Week 9 Fantasy Flames: Hightower to strike it rich in San Francisco

Every Wednesday the Noise highlights 12 under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week using the scoring system shown here (Thresholds – QB: 18 fpts, RB: 13 fpts, WR: 11 fpts: TE: 10 fpts; .5 PPR). If you’re a member of TEAM HUEVOS, reveal your Week 9 Flames in the comments section below.

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Dak Prescott, Dal, QB (23 percent started, $31 in Yahoo DFS)
Matchup: at Cle
In this time of political discord, divisiveness is omnipresent. The advertising blitzkrieg, constant headlines and ceaseless bickering has many people vocal. The same could be said about Dallas’ quarterback situation. Tony Romo trumpeters continue to campaign for the veteran, spewing nonsense he brings more to the table offensively than Prescott, an erroneous perspective. Though the rookie was far from crisp last week versus Philadelphia, he fought through adversity, delivered under pressure and scored another victory. His resiliency and versatility are exactly why Jerry Jones won’t make a change anytime soon. Mostly sharp on the year, Prescott has exhibited much fantasy competency. He’s completed 65.2 percent of his attempts, averaged 8.0 yards per attempt and tallied the most rushing TDs (four) of any quarterback. His subsequent 19.9 fantasy points per game checks in at No. 9 among signal-callers. Now with Dez Bryant back in the fold, his QB1 presence is only more secure, especially this week. Cleveland, well on its way to challenging Tampa ’76 and Detroit ’08 for winless infamy, is a remarkably forgiving defense. This year the Chihuahuas have given up 8.4 yards per attempt and 21.4 fantasy points per game to passers. At a more granular level, Joe Haden, allegedly the team’s best cover man, has conceded a generous 9.4 fantasy points per game to his assignments. Shush, Romo backers. The Dak Attack will only feast on more foes.

Fearless Forecast: 268 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 18 rushing yards, 20.5 fantasy points

[Week 9 rankings: Overall | FLEX | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF | K]

Tim Hightower, NO, RB (12 percent started, $14)
Matchup: at SF
Every liquor store nationwide follows a specific shelving protocol. On top, ultra-premium libations are displayed – Don Julio 1942, Johnny Walker Blue, Dom Perignon. On bottom, dusty bottles of Gordon’s and Pepe Lopez dominate. That, my friends, is where Hightower always lived. Prior to last season’s out-of-nowhere December to remember, the veteran was an unemployed afterthought unlikely to receive a phone call. His uneventful efforts previously in Arizona relegated him to the rubbish pile. However, after Mark Ingram was felled by injury, Hightower’s fortunes changed as the Saints signed him to short-term deal. Knowing another opportunity may never come again, the rusher seized the moment totaling 114 yards per game with four scores from Weeks 14-17, a stirring run that earned him a roster spot in 2016. Only sporadically used over the season’s first seven weeks, Hightower suddenly found himself in familiar territory last week versus Seattle. Ingram, whose early fumble gifted the opposition six points, was tossed in the doghouse, pressing the vet into action. He again took advantage ripping off 102 yards on 26 carries versus a defense that entering the week had yielded a stifling 3.3 yards per carry to RBs. Hightower is a snail, but his versatility, surprising power and ball protection are trusted. Those qualities explain why Sean Payton remarked the RB has earned more opportunities moving forward. Against a soft San Francisco front that’s conceded 5.3 yards per carry, a league-high 162.7rushing yards per game and the most fantasy points to RBs, he’s a FLEXY sexy option at a minimum, even if Ingram remains the tabbed “starter.”

Fearless Forecast: 16 carries, 74 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 9 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15.3 fantasy points

Derrick Henry, Ten, RB (12 percent started, $14)
Matchup: at SD
Every time the brutish rookie touches the rock images of “Guardians” character Groot pop into my head. His gradual buildup, upright running style and tackle-flattening power are almost fantastical. Inconsistently deployed, the former Heisman winner hasn’t delivered on his RB2 promise. DeMarco Murray, who’s regained his Dallas Cowboys form, is firmly atop the depth chart, on pace for an almost outlandish 1,922 combined yards and 16 touchdowns. As a result, the youngster has generated only 24.6 percent of the opportunity share, a clear second fiddle. However, Mike Mularkey’s remains insistent on ramping up the rookie’s role. Considering Murray isn’t quite 100 percent (toe) and with Henry coming off an impressive 97 total yards and a score in a blowout win versus Jacksonville, Roll Tide should again surpass 12 touches. San Diego’s No. 6 ranking in fantasy points allowed is a bit deceiving. Yes, eight running backs have tallied a double-digit output against them, but the Chargers have yielded only 3.9 yards per carry to RBs. Brandon Mebane and Joey Bosa have often gobbled up rushers. Still, pounding the pigskin is Tennessee’s forte. In this insanely harsh bye week, Henry is a highly employable RB2/FLEX option in 12-team leagues.

Fearless Forecast: 13 carries, 52 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.6 fantasy points

Devante Parker, Mia, WR (10 percent started, $19)
Matchup: vs. NYJ
For much of the season, Parker’s fantasy value has been locked away in a dark, damp dungeon. Hampered by Ryan Tannehill’s gross inconsistencies, limited opportunities and a sudden ground emphasis sparked by battering ram Jay Ajayi, the sophomore receiver is immersed in a nasty slump. Only seeing 20.0 percent of the targets share, he’s surpassed 10 fantasy points in a game just twice and zero times in his past four contests, a barren stretch that’s forced many owners to reconsider Parker’s viability. Jarvis Landry and even Kenny Stills have greatly outperformed him. But off the bye week, Adam Gase is sure to get the talented, albeit underachieving, wideout more involved. In terms of downfield coverage, the Jets are rudderless. Crashing and burning repeatedly due in large part to Darrelle Revis’ diminished speed and Buster Skrine’s ineffectiveness, they’ve surrendered a combined 11.7 fantasy points per game to their assignments. As a team, New York has given up 8.2 yards per attempt and 28 pass plays of 20 or more yards, the seventh-most in the NFL. Parker, who’s still netted an appreciable 12.8 yards per target, should be a chunk yardage machine. His second century-mark effort isn’t out of the question. In another hellish bye week, Parker is definitely worth firing up at WR3 in 12-team leagues.

Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 75 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 15.5 fantasy points

Kenny Britt, LA, WR (6 percent started, $22)
Matchup: vs. Car
Not long ago, Britt was a rough-edged Titans receiver embroiled in several off-the-field controversies. He always possessed the body type and baseline talents to be a productive receiver, but his immaturity greatly hindered his development. Flash forward to the present and the 28-year-old (Yes, he’s still only 28) has developed into a model teammate, and a reliable weekly fantasy option, with the Rams no less. In a suddenly viable LA pass attack, he’s attracted 20.5 percent of the targets share, averaged an outstanding 11.1 yards per target and tallied ample yards after contact. Currently the No. 22 wideout in fantasy points per game, the arrow is most certainly pointing up. Off the one-week catnap, he’s worth employing as a WR3, at a minimum. The Rams host a Carolina defense largely allergic to defending the pass. On the year, the Panthers have yielded 8.5 yards per attempt, eight pass plays of 40 or more yards and the second-most fantasy points to WRs. The absence of James Bradberry and youth are the primary reasons for their massive downturn. Corners Daryl Worley and Robert McClain have surrendered a combined 76.7 catch percentage. Overall, nine receivers have achieved “Flame” status against them. This week, Britt earns his tea.

Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 81 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 16.6 fantasy points

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WEEK 9 SHOCKER SPECIAL (Under 10 percent started)

Antone Smith, TB, RB (2 percent started, $10)
Matchup: vs. Atl
It never ceases to amaze the strangest of places fantasy value can emerge from. Every year a castoff, elevated practice squad player or veteran off the street winds a course to relevancy. Two years ago Matt Asiata was that guy. Last year, it was Hightower. In Week 9, Smith could seize the moment. The 31-year-old rusher showed flashes previously as an Atlanta Falcon. In 2014, he netted a ridiculous 1.08 fantasy points per opportunity (PPR) in 10 games, averaging 10.2 yards per touch and scoring five touchdowns. A mini-keg at 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, Smith is lightning quick (4.38 40-yards dash), sure-handed and explosive in the open field. Most importantly for fantasy purposes, because of his familiarity with Dirk Koetter’s offense, he was relied upon when Jacquizz Rodgers exited Week 8’s clash with Oakland, out-snapping Peyton Barber 22-to-3. With “Quizz” unlikely to see action due to a sprained foot and Doug Martin still shelved (hammy), a full-blown RBBC is presumed. The revenge narrative is often played out (see Percy Harvin), but cut by Atlanta earlier last year, Smith will be more than motivated to stick it to his former employer. Equally enticing, the Falcons’ ongoing problems defending the flat present an exploitable opportunity. Atlanta has given up 7.6 receptions per game to RBs. Look for Koetter to take advantage with designed swings and screens to Smith. That happens, and the pint-sized back could scurry his way to six. In another bye-heavy week, he’s certainly worth entertaining as a FLEX option.

Fearless Forecast: 11 carries, 44 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 36 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 16.0 fantasy points

BONUS WEEK 9 FLAMES

#TEAMHUEVOS PICKS OF THE WEEK
Each week one fortunate guest prognosticator will have a chance to silence the Noise. Following the rules stated above, participants are asked to submit their “Flames” (1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1 TE, 1 D/ST) by midnight PT Tuesdays via Twitter @YahooNoise. How large are your stones?

Reader record: 19-37

Noise season record: 30-54 (Week 8: 6-6; W: Tyrod Taylor, Devontae Booker, Jacquizz Rodgers, Jamison Crowder, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Andy Dalton; L: Tyler Lockett, Knile Davis, Chris Thompson, Matt Asiata, Will Fuller, Cleveland D/ST)

Follow Brad on Twitter (@YahooNoise) and check out his new TV show, ‘The Fantasy Football Hour,’ Wednesdays on Altitude TV (Channel 681 on DirecTV, 412 on DISH).