Week 15 Fantasy Football: Biggest Surprise and Disappointment

By Guest Writer Maurice Moton:

Fantasy Surprise: Jamaal Charles (RB)

Running back Jamaal Charles rushed for 20 yards and a touchdown Sunday. Unimpressed? Well, he also accumulated 195 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver. His personal onslaught against the Oakland Raiders started on the first drive of the game and continued throughout. He accounted for five of the Chiefs eight touchdowns.

The Raiders defense is known for being porous but Charles made it resemble a scrimmage as he outran defenders in open space. As a dual rushing and receiving threat his potential is limitless, hence the 50-plus fantasy points this week. Currently he leads all running backs in receiving yards (655) and receiving touchdowns (7).

Fantasy Disappointment: Shane Vereen (RB)

As injuries mount for banged up running backs, many fantasy owners sought after productive fill-ins floating under the radar. If you had done your homework, you probably noticed Shane Vereen had the most receiving yards of any running back over the last four weeks. And certainly with the absence of Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady would continue throwing Vereen’s way. Last week Vereen had 17 targets and caught 12 balls for 153 yards —this week not so much.

Vereen hasn’t been productive all season in the rushing category. No surprise on the insignificant two runs for 13 yards stat line. However, Brady sacrificed Vereen’s receiving targets for Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola leaving Vereen with only 3 receptions for 8 yards. Albeit the New England Patriots offensive productivity is unpredictable week to week outside of Tom Brady, Vereen had the most to gain in Gronkowski’s absence.