There aren’t a ton of must pick ups, but I feel pretty good about the guys that are on this list.
Roy Helu: He’s the Redskins starting running back for today and in fantasy football that’s all we can really ask for. Against the 49ers Helu was on the field for 65 plays and Ryan Torain was there for 4. Shanahan is a cliche when it comes to switching running backs, but you can’t just ignore that kind of playing time for any back. He won’t catch 14 balls again, but he is an every down player and Shanny is also starting rookie receiver Hankerson to evaluate his talent. They know Torain isn’t as talented as Helu and want to see what he can do with the bulk of the work. You need to as well.
Laurent Robinson: With Miles Austin out 2-4 weeks with some reports speculating 5 Robinson is a must grab. He’s had two 100 yard games and one of those came with Austin in the lineup. The Cowboys have a good schedule against some poor pass defenses. And Robinson hasn’t just looked like another body to throw out there. He’s shown improvement since becoming a Cowboy.
Jacoby Ford: The Raiders have a ton of potential and that’s why there are so many of them on this list. Darrius Heyward-Bey was playing well and playing well consistently which is quite amazing. But against Denver DHB only was on the field 12 plays while Ford took his place and had a touchdown and over 100 yards. There has been plenty of speculation as to why Heyward-Bey was demoted, but I’m going with two reasons. #1: Moore and Ford are just better. DHB is no slouch, but these two have the ability to be elite if given the chance. We’ve seen what DHB can do and he just isn’t a #1 receiver. I applaud Hue Jackson for defying Al Davis by sitting Bey, oh wait, that’s my #2 reason. Now that Al Davis is gone Jackson and the coaches have less oversight on personnel decisions and don’t have to worry about getting the axe.
Earl Bennett: He’s been injured for a long while now and finally he’s back on the field as I type. He’s been a favorite PPR stash for me for a while now, but when he was in there early in the season the Bears couldn’t protect Cutler to save his life which made it tough to get the ball to any receiver and then when the o-line starts playing better Bennett gets hurt. And now he’s back and his QB has a little time and he’s the only sure handed receiver on the team. He’s a must pickup in PPR leagues and worth a look in non.
Denarius Moore: I like Ford a little more than Moore, but I think Palmer can make both startable in the right matchups. We’ve gone through this already this season and I can’t assure you that Ford and Moore are going to take over the world, but they are just too good not to own if there is a chance they’ll start getting the targets they deserve.
Brent Celek: He was targeted 9 times and caught 7 of them for 60 yards. He’s finally getting targets from Vick and the way Maclin and Jackson were handling passes makes me think that should keep up.
Jake Ballard: The dude just makes catches. He seems like he is playing over his head, but as long as he’s getting the job done you have to grab him.
Austin Pettis: Here’s another PPR’er. With Greg Salas breaking his fibula (that’s a funny word) Pettis will take over that cursed slot position and Sam Bradford is a fan of dumping it off often. I would only want him in full PPR leagues though.
Vincent Brown: Brown finally beat out Patrick Crayton for that third receiver spot. With Gates, VJax and Floyd in the way it will be hard for him to be of much value, but Gates is running on one foot and Floyd can’t stay healthy. Keep an eye on Brown.
Marion Barber: Well, I can’t stand the guy but he keeps getting into the end zone. I would only use him as a desperation play or in TD heavy leagues.
Tim Tebow: After his horrid Week 8 game he may have been dropped. He has value as long as he’s playing.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags get to face the Colts who are giving up fake football points like crazy to defenses. In their last 4 games the Colts opposing D/ST’s have scored 18, 18, 16 and 12 in ESPN standard scoring. They’re my Streaming D of the week!!
Droppage: Greg Little, Demaryius Thomas, Ryan Torain, Kevin Faulk
