There's a lot that goes into building a successful fantasy lineup. While we like to spend a lot of time patting ourselves on the back for getting big games from players like Tom Brady and Julio Jones, often it's the unheralded players who can make the biggest difference. That's why we're celebrating the Small Victories -- the lesser-known players who may have contributed to your weekly fantasy football glory and those who could help lead you to the winner's circle in the future.
That was then...
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks: Plenty of words were written this past offseason about how Lockett was a prime candidate to break out in 2016. Yeah, about that ... it took until Week 13 for the speedy Seahawk to post a quality fantasy outing. It's totally understandable if you'd given up on Lockett by now. If you did, you missed his 138 scrimmage yards (75 rushing!) and a touchdown. Maybe it happens again next week on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, but are you confident enough to put him in your lineup?
Brandon LaFell, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: There's no real clear-cut answer as to who will be the top wideout target in the Bengals offense now that A.J. Green is on the shelf. For this week, the answer was Brandon LaFell. The veteran receiver hauled in five of his seven targets for 95 yards and a score in the win over Philadelphia. Nonetheless LaFell will continue to compete with rookie Tyler Boyd for targets. Don't believe that this is the start of something big.
Ted Ginn, WR, Carolina Panthers: It was a big week for spot start receivers. Though it might not be fair to consider Ginn a spot start when he's been the most consistent Panthers pass-catcher over the past few weeks. Ginn caught a touchdown for the third straight week while posting 80 receiving yards. His history makes him more of a weekly ceiling play than a floor play. But when you hit that sweet spot, it's a pretty good feeling.
This is now...
Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams: I know, I know. Trusting Gurley has been a fantasy fool's errand this season. But if he can't get untracked against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, then it's probably not going to happen for him this year. Then again, we've written this sort of thing before and Gurley hasn't done much to overcome it. So this could be the dictionary definition of insanity.
Christine Michael, RB, Green Bay Packers: Michael earned a larger share of carries in last week's win over the Texans, pushing James Starks further down the pecking order. For a team desperately seeking some semblance of a running game, it could be time for an Awakening. Plus, with the Seahawks on the docket for Week 14 ... REVENGE!
Ladarius Green, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers: All of our Ladarius Green fantasy dreams began to come true in Week 13 with 110 yards and a touchdown. He has a chance to back up solid performances against a Bills defense that has struggled defending the middle of the field against tight ends. In a world where quality tight end play is desperately needed, Green's elevated play couldn't come soon enough.
Marcas Grant is a fantasy editor for NFL.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarcasG or on Snapchat at marcasg9.
