The fantasy football schedule is into Week 14 and with the playoffs coming, some free agents and pickups for teams include Marion Grice, Carlos Hyde, Donte Moncrief, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Stedman Bailey, Jerick McKinnon, Ben Tate, Isaiah Crowell, Jordan Matthews and John Brown, as those names have the chance to step up for fantasy owners this season.
Grice could be an option in deeper leagues, as he got a number of carries after Andre Ellington injured his hip. Grice and Stepfan Taylor may have to take over for the Cardinals if Ellington can't go this weekend. Carlos Hyde has continued to play well this season with the 49ers and he could be a factor down the stretch. Ryan Fitzpatrick is an option as a spot starter for anyone dealing with injuries, as he threw for six touchdowns on Sunday and could surprise once again this week.
The Colts have continued to put up some big numbers on offense and both Dan Herron and Donte Moncrief are solid pickups. Tight end Coby Fleener is another option to check out, as he has played well with Dwayne Allen injured and could be a strong option down the stretch. The Colts are one of the top teams in the NFL and they have the chance to clinch their division this weekend. Moncrief has been solid over the past two weeks, out snapping Hakeem Nicks and he comes in after putting up three catches for 134 yards and two TDs against the Washington Redskins Sunday.
Carlos Hyde had five rushed for 19 yards and also added three catches for 38 yards and against the Seahawks he looked better than Frank Gore. The Niners will still be starting Gore, but Hyde could see increased touches over the next few weeks, especially against the Oakland Raiders coming up this weekend. Fitzpatrick had the best game of his career with 358 yards and six TDs and the return of Arian Foster sure helped the Texans against the Titans.
The Cardinals just lost Andre Ellington to an injury for the moment and that makes Grice and Taylor options to check out. Ellington has played through injuries and could be back quick, but if he isn't owners can take advantage. Grice now has just 29 yards on the season, but Bruce Arians said he likely would start if Ellington can't go. Taylor is more of a one down back and he is an option only in deeper leagues. Grice ended up with five carries for 16 yards and he also made three catches for 25 yards on Sunday.
Jordan Matthews has been one of the best rookies in the league this season and down the stretch he could be key for the Eagles. Bailey had a surprise game against the Raiders and while it may not be a sign of things to come, he is worth checking out for owners with roster space. The Rams won't be putting up 50 points each week, but with Mason, Tavon Austin and Bailey on offense, the team has some great playmakers. The playoffs are here and now fantasy owners have some major decisions to make when it comes to who to start and pickup for the next couple weeks.