but New York is aiming to solidify its standing as the premier squad among the NFC LEast. Most decidedly, it’s a pivotal contest for fantasy GMs overcome by heightened nerves. Tequila, or straight ethanol for that matter, is your friend.

Jones is an unheralded dual-threat passer poised to take advantage of the favorable primetime matchup. The Browns have constructed ironclad walls in the trenches this season which has exerted an enormous amount of pressure on its secondary. Joe Woods’ DBs haven’t pulled their end of the rope. Yes, Denzel Ward has missed time with a nagging calf injury, but with its top pass defender has suited up, they’ve often perished. Mother Nature, who’s brought howling winds and slippery conditions, has helped keep offenses at bay, but this year they’ve conceded 7.3 pass yards per attempt, 265.5 pass yards per game, 2.0 passing TDs per game and the sixth-most fantasy points to QBs. Start the Giant and make the competition feel blue.

Fearless forecast: 220 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 46 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 turnover, 22.4 fantasy points

Melvin Gordon, RB, Denver Broncos

(55%; $5,200)
Matchup: vs. BUF
Vegas line/Total: DEN -6.5, 50

Overpayment for running back talent in the NFL is a misstep knuckle-dragging GMs continue to fall victim to. Hey, there’s a sucker born every minute. Unless you’re Derrick Henry, a freakish rusher who is the heart and soul of his franchise’s offensive scheme, shelling out meaningful dollars for any running back is a -EV move. Just look at what affordable acquisitions James Robinson, Antonio Gibson and injury replacements Mike Davis and Wayne Gallman have achieved. John Elway, who signed Gordon to a two-year, $16 million deal, went overboard, especially when he already had an economical and proven RB on roster, Phillip Lindsay. For the Jesus Christ of Colorado, spending more time and money on finding a cornerstone quarterback is most advisable.

This week, however, Gordon could be worth every dime, at least to fantasy franchisees. Quietly, the veteran has performed appreciably over the past few weeks. In Weeks 11-14, on just over 61% of the opportunity share, he averaged 87.0 total yards per game and penetrated the end zone two times. His resulting 48.8 fantasy points in 0.5 PPR ranked RB12 during the stretch. Also noteworthy, he’s registered 3.22 YAC per attempt and a 20.4 missed tackle rate, both top-20 among eligible RBs. Against a beatable Bills front, which has allowed 4.43 yards per carry, 99.8 rush yards per game, 11 total TDs and the 14th-most fantasy points to rushers this year, he will attempt to justify Elway’s unnecessarily lavish spending.

Fearless forecast: 15 carries, 67 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 12 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14.9 fantasy points

Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams

(44%; $6,600)
Matchup: vs. NYJ
Vegas line/Total: LAR -16.5, 44.5

Bitterness. Resentment. Unfettered indignation. For those who spent high fantasy draft capital on the rookie running back in August exercises only to cut ties just a handful of weeks later, the youngster’s late-season surge is months too late. Thanks, Sean McVay. Sure, the ribs setback and questions regarding his pass pro steepened the learning curve, but his underutilization was patently absurd. Unleashed over the past three weeks to the tune of 62 touches for 372 total yards and two touchdowns, Akers certified what fantasy drafters believed all along. Visually stunning, his rocket burst, jump-cut elusiveness and diesel horsepower leapt off the screen. His 3.18 YAC per attempt and 19.4 missed tackle percentage on the year only rubber stamp the eye test. The kid is damn good, a player who will surely land in the Round 2-3 range of drafts come August.

This Sunday, the Rams welcome the hopeless Jets. Though a punching bag on multiple fronts, New York is better-than-advertised bottling up the run. Slotting among the middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to RBs, they’ve specifically given up 4.14 yards per carry, 135.5 total yards per game and 10 combined TDs to the position. Still, Los Angeles’ sensational run-blocking execution combined with Akers’ ramped workload cement his top-15 status. It’s taken an eternity, but the greenhorn has officially earned his spot at the big boys’ table. Keep feeding him giant bloody steaks, Sean.

Fearless forecast: 22 carries, 107 rush yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 19.1 fantasy points

Keke Coutee, WR, Houston Texans

(29%; $5,300)
Matchup: at IND
Vegas line/Total: IND -7, 52.5

It never ceases to amaze. This time each year, the waiver wire produces unforeseen holiday miracles, statistical treasures once viewed as landfill trash decomposing on a heap. Injuries, ineptitude, or in the case of Coutee a Barry Bonds cocktail shotgunned by Will Fuller, whatever the reason, afterthoughts are suddenly thrust to the forefront. Last year at this time guys like Breshad Perriman, Anthony Miller, Chris Conley, Seth Roberts, Greg Ward and, hell, even Tavon Austin surfaced from the deepest depths of the free agent pool. Following in their footsteps, Coutee is that guy in this topsy-turvy season.

The Houston wideout’s Week 15 opponent, Indianapolis, has slowly unraveled defensively. Once impenetrable, they’ve surrendered 7.9 pass yards per attempt and the third-most yards (929) the position over the past five weeks. Coutee, who’s lured 12 targets for 11 receptions, 165 receiving yards and a touchdown in his past two contests, once again enters into the WR2/3 discussion in 12-team leagues. His projected suckerfish, slot man Kenny Moore, has given up a 66.2% catch percentage to his assignments. With Brandin Cooks likely back to help alleviate pressure, he could explode for his second standout effort against Indy in three weeks (8-141-0 in Week 13).

Fearless forecast: 6 receptions, 78 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 16.8 fantasy points

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

(39%; $6,300)
Matchup: vs. DAL
Vegas line/Total: SF -2.5, 45.5

Last Friday in the Territorial Cup showdown between Arizona and Arizona St., the Sun Devils broke out the flamethrower and scorched every last patch of earth. It was a 70-7 obliteration, unquestionably the biggest beat down levied in the 121-year rivalry. Adios, Kevin Sumlin. For sports bettors on the ASU side, no sweat needed to apply.

Formerly known as the YAC King during his days in Tempe, Aiyuk, much like his alma mater, won’t have his backers tilting. His recent fiery results should add another dose of accelerant. Over his past five games, the rookie has averaged 10.6 targets per turn, 7.2 receptions per contest and 99.0 yards per game, scoring three times. His 29% target share over the stretch clearly shows the bubbling chemistry he and Nick Mullens have, especially inside the red zone (30.2% red-zone target percentage).

In Week 15, Aiyuk and the Niners square off against the pea-shooting Cowboys. Long gone are the days of Montana, Aikman, Rice and Irvin. The rivalry, once one of the most passion-filled in sports, has faded. Still, the wideout has ample motivation to illuminate fantasy scoreboards. Dallas, after all, has given away fantasy points on par with Disney+ shows about various Star Wars characters. This year, they’ve yielded 7.1 pass yards per attempt, 22 WR touchdowns, the 13th-most air yards per game and the second-most fantasy points to wideouts. With Deebo Samuel a hamstring casualty, Aiyuk enters into must-start WR1 territory in12-teamers.

Fearless forecast: 7 receptions, 91 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 18.6 fantasy points

Shocker special (under 10% started)

Tyron Johnson, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

(1%; $3,000)
Matchup: vs. LV
Vegas line/Total: LV -3.5, 54

When Samson’s hair was cut, presumably not by his Dellilah, though many of us would be a willing participant if she showed up at the door with dulled hedge shears, his magical powers slowly evaporated. Justin Herbert, post-salad chopping, tallied fantasy point performances of 27.7 (vs. NYJ), 15.4 (at BUF) and 6.4 (at NE). However, nothing revitalizes the senses quite like a piping hot bucket of deep-fried Falcon. Served with a side of gravy-smothered mashed potatoes, it’s a meal with enough protein and saturated fat to provide any burgeoning quarterback with the appropriate sustenance to spark a resurgence. Against the Falcons he tallied 243 yards with two TDs and a pick. No, it wasn’t entirely satisfying, but it squelched the statistical hunger.

With the franchise focused on developing other options outside of just force-feeding Keenan Allen, Johnson stepped into the spotlight in Week 13. Targeted a season-high seven times, he hauled in six passes, scored a TD and eclipsed the 50-yard mark for the fifth time this season. The undrafted product from OK State, now playing for his fourth franchise in two years, could be the Chargers’ version of Tim Patrick. His expanded route tree and plus wheels (4.41 40-yard) has him trending upward. This week facing an injury ravaged Vegas secondary, he could easily carry over momentum from Sunday’s showing. The Raiders have allowed 7.2 pass yards per attempt and the 11th-most fantasy points to WRs. If you’re looking for a Hail Mary at the position, Johnson is a solid deep toss.

Fearless forecast: 4 receptions, 51 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.1 fantasy points

Bonus flames (under 60% started)

QB: Jalen Hurts, PHI (Line: ARZ -6.5; DK: $5,900) — “Heady, judicious and durable — the next Dak Prescott.” That’s an actual sentence this wannabe scout scribbled in April when breaking down film on the rookie. Last week, against the vaunted top-ranked Saints D, he delivered on all fronts, much to the satisfaction of Miles Sanders backers. Hurts made sound decisions, tossed accurate passes to all fields (17-30, 167-1-0), plowed his way to 106 rushing yards and, most notably, didn’t throw a pick. With Taysom Hill about to revert to his prior multidimensional role, the rookie is the next dual-threat machine. Better, he’s a far better passer compared to the Saint, who only throws fastballs. This week, look for Hurts to move the mercury in the desert. The Cardinals are no pansies versus the pass allowing 6.9 yards per attempt, 245.1 pass yards per game, 1.5 passing TDs per contest and the 12th-fewest fantasy points to QBs. Still, dual-threat QBs, interestingly enough, have plagued them. You would think facing Kyler Murray in practice would prepare them better, but apparently not. Six passers have scooted for at least 32 yards against them. Hell, even beached whale Joe Flacco “sprinted” for 20 yards. Invest in Hurts’ high floor. (FF: 184-1-0-72-0, 18.6 fantasy points)

RB: Jeffery Wilson, SF (Line: SF -2.5; DK: $5,100) — Raheem Mostert must be constructed from toothpicks and Elmer’s glue. Though he returned last week after a head scrambling temporarily unplugged him from the action, his constant nicks and scrapes foster feelings of undependability. So does Kyle Shanahan’s insistence on employing a RBBC. Wilson, who has played on close to 35% of the snap share when active and averaged 7.9 touches per game, is worthy of your time. The Niners face the NFL’s Jelly of the Month Club, the Dallas Cowboys, a gift that keeps on giving. This season, ‘Little D’ has surrendered 4.98 yards per carry, 155.1 total yards per game, 13 combined touchdowns and the sixth-most fantasy points to the position. Wilson, as depicted by his unflashy advanced metrics (15.4% missed tackle percentage), isn’t anything to write home about, but prominently featured inside the red zone he’s a superb candidate for double-digit points. (FF: 10-42-1-1-8-0, 11.5 fantasy points)

WR: Darius Slayton, NYG (Line: CLV -3.5; DK: NA) — Many moons ago, Slayton was thought to be a viable weekly WR3 option. His established rapport with Daniel Jones, dynamite finish to 2019 and a fixture in an ascending offense, had drafters chomping at the bit to acquire his services, causing some to extend the go-go gadget arm. Expended by disappointed GMs weeks ago, he’s worth pondering in your greatest hour of need. No, the psychedelic mushrooms haven’t kicked in. Off an eight-target game, it’s certainly possible Slayton crosses the chalk for the first time since Week 6. As witnessed in the possible Game of the Year against Baltimore on Monday, the Browns secondary is overly accommodating. Yes, Ward could return, but with the DB in the lineup Cleveland has allowed numerous vertical chunk gains. This season, they’ve yielded the ninth-most fantasy points to WRs. Slayton’s big-play ability (13.8-yard aDOT, 14.9 YPC) is in a prime spot to take advantage, if the Giants offensive line can adequately protect Jones. (FF: 4-61-1, 14.1 fantasy points)

WR: Tim Patrick, DEN (Line: BUF -6.5; DK: $4,300) — Outside of propagandist takes on #MandatoryMontgomery (BTW, how are fellow zealots digging his recent heater???!!!), much time and energy from this enthusiastic exaggerator is spent talking up Patrick. He’s undoubtedly a Rodney Dangerfield All-Star, one of the most underappreciated wideouts in the league. Smooth in his routes, sure-handed and blessed with a wide catch radius, he’s developed into a reliable red zone weapon and weekly WR3 option in 12-team leagues. Since Week 9, he’s the 26th-most valuable WR in PPR Fantasyland. Over that span, he’s accumulated 30 targets, 20 receptions, 289 yards and four touchdowns, chipping in a noteworthy 14.5 yards per catch and 5.75 YAC per reception. This week, he’ll draw Buffalo’s Levi Wallace. It isn’t the most splendid paper matchup — Wallace has given up an 84.4 passer rating this year — but Drew Lock’s trust in the receiver near the goal line labels him a likely TD scorer. (FF: 4-47-1, 12.7 fantasy points)

TE: Dan Arnold, ARZ (Line: ARZ -6.5; DK: $3,500) — Trader Joe’s Jingle Jangle is crack served in a tin, a deadly concoction of various chocolate-covered confectionaries sure to increase one’s chances of acquiring diabetes. It’s a wonderful holiday classic. Some relish the smothered Oreos, pretzels and popcorn most, but underneath the initial layer of sugary goodness is the ultimate hidden gem — dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups. Though far from small, Arnold is a hidden treat sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In an expanded role, he’s scored four times in his last four games, luring away precious looks from Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. He squares off with Philly in Week 14, a defense skewered by tight ends this season. They’ve allowed 5.2 receptions per contest, 51.7 receiving yards per game, eight touchdowns and the ninth-most fantasy points to the position. Buried treasure? Arnold may be that hero we’ve all searched ceaselessly for. (FF: 3-29-1, 10.4 fantasy points)

Bonus flame: Nyheim Hines, RB, IND (Line: IND -7; DK: $5,400) — Houston might as well be Galveston, neck-deep in the storm surge at the height of a Category 5 hurricane. The defense has parted miles-wide seas, clear in their 5.38 yards per carry, 183.3 total yards per game and 18 total TDs conceded to RBs. Specific to pass-catching aficionados like Hines, they’ve also surrendered 5.2 receptions and 46.9 receiving yards per game. Jonathan Taylor is unquestionably Frank Reich’s main squeeze, but, as Hines showed in the first meeting (32 total yards and a TD), he can inflict significant damage on a minimized workload. Assuming the usual 9-11 touches, he’s a RB2 through and through in 12-teamers. (FF: 7-30-3-21-1, 12.6 fantasy points)

Super bonus flame: D'Andre Swift, RB, DET (Line: DET -10.5; DK: $6,400) — Dashing through the snow with the power of a Clydesdale-drawn sleigh, Swift resembled his pre-concussed self last week against the Packers. He played on 54% of his team’s snaps and ran a route an equal number of times. His resulting 50 total yards on 11 touches with a TD offered measurable encouragement. Now back in the saddle, look for his workload to increase this week against Tennessee. Yes, Derrick Henry is sure to bulldoze his way to roughly 2,013 yards and 20 TDs and Chase Daniel could man the controls for Detroit, but Swift, who is script-agnostic, is sure to be highly active as a rusher/receiver. The Titans, flimsy at best defensively, have conceded 4.26 yards per carry, 133.8 total yards per game, 15 total touchdowns and the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs. Play the Lion and you may just be the king of the Week 15 jungle. (FF: 10-43-0-5-28-1, 15.6 fantasy points)