As we have done every week since the start of the season, let’s take a look at the players who performed well in fantasy despite being mostly unowned. This week’s list includes a former second overall pick at quarterback who made his season debut and a tight end who is third on the depth chart when the team is at full strength.
To be eligible for this list, the player must have been owned in less than 25 percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues. Each week, we look at one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, and one tight end.
Since most fantasy leagues end after Week 16’s action, this will be the last time this list comes out this season. It was fun to do and something that will likely be done in 2021 as well. After Week 16, we will instead look at the top fantasy performers of the year who went mostly undrafted. Fantasy leagues are often won not only through the draft but the waiver wire, so if you added anybody that makes their way on next week’s list, you were awfully happy.
QB - Marcus Mariota, Raiders (226 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 1 interception, 88 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown)
With Derek Carr leaving Thursday’s game with a groin injury, Mariota saw his first action as a Raider and recorded his second-most rushing yards in his 64-game career. According to CBS Sports, it is unclear if Carr will be ready to go for Week 16.
I've never seen Marcus Mariota play at a higher level than he is right now.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 18, 2020
RB - Tony Pollard, Cowboys (69 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 6 receptions, 63 receiving yards)
With Ezekiel Elliott a late scratch just hours before Sunday’s kickoff, fantasy owners didn’t have the chance to pick up his backup in Pollard. That’s a shame because, in his expanded role, Pollard actually was the highest-scoring running back for the week.
There goes Tony Pollard! @Tp__5 #DallasCowboys
— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2020
📺: #SFvsDAL on CBS
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