QUARTERBACKS Shaun Hill, 49ers - Hill's Week 11 fantasy stats won't jump at you because he was too good against the Rams. His first-half performance was so efficient that he spent the second half handing off before giving way to J.T. O'Sullivan in garbage time. With QB1 numbers in his first two starts, it's time to pick up Hill in case you need him as an extra option during the fantasy playoffs.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks - Skepticism is still advised. Hasselbeck breathed a tiny bit of life into Seattle's offense, but it was far from a renaissance. Mike Holmgren conceded the division to the Cardinals after the game and hinted that the Seahawks will be playing for the future the rest of the way. With Hass still not fully recovered from back and leg injuries, he's not a great bet to stay active down the stretch in a lost season.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Joe Flacco, Ravens - Flacco has eight touchdowns in the last five games after managing just two in the first five games. His
Forrest Gump-like rushing ability is giving his fantasy value a decent boost as well.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
Kerry Collins, Titans - Collins won't give you that warm and safe feeling as you're plugging him into your lineup, but his last two games at least merit a pickup. With defenses stacking the box to stop the Titans dominant rushing attack, Collins has put up an average of 250 yards and 2.5 touchdowns against the Bears and Jags. He may be worth a pickup if you're unhappy with your backup situation.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
Daunte Culpepper, Lions - Stuffedpepper is playing poorly, but he's the kind of quarterback that can fill a stat sheet regardless. His 200-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Panthers is repeatable, but take note that he has the Bucs, Titans, and Vikings next on the docket.
Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bengals - The Harvard grad's 261-yard performance may have you thinking about adding him to your roster this week. Think again. The noodle-armed Fitz may be without the entire left side of his line as he travels into Pittsburgh in Week 12. Even if he survives the game, he's still going to be
Ryan Fitzpatrick facing the Ravens and Colts the following weeks.
Recommendation: Pass
WIDE RECEIVERSMark Bradley, Chiefs - I recommended Bradley as the top wide receiver option last week, but he's still unowned in about half of all leagues. The former second-rounder has averaged nine targets per game over the past month, and the Chiefs spread offense shows no signs of slowing down. He could easily remain a viable WR3 the rest of the way.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Deion Branch, Seahawks -
Matt Hasselbeck targeted Branch eight times in their Week 11 return to the lineup;
Bobby Engram, on the other hand, saw just two passes. If Hasselbeck has a go-to receiver, it appears to be Branch. Don't expect monster games in the Seahawks offensively challenged attack, but Branch may put up WR3 numbers in PPR leagues.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Justin Gage, Titans - The Titans nominal No. 1 receiver is back on the map after back-to-back four-catch performances totaling three touchdowns. Now healthy, Gage is a good bet to remain involved in the offense, but
Brandon Jones' presence makes it a guessing game as to who will have a better performance from week-to-week.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Brandon Jones, Titans - Jones had been emerging as the Titans best receiver over the past month before
Justin Gage returned to full health. The duo has been productive the past two weeks, but the Titans offense isn't likely to support a pair of fantasy receivers going forward. Gage is the safe choice, but Jones' athleticism could offer higher upside. The situation bears watching once again in Week 12.
Recommendation: Monitor in 12-team leagues
Jerry Porter, Jaguars - Porter remains more of a
Matt Jones handcuff as opposed to a realistic weekly option. If Jones' thigh keeps him out again or if the suspension finally kicks in, Porter could be a starting option. My inclination, though, would be to bypass Porter for third-receiver
Mike Walker. Now healthy, Walker has a much better chance of making noise come fantasy playoff time and makes for an interesting stash.
Recommendation: Monitor in deeper leagues
Michael Jenkins, Falcons - With 70-yard upside, Jenkins isn't my kind of WR3. If you're looking for a safe option to plug in for 50-70 yards weekly, however, Jenkins is your man.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
TIGHT ENDSDustin Keller, Jets - Last week I advised picking up Keller as a high-upside stash and plugging him into your lineup after he proves himself against New England. With an average of seven receptions for 97 yards the past two weeks,
Brett Favre's new safety blanket deserves the benefit of the doubt in your starting lineup. He's not yet owned in many fantasy leagues, so get him while the getting is good.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Jerramy Stevens, Buccaneers - Starter
Alex Smith missed Week 11 with an ankle injury, which gave the reprobate Stevens a chance to rack up 84 yards on six catches. The Bucs head into Detroit this week, so Stevens will have a prime opportunity to flourish again if Smith remains hobbled.
Recommendation: Monitor in 12-team leagues
Donald Lee, Packers - Lee has been a huge disappointment after his 2007 breakout season, right? Well, yes, but it's interesting to note that he could still come awfully close to last year's 48 receptions. Lee remains involved in the offense, but he's averaging a measly 7.0 yards per reception after posting 12.0 last year. Give him a look in PPR leagues if you're desperate.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
TEAM DEFENSEBroncos - Attractive waiver wire defenses are sparse this week, so the Broncos defense at home against an offensively challenged Raiders team qualifies as the best option. Denver did show improvement at Atlanta in Week 11, and the Raiders are always a decent bet for a goose egg. Roll the dice if you need a fill-in.
Browns -
Sage Rosenfels is the kind of quarterback that keeps both teams in the game by taking chances he shouldn't take. His 4-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and fumble per game average will leave opposing defenses plenty of opportunities for points. Throw in Josh Cribbs in the return game, and the Browns make for a decent choice this week.
With apologies to Jim Varney's
Ernest P. Worrell character, the waiver wired story of the week is
Earnest Graham's season going up in smoke. You know what I mean, Vern?
Graham's ankle injury leaves
Warrick Dunn as the clear starter in Tampa Bay and a probable fantasy RB2 the rest of the season. The news gets even better for Dunn: he goes into Detroit this week to face a tissue paper Lions defense that just gave up a franchise-record 264 rushing yards to the Panthers. That performance pushed the Lions past the Chiefs for the worst rushing defense in the NFL. In addition to his dream matchup this week, Dunn has a reasonable playoff schedule against the 17th ranked Panthers, 22nd ranked Falcons, and 14th ranked Chargers rush defenses in Weeks 14-16.
Here's how I see the rest of the Buccaneers backfield shaking out:
Clifton Smith's three fumbles in three games won't endear him to coach Jon Gruden, so expect the undrafted rookie to play in a change of pace role at best. Cadillac Williams is probably at least one more week away from contributing anything to the offense. Even if he returns to game action by Week 13, he's not a great bet for a steady role down the stretch. The former Rookie of the Year won't be the same player he once was, so let someone else in your league get distracted by the hype.
B.J. Askew is the favorite to take over short-yardage and goal-line duties, which makes him a decent flier in touchdown-heavy leagues. The upshot here is this:
Warrick Dunn is the only back worth owning in typical 12-team leagues.
On to the waiver wire. Here is how I rank the likely targets at each position. Full writeups of each player are below.
RUNNINGBACKS
1.
Warrick Dunn2.
Sammy Morris3.
Antonio Pittman4.
Pierre Thomas5.
Peyton Hillis6.
Selvin Young7.
Ahmad Bradshaw8.
J.J. Arrington9. Cadillac Williams
QUARTERBACKS
1.
Shaun Hill 2.
Matt Hasselbeck3.
Joe Flacco4.
Kerry Collins5.
Daunte Culpepper6.
Ryan FitzpatrickWIDE RECEIVERS
1.
Mark Bradley2.
Deion Branch3.
Justin Gage4.
Brandon Jones5.
Jerry Porter6.
Michael JenkinsTIGHT ENDS
1.
Dustin Keller2.
Donald Lee3.
Jerramy StevensDEFENSES
1. Broncos
2. Browns
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RUNNING BACKSWarrick Dunn, Buccaneers -
Earnest Graham's season-ending knee injury leaves
Warrick Dunn as the feature back in Tampa Bay. The 33-year-old makes for a reasonable RB2 the rest of the way, including a juicy Week 12 matchup against the Lions. Despite missing Weeks 8 and 9, Dunn is on pace for 1,000 yards and appears set for an even bigger workload through the fantasy playoffs.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Sammy Morris, Patriots - Morris' meager statline against the Jets doesn't engender great faith, but it's worth noting that he was on his way to a bigger workload. Once the Jets jumped out to a 24-6 lead, the Pats went into no-huddle comeback mode which kept
Kevin Faulk on the field.
Bill Belichick indicated Monday that Morris' carry total would have been higher had the Pats not been in passing mode for the last three quarters of the game. The veteran adds a much-needed power element to the Pats rushing attack and should resume lead back duties this week at Miami.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Antonio Pittman, Rams - The Rams have already ruled
Steven Jackson out for Week 12, which makes Pittman a decent one week fill-in. Keep in mind, however, that the Rams will be facing a hungry Bears defense looking to redeem itself after allowing
Ryan Grant's season-best performance in Week 11. With
Kenneth Darby's presence in the passing game also cutting into Pittman's value, Dunn and Morris are far more attractive pickups.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Pierre Thomas, Saints - The Rotoworld favorite would be higher on this list if it were not for two relevant factors: 1.
Reggie Bush is set to return this week and 2. Thomas' impressive Week 11 performance came against the Chiefs then-32nd ranked run defense missing a handful of starters.
As long as Bush makes it back for the Monday night game against the Packers this week, Thomas will left without a steady role. He is worth stashing, though, in case Deuce McAllister's four-game suspension for water pills kicks in at fantasy playoff time.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Peyton Hillis, Broncos - So what is a poor man's
LenDale White worth in the Broncos pass-happy offense? Mike Shanahan's backfield puzzle is always a tough read, but Hillis appears to be set as the short-yardage/goal-line back and could get a couple of receptions per game. With P.J. Pope showing impressive burst and Tatum Bell hanging around, Hills is a better option in TD-heavy leagues as opposed to yardage-heavy leagues.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Selvin Young, Broncos - The Broncos hope to have Young back by Week 13 against the Jets. You won't want him in your lineup for that matchup, but he would merit consideration in Week 14 against the Chiefs. Forward thinking could pay off come fantasy playoff time.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues
Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants - The new Stashman, Bradshaw is worth a roster spot on the chance that the Giants give the banged-up
Brandon Jacobs more of a rest down the stretch. Bradshaw would only need 12-15 carries to be worth a fantasy start in one of the playoff weeks, so stash him now if you have the roster space.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues
J.J. Arrington, Cardinals -
Tim Hightower is impressing no one the past two weeks with his hesitant style. If the Cardinals decide to stay with a pass-heavy offensive game plan, Arrington will continue to see significant playing time in the backfield. He's not going to match last week's touchdown production, but the yardage will come if he's on the field for a similar number of plays.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers -
Warrick Dunn will be the starter with
B.J. Askew the short-yardage back and
Clifton Smith in the change of pace role. Where does that leave Caddy? A couple of weeks away from seeing action and without a role when he does return. Keep an eye out for news of an increased role, but I remain skeptical in the meantime.
Recommendation: Monitor in deeper leagues
QUARTERBACKS Shaun Hill, 49ers - Hill's Week 11 fantasy stats won't jump at you because he was too good against the Rams. His first-half performance was so efficient that he spent the second half handing off before giving way to J.T. O'Sullivan in garbage time. With QB1 numbers in his first two starts, it's time to pick up Hill in case you need him as an extra option during the fantasy playoffs.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks - Skepticism is still advised. Hasselbeck breathed a tiny bit of life into Seattle's offense, but it was far from a renaissance. Mike Holmgren conceded the division to the Cardinals after the game and hinted that the Seahawks will be playing for the future the rest of the way. With Hass still not fully recovered from back and leg injuries, he's not a great bet to stay active down the stretch in a lost season.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Joe Flacco, Ravens - Flacco has eight touchdowns in the last five games after managing just two in the first five games. His
Forrest Gump-like rushing ability is giving his fantasy value a decent boost as well.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
Kerry Collins, Titans - Collins won't give you that warm and safe feeling as you're plugging him into your lineup, but his last two games at least merit a pickup. With defenses stacking the box to stop the Titans dominant rushing attack, Collins has put up an average of 250 yards and 2.5 touchdowns against the Bears and Jags. He may be worth a pickup if you're unhappy with your backup situation.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
Daunte Culpepper, Lions - Stuffedpepper is playing poorly, but he's the kind of quarterback that can fill a stat sheet regardless. His 200-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Panthers is repeatable, but take note that he has the Bucs, Titans, and Vikings next on the docket.
Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bengals - The Harvard grad's 261-yard performance may have you thinking about adding him to your roster this week. Think again. The noodle-armed Fitz may be without the entire left side of his line as he travels into Pittsburgh in Week 12. Even if he survives the game, he's still going to be
Ryan Fitzpatrick facing the Ravens and Colts the following weeks.
Recommendation: Pass
WIDE RECEIVERSMark Bradley, Chiefs - I recommended Bradley as the top wide receiver option last week, but he's still unowned in about half of all leagues. The former second-rounder has averaged nine targets per game over the past month, and the Chiefs spread offense shows no signs of slowing down. He could easily remain a viable WR3 the rest of the way.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Deion Branch, Seahawks -
Matt Hasselbeck targeted Branch eight times in their Week 11 return to the lineup;
Bobby Engram, on the other hand, saw just two passes. If Hasselbeck has a go-to receiver, it appears to be Branch. Don't expect monster games in the Seahawks offensively challenged attack, but Branch may put up WR3 numbers in PPR leagues.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Justin Gage, Titans - The Titans nominal No. 1 receiver is back on the map after back-to-back four-catch performances totaling three touchdowns. Now healthy, Gage is a good bet to remain involved in the offense, but
Brandon Jones' presence makes it a guessing game as to who will have a better performance from week-to-week.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Brandon Jones, Titans - Jones had been emerging as the Titans best receiver over the past month before
Justin Gage returned to full health. The duo has been productive the past two weeks, but the Titans offense isn't likely to support a pair of fantasy receivers going forward. Gage is the safe choice, but Jones' athleticism could offer higher upside. The situation bears watching once again in Week 12.
Recommendation: Monitor in 12-team leagues
Jerry Porter, Jaguars - Porter remains more of a
Matt Jones handcuff as opposed to a realistic weekly option. If Jones' thigh keeps him out again or if the suspension finally kicks in, Porter could be a starting option. My inclination, though, would be to bypass Porter for third-receiver
Mike Walker. Now healthy, Walker has a much better chance of making noise come fantasy playoff time and makes for an interesting stash.
Recommendation: Monitor in deeper leagues
Michael Jenkins, Falcons - With 70-yard upside, Jenkins isn't my kind of WR3. If you're looking for a safe option to plug in for 50-70 yards weekly, however, Jenkins is your man.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
TIGHT ENDSDustin Keller, Jets - Last week I advised picking up Keller as a high-upside stash and plugging him into your lineup after he proves himself against New England. With an average of seven receptions for 97 yards the past two weeks,
Brett Favre's new safety blanket deserves the benefit of the doubt in your starting lineup. He's not yet owned in many fantasy leagues, so get him while the getting is good.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Jerramy Stevens, Buccaneers - Starter
Alex Smith missed Week 11 with an ankle injury, which gave the reprobate Stevens a chance to rack up 84 yards on six catches. The Bucs head into Detroit this week, so Stevens will have a prime opportunity to flourish again if Smith remains hobbled.
Recommendation: Monitor in 12-team leagues
Donald Lee, Packers - Lee has been a huge disappointment after his 2007 breakout season, right? Well, yes, but it's interesting to note that he could still come awfully close to last year's 48 receptions. Lee remains involved in the offense, but he's averaging a measly 7.0 yards per reception after posting 12.0 last year. Give him a look in PPR leagues if you're desperate.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
TEAM DEFENSEBroncos - Attractive waiver wire defenses are sparse this week, so the Broncos defense at home against an offensively challenged Raiders team qualifies as the best option. Denver did show improvement at Atlanta in Week 11, and the Raiders are always a decent bet for a goose egg. Roll the dice if you need a fill-in.
Browns -
Sage Rosenfels is the kind of quarterback that keeps both teams in the game by taking chances he shouldn't take. His 4-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and fumble per game average will leave opposing defenses plenty of opportunities for points. Throw in Josh Cribbs in the return game, and the Browns make for a decent choice this week.