The SFFS’ Bold Prediction: These players will ruin your playoffs

The SFFS team brings you five players that will likely bring doom to your team if you have them in your starting lineup this week.

Jordan Howard, RB Chicago Bears:

The vast majority of fantasy experts were predicting a huge game for the Bears’ Jordan Howard as he took on the San Francisco 49ers’ porous run-defense in week 13, with the result being one of the most disappointing fantasy performances of the season. Howard was held to just 38 yards on 13 carries, and failed to record a single catch.  For a volume-needy player, this was the fourth game in a row with less than 16 carries. This week Howard looks like he should have another great matchup against the 28th-ranked run defense of the Cincinnati Bengals, but the Bears’ offense is completely dysfunctional right now.  Unless he can get 30 plus carries, Howard is unlikely to put up decent numbers, and the Bengals offense is likely to build enough of a lead to force Chicago to go into pass heavy mode.  55 yards rushing will be the over/ under on Howard in week 14.

Matt Ryan, QB Atlanta Falcons:

At home against the Minnesota Vikings last week Ryan posted just 173 passing yards and failed to throw a single touchdown pass.  This Thursday, a rebound looks unlikely as Matt and the Falcons will have a divisional showdown with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are surrendering the 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing QB’s and should enjoy the return of Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Marshon Lattimore at cornerback.  While unlikely to put up the absolute dud that was his week 13, Ryan should only see slightly more success, making him a scary option if you’re in the playoffs.  225 yards, one touchdown and one interception seems like a likely scenario this week.

Vernon Davis, TE Washington Redskins:

Going into week 12, Davis looked like he had become an integral piece of the Redskins’ passing game, and I’m sure you were pretty stoked to have him rostered. Unfortunately, that feeling didn’t last long.  Vernon failed to record a single catch in week 12 vs. the Giants, and saw only two targets in week 13 against the Cowboys.  This week, Davis will matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, who are eighth-best against tight ends in fantasy scoring, allowing just 49 yards a game.  Lately, Redskins’ QB Kirk Cousins seems to only have eyes for his wide receivers and will likely target Reed no more than four times in week 14.

Devin Funchess, WR Carolina Panthers:

The Panthers’ #1 receiver appeared to injure his shoulder on the Panthers’ last second onside kick attempt last week, and now he will have to face off with the Minnesota Vikings and cornerback Xavier Rhoades.  The Vikings are allowing just 149 passing yards to wideouts per game and Rhodes specializes in matching up against big-bodied receivers. If he even plays this week (currently questionable) look for four catches and 50-60 yards at best with no scores.

Doug Baldwin, WR Seattle Seahawks:

Baldwin has failed to see more than seven targets in a single game over the last four weeks, and will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ #1 ranked pass defense in week 14.  The Jags are surrendering just 167 total passing yards per game with a ridiculously low 104 yards to opposing wide receivers.  The Seahawks typically struggle when they travel to the east coast and Russell Wilson will be running for his life all day against the Jaguars’ elite defensive front.  It wouldn’t be surprising to see Baldwin held under 40 yards this week.