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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.
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Bengals
| Start pct. | 1% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Broncos |
| BetMGM line | Bengals -3 |
| BetMGM total | 49.5 points |
| BetAlytics projection | N/A |
Forget various toiletries, candies or gift cards. When it comes to stocking stuffers, lottery scratchers are the ultimate gift — the Saquon Barkley of the category. The odds are rather unfavorable and sometimes the themes are a bit goofy, but, as clearly printed on each card, players are always one scratch away from instant riches.
In fantasy Super Bowl week, Iosivas is the ultimate lottery ticket.
At first glance, a matchup with Denver appears intimidating. Since Week 12, the team is No. 4 in EPA per play defense and No. 4 in dropback EPA defense. With Patrick Surtain II blanketing top targets and an aggressive pass rush ranking No. 2 in pocket pressure percentage, the Broncos have often stunted opponents' vertical attacks. Overall, they’ve surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
However, not every link in the chain is strong. Slot receivers have logged measurable success against Denver. Why? Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian has been a punching bag. In his last five games, he’s allowed a 70.0% catch rate and the sixth-most yards (285) of any NFL defensive back.
The 6-foot-3 Iosivas, who’s registered nearly half of his snaps in the slot, towers over his diminutive 5-10 assignment. Averaging 31.8 routes run per game, the Princeton product should grab Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow’s attention on occasion, especially in the red zone. Since Week 9, Iosivas has scored three times.
Yes, it’s a long shot, but that's the entire point of this outside-the-box series since its inception nearly 20 years ago.
Slide a crisp Abe Lincoln into the machine, select your favorite $5 scratcher and grab a quarter. The overlooked Bengals receiver could score riverboat gamblers a jackpot.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 44 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 12.4 fantasy points
Week 17 Bonus Flames
Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, Commanders
| Start pct. | 1% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Falcons |
You want more #TeamHuevos. You demand more #TeamHuevos. This CEO of #TeamHuevos gladly delivers exactly that. Zaccheaus is only rostered in the deepest of leagues, but his coverage matchup is undeniably stellar. With REVENGE likely top of mind, the former Falcons wideout is slated to see a ton of Atlanta slot cornerback Dee Alford. Since Week 12, Alford has given up four touchdowns, a 69.2% catch rate, a 137.2 passer rating and the sixth-most yards (236) of any DB. For a target who consistently generates breathing room — Zaccheaus is No. 8 among all WRs in route win percentage — and is coming off his finest fantasy performance of the season (8-5-70-2 vs. Eagles), the clash is quite intriguing. Rolling the dice isn’t for the faint of heart, especially in your championship game, but the data tells a very compelling story.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 41 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 12.1 fantasy points
Noah Fant, TE, Seahawks
| Start pct. | 4% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Bears |
Iowa churns out tight ends like grandma bakes holiday cookies this time each year. George Kittle, Sam LaPorta, T.J. Hockenson and Fant are just a few former Hawkeyes. Oh, and Tony Moeaki. No disrespect. Fant should be a game-plan focal point for Chicago. The Mice of the Midway’s zone-centered defense has been a production factory for opposing TEs. Over the last five weeks, the Bears have allowed the second-most fantasy points to the position, yielding 5.6 receptions per game, 78.0 receiving yards per game and three touchdowns. Fant has sprinted out on a route 72.4% of snaps played, notching the ninth-most average separation yards per target (2.26). The Seahawk hasn’t scored since 2022, but his yardage output alone could guide him to TE1 numbers in 12-team formats.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 60 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14.0 fantasy points
Season record: 21-24