Amidst the exhilarating climax of the NFL season, a lesser-known player has emerged from the depths of obscurity to captivate the attention of astute fantasy football enthusiasts. Craig Reynolds, a running back for the Detroit Lions, has quietly amassed an impressive resume in recent weeks, hinting at a potential breakout performance in Week 17.
Reynolds’ journey to fantasy relevance has been a testament to perseverance. Despite limited opportunities early in the season, he seized his chance when injuries sidelined star running back D’Andre Swift. In the last three games, Reynolds has accumulated 192 rushing yards and two touchdowns on a modest 33 carries.
Numerical data supports Reynolds’ recent surge. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he has recorded an impressive 3.95 yards per carry over the aforementioned three-game stretch. Moreover, his 76.9 elusive rating, which measures a player’s ability to avoid tackles, ranks him among the league’s top 15 running backs.
In Week 17, Reynolds faces a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears defense, which ranks 31st in the NFL against opposing running backs. The Bears have allowed the most rushing yards per game (166.7) and the second-most rushing touchdowns (25) this season.
Fantasy football analysts are taking notice of Reynolds’ potential. ESPN projects him to score 12.4 points in Week 17, making him a viable starter for managers seeking a late-season bargain. Rotowire similarly predicts a solid performance, estimating 10.9 fantasy points for Reynolds.
While Reynolds’ recent production is encouraging, there are some perspectives that temper expectations. Some argue that his statistics are inflated due to the weak defenses he has faced in recent weeks. Others point to his limited experience as a potential concern.
However, it is important to note that Reynolds has demonstrated impressive skills, including elusiveness, power, and the ability to create yards after contact. Moreover, his production has consistently increased with each opportunity he has been given.
For fantasy football managers, the emergence of Craig Reynolds presents an intriguing opportunity. As a relatively unknown player, he is likely available on most waiver wires. His favorable matchup and recent performance suggest that he could be a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their running back depth heading into the playoffs.
Craig Reynolds has emerged as a hidden gem with the potential to make a significant impact in fantasy football. His recent statistical performance, favorable matchup, and expert projections all point to a breakout performance in Week 17. While some skeptics remain, Reynolds has proven that he is capable of producing at a high level when given the opportunity. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters as a potential sleeper for the playoffs.
