FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKUPS: Week 16
By Gayle Saunders
Lets get ready for week 16! The moment you’ve been waiting for should finally be here. I’m assuming you’re in the championship finals like myself and playing for the prize. Now even though I believe in the ”if its not broke then don’t fix it” rule, There might be one or two guys that could help your lineup last minute. Below are some pick ups for this week. As always Good luck this week and stay thirsty my friends!
QUARTERBACKS
Matt Moore -Miami Dolphins - Its safe to say that any QB going up against the Patriots will put up numbers…enter Matt Moore. Don’t front on Moore, as he’s had at least one TD in five straight games with nine TDs in that time frame. The Patriots have given up multiple TDs to six of the last eight QBs they’ve faced. #NUFFSAID
Rex Grossman – Washington Redskins - Grossman again? Yes again! He gets the Minnesota Vikings who have been shredded like taco meat these days. In the last 9 games they’ve given up 25 touchdown passes. Yup I did not studder.
Kyle Orton – Kansas City Chiefs - Last but not least Mr. Kyle Orton is relevant again . Last week he quietly put up close to 300 yards against the Packers and this week he gets the Raiders Defense who have allowed multiple TDs in the last 7 games.
RUNNING BACKS
Donald Brown -Indianapolis Colts - Brown came to life last week against the Titans and showed and proved that he is not a bust. He had 161 on the day and 1 TD. Look at the numbers Brown has had 3 TD’s in the last 4 games. My only concern is he faces a tougher defense this week with the Texans…so he’s a risky start, but if your in need feel free to deploy.
Kahlil Bell – Chicago Bears – Bell had 15 carries for 65 yards and caught five passes for 43 yards with a touchdown in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Seahawks. The fact that the Bears offense has been super shaky and they play the recently Lets get ready for week 16! The moment you’ve been waiting for should finally be here. I’m assuming you’re in the championship finals like myself and playing for the prize. Now even though I believe in the “if its not broke then don’t fix it” rule, There might be one or two guys that could help your lineup last minute. Below are some pick ups for this week. As always Good luck this week and stay thirsty my friends!
QUARTERBACKS
Matt Moore -Miami Dolphins - Its safe to say that any QB going up against the Patriots will put up numbers…enter Matt Moore. Dont front on Moore, as he’s had at least one TD in five straight games with nine TDs in that time frame. The Patriots have given up multiple TDs to six of the last eight QBs they’ve faced. #NUFFSAID
Rex Grossman – Washington Redskins - Grossman again? Yes again! He gets the Minnesota Vikings who have been shredded like taco meat these days. In the last 9 games they’ve given up 25 touchdown passes. Yup I did not studder.
Kyle Orton – Kansas City Chiefs - Last but not least Mr. Kyle Orton is relevant again . Last week he quietly put up close to 300 yards against the Packers and this week he gets the Raiders Defense who have allowed multiple TDs in the last 7 games.
RUNNING BACKS
Donald Brown -Indianapolis Colts - Brown came to life last week against the Titans and showed and proved that he is not a bust. He had 161 on the day and 1 TD. Look at the numbers Brown has had 3 TD’s in the last 4 games. My only concern is he faces a tougher defense this week with the Texans…so he’s a risky start, but if your in need feel free to deploy.
Kahlil Bell – Chicago Bears – Bell had 15 carries for 65 yards and caught five passes for 43 yards with a touchdown in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Seahawks. The fact that the Bears offense has been super shaky and they play the recently embarrased Packers…the Bears could be passing heavily and will probably be playing from behind. (Which translates to catches out of the backfield and extra garbage fantasy numbers)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Demaryius Thomas – Denver Broncos - The young Thomas is starting to put up consistent numbers with 18 catches for 338 yards and three TDs over the last three games. Tebow is looking his way folks and has now become his “go-to” guy. He gets Buffalo this week and is a solid play for sure!
Nate Burleson – Detroit Lions - With Megatron playing across from him he finally got his swag back last weekend with seven catches for 81 yards and a TD against the Raiders. If you play in a PPR league feel free to give this guy a play.
Derrius Heyward Bey - DHB put up sick numbers last week vs the lions with eight catches for 155 yards and a score against the Lions. Any Raider fan will tell ya he’s hot & cold and when he’s hot he’s HOT. He had a decent game the last time he face the Chiefs so fee free to deploy as a flex play or WR3. He’s a risky play though you’ve been warned.
Jabar Gaffney – Washington Redskins – Last week Gaffney caught a team high six passes for 85. The week before he hauled in six passes for 92 yards with a touchdown. The facts folks… Gaffney has caught at least five passes and 72 yards in four of the last five games. He has a good matchup against a weak Vikings secondary.
TIGHT ENDS
Brent Celek – Philadelphia Eagles - Some people (which is odd) have not picked up on Celek yet. He’s been a solid play ever since his coming out party against the Cowboys. Last week he had a monster game vs the Jets where he had five grabs for 156 yards and a score. The sad part is he almost had another score on a 73 yard catch & run. He is being targeted heavily these days over the middle and on TE screens. He needs to be picked up if he’s out there in your league.
Jared Cook – Tennessee Titans – Cook finally showed some decent numbers last week when he had nine catches for 103 yards on the Colts D. You have to hope that the Titans get pass heavy vs the Jags for Cook to duplicate these numbers! If in need and your a gambling man look Cook’s way.
DEFENSE
Washington Redskins- You saw what the Redskins defense did to the Giants right? The Redskins played tough and had three sacks and three interceptions. When your facing a team whose lost 6 consecutive games like the Vikings and has turned over the ball 16 times in that time fram… its a no brainer folks!
Tennessee Titans - I know they came up lame against the Colts …BUT the Jaguars have only scored more than 14 points one time this season. Let me remind you were in the 16th week. Numbers don’t lie. Packers…the Bears could be passing heavily and will probably be playing from behind. (Which translates to catches out of the backfield and extra garbage fantasy numbers)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Demaryius Thomas – Denver Broncos - The young Thomas is starting to put up consistent numbers with 18 catches for 338 yards and three TDs over the last three games. Tebow is looking his way folks and has now become his “go-to” guy. He gets Buffalo this week and is a solid play for sure!
Nate Burleson – Detroit Lions - With Megatron playing across from him he finally got his swag back last weekend with seven catches for 81 yards and a TD against the Raiders. If you play in a PPR league feel free to give this guy a play.
Derrius Heyward Bey - DHB put up sick numbers last week vs the lions with eight catches for 155 yards and a score against the Lions. Any Raider fan will tell ya he’s hot & cold and when he’s hot he’s HOT. He had a decent game the last time he face the Chiefs so fee free to deploy as a flex play or WR3. He’s a risky play though you’ve been warned.
Jabar Gaffney – Washington Redskins - Last week Gaffney caught a team high six passes for 85. The week before he hauled in six passes for 92 yards with a touchdown. The facts folks… Gaffney has caught at least five passes and 72 yards in four of the last five games. He has a good matchup against a weak Vikings secondary.
TIGHT ENDS
Brent Celek - Philadelphia Eagles - Some people (which is odd) have not picked up on Celek yet. He’s been a solid play ever since his coming out party against the Cowboys. Last week he had a monster game vs the Jets where he had five grabs for 156 yards and a score. The sad part is he almost had another score on a 73 yard catch & run. He is being targeted heavily these days over the middle and on TE screens. He needs to be picked up if he’s out there in your league.
Jared Cook - Tennessee Titans - Cook finally showed some decent numbers last week when he had nine catches for 103 yards on the Colts D. You have to hope that the Titans get pass heavy vs the Jags for Cook to duplicate these numbers! If in need and your a gambling man look Cook’s way.
DEFENSE
Washington Redskins- You saw what the Redskins defense did to the Giants right? The Redskins played tough and had three sacks and three interceptions. When your facing a team whose lost 6 consecutive games like the Vikings and have turned over the ball 16 times in that time frame…its a no brainer folks!
Tennessee Titans - I know they came up lame against the Colts …BUT the Jaguars have only scored more than 14 points one time this season. Let me remind you were in the 16th week. Numbers don’t lie.
Fantasy Football – Week 3 Pickups
By Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
QB’s
Week 3 Pickups
Josh Freeman – Buccaneers Believe it or not Freeman has been a top-10 quarterback each of the first two weeks and is also tied for sixth-best on the season, Freeman has four TDs . He’ll face the Steelers in Week 3, and then he’ll be on a bye. You might be ready to play him after that.
Kyle Orton – Denver Orton has produced for the Broncos and for fantasy owners in 2010. Orton’s targets are Eddie Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Jabar Gaffney, and Daniel Graham. There is some potential in that group, especially with Thomas back and healthy. .
Alex Smith – San Francisco Smith has some nice weapons to play with in San Francisco, which always make him worth a start depending on the opponent. Right now he’s struggled to get Crabtree in the mix…once they get their chemistry back things could get brighter.
Mark Sanchez – New York Jets Sanchez got busy in the 2nd half against the Patriots. He had 3 passing touchdowns. You have to remember that the Jets will continue run the rock with Greene and Tomlinson, which doesn’t mean huge numbers in the passing game but he has his good days ahead of him as Dustin Keller has come alive.
Bruce Gradkowski – Raiders Bruce gets the nod. either way you can expect a gutsy performance. Keep a watch on him, he could provide a spark plug for the passing game in Oakland. But don’t plan on relying on Gradkowski as your savior.
Jimmy Clausen – Carolina Clausen is a shaky start, but if you need someone to fill in he’s worth putting in. The Panthers tote the rock heavy and will rely on the run game more than Clausen’s shoulders.
Ryan Fitzpatrick – Buffalo Fitzpatrick has been named the starter in Buffalo, Its tough to see a huge upside for the Buffalo offense. But Ryan is 5-4 as a starter that is the only positive I have for you. The Bills offensive line is really suspect and their big receiving threat is Lee Evans. (I’ve been waiting years for him to produce for fantasy) No Bueno!
RB’s
Thomas Jones – Kansas City Todd Haley continues to rely heavy on the savvy vet Thomas Jones. Jamaal Charles is always a threat to steal carries or some how take his position. Charles is the more explosive option, but Thomas Jones is getting more touches case and point.
Marshawn Lynch – Buffalo Lynch got allot of love and was used heavily on Sunday, but will still has Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller to deal with going forward. He might be worth a bench spot depending on your situation and desperate need.
Donald Brown – Indianapolis Brown got a nice amount of touches on Sunday. He touched the ball 17 times against the G-men and brought in a score. Brown is def worth a bench spot on your roster.
Michael Bush – Oakland Problem is Darren McFadden has been doing his thing this season, where does that leave Michael Bush. Bush is no longer a starting option however he should steal touches from McFadden down the road.
Jason Snelling – Atlanta Snelling had a tremendous game filling in for Turner and Norwood. The Falcons will rely on the run as much as possible, Michael Turner pays the light bill, but Snelling will get his “shine on” from time to time. Turner’s groin is back to normal so they say but keep Snelling on your bench in the time being.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – New England Patriots did have the Wutang of Running backs however, Maroney and Faulk are now gone…that’s right gone! So between Fred Taylor & Sammie Morris look for Green-Ellis to get some carries in there. Bill Belichick will rely on no feature back, which scares us all!
Mike Tolbert – Chargers if you own Ryan Mathews Tolbert should be looked at. He had a good game in his opener against the Chiefs, he had two carries for 26 yards. Mathews left with an injury and Tolbert got 95 total yards and two scores. Important fact is Tolbert got his first score while Mathews was still in the game. Looks like you can add “vulture” to Tolberts resume. He is a must-grab for any Mathews owner.
John Kuhn – Green Bay Brandon Jackson didn’t quite impress like we thought he would as a starter, Which allowed Kuhn to steal some carries. Kuhn could likely see 5-8 carries a game. Kuhn is an option if you are desperate.
Rashad Jennings – Jacksonville Maurice Jones-Drew didn’t play the whole game, which opened up a window for Jennings to get some stats. Jones-Drew will lock on to the starter position as the main feature. Jennings is worthy to hold a spot on your bench, nothing more nothing less. Maurice Jones-Drew goes down he’s your guy!
Chris Ivory /DeShawn Wynn– New Orleans
Reggie Bush is probably out up to 4-6 weeks, DeShawn Wynn or Chris Ivory will be happy to take some snaps from Thomas. Ivory is still nursing an injury so Wynn looks like he has a slight advantage. If healthy Ivory is my pick though.
WR’s
Devin Hester – Chicago Many people let Hester go after week 1, It might be time to go scoop him back up! He rebounded nicely in week 2 and is worthy of starting position, especially since Devin Aromashodu got the bench. Jay Cutler has out performed himself this season and with the numbers up as well as attempt he’s bound to get in the mix. Knox is considered thee guy in from the WR corp. If you cant get him your next best target is Hester.
Demaryius Thomas – Denver Thomas was out week 1 due to injury. He made his NFL debut last week and he had an impressive 8 grabs with 97 yards and a TD. Denver has a need for a big wide receiver, and Thomas is that guy!
Louis Murphy – Raiders With Gradkowski in the mix he could be targeted early and often. Last week Murphy had 6 catches for 91 yards and a score. He was the No. 1 receiver for the Raiders this past Sunday. Raiders next 3 opponents are Arizona, Houston and San Diego expect them to try and air it out.
Kevin Walter – Texans You cant ignore that he now has scores in both games this season. His stat line in the comeback against the Redskins were 11 receptions and 144 yards. With Owen Daniels not completely healthy they look to involve Walter a bit more.
TE’s
Dustin Keller – New York Jets In week 1 Keller was a no show stats wise. However Keller pulled in 7 receptions, 115 yards, and a touchdown PLUS 9 targets in week 2. Look for Mark Sanchez’s to favor Keller down the stretch. Even though the Jets are run heavy, Keller could still be productive.
Marcedes Lewis – Jacksonville In week 1 Lewis had 2 targets BUT they were both for touchdowns. In week 2 he pulled in 5 receptions and 70 yards with 9 targets however he did not score. If your in need grab him up now..but if you can wait make sure you keep your eye on him this week and act fast…that’s if he is still there by then.
Tony Moeaki – Kansas City Moeaki has a whopping 14 targets and a score in 2 games which has put him on the fantasy map. Look for Matt Cassel to rely on him in the passing game. The kid has upside, and could possibly be the teams second leading receiver behind Bowe
Aaron Hernandez – New England Hernandez had 6 grabs for 101 yards against the Jets, In week 1 he was targeted only twice. But for a rookie you have to admit he’s off to a good start, he has to compete with the like of Moss & Welker and fellow rookie TE Rob Gronkowski. Keep your eye on his production, It looks like Brady’s confidence is already there with the youngster.
Brandon Pettigrew – Detroit Against the Eagles Pettigrew pulled in 7 receptions and 108 yds with 8 targets. Pettigrew is definitely talented but you have to remember Tony Sheffler is still hanging around as well. Either way you look at it, he’s worthy of keeping your eye on for the next couple of weeks until he shows us that he can be consistent.
Week 12- Fantasy Football Pickups
WEEK 12 – FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKUPS
By Gayle Saunders follow him on twitter: GayleESaunders
If you are looking for a free agent or waiver wire pickup, here are a couple of the best options likely available in your league. With major injuries all around the league its time to get smart and make sure your Fantasy team is ready for the playoffs.
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QUARTERBACKS
Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford is not playing this week, but if you may need a qb down the road come playoffs when your stud is sitting out, Matthew Stafford might have got some confdence going on from last weeks game passing for 422 yards 5td. Not to shabby eh? Look for favorable matchups if you deploy Stafford. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tennessee Titans- Vince Young is now 8 for 8 of his last starts. That is 4 straight victories, since he took over at QB for the 4-6 Titans. The improvement is real. Young continues to play with a high level of confidence While he might not be the best passing option, he makes up for it with his legs. Against the Texans, Vince had 73 yards rushing so you know he is always a threat to score on the goal line on a qb sneak. If your at need at QB he may be a safe option depending on opponent.
San Francisco 49ers- Alex Smith could have a big day against The Jaguars who have only 10 sacks on the season and they dont get many turnovers. He has one of the top TE’s in fantasy in Vernon Davis and with Michael Crabtree coming into his own, Smith is a safe bet against Jacksonville. If in need go get Alex Smith!
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Washington Redskins – Rock Cartwright With injuries to the backfield in Washington it makes Cartwright a no brainer pickup for this week. Clinton Portis is still dealing with the concussion and Ladell Betts tore some knee ligaments. He had 140 combine yards and 7 receptions last week. Go get him while he is still there. He looks like he could average 20 touches a game down the road.
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Indianapolis Colts – Donald Brown , With the rate Indianapolis Colts are going in… they look ready to be a lock for home field advantage with a couple more wins. With this potential scenario for the fantasy playoffs, he may be safe to deploy since the Colts are always known to rest players. It would be a perfect time for them to evaluate his talent. If your looking for creative ideas in crunch time, he could be worth a shot.
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New England Patriots – Sammy Morris- before he got injured he was getting touches. If you cant get Kevin Faulk , your next pick is Sammy Morris in deeper leagues. With one game under his belt he might be ready to get more reps. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TIGHT END
New York Giants- Kevin Boss Boss has scored 4 touchdowns in his last three games, if he is still there take a look. He may even be worth a trade, if your TE’s have been ineffective, he’s your guy.
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Green Bay Packers – Jermichael Finley- proved to be fully healthy in his Week 11 return, leading the team with 10 targets while posting seven catches for 54 yards. A high-upside borderline TE1 going forward, Finley has a dream matchup this week. A must pickup!
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Oakland Raiders – Zach Miller- The only reliable receiving option this season, Miller responded pretty well to the quarterback change with 5 cathhes for 65 yards and 1 score against Cincy last week. Miller and the Raiders offense have tough matchups the next two games, but like I said he is the only reliable option for the Raiders.
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WIDE RECEIVERS
San Diego Chargers- Legudu Naanee is worth a look, he isnt catching tons of passes, but he is an explosive player and had two touchdowns in 2 straight games for the chargers.
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Tennessee Titans – Kenny Britt with Vince Young playing well you have to look at Kenny Britt. We spoke of him last week and he came up big for a score in week 11. If your hurting at receiver he’s worth a look.
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St. Louis Rams – Brandon Gibson He was targeted as many times as Wes Welker last week (17 times). The only problem is that Marc Bulger went down. With an average of six catches for 77 yards on 13 targets the past two weeks, Gibson is worth a roster spot if you’re in need of a receiver.
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Philadelphia Eagles- Jason Avant- The Eagles slot receiver is coming off two of his top three fantasy performances of the season. Give him one more week to prove to you that he is worthy.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Antonio Bryant- Is over his knee issues, thus sending Maurice Stovall back to the bench. During fantasy playoffs he may be wortha play in week 15 against the Seahawks secondary.
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New Orleans Saints – Robert Meachem – We’ve recommended adding Meachem the past two weeks, and he’s delivered with three scores against the Rams and Bucs. Meachem is well worth a roster spot in the Saints’ fast-break offense, but he remains a high-risk/high-reward fantasy play.
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