Every Thursday on 1500ESPN’s Fantasy Football Pants Party, Anthony Maggio and Bo Mitchell field their Ballsy teams—a full fantasy lineup comprised only of players available in at least half of ESPN.com leagues. Each week Zoneblitz.com will publish a preview, with Maggio’s top-rated at each position among the Ballsy-eligible players.

Ryan Fitzpatrick at Jacksonville

Fitzmagic’s six touchdown passes against Tennessee last week were almost as impressive as his kid’s multiplication prowess in the postgame presser. Jacksonville is no pushover on defense and is frankly much friendlier against the run than the pass, but there’s not a lot to like at quarterback in the half-price bin these days.

 

Dan Herron at Cleveland

Herron only out-touched Trent Richardson 10-8 in Week 13, but his 49-yard touchdown scamper rewarded fantasy owners and showed for the second straight week who the better back was. Indy returns to Richardson’s former home, where I’m sure he’d love to show the Colts that they weren’t totally ripped off. Problem is, they were. The Browns are a neutral matchup at best against the run, but as always in this space, I’m banking on opportunity when it comes to my running backs.

 

Kenny Stills vs. Carolina

Stills has 33 targets the last five weeks, including 15 the last two since Brandin Cooks was lost for the season that resulted in 13 catches for 260 yards and a touchdown. And now he gets a Carolina defense among the league worst in fantasy points allowed to receivers. This is a dream matchup for a weekly starting-caliber player.

 

Jordan Reed vs. St. Louis

Though St. Louis is good at limiting fantasy tight end points, the position has been a wasteland in the last month or so, and Reed is finally healthy. Colt McCoy has shown a propensity to throw to his tight ends, as evidenced by Reed’s 11 targets last week. And that was with DeSean Jackson in the game. Jackson may miss this week, which would give Reed even more chances. Once again, opportunities are what we’re going for here.

 

Connor Barth vs. Buffalo

Brandon McManus couldn’t muster up fantasy value kicking for Denver, but it didn’t take Barth long to figure it out. The Bills are a neutral matchup against kickers, but a good enough defense overall that I think they’ll hold Manning and company a few times in or near the red zone, giving Barth multiple opportunities and a great shot at a second straight double-digit game.

 

Vikings DEF vs. NY Jets

The Jets were already one of the friendliest offenses to opposing fantasy defenses, and that was before Geno Smith got his job back. New York threw the ball only 13 times all game—five of which came on the final drive with the Jets trailing and under two minutes left. Minnesota, meanwhile, continues to be solid on defense and now has three games with 16 or more fantasy points in its last six contests. Less than another double-digit effort would be a disappointment.

 

For even more Ballsy picks of the week, listen to 1500ESPN’s Fantasy Football Pants Party.