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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have 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. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Sterling Shepard, WR, Buccaneers
| Start pct. | 1% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Giants |
| BetMGM line | Buccaneers -5.5 |
| BetMGM total | 41.5 points |
| BetAlytics projection | 30.59% to score TD |
This booming voice isn’t for everyone.
One of the conveniences of social media is how uninhibited trolls emerge from their holes. Disdainful and motivated to demoralize, they seek out public figures on a simple mission: to express distaste over the smallest and dumbest of things.
Take “Domingo.” He sought out the Big Noise on Facebook, slipped into the open DMs and stated, “You are so annoying. Stop the pirate voices and just be normal.”
Yarrr!!! Parlay Pete shall ne’er be silenced on “BetMGM Tonight,” matey.
With an accent sure to tick off the irritated individual mentioned above, Shepard — with revenge on the mind — could collect meaningful booty in Week 12.
The former Giants wide receiver, who was limited by various injuries during his eight seasons with New York, has served as a saving grace in a Buccaneers offense missing its top two targets. Chris Godwin is still shelved, but this scribe’s “cousin,” Mike Evans, is trending toward playing this Sunday.
Evans’ return to the starting lineup could greatly benefit Todd Bowles’ primary slot man. If graciously served man coverage, Shepard could move the needle for fantasy purposes.
Giants slot cornerback Andru Phillips has allowed an 89.5% catch rate and 122.6 passer rating on 117 coverage snaps. Also, the Giants are No. 30 in dropback EPA defense since Week 7.
In eight games this season, Shepard has reached double-figure fantasy production only once. Most alarming are his rankings outside the top 80 in critical categories, including aDOT (8.3), total YAC, route win rate and yards per route run (1.01).
Still, understand Shepard’s game. He is a short-yardage nibbler who nickels and dimes defenses. With Evans drawing away attention and given the soft opponent, Shepard could be a surprise sensation in a six-team bye week where everyone is trying to squeeze blood from a turnip.
Shiver me timbers! Shepard could surprise in Week 12. Apologies for the inflections, Domingo (not really).
Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 51 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.6 fantasy points
Week 12 Bonus Flames
Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers
| Start pct. | 21% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Ravens |
Featured in this Fantasy Flames space last week, Johnston likely won’t have his fiery status extinguished. While the Ravens have shown some improvement defensively, they’re No. 21 in dropback EPA defense since Week 7, so questions still loom about their effectiveness on the back end. Johnston continues to generate splashy plays downfield, scoring a touchdown and registering at least 10 fantasy points in three straight games. Not to be overlooked, he’s top-15 overall among WRs in yards per target and yards per route run. Most eye-grabbing is his 143.1 passer rating when targeted, which sets the league pace among eligible wide receivers. What’s most appealing about Johnston is his likely primary assignment, CB Brandon Stephens. The ultra-friendly Baltimore defender has allowed a 73.0% catch rate, the third-most yards and a 130.0 passer rating since Week 6. On Monday night, another lightning strike is in the forecast.
Fearless Forecast: 3 receptions, 60 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.5 fantasy points
Theo Johnson, TE, Giants
| Start pct. | 2% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Buccaneers |
Clear the store of Rao’s. In New York, Tommy DeVito is back at the controls once again. The former Fighting Illini standout doesn’t have the strongest of arms, possessing more of a pea shooter than rocket launcher. Last season in 10 games, the beloved Italian-American averaged a pedestrian 6.4 air yards per attempt. However, in Weeks 9-16 with the elevated backup in the lineup, then-Giants starting TE Daniel Bellinger netted 2.7 receptions and 31.0 yards per game. This time around, Johnson stands to benefit most from DeVito’s promotion. With Daniel Jones taking snaps, Johnson enticed only 9.8% of the team’s target share, but he’s made the most out of his infrequent opportunities, tallying 11.3 yards per catch. Admittedly, this recommendation is a stretch, but given the rough bye, getting creative is a must.
Fearless Forecast: 3 receptions, 32 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 10.7 fantasy points
Season record: 14-15