2013 Fantasy Football Pickups

2013 Week 16 Fantasy Football Pickups

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QB Kirk Cousins (Washington)

Percent owned (ESPN): 3.0%

Kirk Cousins wasn’t perfect or anything, but he put up big fantasy numbers against Atlanta’s defense in his first start, throwing for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns, to go with 2 interceptions. Atlanta’s defense didn’t represent much of a challenge, but neither do the defenses remaining on his schedule as he faces Dallas and then the New York Giants in week 16 and week 17 respectively. He’s a low end QB1 for the remainder of the season for those who need one.

WR Marvin Jones (Cincinnati)

Percent owned (ESPN): 21.1%

Marvin Jones was on here earlier this season for an 8 catch for 122 yards and 4 touchdowns performance against the Jets, but he never lived up to it. However, he just played the highest percentage of snaps he’d played in a single game this season against the Steelers and he now has 8 catches for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns in the last two weeks. He looks to be emerging as a true starting receiver in this offense and if that’s the case, he could be very valuable. He ranks a respectable 31st in the NFL in yards per route run, out of 95 eligible and he’s already scored 9 times.

WR Andre Holmes (Oakland)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.4%

Andre Holmes continues to be steady for the Raiders as he now has 14 catches for 257 yards and a touchdown in his last 3 games. Even with Denarius Moore back, Holmes played ahead of him and he seems to have emerged as Matt McGloin’s favorite target. There’s definitely some appeal here in deeper leagues and he should be at least owned in most leagues.

RB Jordan Todman (Jacksonville)

Percent owned (ESPN): 2.3%

In Maurice Jones-Drew’s absence, Jordan Todman carried the load and rushed for 109 yards on 25 carries with 4 catches for 44 yards. Jones-Drew could be back this week, but the Jaguars may also opt to shut him down, with the season essentially over, like they did with Cecil Shorts. Jones-Drew is probably not going to be back next season and it would be in their best interest to evaluate Todman as a potential starter in 2014 and beyond. He’s worth stashing and could be startable in some leagues if he continues to get the start.

TE Tim Wright (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 1.7%

He continues to be inconsistent, but Tim Wright had a good game this week against San Francisco, catching 7 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. He now has 30 catches for 333 yards and 4 touchdowns over his past 8 games, which extrapolates to 60 catches for 666 yards and 8 touchdowns over a full season. Those are essentially low end TE1 numbers. If you’re in need of a tight end, this is the guy to target. He might let you down, but there’s a better chance he doesn’t and he’s the best available option.

RB LeGarrette Blount (New England)

Percent owned (ESPN): 6.4%

Blount remains unowned in most leagues. At this point, we pretty much know what we’re going to get from him. He’ll carry the ball between 8-12 times and rush for 40-50 yards, something he’s done in 4 of his last 6 games, including the last 3. If he scores a touchdown, he was a worthwhile start. If not, he’ll disappoint you. If you’re desperate in a deep league, this is your guy.

RB Edwin Baker (Cleveland)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.0%

Edwin Baker, not Chris Ogbonnaya, was the lead back with Willis McGahee out, rushing for 38 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries, while contributing 4 catches for 46 yards through the air. Willis McGahee could be back this week and it’s important not to get too excited about a guy with 8 career carries who was recently signed off of Houston’s practice squad, especially against a team like the Jets, who the Browns face this week and who have a very tough run defense. However, he might have earned himself more playing time so if you’re completely desperate, give him a look.

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2013 Week 15 Fantasy Football Pickups

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WR Da’Rick Rodgers (Indianapolis)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.1%

The Colts might have found their replacement for Reggie Wayne. In the first real action of his career, the troubled but talented Rodgers caught 6 passes for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns, despite not playing even close to all of the snaps. He’ll almost certainly play above the useless Darius Heyward-Bey going forward and play in two-wide receiver sets opposite TY Hilton. He could be inconsistent as an undrafted rookie, but he had the talent to go a lot higher and there will be plenty of opportunity for him to put up big numbers.

RB Daniel Thomas (Miami)

Percent owned (ESPN): 5.1%

Daniel Thomas led the way at running back for the Dolphins against the Steelers, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. He could do so again this week with Lamar Miller dealing with a concussion. Even better, he gets the Patriots’ putrid run defense this week. Assuming Miller is ruled out, Thomas is going to be startable this week.

TE Dennis Pitta (Baltimore)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.8%

In his first game back from hip surgery, Pitta caught 6 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown despite not playing even close to a full set of snaps. His playing time will only increase going forward, as will his health and comfort level with Joe Flacco. He’s easily Flacco’s 2nd best receiver after Torrey Smith and has a very good chance to be a TE1 throughout the fantasy playoffs if you’re starved for a tight end. Rob Gronkowski owners should take a good look.

RB Jordan Todman (Jacksonville)

Percent owned (ESPN): 1.1%

Jordan Todman only rushed for 14 yards on 7 carries against the Texans, but with Maurice Jones-Drew possibly out for this week’s game against Buffalo, Todman could be the lead back. He’s averaging just 3.2 yards per carry on the season though and the Bills have an underrated defense, but he’s worth a pickup and would be startable in deep leagues and for desperate owners if Maurice Jones-Drew were ruled out.

WR Michael Crabtree (San Francisco)

Percent owned (ESPN): 24.6%

Michael Crabtree’s numbers through 2 games back don’t look great, as he’s caught 6 passes for 108 yards, but he didn’t play a full set of snaps against St. Louis and had a very tough matchup against Seattle last week. He’ll only get more playing time, get healthier, and get more comfortable with the offense going forward. Tampa Bay this week could be a tough matchup, but he has a dream matchup week 16 against Atlanta right in time for fantasy championship week.

WR Andre Holmes (Oakland)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.6%

Andre Holmes didn’t match his big Thanksgiving outburst, when he caught 7 passes for 136 yards, but 3 catches for 63 yards against the Jets this week wasn’t awful. His numbers over his last 2 games still look pretty good and Denarius Moore doesn’t seem to be anywhere to be found. He’ll continue to start and fellow undrafted free agent Matt McGloin seems to love throwing to him. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

RB James Starks (Green Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 17.1%

James Starks has proven he can get the job done when necessary, rushing for 346 yards on 65 carries this season, an average of 5.3 yards per carry. It might be necessary this week as Eddie Lacy is shaping up as a game time call with an injury. Lacy is probably more likely to play than not, but it’s a later game so, at the very least, Lacy owners should pick up Starks to protect themselves, especially with a dream matchup against Dallas up next.

RB Chris Ogbonnaya (Cleveland)

Percent owned (ESPN): 15.4%

To this point in the season, Ogbonnaya has almost as many catches (41) as carries (42), but with Willis McGahee possibly out for the season and definitely out for this week with a concussion, Ogbonnaya could see a significant uptick in touches. Projecting 10 carries and 5 catches per week for him wouldn’t be ridiculous and he gets a dream matchup against the Bears this week.

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2013 Week 14 Fantasy Football Pickups

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WR Michael Crabtree (San Francisco)

Percent owned (ESPN): 17.6%

Michael Crabtree returned to limited action this week, catching 2 passes for 68 yards. We know Colin Kaepernick loves throwing to him, but his playing time is only going to go up, unless he suffers a setback, so he could be a real asset in the fantasy playoffs. He might not make much of an impact against Seattle this week, but he gets Atlanta during week 15.

WR Andre Holmes (Oakland)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.1%

Andre Holmes played well in Denarius Moore’s absence this week, catching 7 passes for 136 yards and displaying strong chemistry with Matt McGloin. Moore could be shut down for the season with the Raiders essentially out of it, so Holmes could have some value going forward. He’s worth a bench stash in deeper leagues.

TE Heath Miller (Pittsburgh)

Percent owned (ESPN): 15.8%

In 10 games, Heath Miller has 46 catches for 468 yards, which extrapolates to 74 catches for 749 yards over 16 games, which is solid production for a tight end. His only issue is he’s only caught one touchdown, but that kind of thing tends to be inconsistent. He’s worth a look if you’re desperate for a tight end. He can get you consistent yardage production.

RB LeGarrette Blount (New England)

Percent owned (ESPN): 4.8%

With fumbling Stevan Ridley inactive, LeGarrette Blount led the way, rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. He’s worth a pickup if you’re desperate, but he’s not going to be dependable. Bill Belichick is notoriously inconsistent with his running backs. Blount could be benched for a fumble. Ridley could randomly get 20 carries again next week. The Patriots could also go a completely different direction at the running back position with someone like Brandon Bolden or Shane Vereen depending on the matchup.

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2013 Week 13 Fantasy Football Pickups

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WR Nate Burleson (Detroit)

Percent owned (ESPN): 3.0%

Nate Burleson returned from injury last week and didn’t waste any time, catching 7 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. He might not do that every week, but he’ll be the #2 option in an explosive passing offense from here on out and he’ll see plenty of one on one coverage opposite Calvin Johnson. He’s worth owning in all leagues and could be worth a start this week against Green Bay’s weak secondary.

RB Benny Cunningham (St. Louis)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.7%

Zac Stacy sustained a concussion in a win over the Bears. Cunningham came in and rushed for 109 yards and a score on 13 carries. If Stacy doesn’t play this week, Cunningham will be the starter and feature back. Temper your expectations for him though. He won’t get to face Chicago’s pathetic run defense again. San Francisco has one of the best run defenses in the NFL and held Cunningham to 6 yards on 4 carries in a backup role in their matchup earlier this year and that was without Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith.

RB Dennis Johnson (Houston)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.4%

Arian Foster is done for the season and Ben Tate is struggling, getting benched in the middle of a 7 carry, 1 yard performance against the Jaguars for Dennis Johnson, who promptly came in and rushed for 74 yards on 13 carries. Even if Tate does get his starting job back against New England this week, Johnson could still see an increased role and we all saw how bad New England’s run defense is last week. Johnson could also see an increased role over the end of the season as well.

TE Tim Wright (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 2.6%

Tim Wright has been inconsistent this season, but he’s coming off of an 8 catch for 75 yard performance against Detroit and the Buccaneers have all sorts of injuries at tight end. Wright could be an every down player going forward, which should lead to increased targets for him. He’s their #2 passing options after Vincent Jackson and the surging Mike Glennon seems to love throwing to him. He’s a deep league tight end option.

RB Chris Ogbonnaya (Cleveland)

Percent owned (ESPN): 12.5%

Ogbonnaya once again led the Browns in rushing. Granted, that was with 26 yards on 4 carries, but he’s their best all-around running back and a matchup with Jacksonville this week should lead to increased rushing attempts for the Browns. Ogbonnaya is also a good pass catcher with 36 catches on the season and could see 10-15 touches this week. He’s a desperation play and worth picking up in deep leagues.

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2013 Week 12 Fantasy Football Pickups

stevenlourie 2013 Fantasy Football Pickups, Uncategorized

RB Bobby Rainey (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 2.3%

It looked like fullback type Brian Leonard would be the new starter in Tampa Bay with Doug Martin and Mike James hurt, as Leonard had 20 carries the week before against Miami. However, the Buccaneers decided to unleash Bobby Rainey instead and he rushed for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns on 30 carries, with another touchdown through the air on 2 catches for 4 yards. It’s very possible this is his best game of the season because he won’t be able to face Atlanta’s putrid defense weekly, but he’s obviously worth owning universally. He’ll be the clear starter going forward.

RB Donald Brown (Indianapolis)

Percent owned (ESPN): 7.8%

Chuck Pagano says that the Colts are going to go with the hot hand at running back going forward and right now that’s obviously Donald Brown. He carried the ball 14 times against Tennessee, more than twice as many times as Trent Richardson did, and took them for 80 yards, while Trent Richardson is rushing for 2.8 yards per carry since joining the Colts via trade. He could easily be the lead back going forward. He’s worth a bench stash

WR Aaron Dobson (New England)

Percent owned (ESPN): 13.9%

Aaron Dobson didn’t have the best game against Carolina, but he’ll face easier matchups going forward and he still has been very good statistically over the past 5 games. Over those past 5 games, he’s caught 23 passes for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’s worth owning as a bench stash and could be worth a start in a few games going forward.

TE John Carlson (Minnesota)

Percent owned (ESPN): 1.4%

In 2 games since Kyle Rudolph got hurt, John Carlson, the new starting tight end, has caught 12 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown. Rudolph is out for the remainder of the season, leaving Carlson as the starter and Christian Ponder seems to enjoy throwing to him. If you need tight end help, consider picking up Carlson.

RB Chris Ogbonnaya (Cleveland)

Percent owned (ESPN): 7.7%

It appears the Browns have grown tired Willis McGahee sucking, as the ancient running back is rushing for 2.6 yards per carry. Chris Ogbonnaya led the Browns in rushing against the Bengals, rushing for 69 yards on 8 carries and could be the lead back going forward. He also is a pass catcher, catching 34 passes for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season, including 6 catches for 30 yards last week. He’s worth a stash in deep leagues.

2013 Week 11 Fantasy Football Pickups

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RB Andre Brown (NY Giants)

Percent owned (ESPN): 23.7%

Andre Brown carried the load in a big way in his first game back, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries. He doesn’t really have any competition for carries and he’s by far their most talented back. He’ll continue being the feature back going forward and he should be owned universally. He’s startable on a weekly basis.

WR Aaron Dobson (New England)

Percent owned (ESPN): 10.5%

The Patriots were on bye this week, so people might have forgotten to pick up Aaron Dobson, but he has a lot of value and upside going forward. Dropson has come a long way. The raw rookie 2nd rounder has shed the Dropson moniker and broken out as the primary outside receiver in a suddenly explosive again New England offense. Fellow rookie Kenbrell Thompkins was a healthy scratch against the Steelers, while Dobson caught 5 passes for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. He now has 18 catches for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns in the last 4 games and is on pace for 55 catches for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns on the season. He could be worth a start weekly going forward if he and the rest of the Patriots’ offense keep this up and he’s definitely worth picking up.

QB Case Keenum (Houston)

Percent owned (ESPN): 9.0%

The Texans haven’t won a game under him yet, but Case Keenum continues to put up big numbers, throwing for 822 yards and 7 touchdowns in 3 games, while not throwing a single interception. If you have an unsettled quarterback situation, there isn’t a better pickup than Keenum right now. He has an easy schedule going forward and will have borderline QB1 value on a weekly basis.

RB Jonathan Stewart (Carolina)

Percent owned (ESPN): 4.1%

In his 2nd game back, Jonathan Stewart led the Panthers in carries, carrying it for 41 yards on 13 carries. He had a very low YPC because he was facing the 49ers’ loaded defense, but he’ll have easier matchups. He’s averaging 12.5 touches per game in 2 games back and should be in that 12-15 range weekly going forward. He’s worth a bench stash.

RB Brian Leonard (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.2%

Doug Martin and now Mike James are both done for the season. Brian Leonard led the way on the ground against the Dolphins after Mike James went down on the first drive and managed 57 rushing yards on 20 carries. He’s a plodder, but he’s a starter and he’ll continue getting 15-20 targets per game. He’s also by far their best 3rd down back. He’s worth a pickup.

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2013 Week 10 Fantasy Football Pickups

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RB Mike James (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 10.6%

Mike James’ busted out in his 2nd career start, rushing for 158 yards on 28 carries, with 2 catches for 8 yards and also a 2 yard touchdown pass. He won’t be that good every week (he had just 84 rushing yards on 24 carries in the game and a half prior after Doug Martin went down), but Martin could be out for the rest of the season and James is a clear lead back in the NFL. There’s always fantasy value with guys like that.

RB Rashad Jennings (Oakland)

Percent owned (ESPN): 4.6%

Surprise, Darren McFadden is hurt again. He’s expected to miss at least this week against the Giants, giving Jennings a start against one of the weaker defenses in the NFL. He only had 41 rushing yards on 10 carries against the Chargers in place of an injured McFadden earlier this year, but he also has 116 and 176 yard from scrimmage performances this season against the Redskins and Eagles respectively, after McFadden got hurt. He’s definitely going to be startable for at least a week.

WR Aaron Dobson (New England)

Percent owned (ESPN): 4.8%

Dropson has come a long way. The raw rookie 2nd rounder has shed the Dropson moniker and broken out as the primary outside receiver in a suddenly explosive again New England offense. Fellow rookie Kenbrell Thompkins was a healthy scratch against the Steelers, while Dobson caught 5 passes for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. He now has 18 catches for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns in the last 4 games and is on pace for 55 catches for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns on the season. He could be worth a start weekly going forward if he and the rest of the Patriots’ offense keep this up and he’s definitely worth picking up.

QB Nick Foles (Philadelphia)

Percent owned (ESPN): 10.4%

Nick Foles tied the single game touchdown record against the Raiders, completing 22 of 28 for 406 yards and 7 touchdowns. Sure, his last appearance against Dallas left something to be desired to say the least, as he completed 11 of 29 for 80 yards against one of the league’s worst stop units before leaving with a concussion. However, his other two appearances were much better and he has 13 touchdowns to 0 interceptions on the season, with a 62.7% completion percentage and an 8.71 YPA. He’ll be the starter until further notice and is definitely worth a pickup in fantasy if you still have an unresolved quarterback situation, or your quarterback is hurt or on bye this week.

WR Riley Cooper (Philadelphia)

Percent owned (ESPN): 8.9%

Riley Cooper seems to be Nick Foles’ preferred target. In Foles’ 3 starts, Cooper has 15 catches for 347 yards and 4 touchdowns. He caught 3 of Foles’ 7 touchdowns last week. Foles will continue being the starter for the Eagles until further notice so Cooper can be picked up in most leagues.

RB Andre Brown (NY Giants)

Percent owned (ESPN): 19.9%

The Giants’ backfield is in such shambles that they’ve given Peyton Hillis 38 carries in their last 2 games combined after Brandon Jacobs, signed off the streets, got hurt. However, Andre Brown is expected to return from injury after the bye and could see significant snaps and carries in his season debut. He’s by far the Giants’ best passing down back and short yardage back even if everyone was healthy, but he could be a 20 touch a week back until David Wilson (out indefinitely) returns.

QB Case Keenum (Houston)

Percent owned (ESPN): 1.8%

Case Keenum hasn’t won either of his first two starts, but he’s definitely putting up numbers, completing 35 of 59 for 621 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Defenses may eventually catch up to him and he could be without offensive Head Coach Gary Kubiak for an extended period of time depending on the severity of his medical condition, but he’s worth a pickup in fantasy if you still have an unresolved quarterback situation, or your quarterback is hurt or on bye this week.

RB Jonathan Stewart (Carolina)

Percent owned (ESPN): 4.3%

Jonathan Stewart returned from injury this week and rushed for 43 yards on 9 carries with 3 catches for 22 yards in his season debut. He could see more action as he gets re-acclimated to game action and the Panthers certainly have an unresolved running back situation with DeAngelo Williams rushing for 4.1 yards per carry. There’s room for a talented and well paid back like Jonathan Stewart to eventually get 15+ touches per game. He’s worth a bench stash.

WR Mike Brown (Jacksonville)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.7%

Mike Brown has 12 catches for 212 yards and a touchdown in his last 3 games on just 112 routes run. Now Justin Blackmon is out for the season with a suspension, making Brown a starter. There’s going to be plenty of opportunity for garbage time yards in Jacksonville’s offense and, as long as Chad Henne is under center, they should be able to get the ball downfield to guys like Cecil Shorts and Mike Brown, who is becoming one of Henne’s favorite guys. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

TE Tim Wright (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.9%

There are worse tight ends in deep leagues than Wright, a 6-3 220 pounder who isn’t a blocker at all, but can present mismatches in the passing game. Wright has 23 catches for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns in the last 5 weeks. He’s now the #2 target with Mike Williams out for the season. If you need a few points from a bye week filler at tight end or you play in a deep league, take a look at Wright.

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2013 Week 9 Fantasy Football Pickups

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RB Andre Ellington (Arizona)

Percent owned (ESPN): 16.3%

Andre Ellington was great in small bursts early in the season, but with Rashard Mendenhall hurt this week, Ellington was the lead back, rushing for 154 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, and catching another 2 passes for 8 yards. He is now averaging 7.7 yards per carry on 43 carries on the season and also has 22 catches for 198 yards and 3 total touchdowns. It’s concerning that he was still splitting carries with Stepfan Taylor even with Mendenhall out and Head Coach Bruce Arians did not guarantee Ellington would see a bigger role out of the bye, but if Arians is smart (which remains to be seen) he’ll give Ellington the ball more often.

WR Marvin Jones (Cincinnati)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.5%

Marvin Jones exploded for an 8 catch, 122 yard, 4 touchdown performance against the Jets this week and now has 15 catches for 250 yards and 6 touchdowns in his last 3 games. He probably won’t continue scoring at this rate and it is concerning that he only played 19 snaps against the Jets, but he’ll almost definitely get more snaps going forward after that performance, especially with Mohamed Sanu expected to miss at least a week with injury. Jones is definitely a legitimate starting receiver and has the potential to dominate single coverage opposite AJ Green for the rest of the season.

RB Andre Brown (NY Giants)

Percent owned (ESPN): 18.1%

The Giants’ backfield is in such shambles that they’ve given Peyton Hillis 38 carries in the last 2 weeks combined after Brandon Jacobs, signed off the streets, got hurt. However, Andre Brown is expected to return from injury after the bye and could see significant snaps and carries in his season debut. He’s by far the Giants’ best passing down back and short yardage back even if everyone was healthy, but he could be a 20 touch a week back until David Wilson (out indefinitely) returns. The Giants have a bye this week so people will be ignoring Brown and then probably picking him up next week. Beat them to it and do it now.

RB Mike James (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 7.2%

Mike James isn’t very good and his blocking might be even worse, but he is the lead back in Tampa Bay until Doug Martin (out indefinitely) returns. He has 84 yards on 24 carries in the past 2 weeks, along with 7 catches for 33 yards and is worth owning in deep leagues solely because he’s a starting running back. The Buccaneers’ coaching staff did speak this week on their need to get back to the running game so James could see more carries.

TE Timothy Wright (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.1%

There are worse tight ends in deep leagues than Wright, a 6-3 220 pounder who isn’t a blocker at all, but can present mismatches in the passing game. Wright has 19 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown in the last 4 weeks and now Mike Williams is out for the season with a torn hamstring, meaning Wright could be the Buccaneers’ #2 option on a team that is constantly in catch up mode. If you need a few points from a bye week filler at tight end, take a look at Wright.

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2013 Week 8 Fantasy Football Pickups

stevenlourie 2013 Fantasy Football Pickups, Uncategorized

RB Zac Stacy (St. Louis)

Percent owned (ESPN): 10.2%

For some reason, Zac Stacy is still un-owned in most leagues, despite starting at running back for the past 3 weeks. He’s rushed for 210 yards on 49 carries in the last 3 weeks and will continue to start going forward. He needs to be owned universally because he’s a starting running back in the NFL.

RB Mike James (Tampa Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.1%

Doug Martin hurt his shoulder and is out indefinitely. He’ll miss at least this week’s game against the Panthers and there is some speculation that he could be done for the season. Mike James rushed for 45 yards on 14 carries in relief of Martin this week and will be the lead back going forward. He’s a must own going forward.

TE Jordan Reed (Washington)

Percent owned (ESPN): 3.8%

Jordan Reed had a breakout game against the Bears this week, catching 9 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown and now he has 18 catches for 242 yards and a touchdown in his last 3 games. Fred Davis was a healthy scratch this week so Reed is now the every down tight end. The rookie has established himself as Robert Griffin’s #2 option after Pierre Garcon. He’s worth starting going forward.

WR Percy Harvin (Seattle)

Percent owned (ESPN): 22.8%

Percy Harvin began practicing this Monday during a long week and there’s a chance he could return for this Monday Night’s game against the Cardinals. He could easily be a weekly startable player once he gets right so he’s worth picking up and stashing on your bench, especially if you have a free injured list spot.

TE Heath Miller (Pittsbugh)

Percent owned (ESPN): 21.7%

Heath Miller, Ben Roethlisberger’s security blanket, has 14 catches for 171 yards and a touchdown in his last 3 games. He’ll continue being a low end starting tight end in fantasy football going forward.

WR Jarrett Boykin (Green Bay)

Percent owned (ESPN): 1.4%

With Randall Cobb and James Jones out, Jarrett Boykin was the #2 receiver and caught 8 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. James Jones is probably going to be back next week, but Randall Cobb is on the short-term injured reserve list and Jermichael Finley is also out indefinitely so there will be plenty of targets going forward for Boykin in one of the league’s premier offense.

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Indianapolis)

Percent owned (ESPN): 3.8%

Reggie Wayne is out for the season with a torn ACL. Darrius Heyward-Bey isn’t very good, but he’ll be an every down receiver going forward on an explosive offense. He’s worth picking up for that reason and stashing in case he starts producing.

RB Peyton Hillis (NY Giants)

Percent owned (ESPN): 1.9%

I guess Peyton Hillis is worth picking up if Brandon Jacobs misses another week with injury. David Wilson, Andre Brown, and Da’Rel Scott remain out long-term so the Giants are literally scrapping the bottom of the barrel for running backs signing Special Agent Peyton Hillis. Hillis isn’t very talented (hence why he was at the bottom of the barrel) and he rushed for just 36 yards on 18 carries with a long of 8, but he scored on the ground and added 4 catches for 45 yards and he could be a starting running back for another week so he’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

 

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2013 Week 7 Fantasy Football Pickups

stevenlourie 2013 Fantasy Football Pickups, Uncategorized

RB Zac Stacy (Vanderbilt)

Percent owned (ESPN): 6.7%

Zac Stacy has taken over the lead back job and has rushed for 157 yards on 32 carries in 2 games, while adding another 2 catches for 11 yards. He’ll continue being the starter going forward and he should be owned universally. He’s a RB2 or flex depending on the matchup.

TE Heath Miller (Pittsburgh)

Percent owned (ESPN): 20.4%

Heath Miller is finally healthy again and is functioning as a reliable safety valve, catching 12 passes for 154 yards in his last 2 games. He’s a low end TE1 going forward.

RB Brandon Jacobs (NY Giants)

Percent owned (ESPN): 2.0%

I don’t know where this came from. Brandon Jacobs ran for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 carries against an admittedly banged up Chicago defense. He’ll continue being the starter going forward with both David Wilson and Da’Rel Scott hurt. He needs to be owned universally.

WR Keenan Allen (California)

Percent owned (ESPN): 6.7%

Keenan Allen continues to establish himself as Philip Rivers’ #1 wide receiver. He now has 20 catches for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns in his last 3 games. He should be owned universally.

RB Andre Ellington (Arizona)

Percent owned (ESPN): 8.8%

Andre Ellington once again led the Cardinals in rushing without leading them in carries, rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries, while Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 40 yards on 10 carries. He also continues to produce as a pass catcher, catching 5 passes for 36 yards. Over his past 2 games, he has 175 yards from scrimmage and his usage is only going to go up going forward.

RB Joseph Randle (Dallas)

Percent owned (ESPN): 1.4%

DeMarco Murray is (surprise) out with what appears to be a multi-week knee injury. Joseph Randle carried the load in his absence and is expected to be the starter next week against the Eagles. He wasn’t very effective in relief of Murray, rushing for 17 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, but as long as he’s getting the opportunities as a lead back, he has a chance to be fantasy relevant.

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