Wired Up! Week 15

Hot Off the Grill TJ Yates QB, Texans Gets Carolina in week 15 and the Colts in week 16.  I gotta believe the Texans try to get him to throw it as many times as he can to get him playoff ready.  Granted, there is a whole lot of Arian Foster going on, but QBs are dropping like flies too. Jake Locker QB, Titans  The rookie is athletic and has a strong arm that allows him to make big plays.  He threw for 282 yards and a TD, while adding 36 and another TD on the ground.  It’s time for the Titans to see what the rookie can do.  A good add in 2 QB leagues, or keeper leagues. Felix Jones RB, Cowboys If this guy is on waivers, and you get him, he may save your fantasy season.  He gets the Bucs and the Eagles, not necessarily the 86 Bears when it comes to stopping the run.  With DeMarco Murray on IR, it’s Felix and no one else. Kendall Hunter RB, 49ers Frank Gore is ailing, in fact, Hunter got all the 4th quarter carries in week 14.  At some point, I gotta believe Gore gets shut down until the playoffs.  It may be a speculative add, but there is no harm in doing it. Pierre Thomas RB, Saints  His real value only appears when Mark Ingram is out.  With key games against the Falcons and Minnesota still remaining, I can’t imagine the Saints will rely on Chris Ivory too much.  Thomas is too versatile not to mix it up. Ryan Grant RB, Packers Grant rushed for as more TDs in week 14 than him and James Starks had combined for the entire season.  Look for the Packers to attempt to establish a running game heading into the playoffs, but then again, I wouldn’t really trust a Packer running back too much. Golden Tate WR, Seahawks  Tate seems to be the new favorite target in Seattle, but I would have a hard time adding a guy and starting him in the fantasy playoffs that hasn’t done anything, hence the lack of WR’s on here. James Jones WR, Packers  Jennings is out 2-3 weeks, but the show must go on.  Jones has the closest skill set of the remaining WRs to Jennings.  Donald Driver should also wee an uptick in touches and deep leagues could look at Randall Cobb. Anthony Fasano TE, Dolphins  Fasano gets two really nice matchups in weeks 15 and 16 against the Bills and Patriots.  The Bills can’t cover TEs, and the Patriots will be so far ahead the Dolphins may throw it to anyone.  Keep in mind Jimmy Graham owners, he is hurting with back and ankle injuries, just saying. Owen Daniels TE, Texans  Daniels had 100 yards receiving in week 14 and will actually benefit from Matt Schaubbeing out.  He could be another option for Jimmy Graham owners. Titans DST  The Titans finish up with the Colts and the Jags.  Not bad if you are an owner who plays musical defenses. Texans DST  The Texans finish up with the Panthers and the Colts.  Not too shabby of options for a team fighting for the #1 overall seed in the AFC. Captain Obvious Andy Dalton QB, Bengals Marion Barber RB, Bills Michael Crabtree WR, 49es Demaryius Thomas WR, Broncos Kevin Smith RB, Lions Keeper League Add’s (For 2012) Shane Vereen RB, Patriots Ryan Williams RB, Cardinals Taiwan Jones RB, Raiders Brandon Saine RB, Packers Jacquizz Rodgers RB, Falcons Mikel Leshoure RB, Lions Jake Locker QB, Titans Matt Flynn QB, Packers (should be with another team in 2012) Christian Ponder QB, Vikings Kyle Rudolph TE, Vikings

November 28th Injury Report

By Christian Hardy

Quarterbacks

- According to Chiefs' head coach Todd Haley, rather than rushing Kyle Orton into a starting role, Tyler Palko (who has turned the ball over seven times in two games as a starter) will be under center for at least one more game. According to Jason La Canfora, it would not be a surprise if we saw Orton go under center at some time in week 13.

- Michael Vick did not go through the Eeagles' walkthrough today. The Eagles play against the Seahawks on Thursday, so Tuesday becomes his last chance to practice. If Michael Vick were to miss this game, Vince Young would start his third consecutive game.

- Texans; head coach Gary Kubiak confirmed that Matt Leinart has a fractured collarbone and is done for the season. TJ Yates, rookie from North Carolina, will take the place as the starter for now. They will also go forward with Kellen Clemens as a backup, and they will sign a quarterback later in the week. Quarterbacks that are in the talks of that last spot: Brett Favre, Jeff Garcia (front runner), Sage Rosenfels, and Brodie Croyle.
- Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that he is "optimistic" that Kevin Kolb will return in week 13. According to ProFootballTalk, Kolb will return as the starter, rather than John Skelton, who is 3-0 as the starting quarterback of this team.
- According to head coach Jack Del Rio, Blaine Gabbert will remain the starting quarterback of the Jaguars despite being benched in favor of Luke McCown. McCown failed to take the Jaguars down the field, for a chance to take his team to overtime. Either way, the Jaguars are one of the worst teams in the NFL, and without their defense, they would be awfully close to the worst.

Running Backs

- According to Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan, Roy Helu will  be the Redskins' running back, "for sure." He also said that "..he was ready", among other positive things that he said about Helu. It looks like there will be no more Shanahanigans here, but don't count out Ryan Torain (or Evan Royster for that matter) until Helu does it twice in a row.
- Darren McFadden had a light practice on Monday. He did some running and some cuts on his injured foot. His status for week 13 is unknown. We do know that he will not return until he is 100 percent. Until then, it will be Michael Bush behind the line carrying the rock.

Wide Receivers

- Jeremy Maclin was not at the Eagles' walkthrough on Monday.
- Miles Austin, who is questionable for week 13, missed Monday's walkthough.
- Giants WR Mario Manningham is inactive for Monday Night Football against the Saints.
- Rams WR Danario Alexander is close to a return. He will be fighting for carries with Brandon Gibson.

Tight Ends

Defense/Others
- According to Gery Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Troy Polamalu, who suffered 'concussion-like' symptoms Sunday night, will be 'fine' for week 13.
- Nnamdi Asomugha did not participate in the Eagles' walkthrough on Monday.
- Sam Baker made his return on Sunday, but it didn't end pretty. Baker didn't finish this game, because in the game against the Vikings on Sunday.
- Browns line backer Scott Fujita has chosen to undergo surgery to repair his broken right hand. His season could very well be over.

Week 5 Injury Report: Big Ben Does It Again

By: Zach Jacobson

No, I'm not talking about Ben forcing a young lady into an unpleasant situation, I'm talking about him disappointing fantasy owners everywhere.  He's not the only player that went down this weekend.  Let's catch you up.

The Injuries

Ben Roethlisberger:  Before this week Roethlisberger was the 25th QB (ESPN standard scoring), and his measly 7 points in week 4 didn't help.  Injuring his ankle on the Steeler's final drive of the game, Roethlisberger walked out of the locker room afterward on crutches with the foot in a protective boot.  He really wasn't startable before, but this injury puts his week 5 status in question.  Charlie Batch would probably get the nod next weekend if Big Ben can't play, but unless you're really struggling at QB you should have better options.

Rashard Mendenhall: Ahh, the man with the fish eyes.  I'm sorry Steeler fans, that was rude, but to be fair your team is going to miss the playoffs.  Mendy tweaked his hamstring, and if we've learned anything this season it's that hamstring injuries can be tricky (see Foster, Arian).  The fortunate news is that the way Mendenhall has been playing, backup Isaac Redman can't be any worse for your fantasy team.  With a flow of injuries and bye weeks right now Redman is looking like a viable flex option.

Danny Woodhead:  My personal favorite of this bunch, Woodhead's injury opens up limitless possibilities for my man Stevan Ridley.  Right now Danny W. is listed as week-to-week, and with how unimpressive Green-Ellis is Ridley may become the pickup of the week.  It wouldn't be hard to imagine him as the Patriots leading rusher this season.

Andre Johnson:  A.J. felt left out so he decided to injure his hammy as well.  The difference is that Johnson will miss 3+ weeks, and his injury opens up more possibilities.  I think this makes Jacoby Jones a must add for your bench, and we could see Owen Daniels get more involved as well.  I saw Ben Tate was being dropped in some leagues after Foster's return, but the lack of a big target could lead to more carries for both runningbacks.

The Replacements

Good to Go:  Isaac Redman, Stevan Ridley, Jacoby Jones, Ben Tate

Stay AWAY:  Charlie Batch

Look for this article on Mondays or Wednesdays, or if you want to see my other work check me out at ReclinerQB.com's Fantasy Corner.  Christian is featured there every Tuesday.

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