I trust everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, and
that you made it through visiting with your in-laws without any Ndamukong Suh type
incidents. It was a great holiday for
football as the Cowboys once it again made a winnable game unbearably
nail-biting, Coach Harbaugh took home a victory, and the Packers smacked that
ass once more. Most of you are heading
into the playoffs soon and this weekend could be pivotal for your inclusion or
seeding. Fortunately we’ve got some
additions that are good for what ails ya.
The Pick Ups
Kyle Orton: The artist formerly known as Neckbeard
gets a second second (that’d be a third) chance in Kansas City and falls into a
situation with some natural receiving talent.
Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin, and Steve Breaston should all contribute to an
offense that looks to be exponentially more effective than they’ve been the
last three weeks. I’m sure many owners
dumped Orton when he was benched in week five, and rarely do you find a guy with
QB1 potential on the wire right in time for the playoffs.
Steve Breaston: His value is directly tied to how Orton
performs, but with Matt Cassel (and even Tyler Palko at times), Breaston has
excelled. He’s one of the more
underrated receivers in the NFL dating back to his days in Arizona. If you can snag him before he resumes
producing you could end up with a solid WR3 for the rest of the season. Because of shear yardage production I have to
believe he finds the endzone at least a few more times.
Caleb Hanie: He couldn’t make it happen on the field,
but from a fantasy perspective he certainly got the job done. His three interceptions and sacks were offset
by two touchdowns and 50 rushing yards, while he also passed for 254 yards
totaling 16.16 points. I wouldn’t expect
him to find as much success through the air every week, but I have to believe
he’ll get some check down TD’s to Matt Forte and Marion Barber, as well as cut
down on the turnovers as he gets more reps with the first team. All in all, I’m buying here if I need
quarterback help.
Roy Helu:
- Fact: Helu totaled 164 yards and a touchdown on 30 touches.
- Fact: Shanahan came out and said that Helu will make an excellent #2 running back heading into the future.
- Fact: Shanahan also said that he finally thought Helu was ready for a starter’s workload.
If you have any idea what to make of any of this please let
me know. I just know Helu must be owned
if he’s getting touches.
CJ Spiller: At least we have good old Chan Gailey who,
staying true to his word, featured Spiller heavily. Though he was far from effective, the Bills
were also playing against a Jets defense that was backed into a corner with their
season on the line. If you have the
roster spot available I would definitely pick up Spiller, especially in PPR
leagues. Like I said previously, if he is getting touches then he should be
owned.
Marcel Reece: Relegated to a makeshift receiving corps,
Carson Palmer’s favorite target on Sunday was fullback Marcel Reece. Reece, who was a wideout in college, shined
in his expanded role and may be in line for a repeat performance given the
battered and bruised state of Oakland’s offense.
Greg Little: After weeks of teasing us as one of the
highest targeted receivers in the league, Little finally found the endzone,
rewarding owners who’ve stuck with him. Peyton Hillis was back and added another
dimension to the offense that the Browns had been sorely missing, opening the
passing game up for Colt McCoy and company.
If you’re in a PPR league I would gobble Little up like Grandma’s
leftovers.
I’ll see you back here next week! Until then, be sure to shoot me any questions
you might have on Twitter.
