By Mike Cannici
QB
Tavaris Jackson– With Favre injuring his shoulder on the first play of the game last week, Jackson came in and play very well. He did make two mistakes where he didn’t read the coverage and got intercepted, and his third interception was on a tipped ball by one of his receivers. TJax did however finish with 187 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Favre and could be of value if Favre doesn’t return this season.
Drew Stanton– Stanton played very well in his second start against a stingy Bears defense. He had a 3 yard touchdown run followed by a teach you how to dougie dance and a 46 yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson. Stanton has looked pretty good in his few appearances and Stafford expected to be out for at least two more weeks, you could do worse than Stanton if you’re in dire need.
RB
James Starks– Starks was a guy I was high on a while back to come in and take over as the every down back. He was finally activated Sunday and picked up 18 carries for 73 yards. Starks was only in on rushing plays but the fact that he got 18 carries to Brandon Jacksons 4 is big news. The Packers are saying they want to use a time share so in my opinion, if a time share is 18 touches to 4, I’m all in on Starks. Starks draws the Lions this week followed by the Patriots and the Giants so the opportunity is there for some big games down the stretch. He is a must own in all formats.
Tashard Choice– Choice is another guy that if you missed out on last week, is a must grab now. Choice ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown against the Colts Sunday and gets the Eagles, Redskins and Cardinals the next three week so he must be owned in all formats.
James Davis– Again, Davis was the Skins’ back who got more touches and put up better stats. Davis finished with 9 carries for 40 yards while adding 3 receptions for 41 yards to Williams’ 5 carries for 29 yards and 2 catches for just 2 yards. Davis’ value could falter if he was to get hurt or Torain comes back, but right now it looks like Davis is the guy. This situation is one you should look to avoid all together as you just never know with Mike Shanahan who’s going to be out there, but if you need someone, at least for today its Davis.
Anthony Dixon– If you didn’t grab Dixon last week and he’s still available , pick him up immediately as it seems him and Westbrook are in a legit 50/50 time share with Dixon picking up the goal line work. They both had a tough matchup against the Packers last week where they trailed in the second half but they host the Seahawks this week which is a great matchup for both these guys. Dixon is a must own in all 12 team and deeper leagues.
WR
Earl Bennett– Bennett has been a beast the last two weeks totaling 11 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Cutler really seems to be keying in on him and Bennett is a great pickup especially in PPR leagues for the stretch run. He draws the Patriots and Vikings the next two weeks, both solid matchups.
Roy Williams– With the Cowboys losing Dez Bryant for the year, Roy Williams moves up to their number two and a legit flex receiver going forward. He has some very good matchups coming up and is worthy of a roster spot once again.
Anthony Armstrong-Armstrong has quietly put together a solid season (31-642-2) as the Skins number two receiver. Last week against the Giants he posted his best game grabbing six balls for 97 yards and a touchdown. He draws the Bucs, Cowboys and Jaguars the next three weeks so don’t be surprised if he has similar production during that span.
Mohammed Massaquoi– Massaquoi has been putting up steady numbers since week 9 , having at least four catches or a touchdown in each of those games. Those aren’t eye popping numbers by any means, but in PPR leagues that means he hasn’t had less than 9 points in any game which is not so bad when you think about it. He’s not a must own or start right now , but if your need for help, Massaquoi isn’t a bad option considering its either him or Ben Watson that they have to throw too, so even in a relatively bad passing game, there’s still reward there.
TE
Ben Watson– Had a big game Sunday grabbing 10 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Watson has been up and down as of late but that can likely be attributed to an ankle injury. He’s a decent TE1 the rest of the way especially with lack of consistency from most of the tight ends around the league so far. If you need help at TE, Watson should be your guy.
Ed Dickson– Todd Heap injured his hamstring during Sunday nights loss to the Steelers. Rookie Ed Dickson stepped in and grabbed 3 balls for 21 yards on seven targets. This kid has a lot of talent and has faces two teams the next two weeks that really struggle against the tight end in Houston and New Orleans. Heap is not going to play this week and could very well miss week 15 as well. He’s a solid grab in most leagues at this point.
Jared Cook– The Titans want this kid to get more opportunities going forward and did finish with a team high four catches for 47 yards Sunday. His blocking skills are what has inhibited him from making a big splash on the offense, but he should see some more looks going forward. He’s a decent stash if you’re looking for someone who may just explode over the next week or two, so keep your eye on him.
Jimmy Graham– As you saw last week, it didn’t seem to matter that Shockey was back in the lineup as Graham still was able to grab 3 balls for 72 yards. The Saints have a ton of options in the passing game, but Graham could immediately be a TE1 if Shockey were to miss any more time due to injury or ineffectiveness. Graham is a solid add purely on his explosive upside, and if you’re in a keeper a dynasty league and he’s still sitting on the wire, now is the time to pounce on him.