Waiver wire work for Week #13...Prep for your playoffs

[bcbadgalz]

Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams rookie quarterback has probably been added and dropped all season long, but after Week 12 he should have earned himself a permanent spot on fantasy owners' roster. Bradford had his best game as a pro against the Broncos in Week 12 throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns.

Bradford and the Rams take on the Cardinals in Week 13.

Jason Avant, Philadelphia Eagles

Jason Avant is not a top receiver in this league, but definitely makes a good sleeper or flex option every week. During the Eagles' loss to the Bears in Week 12, Avant caught eight passes for 83 yards but failed to reach the end zone. If you are thin at wide receiver, Avant could be your guy.

Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings

Viikings' backup running back Toby Gerhart is going to fly off waivers as Adrian Peterson went down with a right ankle sprain. The severity of Peterson's injury is not yet known but Gerhart is a must-add regardless.
Gerhart stepped in for AP and carried the ball 22 times for 76 yards and a touchdown, so be sure to monitor this situation.



Maurice Morris, Detroit Lions

Maurice Morris started for the Lions on Thanksgiving and definitely performed better than people expected. Morris carried the ball nine times for 55 yards and two touchdowns, while adding five receptions for 20 yards. Owners who did not get their hands on Morris, be sure to do so this week.

Kevin Boss, New York Giants

Giants' tight end Kevin Boss made some big plays for the Giants in their 24-20 win over the Jaguars. Boss only caught three passes, but they went for 74 yards and one of them was a touchdown. Boss has 10 catches over the last three games including two touchdowns.

With injuries to Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith, the Giants need someone to step up and Boss seems to be doing so.

---------------------------------------------------------------------Despite the Vikings' struggles this season, Adrian Peterson has remained a top fantasy back. He's had just three single-digit fantasy games, is the fourth-highest scorer in standard scoring leagues and got owners 12 points on Saturday. Twelve points isn't a great fantasy day, but it was a lot for a player who went out in the second quarter after rolling his ankle. Yes, Peterson is hurt, and it could be serious. Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier said Peterson has a sprained ankle; further details should come out Wednesday. It's possible Peterson has the dreaded high-ankle sprain, but even a severe regular sprain could keep him out of the lineup this Sunday.

The solution for your fantasy lineup is obvious: Get Toby Gerhart, who rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown after Peterson's departure. What makes Gerhart an attractive fill-in is how Frazier stuck with the run after Peterson's departure. Gerhart averaged only 3.5 yards on his 22 carries, but that he got the ball that many times shows he has the chance to be an effective replacement.

We'll know better on Wednesday if Peterson will play this week, but the injury is troubling enough that Peterson owners should definitely pick up Gerhart. Other owners looking to upgrade their lineup -- or hurt a playoff rival -- should also try to grab him.

Quarterback
Because most fantasy leagues only start one quarterback, there are almost always options on the waiver wire. For example: Matt Cassel, who went 22-of-32 for four touchdowns on Sunday, is available in 46 percent of Yahoo! fantasy leagues. He's the guy you should target if you want to upgrade; he hasn't had a game below 17 fantasy points since Week 8 and faces some leaky pass defenses in the coming weeks, including a home game against Denver on Sunday.

• Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills (23-of-45, 265 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT): Fitzpatrick's numbers would be even better if God didn't deflect the ball out of Steve Johnson's hands in the end zone in OT. Fitzpatrick has come back down to earth a bit since an incredible midseason run, but he's still putting up quality numbers. He's also thrown a TD pass in every game he's started this year.

• Tony Romo, Cowboys You can almost certainly wait on him, but he's begun throwing and could be back by Week 14. It'd be a gamble, but if your league has big rosters, you can stash him and use him in the playoffs.

Running Back
Frank Gore fractured his hip in Monday night's win over Arizona and is out for the year. Despite coming into the game with only five carries, Brian Westbrook got the bulk of the work in Gore's absence: 23 rushes for 136 yards and a touchdown. The ex-Eagles RB looked like his old self in his first action of the year.

Of course, there's also rookie Anthony Dixon, who carried 14 times for 54 yards and a score. Most of Dixon's carries, however, came in the second half with the game out of reach. Provided he stays healthy, Westbrook should be the starter the rest of the season and is a nice pickup for fantasy playoffs. Arizona's run defense isn't great, but Westbrook looked spry on Monday night. He's worth taking a chance on.

• Tashard Choice (1 carry, 1 yard, 1 TD): Marion Barber's calf has improved, but he's most likely to be out for Sunday's game against the Colts with a calf strain. Felix Jones is the top back in Dallas, but Choice is an interesting pick-up for this week facing a horrible Colts' run defense. He'll get some carries and could find the end zone if the Cowboys get some goal-line chances. He's a decent third option if you can't get Gerhart or Westbrook.

• Jonathan Stewart, Panthers (12 carries, 98 yards): There's a chance an owner in your league gave up on The Daily Show due to injuries and a lack of production. Grab him if he's on the waiver wire. While Mike Goodson started Sunday and got more carries (14) and a score, Stewart's 8.2 yards per carry should move him into the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

Wide Receiver
Jacoby Ford returned the opening kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown, which is probably irrelevant for your fantasy purposes. But he followed that up with a four-catch, 108-yard performance (with another receiving touchdown). He was targeted 10 times in the Raiders' loss. Though just a week ago he had two catches, Ford is definitely coming on. He's a passable third option.

• Ben Obomanu, Seahawks (5 catches, 159 yards, 1 TD): With Mike Williams out, Obomanu was the beneficiary, catching all but one pass thrown to him and scoring an 87-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He has four, five and five catches in his past three games. He's a definite starting option if Williams isn't able to return on Sunday.

• Jason Avant, Eagles (8 catches, 83 yards): Avant was targeted a team-high nine times in Sunday's loss. If you need a third wide receiver for the last week of the fantasy regular season in most leagues, Avant is coming on and faces the awful Houston Texans pass defense on Thursday night.

Tight End
A year after leading the Eagles with 76 catches, Brent Celek has had a disappointing season. Celek had been averaging just 4.7 targets a game coming into Sunday's game. He got eight against the Bears, catching three passes for 50 yards, including a 30-yard TD in the fourth. Michael Vick missed a wide-open Celek on what would have been a touchdown in the first quarter as well. It's just one game, but if Celek is getting involved in the offense, he could end up being a valuable fantasy playoff contributor. He might still be on a roster somewhere, but if he's been released, go get him.

• Kevin Boss, Giants (3 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD): With all the injuries to the Giants' wideout corps, Boss was bound to get more looks. Eli Manning threw to him eight times on Sunday; he only caught three, but did have the long touchdown. With Nicks and Smith both expected to be out a little while longer, Boss is a good pickup.

Kicker
It's been a rough year for Garrett Hartley, but it appears he's returned to form and will be the Saints' kicker for the rest of the year. He's probably unclaimed in your league; the Saints have a fairly easy schedule the rest of the way and score a lot of points. Hartley could put up good numbers.

Defense
The 49ers were expected to be a top defense this year and haven't lived up to the billing. But they have one of the easiest schedules the rest of the year, and have put up solid fantasy numbers in four out of the past six weeks. They're worth taking a chance on if you're really looking for a defense.

• St. Louis: Of course, the 49ers play in Green Bay this week, so if you're looking for a one-week filler to make the playoffs they're not really a great option. Take a look at St. Louis, who plays in Arizona this week. The Cardinals' offense is horrid and appears to be getting worse; St. Louis forces a lot of fumbles (fifth in the league) and has a respectable sack total. They could have a huge game this weekend. Two other options are San Diego (vs. Oakland) and New Orleans (at Cincinnati), though both are probably owned in your league.

---------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to the Team (a.k.a. Pick-Up)
Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN - Peterson suffered an ankle injury that forced him to leave the game on Sunday. In his absence, Gerhart was a workhorse receiving 22 carries and turning those carries into 76 yards and a TD. Peterson is set to have a MRI on his ankle today, and while early reports appear to show that the ankle is OK, you never know until the MRI results are official. That is where a quick trigger on the waiver wire can make all the difference in the world. At a minimum, Peterson owners who have already not done so should immediately get Gerhart as a handcuff. For the rest of you, time to be an opportunistic vulture, grab Gerhart, and wait to see what develops.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE - Green-Ellis was just running over bodies all day long in week 12. He finished the day with 59 yards and 2 TDs. While his isn't going to be confused with Peyton "Juggarnaut" Hillis any time soon, he does warrant "Juggarnaut-light" status and a great goal line weapon for New England.

Maurice Morris, RB, DET - Injuries have hit Detroit hard in their backfield, and they have been looking for a viable sub to pick up the slack. They may have found it in Morris, who ran very well in front of the home crowd on Thanksgiving. Morris turned 9 carries into 55 yards and 2 TDs. He also had 5 receptions for 20 yards.

Blair White, WR, IND - White makes our list for the second week in a row. Hopefully you were able to go ahead and grab him last week, as this week his waiver wire stock is soaring. Three TDs in two games tends to have that effect! White finished the game on Sunday with 4 receptions for 34 yards and a TD. He was targeted six times during the game and seven times in week 11.

Deion Branch, WR, NE - Branch is clearly getting comfortable in New England again and fast becoming Brady's go to receiver. He posted a huge day on Thanksgiving pulling in 3 receptions for 112 yards and 2 TDs. In weeks 10 and 11, he had 7 receptions each week for 71 and 70 yards respectively. Branch is showing strong value in point per reception leagues and decent WR2 value in deeper standard performance leagues.

Jacoby Ford, WR, OAK - Ford is fast proving to be a playmaker for the Raiders, and they are starting to figure that out. Ford delivered yet again on Sunday, nailing 4 receptions for 108 yards and a TD. He also had a rush for 13 yards. For those in leagues that also reward kick return yards to individual players rather than team defense, Ford gets even tastier as he returned 7 kicks for 208 yards and a TD!

Ben Obomanu, WR, SEA - Obomanu stepped up to the plate and delivered a 5 reception, 159 yard, and 1 TD performance. Hasselbeck was locked onto him all game long, and you just never know when a little QB-WR chemistry catches fire and leads to a strong fantasy finish as the season comes to a close.

Earl Bennett, WR, CHI - For those in deeper leagues with extreme wide receiver starting requirements, take a look at Bennett. Bennett made some big plays on Sunday to help the Bears topple the red hot Eagles. He ended the day with 4 receptions for 56 yards and 2 TDs. Cutler is very streaky, but and you just never know how long the wave will ride when he is hot. He was hot on Sunday and clearly locked into his old Vanderbilt teammate.

Derek Hagan, WR, NYG - With all the injuries in New York at receiver, Hagan is moving up the depth chart fast. While he didn't have a great showing in week 12, there is still some opportunity here for those playing in deeper leagues that want to investigate a little further. Note Hagen did have a fumble though in week 12, which isn't going to win any points with his head coach.

Joel Dreessen, TE, HOU - Talk about capitalizing on the opportunity given to you. Dreessen notched another TD this week while Owen Daniels has been watching from the bench with an injury. You never know when a little chemistry with a QB will go a long way, and it is clear Dreessen and Schaub have chemistry.



Show 'em the Door (a.k.a. Drop)
Note: This advice is intended for redraft leagues only.

Seyi Ajirotutu, WR, SD - The rookie flashed a big week 9 taking advantage of injuries to a depleted Chargers' receiving corps, but now those injuries are more or less healed and more importantly Vincent Jackson has returned from suspension. In short, there just aren't enough balls in San Diego for Ajirotutu to have enough of a meaningful shot to warrant risking a start, so best to clear the roster space to use on another player with better upside.

Derek Anderson, QB, ARI - Wow. This is just nasty. Keep Anderson far, far away from your roster.

Donnie Avery, WR, STL - The stage was set for Avery to have a big season, but a torn ACL has ended those hopes.

Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN - There was a brief moment in week 8 when Berrain appeared to be stepping up and making a connection with Favre, but that turned out to only be a mirage. Now with Sidney Rice back, Berrain once again has very little fantasy value.

Antonio Bryant, WR, FA - In another brilliant managerial move by the Bungles, they evaluate both Bryant and Terrell Owens in March... decide to shell out the big bucks on Bryant... just to come crawling back to Owens in the summer. Now Bryant is out as his bum knee continued to bother him, taking the Bungles' cash with him.

Dallas Clark, TE, IND - Clark is out for the season with a wrist injury suffered in week 5.

Mark Clayton, WR, STL - Clayton was tapping into that Sooner magic with his new QB, but a torn patella tendon suffered in week 5 has ended his 2010 season.

Partrick Crayton, WR, SD - Crayton suffered a wrist injury in week 11 that required surgery, and now with Vincent Jackson back and Malcolm Floyd getting more healthy, Crayton's fantasy prospects have taken a nose dive. It was a nice run while it lasted.

Jermichael Finley, TE, GB - Finley is an incredible talent, but unfortunately he suffered a knee in injury in week 5 that will force him to miss most, if not all, of the season.

David Gettis, WR, CAR - Gettis had a huge week 7, but then had an equally huge but completely in the opposite context week 8 (as in finishing the game with negative fantasy points... as in you would have been better not starting anyone rather than eating the negative fantasy points from him). Gettis could flash a nice game or two before the season is over (like in week 11), but in the meantime he will be crushing your team with bad performances as you start him thinking "this is the week". Gettis is a rookie WR, and he reminded the fantasy world why that so often is a bad thing rather than a good thing.

Ryan Grant, RB, GB - Grant suffered a season ending ankle injury in week 1.

Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE - Hardesty injured his knee (ACL tear) and is done for the year.

Jerome Harrison, RB, PHI - Just a season ago Harrison notched nearly a 300 yard rushing game, but now his fantasy value is next to zilch. Peyton Hillis ran him out of Cleveland, and now he slides into a back-up role behind LeSean McCoy in Philly.

Devin Hester, WR, CHI - Unless in a league that also rewards fantasy points for kickoff and punt return yardage, it is best to catch-and-release Hester if you drafted him. He has done anything but clicked in Mike Martz's new offense.

Tory Holt, WR, FA - This perennial Pro-Bowler's best years are far behind him. Don't waste a roster slot reflecting on yesteryear.

Larry Johnson, RB, FA - This once proud fantasy back is beyond washed up.

Matt Leinart, QB, HOU - So much for taking advantage of the departure of Kurt Warner. Leinart stunk up the joint in the preseason, got shipped to Houston, and now is floating around in the land of worthless fantasy value.

Laurence Maroney, RB, DEN - There was some hope the trade to Denver may spark something in Maroney. That didn't happen. He has run poorly and things are awfully crowded in New England West.

Randy McMichael, TE, SD - McMichael flashed a fantasy pulse in week 9 with Antonio Gates out, but he has since struggled and Gates is on the mend. Best to use this valuable roster slot on another player with better upside.

Legedu Naanee, WR, SD - After week 1 it looked like Naanee might capitalize on the opportunity left by Vincent Jackson's absence, but injuries and Malcom Floyd have crushed that opportunity.

Mike Nugent, PK, CIN - Nugent tore his ACL on an onside kick in week 11 and is done for 2010.

Willie Parker, RB, FA - Fast Willie Parker is nowhere to be found on the football field. Looks like roller skates at Sonic are the only way for him to keep his title now.

Clinton Portis, RB, WAS - A tear in Portis' abdomen has ended his 2010 season.

Jeff Reed, PK, FA - The Steelers kicked Reed to the curb after week 10 and so should you.

Jason Snelling, RB, ATL - Unless you own Michael Turner, it is best to let Snelling go at this point. After a week 2 explosion, his role in offense has decreased.

Kevin Walter, WR, HOU - Walter had a huge week 2 and will probably pop at least one, if not two, more decent games. However, your team will get crushed as you start him each week thinking "this is the week."

DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR - Williams was placed on injured reserve in week 11, ending his 2010 season.

Roy Williams, WR, DAL - Williams had his fun in the sun, but the Dez Bryant show is in town and Williams is seeing the light at the end of the NFL playing career tunnel.

Vince Young, QB, TEN - Young is in the doghouse with his head coach and has also been placed on injured reserve.
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Finding a player off of the waiver wire to plug into your starting lineup in week 13 of the fantasy football season is a rarity. Well continuing the unpredictable nature of this year’s fantasy football season, there are several terrific pickups on the wire that you can plug in and get immediate help. The impact may be temporary but at this point that may be all you need to clinch a postseason spot.

Ben Obomanu, Seattle Seahawks - I picked up Obomanu Sunday right before game time. I’d love to brag about my brilliant waiver wire pickup but in my hour of glory I left Obomanu on the bench and watched him rack up 16 points that would have sealed a win for me. Obomanu has a score in three of his last four games and went off on Sunday without mike Williams in the lineup. The value of Obomanu completely hinges on the health of Mike Williams. There are conflicting reports regarding Williams so until he goes back in the lineup I would have Obomanu not only on my bench, but in my lineup if you need a WR2.


Brian Westbrook, San Francisco 49ers – 49ers running back Frank Gore is reportedly done for the season with a hip injury. Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook stepped in this past Monday night and ran like it was 2004. Westbrook got 23 touches and ran for 123 yards and a score. The 49ers are a running team so the 23 touches should be an every game stat for Westbrook. While the 49ers have a tough schedule for running backs down the stretch, I am willing to take my chances on a guy with fresh legs looking for redemption.

Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings - Adrian Peterson’s week to week status is still a question mark and when it comes to ankle injuries, it can be one week or five weeks. You may only get a week out of him but if you need help, you couldn’t ask for more immediate impact from a waiver wire pickup. Note that Gerhart reportedly hurt his shoulder so he could also be on the bench come Sunday so he is far from a lock to play this week. However if you have the room and want to take a shot, Gerhart gets the Bills this weekend who have been shredded weekly by running backs all season.

Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys - Marion Barber suffered a left calf strain in the Cowboys Thanksgiving loss. Now Felix Jones will remain the starter, but Choice should see a lot of late game action as part of the Cowboy’s two-back system. Choice will also be the goal line back which could be more valuable than the starter. Choice has excelled in past opportunities to the point where you have to wonder why he isn’t starting or playing a bigger role on the team. Barber is expected to miss two weeks. Choice is could be a nice short term choice if you are desperate for some running back help..

Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens - I picked up Mason a few weeks ago and he has been a steady hand. I did drop him in one league for Obomanu but Mason has been a consistent receiver for me in another league. Mason quietly has a touchdown in his last three of four games and double digits in his last four of six games. The Ravens have some very tempting matchups in the next few weeks for wide receivers. With Houston in Week 14 and the Saints a week later, Mason could be a sneaky pickup that could win you some gold this season.

Jonathon Stewart, Carolina Panthers - When I went to my waiver wire Sunday in a panic about MJD’s game time status I was shocked to see Stewart on the waiver wire. I was even more shocked to see him on another wire in a different league. The Panthers have been a mess this season, but Mike Goodson has come in and has gotten their running game back on track. Stewart returned Sunday after missing time with an injury and had one of his most productive games of the season. John Fox prefers veterans so as long as Stewart is at least productive he should be the starter here. You obviously have the same time share issues here as you always have in Carolina. However, in an offense with very little passing productivity starting Stewart even in a time share isn’t necessarily the worst option.


Shaun Hill, Detroit Lions - Shaun Hill isn’t as flashy as some of the other NFL starting quarterbacks but if he played a full season with his current stats he’d probably be a top ten fantasy football quarterback. All the Lions do is throw and with a great skill player like Calvin Johnson, Hill will get his touchdowns. What’s even more impressive about Hill is that he puts up the same, if not better numbers against the better defenses. Two of Hill’s best games came against the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles so don’t be scared about the tough schedule. This past week alone he had better fantasy numbers than Philip Rivers and was right up there with Peyton Manning. He is available if you are struggling at QB.
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For many fantasy owners, this is the final week of the regular season. Here are some players to keep an eye on heading into the decisive Week 13. We’ll be back on Thursday with our weekly matchup analysis and to take your questions.

Quarterback

Sam Bradford (STL) vs. Arizona (62 percent owned, CBS fantasy leagues) – Coming off a career-high 308 yards and 3 touchdowns in Week 12 against the Broncos, Bradford gets Arizona’s 28th-ranked pass defense this week.

Running Back

Brian Westbrook (SF) vs. Green Bay (4 percent owned) – He is the obvious add of the week if Frank Gore’s hip injury sidelines him the rest of the season, as expected. Westbrook played extremely well behind a tough offensive line against Arizona, with 23 carries, 136 yards and one touchdown. Green Bay will be a lot tougher to run on (4th-worst matchup), but you’re getting a starting running back here.

Toby Gerhart (MIN) vs. Buffalo (13 percent owned) — Did you or the Adrian Peterson owner in your league handcuff him with this guy? With Peterson’s sprained right ankle possibly costing him this week’s game, Gerhart would get the start against a sluggish Bills run defense. He’s a physical back who is more than capable of carrying a full load, as he proved in Week 12.

Tashard Choice (DAL) vs. Indianapolis (7 percent owned) – With Marion Barber out for the next two weeks, Choice will be the man taking his spot in the backfield and the Colts offer a very friendly matchup (8th-best matchup, 10 rushing touchdowns allowed).

Wide Receiver

Jacoby Ford (OAK) vs. SD (13 percent owned) – A rough matchup with San Diego’s stout secondary makes him a shaky play this week, but his 17-point day against Miami marks his second double-digit fantasy game over his last four and he has some nice matchups during the fantasy playoff weeks to come (JAX Week 14, DEN Week 15).

Davone Bess (MIA) vs. Cleveland (59 percent owned) — Bess got Chad Henne back at quarterback and recorded his first 100-yard game of the season while Brandon Marshall missed the game with a hamstring injury. That could be the case again this week and the matchup with Cleveland is on the plus side (15th best, 21 fantasy points per game).

Danario Alexander (STL) vs. Arizona (2 percent owned) — He returned from his four-week hiatus with four catches for 95 yards against Denver. He’s closer to a WR3, but with Arizona on deck you could do worse.

Tight End

Joel Dreessen (HOU) vs. Philadelphia (43 percent owned) — Dreessen was limited at practice Monday with a knee injury, so he’ll need to be monitored, but he’s been a solid option filling in for Owen Daniels and Philadelphia gives up the fifth-most points to the position.

Defense/Special Teams

Rams vs. Arizona (28 percent owned) — Arizona has averaged 10 points over their last three games and Derek Anderson’s dreadful performance against San Francisco on Monday night should be reason enough to consider St. Louis in Week 13.
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The following players will have greater significance in deep fantasy football leagues. In shallow fantasy football leagues, they are not as high of a priority but should be considered based on your fantasy football team's needs.

RB
Day off for All Day?
Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys (93 percent)

Running back Marion Barber III (calf) is expected to miss roughly two weeks, and his 12.00 average utilizations per game (last three weeks) have to go to someone. That someone is Choice, who has been productive when given the chance in his young career.

Last week, against the New Orleans Saints, Choice scored from the goal line after replacing Barber, who failed the play before. Choice will share the workload with Felix Jones but should be added in all formats.

Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings (87 percent)

Adrian Peterson's ankle injury forced him out of Sunday's game and reportedly was very painful. He is day-to-day at the moment, and reports suggest he should be able to play in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Nevertheless, Gerhart should be acquired by more people than just Peterson owners. In the event AD cannot play or is limited, Gerhart should play a large role for the Vikings.

Gerhart rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in Week 12 against the Washington Redskins. Even if you rent Gerhart as a one-week play, the Bills have allowed 107.3 rushing yards and 0.75 ground scores per game in the past month. Through the air: Opposing running backs have averaged 6.00 receptions for 42.8 yards per game since Week 8

WR
Ben Obomanu, Seattle Seahawks (96 percent)

Last week, we told you to pick up Obomanu. His ownership rate has changed only 4 percent. He produced a huge game (5-159-1) in Week 12, and fantasy owners need to add him. Therefore, once again, don't hesitate to grab him from your waiver wire. Seattle's No. 1 receiver, Mike X. Williams (foot), sat out Week 12 and could miss Week 13 play. Obomanu has favorable upcoming matchups against the San Francisco 49ers (Week 14) and Atlanta Falcons (Week 15).

Fantasy football free agents: Look to acquireThe following players will have greater significance in deep fantasy football leagues. In shallow fantasy football leagues, they are not as high of a priority but should be considered based on your fantasy football team's needs.

Jacoby Ford, Oakland Raiders (87 percent)

In Week 9, with Jason Campbell as the starter, Ford logged 148 yards on six catches. He posted four grabs for 108 yards and a score against the Miami Dolphins in Week 12 with Bruce Gradkowski (shoulder) in the lineup. Gradkowski is presumably out indefinitely, and Campbell will likely take over the starting gig once again beginning this weekend against the San Diego Chargers.

Ford has blazing speed and surprisingly sure hands. Unlike most Oakland receivers, the rookie has fought hard in traffic to make a reception. He will be inconsistent, but Ford has started the past four games for the Raiders and should be considered in most fantasy leagues. His best value is in non-PPR setups, but Ford has two soft matchups in the next three weeks: Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 14) and Denver Broncos (Week 15).

Fantasy football free agents: One-week playsThe following fantasy football pickups are for those who need injury or bye week replacements. They are not players you immediately acquire - unless your team is in dire straights. Some have, however, shown some life and should be followed in case they materialize as options beyond their temporary use.

Seyi Ajirotutu, San Diego Chargers (91 percent)

Wide receiver Vincent Jackson's 2010 season didn't start as planned after he suffered a calf strain; he also suffered a groin strain in practice last week but tried to gut it out. He's expected to miss Week 13 and maybe more games. Wideout Patrick Crayton (wrist) is recovering from surgery and is likely out a few more weeks.

Legedu Naanee, while healthy, hasn't been anything special this season, and Malcom Floyd didn't seem to be fully recovered from a hamstring strain when he was held catchless against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.

Tight end Antonio Gates (foot, toe) returned in Week 12, catching four passes for 46 yards. He isn't 100 percent healthy and probably won't be for some time, given the nature of his injuries. In other words, the Chargers need someone to step up in the passing game.

Insert Ajirotutu. He caught four passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns against the Houston Texans in Week 9 when the Bolts were in dire need of wide receivers. This week, he'll have the Oakland Raiders, who have allowed averages of 10.00 catches, 189.3 receiving yards and 1.67 aerial touchdowns. If you are looking for a boom-or-bust play, give 'Tutu a whirl this weekend.

TE
Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles (50 percent)


Don't sell out for Celek yet
It's easy to have a knee-jerk reaction to a ghost that resurrected. In Week 12, Celek caught three passes for 50 yards, including a touchdown grab, and saw bad throws on two other plays that could've led to a score. His seven targets were the most he has seen in a game since Week 6.

Michael Vick still isn't in love with using Celek, but this at least shows Celek can be useful if needed. If you own Antonio Gates (foot) or are still trying to fill in for an injured or inconsistent option, Celek could at least be worth a shot in deeps.

[Bobtheicon]

Thanks BCB. I need this info... great stuff!!! Much appreciated

[bcbadgalz]

Falcons DST plays at Seattle in week #15 which is the start of most fantasy play-offs.
Atlanta has not posted any great numbers but are consistent. I like this match-up as i have KC as my DST. Atlanta is available in many leagues for those in need of a quality start to begin your play-off.

[Quiksilver]

Good stuff man...