National Football League

Better late than never: Time for Johnny Football

Published Dec. 2, 2014 6:20 a.m. ET

John Halpin

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said Monday that he hasn't yet decided who his starting quarterback will be for Week 14, but he'll announce his decision on Wednesday. It seems likely - but isn't a lock - that Pettine will make the move to Johnny Manziel, who looked pretty good in limited action against the Bills on Sunday.

It's not clear if Manziel is ready to be a successful NFL quarterback, but that doesn't mean he can't help fantasy owners. While they're not the same player, the name I keep thinking of is Tim Tebow, who was a top-10 quarterback on a per-game basis in 2011 despite completing fewer than half his passes because he wasn't shy about running (sometimes on designed plays, but sometimes not). Manziel showed his improvisational skills on Sunday, capping his first drive with a 10-yard touchdown run. He'll run often, and that's good for us fantasy folk. Manziel's matchups versus Indy (Week 14) and at Carolina (Week 16) are QB-friendly, but Week 15 against the Bengals will be a stiffer challenge.

If you're ready to take a leap of faith tonight that Pettine will do the right thing (fantasy-wise, of course), some fantasy QB2s that can be waived in favor of Manziel are Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick, Andy Dalton, and Eli Manning (though Eli has a soft Week 14 matchup against the Titans). I haven't done my weekly rankings yet, but I'll have Manziel in my top 12, and would strongly consider starting him over Philip Rivers (@ NE), Ben Roethlisberger (@ CIN) and possibly Matt Ryan (@ GB). #JohnnyFantasyPlayoffs is ready to help you, if Mike Pettine lets him.

In other news ...

Cardinals RB Andre Ellington has a hip pointer, and his status for Week 14 is TBD. According to the Arizona Republic, the Cardinals would stick with Marion Grice in Ellington's absence, along with Stepfan Taylor and maybe new acquisition Michael Bush. Grab and stash Grice if you own Ellington.

In other Cardinals' news, the team expects Larry Fitzgerald (knee) to practice Wednesday. Let's see if it actually happens.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray is "close" to returning from his concussion, according to head coach Tony Sparano, but has not yet been cleared.

Broncos TE Julius Thomas (ankle) sounds optimistic that he'll return this week, but with fellow TE Virgil Green helping the running game so much with his blocking, Thomas figures to see fewer snaps than he did earlier this season.

Terrance West has been "careless with the football," according to Browns' head coach Mike Pettine. Owners of Isaiah Crowell must be happy to hear Pettine say that.

Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams fractured a bone in his right hand on Sunday. If he can't play at New Orleans, Jonathan Stewart becomes a solid flex option.

The Bills aren't saying if Sammy Watkins' hip injury will affect his Week 14 status. Stay tuned.

The Ravens don't seem concerned with Torrey Smith's knee injury.

Redskins WR DeSean Jackson left Sunday's game with a bruised right fibula. Head coach Jay Gruden said that it "looks like he'll be okay with time ... we don't know how long that'll be." OK, then.

Here's an article detailing why Saints TE Jimmy Graham was shut out in Week 13. Don't panic, Graham owners. He'll be fine.

Titans WR Justin Hunter is expected to miss Week 14 (at least) due to a lacerated spleen. QB Zach Mettenberger might play this week despite suffering a sprained right shoulder.

The Falcons expect WR Roddy White (ankle) to return Monday night at Green Bay.

See you back here Friday morning.