By MV November 23rd 2015
‘Tis the season of injuries. We saw a number of injuries again in week 11 with Justin Forsett and Joe Flacco both done for the year, Charcandrick West, Devonta Freeman, and Danny Amendola also left their games with injuries. Marshawn Lynch and Alshon Jeffery never saw the field. This is the time of year when some players begin to wear down and get hurt. It’s also the time of year where everyone is preparing and trying to get in the fantasy playoffs, so it’s a good idea to stack your bench and get ready to roll.
It’s a good idea to take a look at your leagues rules for playoffs if you are in the hunt. Most leagues do not allow pickups during the playoffs and you don’t want to get caught with an injury at the kicker, QB, or tight end position. It is a good idea to enter with some good backups. Also makes sense to look at the defensive matchups for week 14-16. The Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Kansas City Chiefs have some really soft matchups for the fantasy playoffs.
Quarterbacks
Matt Hasselbeck IND – The resurgence of a legend! Take it easy. Hasselbeck has a great start next week against the Buccaneers.
Brock Osweiler DEN – Happy Birthday Brock! Brock had 2 TD’s and 250 yards passing in his 1st career start.
Brian Hoyer HOU – This might be the stream play of the week as Brian is named the starter now back from a concussion. I am sure the Saints have made some post Rob Ryan adjustments and their defense will not be as bad as they have been, but with the Brees putting up TD’s in bunches Hoyer to Hopkins will be fun to watch.
Kirk Cousins WAS – Kirk has a decent schedule from a fantasy perspective down the stretch (NYG, DAL, CHI, BUF and PHI) and can be teamed up with another stream option for this week against Carolina.
Running Backs
Thomas Rawls SEA – I am not sure that Marshawn will play again this year, or again for the Seahawks, or again period. I have so many questions and so little information. The fact is that Rawls looks to be the next starting running back for the Seahawks.
James White NE – As I was typing his name he caught a TD pass from Brady. He is a nice add in PPR leagues as the weapons are being depleted in New England.
Javorius Allen BAL – AKA Buck Allen is now the lead back for the Ravens with Justin Forsett breaking both bones in his forearm. Buck saw a lot of volume catching 5 of 6 targets and also rushed 22 times. He will carry the load down the stretch.
Spencer Ware KC – Chracandrick West strained his hamstring in the week 11 blowout over the Chargers. Hamstring injuries can be tricky, everybody is different. Ware should be definitely added as a handcuff to West, but can also be a speculative add if you miss out on Rawls or Allen.
Tevin Coleman ATL – Reports are in that Devonta Freeman should start this weekend against the Vikings, but it’s time to add Coleman if you are a Devonta owner, or are just desperate. It is handcuff season.
Robert Turbin DAL – As expected Robert Turbin has been added to the Dallas roster to back up the frail Darren McFadden. He is worth an add in all formats on the chance that DMC cannot finish the season healthy.
Shaun Draughn SF – Shaun was targeted an RB weekly high of 11 times and caught 8 of them for 40 yards. He gained 37 yards on 12 carries as well. That’s not horrible in PPR considering where he played. Shaun will be the lead back for the team down the stretch.
Jordan Todman PIT – I will give you two words to believe in handcuffs in Pittsburgh: DeAngelo Williams.
Wide Receiver
Chris Harper NE – Next man up. I am not sure how serious the Danny Amendola knee injury is yet, but it looks here in the 4th quarter like Chris will be the Edelman/Amendola replacement.
Dwayne Harris NYG – It really looks like Dwayne is taking over as the #2 WR in this offense. Reuben Randle has been relatively ineffective this season and Harris could see an increase in targets down the stretch. Don’t read too much into the Hakeem Nicks signing this week.
Roddy White ATL – Well he got the volume I was talking about last week, but he just didn’t do much with it. 4 of 9 caught for 24 yards. I still like him to get some looks as the Falcons high-powered offense makes a push for the playoffs. Hands of Stone Hankerson is back and also drew 7 targets, but I don’t know why he gets any looks at all. His drops are ugly.
Marquess Wilson CHI – Alshon’s in then he’s out, then he’s in, and then he’s out. Meanwhile Wilson had a 100 yard game. He is a big dude that is proving to be a starter in the NFL.
Anquan Boldin SF – Did he get dropped in your league in the midst of the Gabbert era and injury? Well he and Gabbert looked pretty well connected yesterday in Seattle. Boldin has great hands and will be a chain mover in this weird decent offense for the next 6 weeks.
JJ Nelson AZ – It’s tough to assume that he will have a major role in this offense, but he is worth a look after the monster game he had on Sunday night. He’s definitely worth picking up in dynasty or super deep leagues as a bench stash.
Tight End
Zach Miller CHI – Zach came down to Earth a bit, but still had a decent outing with 3 catches for 47 yards. With Alshon out Miller will pick up some of the slack in double TE formations.
Brent Celek – The veteran will get an up-tick in volume if Zach Ertz is out with a concussion for Thursday’s game.
Vernon Davis DEN – VD caught all of his 6 targets and looks like Brock gets it. VD is a freak when he is properly used and motivated.