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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.
Bucky Irving, Buccaneers
| Start pct. | 21% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Giants |
| BetMGM line | Buccaneers -5 |
| BetMGM total | 42 points |
| BetAlytics projection | N/A |
Running back by committee is a phrase that, when uttered in the presence of fantasy gamers, sends a shiver down spines.
The coaching approach elicits confusion, amplifies frustration and drives avoidance. And while it makes complete sense in reality, the deployment pushes fantasy managers to the edge, triggering undesirable gambles when split-forced RBs are used out of necessity.
With the most hellish bye week upon the fantasy masses — six teams are on a one-week siesta — counting on an RBBC member is practically inevitable.
This week, welcome Irving to the circle of trust.
The Buccaneers travel to the city where football always sleeps — at least in 2024 — New York. Hey, for the Giants, we’ve again reached the Tommy DeVito portion of the season. Ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom, BABY!
Much has been made of Daniel Jones’ incompetence, but outside of Tyrone Tracy and Malik Nabers, the franchise is woefully below average across the board. On defense, the Giants have served the competition nothing but milk and cookies.
Since Week 7, no team in the NFL ranks lower in rush EPA defense. Over that span, the Giants have allowed 5.25 yards per carry, 173.4 total yards per game, four touchdowns and the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs.
Irving has worked in concert seamlessly with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. On 44.4% of the team’s opportunity share, the fourth-round pick from Oregon has averaged 5.6 yards per touch and surpassed 11.0 fantasy points (in 0.5 PPR) in six of 10 games.
A deep dive shows just how much Irving has stood out.
According to Pro Football Focus, his 3.78 YAC per attempt ranks No. 3 among qualifying RBs, and his 30 missed tackles forced is No. 13, tied with Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard. Really, Irving is balling in moderate doses.
Bury your RBBC bias and start Uncle Buck with supreme confidence.
Fearless Forecast: 13 carries, 55 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 14 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14.4 fantasy points
Week 12 Bonus Flames
Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders
| Start pct. | 47% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Cowboys |
Hey CBS, is it still possible to flex the second Thanksgiving Day game? Forget the tryptophan. Enduring Giants-Cowboys for three-plus hours next Thursday is the ultimate sleep inducer. Before the snooze sets in, Robinson is primed to invigorate the senses. Dallas, after all, is the mother of all matchups. No defense ranks lower in rush EPA. Little D has conceded 4.61 yards per carry, 111.1 rushing yards per game, 14 total touchdowns and the second-most fantasy points to RBs. On 61.4% of the team’s opportunity share, Robinson has delivered quality RB2 numbers in 12-team leagues. Even more impressive, he’s top-20 in both YAC per attempt (3.57) and yards created per touch (3.90). He should top 70 total yards for the fourth-straight game and find the end zone. Start the man, even in 10-teamers.
Fearless Forecast: 17 carries, 72 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 1 reception, 6 receiving yards, 14.3 fantasy points
Najee Harris, Steelers
| Start pct. | 57% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Browns |
Winds are expected to whip off Lake Erie at a sustained 20 mph with gusts approaching 40 mph. Add in a steady rain/snow mix (1-3 inches of in-game snow accumulation is possible), and the weather Thursday night in Cleveland could be frightful. The winter taste is picture perfect for a Pittsburgh pads-cracking power runner forged for the cold. Earning 62.6% of the team’s opportunity share, Harris has scored 13 or more 0.5 PPR points four times this season. Terrifically, he’s notched 3.03 yards after contact per attempt and trails only Arizona’s James Conner in total missed tackles forced with 46. Most advantageous, Cleveland’s defense has slipped into the deep dark waters of the adjacent lake. Over the last five weeks, the Browns are No. 26 in rush EPA D. Given Mother Nature’s likely impact and the premium matchup, Harris plows through the competition and the potential white stuff.
Fearless Forecast: 18 carries, 74 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 1 reception, 5 receiving yards, 14.4 fantasy points
Season record: 16-15