By Mike Cannici
QB’s
Sam Bradford– Bradford became the first rookie QB in NFL history to throw for 300 + yards, 3 touchdowns and no turnovers in a win. He has been so impressive during his rookie campaign and has this Rams team in a tie for first place in the NFC West. This division and very winnable and with Bradford under center, I’m not so sure they won’t win it. If he is available in your league and you have shaky quarterback play right now you need to grab him ASAP.
Matt Cassel– Cassel’s stats are now up to 2,307 passing yards, and a 22-4 TD to interception ratio which is just mind boggling. It obviously helps to have Dwayne Bowe at your disposal but Cassel has been very impressive in his second year in Kansas City. Over the last three weeks, only Michael Vick has accumulated more fantasy points at quarterback, and if it wasn’t for that unreal game against the Redskins, Cassel would likely be the highest scoring QB over that time span. He should be owned in all leagues at this point.
RB’s
Brian Westbrook– Westbrook should be the #1 waiver add in all league’s this week with Frank Gore going down for the rest of the season with a hip injury. Westbrook ran all over a terrible Cardinals defense Monday night running for 136 yards and a touchdown. He was a non factor in the passing game but figures to improve on that going forward. The best part about Westbrook taking over now is that he is fresh as he only had 5 carries on the season coming into this game. The 49ers go to Green Bay this week and home for Seattle in week 14 so it’s shaping up for a few good matchups out of him going into your playoff runs. Rookie Anthony Dixon is also worth a look as he contributed Monday with 54 yards and a touchdown himself. He will be Westbrook’s backup but with his injury history who knows if he can take on a full load week in and week out anymore.
Toby Gerhart– Adrian Peterson’s MRI Monday revealed only a sprain to his right ankle but it is cause for some concern. Gerhart ran for 76 yards and a touchdown in relief of AP and is a must pick up at this point especially for Peterson owners. AP will probably try and give it a go this weekend, but if he can’t Gerhart has a dream matchup against the Bills who just allowed the Steelers Rashard Mendenhall to rush for 151 yards.
Jonathan Stewart– If Stewart was dropped in your leagues, you need to go out and grab him immediately because even though Mike Goodson has been better than imagined, it looks like J. Stew will regain the starting job this week after finishing with 98 yards on just 12 carries. The Panthers get the Seahawks, Falcons and Cardinals coming up and if he can run the way he did last week against a pretty good Browns run defense I think he can do the same with more carries against these teams. He MUST be owned in all leagues at this point.
Ricky Williams– Williams had arguably his best game of the season Sunday in Oakland including a big 45 yard touchdown run to seal the deal for the Dolphins. They have a very favorable schedule going forward and Williams could be a big benefactor of that. Williams needs to be owned in all 12 team or deeper leagues and is worth a look in shallower leagues as well that use flex positions.
Maurice Morris– Morris was discussed in last week’s waiver adds so I won’t go too much in depth but he looked really good against the Patriots Thursday totaling 75 yards and two scores. Jahvid Best’s turf toe could sideline him again this week so Morris is a must own at this point.
WR’s
Ben Obomanu– Seahawks “big ben” had a big game Sunday against the Chiefs including an 87 yard touchdown catch. Obomanu finished with 5 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown and figures to be the #1 guy as long as Mike Wiliams is out and maybe beyond that as he seems to be developing a good chemistry with QB Matt Hasselback. Obomanu is a must own in all 12 team and deeper leagues and worth a add in shallower leagues as well if you’re hurting at receiver or just want some depth for the playoffs.
Davone Bess– Bess a few weeks ago was almost an afterthought in fantasy until Brandon Marshall’s injury and Bess stepped up big Sunday in Oakland grabbing six balls for 111 yards. It’s the first time since week 7 he finished with more than 55 yards. He’s a must add in PPR league’s as long as Marshall is out and a borderline add in 12 team standard leagues.
Danario Alexander– The rookie returned Sunday in Denver after knee surgery and picked up where he left off back in week 6 when he hauled in 4 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. Danario caught 4 passes for 95 yards and was stopped just short of the goal line or he would have had his second touchdown catch of the season. Bradford seems to really like this rookie out of his former conference the Big 12(Missouri) and if he can just stay healthy(which is a big IF) can come up big for your team going into the playoffs.
Jacoby Ford– This kid just can’t seem to be stopped anymore. Ford returned a kickoff for 102 yards and then made a few more unbelievable catches to finish with four catches for 108 yards on 10 targets. He’s a hit or miss type of guy at this point but his big play potential is enough to be worthy of rostering at this point. He’s totaled over 100 yards in two of his last three games and in 14 team leagues is a must own at this point. Shallower league’s there’s likely someone more consistent available, but I wouldn’t hate you if you took a flier on him as his play should continue to keep him on the field.
TE’s
Todd Heap– All Todd Heap did Sunday was haul in the longest play from scrimmage all year for the Ravens, a 65 yard touchdown catch just before half time to give them a 10-3 lead going into the locker room. Heap’s inconsistency over the years has always been attributed to his health, but this season he has been able to stay healthy and is producing. Heap finished with just 2 catches but had 79 yards and a touchdown which is solid production out of your tight end. Those in need a TE help take a look at this guy right now.
Other TE’s to look at, Kevin Boss(3-74-1), Tony Moeaki(1-6-1), Brent Celek(3-50-1) in Week 12 and are all worth a look especially Boss who should continue to get looks with Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith out again.
Fantasy Savvy 