By Mike Cannici
QB’s
David Garrard– Garrard has been on fire the last few weeks and coming off a week 9 bye they get the league’s worst pass defense in the Houston Texans. If you’re in need, you can do a lot worse than Garrard.
Shaun Hill– With Matthew Stafford reinjuring his shoulder and placed on IR, Hill will step right back in under center this week. Hill posted tremendous numbers during Stafford’s absence in the early going, and if he is able to return from his broken forearm this week, which is very likely, he gets the Bills in a solid matchup.
Josh Freeman– I don’t know how many more times I can put this guy on here but he is an absolute must own at this point. Freeman has posted just one game where he failed to get double digit fantasy points(against the Steelers) and has posted at least 15 pts in his other 7 contests. He draws the woeful Panthers this week and makes for a great bye week filler for Rodgers/Brees owners as well as a viable backup going forward.
RB’s
Javarris James– If you’re an Addai/Donald Brown owner, or in a TD heavy league, James is a guy you want to take a look at. James vultured two touchdowns during Sunday’s loss to the Eagles away from starter Donald Brown. James didn’t get a lot of touches otherwise, but if Addai and Mike Hart are out once again this week, it’ll be James, not Brown who will get the goal line carries.
Willis McGahee– McGahee is another guy who has been covered here before, but has now scored a touchdown in four straight and is becoming a valuable flex play going forward. If he’s available grab him immediately especially in touchdown heavy leagues.
Chester Taylor– Taylor was mentioned last week after the Bears announced he would be the goal line back. Taylor had 10 carries for just 13 yards but did get into the end zone as advertised. Taylor is a solid handcuff for Forte owners as well as teams in need of RB help and touchdown leagues.
WR’s
Nate Burleson– Burleson was previously discussed here as well, but it’s now time to jump on the bandwagon already and grab this guy. He posted a 7-113-1 stat line against the Jets last week and his production will not slide with Shaun Hill coming back under center. He has scored double digit fantasy points in his last four games in PPR leagues and scored three touchdowns in those four games as well. His value is across all leagues at this time and in my opinion is the #1 waiver add at the receiver position this week unless your league has Sidney Rice and Vincent Jackson still available.
James Jones– Jones would be my by number one pickup this week if week 10 wasn’t the Packers bye and I knew he would post up solid numbers consistently like Burleson has done. Jones had a career day Sunday night (albeit against the Cowboys) going off for 8 catches 123 yards and a score. He’s definitely own able at this point on talent and potential alone, but I’d still grab Burleson before him at this point. Jone’s is definitely the next guy to grab in this list especially if Driver were to miss any time after the bye.
Jacoby Ford– Ford was relegated to return duties for most of the season for the Raiders coming into Sunday’s contest, but with injuries to Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy, he had to step into that starting lineup. This kid not only returned a kickoff for a score but also made a few amazing catches late in the game to help tie and eventually win in OT. Once Murphy returns were not sure what will become of Ford, but we now know he has the talent and the hands to be productive. Along with his kickoff return, he chipped in with 6 catches for 148 yards as well. He’s a good speculative add going forward with a lot of potential and obviously should be if not already owned in all return yardage leagues.
Blair White– No, this is not the blond from the 80’s hit The Facts of Life, he’s a rookie receiver out of Michigan State whose role in the Colts offense will increase with the Austin Collie concussion. Collie’s status is yet to be defined but White has some potential out of that slot position to put up some solid numbers. He’s at worst good receiver depth for your team going forward with WR3 upside especially in PPR leagues.
Bernard Berrian– Here’s a guy who was recommended weeks ago and then just completely pooped the bed but has now reemerged as a legit option after his 9 catch 89 yard performance in Sunday’s comeback victory over the Cardinals. Berrian’s time may be limited with Rice due to come back, but with Harvin’s health and up and down thing as well as his relationship with Coach Childress, Berrian could make a fine WR4/5 down the stretch.
TE’s
Jacob Tamme- If for some reason after last week’s performance he is still available in your league, first you need to go and grab him an hour ago and then take down my email(mtcannici@gmail.com) and send me a league invite next year. Other than that there’s not much to say besides he’s going to be a TOP 5-6 TE the rest of the year and is a must start in all league’s.
Joel Dreessen– This is a guy I put up in this column back in week 5 and was somewhat laughed at by my esteemed colleague Steve. Dreessen posted 5 catches for 66 yards in week 9’s loss to the Chargers. Owen Daniels was inactive with this lingering hammy issue and is going to be out for an undisclosed amount of time. If you’re struggling at the TE position like I know I am, Dreessen could be a decent fill in as Matt Schaub seems to like his TE. Dreessen is a must own in all 14 team and bigger leagues and worth a look in 12 team and shallower league’s if you’re in need of TE help.
Fantasy Savvy 