Fantasy Football 101: Week 16 Pickups and Other Quick Hits

Championship weekend is here, if you are reading this, it likely means you have a meaningful game this weekend or just can't let go of the fantasy season.  After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year. 

With depth no longer a concern, the focus this week is on the players with the highest upside (or in some cases the safest player).

Here is a look at this week's waiver options:

Note: To qualify as a pickup, a player must be owned in less than 40% of Yahoo leagues as of this writing (12/12).  For the final week, the previous mention criteria has been removed.

 

Quarterback

Drew Stanton, Detroit (owned 3%)—Detroit is a pass first offense with good weapons playing against a Dolphins defense that is not great against the pass.  Throwing to Mega-tron gives him a chance at a big game.

Tim Tebow, Denver (owned 9%)—Tebow was hot and cold in his debut and is still learning the NFL game but from a fantasy perspective he runs a lot especially near the goal line and more importantly is playing the pathetic Texans pass defense this week.

 

Running Back (not a lot of good options here)

Donald Brown, Indianapolis (owned 14%)—Flashed his potential with a 129 yard outing last week and Brown is worth consideration if against an Oakland if you think lightning can strike twice.  Boom or bust.

Maurice Morris, Detroit (owned 10%)—A repeat of his 100 yard outing last week is unlikely, but Morris is guaranteed to play and should be good for at least 50 total yards.

 

Wide Receiver

Jacoby Ford, Oakland (owned 28%)—Classic boom or bust play, Ford is a big play waiting to happen and makes an impact in three phases rushing, receiving and returning.

James Jones, Green Bay (owned 16%)—Jones has had a roller coaster of a season with 95-plus yards in three of the Packers last seven games.  Use him if you need a guy capable of a breakout performance but not if you need guaranteed points.

Earl Bennett, Chicago (owned 17%)—If you are scared of Jones and Ford's boom or bust nature, try the unsung Bennett who has emerged as the Bears top possession receiver down the stretch with 3 or more catches in six of the last seven games.

 

Tight End

Jimmy Graham, New Orleans (owned 3%)—It seems as if I write about Graham every week, but he is the epitome of a high upside tight end.  Remarkably consistent for a Saints receiver with 3 or more catches in five consecutive games.

Joel Dressen, Houston (owned 7%)—Owen Daniels got all the preseason hype but Dressen is the Texan tight end who has emerged this season.  Has displayed some spurt-ability down the stretch with two games of 63 or more yards.

 

Defense

Detroit—The Lions opportunistic defense heads up against a struggling Dolphins offense.

 

Other thoughts

—For as much as i love the Patriots offense, outside of Brady the skill players are maddeningly inconsistent.  They are best used as WR3 or flex plays as a result.  That said the law firm of BenJarvus Green-Ellis ranks as one of my most under-appreciated fantasy players this season.

—Be sure to play Cedric Benson this week, the Chargers are hot but Benson is playing for a contract behind an offense that is likely to focus on the ground game down the stretch.

—If the Browns can add some weapons on offense, Colt McCoy could be a breakout candidate for 2011.  He lacks ideal measure-ables but has the intangibles you look for in a quarterback.

—Kudos to Jon Kitna for once again showing he is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league.

—In order to earn the confidence of the Broncos coaches, front office and fantasy owners, Ryan Torain needs to stay healthy the rest of the way.  Of course, even then I would probably let someone else gamble with him.

—Kenny Britt will be a top 10 receiver next season as long as the Titans can settle their quarterback situation.

—The Colts and fantasy owners can only hope Austin Collie can get beyond his concussions.  A great route runner who is an ideal fit for Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis offense.

—Sam Bradford has struggled down the stretch but after an off-season and upgrade at the receiver position, his future is a bright one.  No quarterback has had to play with a more non-descript group of receivers.

—I have a hunch Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the Bills quarterback in 2011.  He is a great fit for Chan Gailey's offense.

—Hakeem Nicks has a chance to challenge Roddy White and Andre Johnson for the number one receiver title next season.

—Mike Williams of Tampa has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. 

—Ray Rice has failed to meet expectations this season but is saving his best for last and should excel vs. a battered Browns run defense this week.

—Darren McFadden's breakout in year three is an example of why it is never a bad to take a chance on a high upside running back in the later rounds.

—After watching Steelers wideout Mike Wallace the past month i will no longer question his all-around ability.  He has emerged as a complete receiver this season.

This is the final edition of pickups and quick hits for this season.  Thanks for joining us this fantasy season.  If you happen to be in a league with week 17 playoffs or need lineup advice this week feel free to email me at cmaier@nfldraft101.com.

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for nfldraft101.com.  Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101.

Check out NFLDraft101's 2011 Post-Thankgiving Mock Draft

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/550465-fantasy-football-101-week-16-pickups-and-other-quick-hits

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