Fantasy Football: High on Bilal Powell, Tyreek Hill; sound alarm on Mark Ingram

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Bet on Bilal​

Once Matt Forte exited the Jets’ Week 14 win over the 49ers, Bilal Powell absolutely took over. The dynamic running back exploded for 145 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, and chipped in 34 yards on five receptions. It was revealed after the game that Matt Forte would be going for an MRI to discover if there is any damage in his knee, and if he’s inactive you can bet on Bilal Powell to answer the call. With Forte out he’s an RB2, and even if Forte suits up he’ll likely be limited, keeping Powell in the flex conversation.

Tyreek the Freak

Jeremy Maclin is no more. All-purpose weapon Tyreek Hill is the new top dog on perhaps the least-talked about playoff team. Hill has been producing in all aspects of the offense and special teams, posting 20 catches and two touchdowns over his last three weeks while adding in a rushing touchdown and a punt return touchdown. With that kind of scoring potential in three different facets of the game, Hill is a must-start in the fantasy playoffs.

No Max, no Mark

Mark Ingram has now sputtered in three of his last four games, and has been particularly dreadful in his last two. He was without Pro Bowl center Max Unger in Week 14, and it showed — he gained just 23 total yards on nine touches, including a miserable 7-14-0 rushing line. His incompetence brought the return of his timeshare with Tim Hightower, who outgained Ingram with two fewer touches. With so much uncertainty in the mix and the Saints offense sputtering, it’s impossible to trust Ingram in a matchup with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15.

NFL Sleepers of the Week

(Each week we will identify three players worth taking a shot on in deeper leagues.)

Cameron Brate, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Brate has at least four catches and five targets in five of his last six games, and is the clear second option behind Mike Evans. He’ll have his opportunities against the Cowboys.

Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens — The committee has officially shifted — Dixon is the top dog in Baltimore’s backfield. He’s a low-end RB2 in Week 15.

Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets — For whatever reason, Anderson is rookie QB Bryce Petty’s favorite target. With 23 targets in his last two games, Anderson’s volume makes him flex-worthy in deeper leagues.