Tuesday, November 20, 2007

POWERHOUSE Pick-Ups Week 12


Let’s see, we have a new face to report in Denver and a familiar face back in Miami. We have some injury situations to address regarding the Giants, Packers, and Chiefs. Oh, and not to mention a short week in which to work to boot. Let’s get into it, shall we…

Quarterbacks

Kyle Boller, Baltimore- To this point in his career Boller has been nothing short of a colossal BUST. However, things may just be turning around for him. After throwing for 279 yards and a score, and nearly leading the Ravens to victory he is in line for another start this week. He has a big arm and some decent weapons. Don’t pick him up just yet, at the moment he is nothing more than someone to keep an eye on.

AJ Feeley, Philadelphia- Was there anything more hilarious than watching Feeley come on for an injured Donovan McNabb and lead the Eagles to victory over his former team this past Sunday? Could it get any worse for Dol-phanz? Don’t even think about picking up AJ Feeley. Do feel confident starting anyone, and I mean ANYONE, against Miami. They really are that bad.

Running Backs

Reuben Droughns/Derrick Ward, NYG- Big Brandon Jacobs is dinged up…again, and it looks as if he will miss his week 12 match up with the Vikes. Conflicting reports have Derrick Ward healthy enough to return from injury this week enabling him to start. If Ward is unable to go Droughns will get the start. Keep close tabs on this situation as it should become clearer in a day or so. Whoever gets the start shouldn’t be counted on for anything more than a low-end RB2 or a flex play.

Ricky Williams, Miami- Pass it over here then. The NFL’s #1 pothead is back after serving an 18 month suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The Dolphins would be crazy not to use this guy. Cam Cameron is starving for his 1st win as an NFL head coach, and believe me Dolphin brass does not want 0-16 hung on them especially in a year where the division rival Patriots have a legit shot at 16-0. If Jesse Chatman can run behind the Dolphin O-line Ricky can too. Pick this guy up ASAP, just don’t expect too much too quickly.

Andre Hall, Denver- OMG, this RB Denver situation is nauseating!! Fantasy owners of Selvin Young have been salivating for weeks awaiting Roger Goodell to slap Travis Henry with a suspension, a suspension likely to come this week. Just when it looks like this week was going to be Young’s big break he injures his knee and watches from the sideline as fellow no-name runner Andre Hall rips off a number of impressive runs including a 62 yard touchdown. It looks as if Young will be healthy for this week, but Hall definitely has earned himself some carries. Hall makes for a fine pickup once Henry is suspended as insurance for Selvin Young owners.

Brandon Jackson, Green Bay- Ryan Grant has been doing his best Dorsey Levens imitation that last few weeks. All the cheese-heads thought they had their running game figured out until Grant rolled an ankle. Early reports are that Grant will be OK to play this week but Imp not so sure. Remember the Pack have a game on Thanksgiving Day and that only gives Grant 3 days to rest. The next guy in line is Brandon Jackson who would be in for a decent match up against the Lions.

Kolby Smith, Kansas City- LJ is already out indefinitely with an injured foot and now word out of Kansas City is that Priest Holmes’ season could be over due to a neck injury. If this is the case Smith will be the guy in running the ball for Herm Edwards. Smith hasn’t really gotten a chance to play all that much this year so who knows how productive he will be. Nevertheless, he is worth a claim in all leagues.

Wide Receivers

Javon Walker, Denver- Walked is slated to return to action this week after missing the previous 7 weeks with a knee injury. He should step right back into a prominent role in the offense. Jay Cutler has improved is play the last few weeks and the addition of Walker will help immensely. Watch for a strong playoff push by the Broncos down the stretch of the season with Walker being a big part. I like him as a great WR2 going forward.

Justin Gage, Tennessee- Who?? Gage has come off back to back weeks of decent production catching passes from Vince Young. Word out of Tennessee is that Jeff Fisher would like him to get involved. At some point, someone is going to have to emerge in the Titan pass game, and that someone could be Gage. Unless you are desperate for help at WR, leave him, and monitor for another week.

Drew Carter, Carolina- Carter had a monster 132 yard 1 TD effort playing catch-up in Green Bay this past week. Oh, and Steve Smith missed the game. Don’t expect numbers from Carter like that again.

Tight End

Greg Olsen, Chicago- A number of owners decided to dump this guy after getting blanked in week 10. That was Grossman’s first week filling in for an injured Brian Griese, so the rapport between QB and TE wasn’t there. This week Grossman hooked up with his talented rookie TE 7 times for 43 yards. I look for Grossman to look Olsen’s way more often. If you are hurting at TE, pick him up.

Defense/ST

Arizona Cardinals- The Cardinals have been an underrated fantasy Def for much of the season and should have a field day against Dilfer and company. Start the Cards with confidence.

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