Facts vs. Feelings: Navigating Fantasy Football Decisions in the Holiday Season
As the holiday season envelops us in its warm embrace, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and contemplating the future. For fantasy football enthusiasts, this time of year is particularly poignant. It’s a period where the heart often battles with the head, where emotional decisions can sometimes overshadow the cold, hard data. Each week during the 2024 NFL season, Liz Loza has been guiding us through this delicate balance in her column, “Facts vs. Feelings.”
Writing on Christmas Eve, Liz Loza acknowledges the festive spirit in the air. She hopes that your holiday was filled with joy, whether you celebrated Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, or any other tradition. If it wasn’t, well, there’s always next year to make it better.
As we approach the end of 2024, our minds naturally drift towards the new year. It’s a time when many of us start thinking about resolutions and changes we want to make. Whether it’s counting macros, prioritizing probiotics, or committing to self-care, these resolutions often feel like a way to gain control in a time of transition.
But as Liz points out, this time of year can also be disorienting. We’re caught between the end of one year and the beginning of the next, and it’s easy to feel a bit lost. Instead of getting caught up in the chaos, Liz suggests focusing on staying present and allowing events to unfold naturally. It’s about trusting your instincts and making decisions based on both data and feelings.
In the world of fantasy football, this approach can be particularly valuable. With just one or two weeks left in the season, it’s important to focus on how we react to the circumstances we can’t control. Whether you’re purging your garage with enthusiasm or relaxing on the sofa, the key is to take responsibility for your choices and enjoy the ride.
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Few players have captured the spotlight quite like Brock Purdy. From leading his team to the Super Bowl to facing elimination from the postseason, Purdy has navigated a rollercoaster of a season. Despite the challenges, he has continued to produce impressive numbers.
Purdy is currently fantasy’s QB12 in points per game, averaging nearly 17. This is only a slight drop from his 2023 average, which is impressive given the early exits of several offensive stars from San Francisco’s lineup. In four of his past seven games, Purdy has posted 20 or more fantasy points, proving himself to be a reliable starter.
Part of Purdy’s appeal lies in his mobility. He ranks as QB8 in rushing fantasy points, trailing only a few elite quarterbacks. This makes him a strong option against Detroit, whose defense has struggled against mobile QBs.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
With Josh Jacobs no longer in the picture, Alexander Mattison has stepped into a more prominent role for the Raiders. Injuries to Zamir White and Sincere McCormick have further solidified Mattison’s position as the lead back.
In five games as the lead back, Mattison has averaged 19.5 opportunities and 13.6 fantasy points per contest. He faces a favorable matchup against New Orleans, whose defense has allowed 17 rushing touchdowns to running backs this season.
Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin’s journey to becoming a top fantasy wide receiver has been a long one, but his dedication has paid off. Currently ranked as the virtual game’s WR5 overall, McLaurin has consistently delivered strong performances.
In nine of his past 10 outings, McLaurin has posted 15 or more fantasy points. With a matchup against Atlanta’s struggling defense, McLaurin is poised for another big game.
Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce has been a boom-or-bust player throughout 2024, but he has the potential for a big finish to the season. Assuming he clears concussion protocol, Pierce faces a generous Giants secondary that has struggled against deep passes.
Pierce leads the Colts in air yards per target and receiving scores, making him a strong candidate for a breakout performance against New York.
Chig Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans
Chig Okonkwo has emerged as a key target for the Titans, especially with Mason Rudolph under center. Okonkwo has seen an increase in targets and snap share, making him a valuable fantasy option.
With a favorable matchup against Jacksonville’s defense, Okonkwo has the potential to deliver another strong performance in Week 17.
As we close out the year, remember to trust your instincts and enjoy the journey. Whether you’re making fantasy football decisions or personal resolutions, the key is to stay present and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
