Pickups

Danny Amendola, WR, STL - Mark Clayton has said that he believes his injury is season-ending.  Whether or not this is true, he will miss significant time and lose his rhythm in the offense and with Sam Bradford.  Amendola hauled in 12 catches for 95 yards on 19 targets in week 5, combine that with amazing catches like the one below from Week 4 and you have Sam Bradford’s new favorite target.

Michael Crabtree, WR, SF - The new Offensive Coordinator of the 49ers has done a good job thus far getting the ball in the direction of Michael Crabtree.  Last week was the best game of his young career, catching 9 balls for 105 yards and a score. If you own Crabtree you may want to wait a week before you start him… but if you have some bye-week concerns or injuries then go ahead and start him.

Roy Williams, WR, DAL – He isn’t getting his job back, but he does have Dez Bryant hovering just above my Dump List at the moment.  His emergence has provided the balance in the passing game that we thought Bryant would.  Opposing defenses can’t double cover both guys and still contain Felix Jones who had a big game in the Cowboys tough Week 5 loss.

Pierre Garcon, WR, IND – No one expected there to be only one TD in this game and that it would go to Mike Hart.  Peyton Manning had a pretty bad game by his standards with below a 60% completion percentage, but Garcon was on the field for most of the 2 WR sets and led the team with 14 targets. The Colts are banged up and seeing Manning look to Garcon that much definitely means he deserves a spot on someone’s roster in every league.

Kenny Britt, WR, TEN – A general rule of thumb recently is “don’t start your Titans receivers” is still in effect… but the Cowboys don’t have a terrible secondary and Vince Young made them look pretty silly. Britt is a home-run threat and if you are in serious trouble at the WR position, he could have a couple of huge games in good match-ups this season.

Buccaneers, D/ST, TB – In week 8 they are at Arizona, at home against the Panthers in Week 10, and facing the Redskins, Lions and Seahawks in Weeks 14-16 for your playoffs.  If you are struggling with your defense, snatch these guys up after their second 14 point game of the season.  The Buccaneers are the real deal.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, BUF – What is this? Consistent play from a QB in Buffalo? REALLY? Over 200 yards, 3 TDs and no INTs for Fitz this week make him a surprisingly valuable backup QB.  I know had I went with him over Sam Bradford this past week, I would have won my match-up.  I know it feels dirty to pickup a Bills QB… but as long as you don’t need one in Week 6 Fitz needs to be seriously considered.

Felix Jones, RB, DAL – When I was on @ThaSPORTSKRIB last Thursday, we all joked about how it is an annual tradition that the Cowboys “want to give Felix Jones more touches”.  While I don’t blame us for taking it with a grain of salt… looking back we should have upgraded him a bit more than we did.  It appears to finally be something they are going to DO rather than TALK ABOUT.

Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAC – It seems that every week a TE makes this list… and that speaks to the depth of the position that I have been talking about all season.  If you need someone this week, look no further after the Titans allowed Jason Witten’s best game of the year.

Steve Johnson, WR, BUF – You will need to be in a deep format, or major injury/bye week concerns… but since that sure does happen Steve Johnson has 4 TDs in the past 3 games.  Too bad he is on the Bye in week 6, but keep an eye on this surprisingly productive receiver from a bad offense.

Dump List

Ladell Betts, RB, NO - Ivory and Betts split carries evenly this week, but Betts will lose almost ALL of his carries when Thomas returns.  Ivory is a much better pass catcher and third down back that Ladell is despite catching 5 passes this past week.  The fumble he had also makes it more likely that the Saints look to Thomas to handle the goal line duties as well.

Mark Clayton, WR, STL - Usually I don’t put injuries in this list… but not everyone closely watches the Rams and Lions so they may not be aware of his injury yet.  Get rid of him.

Lance Moore, WR, NO – Given the recent struggles of the Saints offense, I am staying far away from everyone but Brees, Thomas and Colston.  Moore did nothing in Week 5 and proves to be too inconsistent to ever be comfortable with him in your lineup.

Kevin Walter, WR, HOU – Andre Johnson WILL get his targets and catches.  He is too difficult to cover anywhere on the field.  Jacoby Jones was always the guy that soaked up too many targets for Walter to be valuable to fantasy owners.  Jones was out this week and Walter did terribly.  He wasn’t alone as a disappointment on the Texans, but I couldn’t start Walter if I owned him so why keep him?

Kenneth Darby, RB, STL - I still got some Darby questions this week.  Steven Jackson is the reason that Steven Jackson is so productive.  It has NOTHING to do with the offensive line, or the QB.  He has the ability to overcome any obstacles his own team can throw at him.  Darby is not that guy and even remotely considering him with a healthy Jackson is a terrible idea.  He isn’t even a valuable handcuff… go get Javon Ringer or something.

Jason Snelling, RB, ATL – A terrible game against the Browns brings Snelling out of fantasy relevance almost as quickly as he emerged.  The Falcons don’t use him unless they have to and unless you want him as a handcuff to Turner he needs to go!

Legedu Naanee, WR, SD – If you were wondering why you saw that much of Buster Davis… Naanee left early with a hamstring injury.  He was on the bubble before this game and getting hurt pushes him to the Dump List.  You can do better than him.

Cadillac Williams, RB, TB - The RB situation in TB is a mess.  A successful mess.  They will ride the hot hand until someone proves that they deserve feature carries.  No need to own any TB RB so drop Blount if you picked him up last week too.

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Pickups

Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN – This rookie impressed a lot of people in the off season and even though he missed all of the preseason, Thomas fully participated in practice this week.  Clearly waiting until he was 100% was the way to go as the rookie totaled 97 yards and found the end zone in a sound whipping of the Seahawks.  I still am most confident in Eddie Royal, but Thomas was a sleeper pick of mine before his injury held him out of the preseason.  Nice to see him being an impact player immediately upon his return.

Mike Williams, WR, TB - Some of you more avid fantasy football researchers might not think of this as someone who should be available, but Yahoo! says he is owned in only 38% of leagues and after TD’s in each of his first two games Williams is a steal to grab off of waivers.  There is some undeniable chemistry between Williams and 2nd year QB Josh Freeman that could make this duo something special as they develop throughout their careers together in Tampa Bay.

Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE – Just when it looked like Gronkowski was going to be the best TE for fantasy owners Hernandez has a breakout game topping 100 yards.  I don’t think you should rely on him on a week to week basis but if you are still not comfortable with Owen Daniels, it is worth noting that Buffalo is very good at stopping receivers but not-so-much with TE’s.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, BUF – This is a bit of a reach and you may think I’m nuts, but I dropped Fred Taylor for Lynch right before game time Sunday.  I am not naive enough to think that he will be productive in a Buffalo Bills uniform, but after hearing the trade talk about Lynch I figured now is the time if they are going to deal him at all.  After seeing Lynch get 17 carries to Jackson’s 9, I am relatively certain that the Bills were showcasing him to the Packers and any other interested teams.  He did a very good job given how inept the offense truly is.

Jason Snelling, RB, ATL - Turner left after totaling 75 yards on 9 carries in Week 2 with a groin injury.  It was later said that Turner was cleared to return to the game, but with the performance of Snelling and the game in the bag there was no reason to push his return.  This was smart considering how costly it was for Turner and the Falcons when they tried to rush him back the week after hurting his ankle last season.  Snelling is not likely to see significant work with Turner in the mix, but he is a great handcuff who could certainly be effective with a feature-role in this offense.

Mark Clayton, WR, STL – I still don’t anticipate Clayton making the top 30 in my rankings, but if him and Sam Bradford keep this level of production up, I won’t be able to deny it for very long.

Mike Tolbert, RB, SD – Tolbert is not someone I would reach for unless we hear that Mathews is inactive for Week 3.  Since Mathews stayed in uniform after his injury it is possible he would have been available in a pinch… but I for one would not be surprised if the Chargers rest their prized rookie against the Seahawks who shouldn’t be a big problem.

Kevin Walter, WR, HOU - Jacoby Jones was a popular sleeper for fantasy owners on draft day and Kevin Walter has been completely under the radar.  Not anymore.  Walter finished Sunday as the leagues number 2 receiver, 14 yards behind teammate Andre Johnson.  I am not convinced he should be started just yet, because Schaub won’t throw for 500 yards every week… but he certainly earned a spot on a bench in all but the smallest of leagues.

Dump List

Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN – The Vikings have had a terrible passing attack so far this year and because of this they are discussing a Vincent Jackson trade with the Chargers.  Berrian is not getting the job done at the top of the depth chart and I don’t see that changing any time soon.  Hopefully for Favre they scrape out a couple wins and not be out of the playoff race by the time a quality number one receiver shows up, whether its Rice or Jackson.

Jabar Gaffney, WR, DEN – Gaffney is not a viable fantasy option that anyone should be relying on.  Both Demaryius Thomas and Eddie Royal look to be better athletes than Gaffney is and if he is Orton’s third best option then he is not an option for us.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL – I hate to do it to a legend, but Fantasy Football leagues are even more cut-throat than the NFL and with how deep the talent pool is at TE I would not be able to trust Gonzo any more.

Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG - Clearly a game in prime time is past Jacobs’ bedtime because after performing poorly last night his helmet “accidentally” found its way into the stands.  Temper tantrums are for children, not professional athletes.  Bradshaw’s workload will continue to increase.

Derek Anderson, QB, ARI – If you aren’t in a 2 QB league Anderson is not worth a roster spot for any extended period of time.  If a good match up coincides with your guys’ bye week then you can pick him up the week you need him.

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The Falcons are one of three teams in their division that have the tools at their disposal to make the playoffs.  They are coming off their second consecutive winning season (franchise first) and after a slight decline in Matt Ryan’s production last year there is considerable pressure on the third year quarterback.  Last season this team was plagued with injuries to their top performers and this ultimately kept them from seriously competing for a playoff spot.  Michael Turner disappointed many owners by not being able to stay healthy going into the fantasy playoffs and due to this I have seen him fall to late in the first round. Do not be fooled he is the 6th ranked player overall and he has plenty of value that deep as it is.  Missing the playoffs last season was a by-product of injuries and growing pains, I fully expect to see growth from this young emerging team.

Fantasy Relevant Players

Michael Turner – As I said he is my number 6 ranked player, I expect at least 1200 yards from Turner this year and if he can stay healthy for all 16 games he could come close the the 1600 in his breakout year in 2008. As a side note, If you are interesting in drafting a handcuff for Turner you want Jason Snelling, not Jerious Norwood.

Roddy White – His statistical destiny is in the hands of Matt Ryan.  I like his odds.  With that said I hope to have drafted one of the receivers ranked in that elite group of five that are above him.  If you are not able to get one of them while he has some risk attached White is the best option.

Matt Ryan – In plenty of the mock drafts I have seen and participated in Ryan has fallen down to around the 10th drafted at his position.  He is not someone I would target on draft day, but if he slips and you miss out on Flacco then Ryan had plenty of upside.

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Love

Randy Moss (NE) – Jaguars allow the 6th most yards per game in the air, and Moss is coming off a good game against a really good secondary.  Moss is set to have a great game for your Super Bowl match-up.

Aaron Rodgers (GB) - Oh, what it must be like to have one of the hottest QB’s in the league go against the worst ranked passing defense in the league.  You’ve been looking at this match-up hoping it would be relevant, and if it is congrats!

Vincent Jackson (SD) – He has been an elite guy all year until his brief cold streak, and boy has he bounced back (Just in time to get you into the Super Bowl too).  The Titans passing defense has its wholes and has been burned by the big play all year, although less since they found an offense in week 6 or so.  Rivers loves his favorite target and should be set to have a big game this week.

Drew Brees (NO) - If there is any team you want to play after your first loss it’s the Bucs.  The Saints are going to let a little frustration out against this two win ball club.

Adrian Peterson (MIN) – He only had 35 rushing yards last week but with his long passing play in junk time he was able to get a very respectable fantasy total last week.  The Bears are not as good as the Panthers, and the Vikes have a chip on their shoulder with the media TOTALLY OVER-REACTING about a sideline conversation that was “heated” although for the life of me it looks like they are talking normally to me… We all need to remember these are two passionate guys trying to win a game… will they get carried away when talking to people? Yup! Do we all get carried away when discussing what we are passionate about? YUP!  With the hits that Favre took Peterson will get his chance to establish the run in order to slow the pass rush.

Frank Gore (SF) – The 49ers offense has been striving for balance lately and they have a really soft defense to practice on this week.  Anyone you have from the 9ers is worth a start and an upgrade from how you would normally use them.

Cedric Benson (CIN) - Jerome Harrison just had the third biggest rushing performance in NFL history and Benson had been one of the most often used backs in the league despite missing two games with an injury.  He is set to have a great game this week and could possibly top 200 yards himself.

Beanie Wells (ARI) – Wells broke a hundred yards last week and might well do it again as they face the terrible Rams.

Ryan Grant (GB) – Two weeks ago he had a breakout game, and last week he held his own against a very stout rush defense.  This week its the struggling Lions that might be without Stafford, which means that the offense wont even be able to allow their defense to rest.

Fred Jackson (BUF) - With the Bills turning their failed hopes and dreams to a new QB this week there is no downside here.  Either he is inconsistent and can’t often utilize all the offensive weapons, or Brian Brohm’s mobility helps him extend plays and make positives out of negatives.  Early in this game you have to expect them to try to get going on the ground.  This would help Brohm find a rhythm and get going at his own pace.  Freddie just eeked out a top 20 spot this week, or will have once my updated ranks come out  against the 20th ranked rushing defense allowing 118 yards per game!  (Oh and you faithful few actually reading during the very beginning… you remember? just read the Terrell Owens section)

Jason Snelling (ATL) – I don’t see Turner rushing back after a third straight ankle injury, so the guy that is proven to get the most carries in his absence is Snelling.  This Bills defense is the worst in the league against the run, and they are very picky through the air.  I don’t have any idea why you would drop back to pass unless you absolutely had to against the Bills.

Michael Crabtree (SF) - He’s been more and more a part of the offense since he came onto the team, and there will be plenty of yards to be shared this Sunday.

Steve Smith (CAR) - Ever since Matt Moore has started taking the snaps Smith has been relevant again.  All them INTs clearly had Delhomme too afraid to take a chance and let that stud

Brent Celek (PHI) – The Broncos have a strong enough defense that they can limit DeSean Jackson’s chances deep.  In order to do this they are going to have to drop 3 back deep almost every play and Celek should have a big day over the middle.

Vernon Davis (SF) – Davis is making a bid to be considered the top TE in football this season.  He’s among the top TD catchers in the league and is facing the Lions, gotta love it!

Hate

Visanthe Shaincoe – I’ve said it before, Bears linebackers are very good at covering TE’s.

Matt Ryan – Bills shut down Brady fantasy-wise.

Ray Rice – Tone down expectations given the match-up.

Rashard Mendenhall – Tone down expectations given the match-up.

Kyle Orton – I would have a tough time starting Orton this week with the ball hawks in the secondary for Philly.

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Weekly Adds

Jerome Harrison (CLE) - He just had the third best running performance in NFL history on Sunday and he plays the 28th ranked run defense in the league next week.  Even if your not gonna use him you grab him so no one else can.  Also, don’t use him… this is the third week in a row where one of the two Browns RB’s have been one of the waiver wire’s hottest pickups.  Think about that, everyone was bidding for Harrison two weeks ago, then they dropped him for Jennings, and now your gonna drop him to pick back up Harrison?! Yea, your going to but your not likely going to use him!  DeAngelo Williams owners are the ones who should be thinking of using him, not really anyone else.  In my league I am making a claim but have AP, Benson, Forsett, and use my flex to play DJax, Moss, and Miles Austin each week.  I only want Harrison because my opponent has DeAngelo.

Jonathan Stewart (CAR) - I’ve been saying to grab up any available handcuffs for a couple of weeks, and if you found the best backup RB in the NFL (yardage-wise) sitting on waivers then you’ve got to be pretty pleased right now.  DeAngelo Williams is hurt, and without knowing how active he will be in Week 16 in which you are probably playing in your Super Bowl, Stewart will likely be seeing the vast majority of the work.  Oh, and he went over a hundred yards against Minnesota to help Matt Moore and the Panthers get a victory.

Maurice Morris (DET) - I wasn’t too wild about Morris going into this week, but then again I didn’t expect the Lions to be competitive with the Cardinals.  So you can’t be wild about the prospect of him playing the 49ers this week, but if Stafford comes back they will be able to get balance and Morris will have a chance to be decently productive.  If you lost Williams and have to go to waivers to replace him you could do worse, but try for Harrison.

Hakeem Nicks (NYG) – We’ll have to see how he does tonight to let us know how bad we want him, but he faces one of the top passing defenses in football.  If he can do it tonight he can do it any time and is deserving of a spot on your roster.

Jason Snelling (ATL) – Turner hurt his leg after just one rush for 7 yards Sunday.  I would not expect to see Turner test this too much as the Falcons playoff hopes remain dim despite the win.  Snelling will still be splitting with Norwood and is not a great option but worth a spot on your roster.

Jermichael Finley (GB) – Finley has been doing great as of late.  He is looking to be near or in the top 10 this week in my rankings as the Packers continue to use him to create phenomenal match-ups over the middle.  A few weeks ago I saw him lineup and tailback then motion to the wide-out position and catch a TD pass from inside the ten yard line.

Dump List

I’m going to include a fair few people I have had on here before so any new readers can double check and make sure they don’t have any people they really should drop.

Marshawn Lynch, Devin Hester, LeSean McCoy, Mario Manningham, Ryan Moats, Julius Jones, Brian Westbrook, Dwayne Bowe, Willis McGahee, Tim Hightower, Malcom Floyd.

Feel Free to participate in my live Q&A on Yahoo! Sports Message Board.  Good Luck in your Super Bowl or Playoff match-up!

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Love

Pierre Garcon (IND) – Great match-up and Wayne will be taking it easy.  Even if he plays every snap they wont really be sending Wayne over the middle, but it will just be safe routes that can’t bang him up any further.

Mike Sims-Walker (JAC) - His team is going to be in a shoot out, and he’s been great in home games this season.

Miles Austin (DAL) – Despite losing twice the Cowboys have still had big plays and moderate success on offense.  The Defense is letting them down which only means the passing game will be relevant the whole time.  Austin is a good start this week as well.

Marques Colston (NO) - He’s out of his slump and finding the end-zone.  And on that offense he’s a threat on every play.

Derrick Mason (BAL) – The Bears secondary has been weak and if you think Mason isn’t tough you need to check out his TD grab on Sunday…

Anquan Boldin (ARI) – If Fitz doesn’t see any decrease in play time he will do better than Boldin, but that wont matter much because the Cards are mad and have two soft opponents to beat up on for your playoffs.

Andre Johnson (HOU) – Overshadowed by Marshall’s day Sunday, but I expect Johnson to have a better two game span than Marshall with a good match-up Sunday.

Chris Johnson (TEN) - If VY is banged up these guys still have a chance.  Young changed the attitude in Tennessee since he took over and should he miss time or be limited they will lean on CJ and that is great for you.

Jamaal Charles (KC) – Even when the Chiefs can’t put points on the board or throw the ball really at all, Charles still finds a way to preform quite well in Fantasy terms.

Thomas Jones (NYJ) - Even if Ryan comes back I think Turner doesn’t and the Jets control this game.  Jones has quietly been a top back this year and has a nice match-up for the week I face him in the league I commish!

DeSean Jackson (PHI) - Your definitely going to want to be starting Jackson when he sets the NFL record for most number of 50+ yard TD plays.  Two last week and the 9ers don’t have that good of a secondary.  (they beat the Cards with pressure not coverage.

Knowshon Moreno (DEN) - There likely wont even be anyone for him to split carries with against a great match-up.  This is the match-up you’ve been looking forward to so play him!

Antonio Bryant (TB) – My sleeper pick of the week is Bryant, he is an amazing talent on a team that cannot utilize him well.  Freeman has shown flashes of brilliance this year, and while the last two match-ups were nightmares, Seattle’s pass defense is no one’s nightmare.

Adrian Peterson (MIN) -You gotta love that against a statistically very good rushing D last week.  Favre wont be the focal point of this offense unless they need him to be.  The Carolina secondary is the strength of the defense so why not hand the ball off to Peterson all day?

Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) - Sleeper pick for sure but Jacobs is a bum so do not be afraid to play Bradshaw in the flex if you need him.

Hate

Roddy White (ATL) - Revis island… its like a Bye week when your starting QB is playing…

Ryan Grant (GB) – Against the Steelers there is no RB that I love.  Despite their troubles defending the run is what they do.

Matt Forte (CHI) - You hate him too… and versus the Ravens?! Sit him!

Jason Snelling (ATL) – That Jets defense will confuse the array of back-ups the Falcons will likely be playing with.

LeSean McCoy (PHI) -If you own him you hate him by now and do not need my urging to sit him down!

Jonathan Stewart (CAR) – Expectations even need to be lowered for Williams, but you’re gonna have to start him.  Minnesota’s Defense is even more tough and confident with Winfield back!

Eli Manning and Steve Smith (NYG) – All the Skins do is defend the pass and they are used to playing Eli and Smith.

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Pick-ups

Well if your league is like mine then you are entering the last week before the playoffs start this week!  Time to earn your week 14 bye or solidify your playoff spot.  At this point in the season Weekly additions are hard to come by and typically injury related.  So lets use this chance to cover all eventualities that could hurt you down the stretch!  Some of these pick-ups will be all wrong for your team and are not a concern, but if you have a roster spot up in the air due to concussions… (who doesn’t… honestly!) then having one of these players may pull you out of a tough jam!  This week I will be going by position and talking about the most likely available people at each spot.

QB

Alex Smith (SF) – This QB was expected by most to be inside the top 10 Sunday with a very good match-up against Jacksonville.  If you are among the people nervous about the Warner or Roethlisberger injuries then Smith can provide relief.  Apart from a 2 point flop against Chicago, Smith has provided double digit fantasy points in each game he appeared (including his second half against Houston).

Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUF) – This is a big stretch, but there are leagues out there that start two QBs and have 12 or 14 teams, given the injuries and uncertainties in some of the NFL franchises you can do worse than Fitz.  Given that Brady and Brees haven’t played yet this week Ryan Fitzpatrick sits at number 3 among all fantasy QBs (as always based on ESPN standard scoring) and he played a very solid Dolphins defense.  This team is on a bit of a turn around at the moment, and in a fantasy perspective this guy out performed almost everyone… including both Manning’s, Schaub, Rivers, Romo, and McNabb!

Vince Young (TEN) – His style has never been effective in translating to fantasy productivity, and I do not see anything changing.  From a real perspective Young looks polished, disciplined, and like a leader as the Titans needed!  You shouldn’t ever need Young to break 20 points but you can rely on double digits from how it looks.

RB

Three of the top four RBs in fantasy football this week were at the beginning of the season were virtually nobodies!

Justin Forsett (SEA) – This guy has been on add lists all over the place including my own, and for good reason.  Number one fantasy back honors for week 12 against a phenomenal match-up Sunday vs the Rams.  If your league managers have been in a closet for three weeks it’s not too late, grab him now!

Fred Jackson (BUF,)  -  Being in Buffalo I have heard a lot about the Jackson Lynch time-share today and it is going flip what we have been expecting and seeing since the duo got together.  Jackson is expected to become the starting back and Lynch will be a compliment to him.  Fewell has this team believing in itself and on a short week Jackson is a solid RB2 down the stretch assuming the Bills stay on this path!

Jamaal Charles (KC) – Again, If your fellow managers have been living under a rock don’t think it’s too late this guy is on the rise!

Lex Hilliard (MIA) – Williams had another very good game this week in a tough loss to the Bills, but he is 32 and cannot handle the workload Ronnie Brown had, Hilliard has been productive when he gets carries which will be increasing all the rest of the season.

Jason Snelling and Jerious Noorwood (ATL) – Turner owners are at a loss for words after he re-injured his ankle after the surprising and stupid decision to test the ankle so soon.

WR

Jason Avant (PHI) – DeSean Jackson has a concussion and owners should expect a week or two off, Avant is a great addition to any team that needs help these weeks, but especially to those of you who lost Jackson!

Kenny Britt (TEN) – This team is scary good since Young started taking snaps and everyone is benefiting greatly, Britt becomes a decent flex or WR3 choice from here on out.

Antonio Bryant (TB) – 91 yards and a TD Sunday and because of his injury he is available in over 50% of Yahoo! leagues.

Chris Chambers (KC) – If you were skeptical before you really can’t be any more…

TE

I heartily recommend that owners ignore stats other than fantasy points allowed to tight ends.  They require the defender to have a unique skill set to cover in the passing game, only certain teams have players capable of keeping a TE consistently covered.  And also many times a team’s offensive success HURTS the tight end as if the receivers are getting open deep the check down is not used.

Fred Davis (WAS) – Davis broke double digit points this week with a TD catch and is available in 87% of leagues.  Been some injuries at the position this season and there is no reason to keep adding and dropping based on match-ups.

Bo Scaife (TEN) – Again, this team is on the swing, and Scaife’s targets will be up.

Dump List!

Hester, Moats, Lynch, Julius Jones, Westbrook, Bowe, McGahee (still owned in over 50% of Yahoo! leagues… I can’t believe that!)

Good Luck making the last minute playoff push! Remember, you can submit questions to me on twitter by following me (see the link above!) and get answers right away as well as featured in my weekly mailbag post!

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Love

The Seahawks! – against the Rams, who love to give up big points to the passing game.  Forsett will have a huge game too!

Jason Snelling – he is no Michael Tuner, but he’ll do! ESPN is projecting 123 yards and two TD’s I won’t go that far but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did it!

Marion Barber – Raiders are terrible and Barber will be the workhorse to get this offense back on track.

Michael Crabtree – Look at what Ryan Fitzpatrick was able to do to this Jaguars defense.  I expect Crabtree’s second consecutive game with a TD.

Cedric Benson and Chad Ochocinco – Two studs at their position against a team that let the Lions score at will, gotta like the odds!

LeSean McCoy – He looked great last week and should have a monster game versus a soft run D that is also the top passing D.

Ricky Williams – Bills did contain MJD pretty well last week but that is the only back all season that they can say that about.  Trust the history more than the single performance! (for all Bills players!)

Brandon Jacobs – Ahmad Bradshaw was on crutches tuesday and now has two injured feet!  Jacobs will be the primary back again… If he wants to keep his career going he needs to step it up.  I think he will!

Hates

T.O. – Phins are too good on D to trust the inconsistency at QB

Matt Forte – great run D and unless he gets it done in the air he shouldnt do much at all!

Matt Shaub – Coach Kubiak keeps ruining this team by taking away thier balance.  Without a running game they cannot be successful, and CHRIS BROWN GOT MOST THE CARRIES?! Over Slaton!? Insanity!

Pierre Thomas – This should be a shootout, and Thomas doesn’t get the goal line carries.

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Rock Cartwright – After Betts was carted off the field midway through the first quarter on Sunday Rock Cartwright was thrust into the lead role. From the time he became the lead guy he racked up 13 carries for 67 yards, as well as showed ability in the passing game as well being targeted 8 times for 7 catches and 73 yards. Portis is already ruled out for week twelve so Cartwright is set to have a good game versus an okay match up in Philly next week making him my pickup of the week.

Terrell Owens – Its just weird typing his name in the Pickup of the week article to be honest, but with his best game of the season coming the week after a new head coach and starting QB and installed, you’ve got to figure that TO is set to benefit from these moves. T.O. Would have been on my dump list for the last month if the site had been up that long, so if he was let go GRAB HIM UP! Owens will be a flex play at best until the Bills can prove they are consistently able to get him the ball. Next week you should be safe to start him versus a Miami defense that has played mediocre at best this season.

Fred Jackson – Fast Freddie is an explosive back that wears down a defense over the course of the game. In the first three games of the season Jackson was a very serious fantasy threat. Given the offensive woes he was unable to find the end zone very much if at all, but yardage wise he was a big surprise. Lynch was carted off the field Sunday with a shoulder injury, and will likely be a game time decision. If Lynch cannot go Sunday, I would expect to see a pretty good fantasy game from Jackson.

Kahlil Bell – The Bears RB got the first carry of his NFL career and scampered for 72 yards. I know I almost fell outta my chair… but that was largely because I thought that Forte finally was gonna break 100 yards rushing! If you are in a very deep league or have a playoff birth in the bag and a dead-spot in your roster grab Bell and wait to see what happens. The Bears have re-dedicated themselves to the run as to give Cutler a chance to utilize the play action and keep opposing defenses guessing. If Bell can show that he has the ability to handle a larger work load he’ll get the chance and Forte would be pushed to more of a third down back. This is a long shot, so you had better have the ability to probably never play him.

Chris Chambers – had another really good game this week with Bowe on suspension. Three more weeks of Chambers being the top guy so if you have an injury issue or are light at WR go ahead and grab Chambers… he should put up solid performances at least while Bowe is out!

Kevin Boss – 4 TD’s in his last 3 games. The Giants and the Falcons looked much improved this week, and the Giants has a record that will keep them in the playoff hunt. Boss is a nice outlet for Manning who seems to like him in the red zone.

Jason Snelling and Justin Forsett – I am gonna lump these two together as they were number one and two on my add list last Monday. Snelling barely eeked out the top spot on the list last week, and did not disappoint. In Turner’s wake he was the second highest scoring back in the league on Sunday. Forsett had a terrible match-up versus a stout Vikings pass D Sunday and still managed to show his worth to fantasy owners that were desperate with the slew of injuries this week. While not a single point gained was on rushing yards (only 9), Forsett still managed 80 yards receiving and punched in a goal line carry for a rushing TD. Forsett is very unlikely to lose the top spot on the depth chart when Julius Jones returns, so he should be an option down the stretch, however Snelling is only likely to see one more game as the lead back and that should be with Jerious Norwood back sharing some time as well.

Alex Smith – If you have injury or bad match up concerns at QB or are in a 2 QB league Smith has a relatively easy schedule for the rest of the season and while his play has been inconsistent he sure could do some good getting you through a rough patch.

Dump list!

Dwayne Bowe has three more weeks of suspension left to go, and wasn’t producing all that well before. I wouldn’t trust him after a month off and very few games left in the season.

Felix Jones couldn’t even produce when Jerry Jones was screaming that he needed the ball more.

Roy Williams looks like he will indeed be too inconsistent to be a good fantasy football option

Devin Hester has seen his targets AND production on a sharp decline in the past few weeks, and I expect this trend to continue. It is a stretch to just drop him, but if TO or Chambers is there, I say make the move.

Kyle Orton totally collapsed last season after he hurt his foot, I’m scared for Orton AND the Broncos.

Ryan Moats – Can someone please make sense of whaat Coach Kubiak is doing here… cuz I can’t…  Slaton looked explosive off the ball, and you could SEE that he was protecting the ball.  The Texans lost last night because they couldn’t control the ball and extend drives.  Schaub played well but Kubiak is likely joining the unemployment line after this season if he doesn’t get them in the playoffs!

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Bruce

Is T Owens worth keeping as a wide receiver?

Probably not, unless you are in a deep league with like 12 teams and starting 3 WRs you probably do not need to worry about Owens.  Evans is the better fantasy option in Buffalo and T.O. is on my dump list this week.

I have two kickers on my team and am going to be dropping one, Longwell of Minn has been pretty consistent all year but last week Carney of NO gave me 13 points who would be better for the rest of the year

Both are pretty good options, its pretty even and almost impossible to pick kickers.  Assuming neither have had issues with misses that I’m unaware of I’d say Longwell is best.

Brad

If Michael Turner can’t go who in the free agents might look good, what about his back up in Atlanta

Jason Snelling and Justin Forsett are both solid options as pick-ups this week.  Snelling is the guy you want if you need a player right now, Forsett has a tough match-up against the Vikings stout run D Sunday.

Andrew

So in my fantasy league, I am thinking about making a trade. I am strong at RB (I have DeAngelo Williams, Frank Gore, Ricky Williams, and Marian Barber). I can only start 2 RB and a Flex. I am a little weak at WR so I was thinking I could try and get stronger there. Someone is putting Gregg Jennings, Steve Smith (NYG), Mike Sims-Walker, and T.J Houshmandzadeh up on the block. I was told I could give up DeAngelo Williams, Ricky Williams or Frank Gore for 2 of the WR. Or I could give Marian Barber up for Gregg Jennings (or maybe Sims-Walker or Houshmandzadeh)…What should I do?!?

I would hold onto your three top RB’s your set to benefit from the injury to Brown being season ending.  Ricky is 32 and cannot handle a full workload, so he won’t be picking up where Brown left off, but he wont be getting any less productive.  I am a firm believer in a solid group of running backs being the key to a deep fantasy playoff run.  I do not think you have any need for Barber so make the lesser trade for Houshmanzadeh if you can get him, if not you have to ask yourself if Jennings will rebound and be able to outperform Sims-Walker.

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