Week 12 has arrived, and depending on the league settings, you’ve got to have a record of at least 5-6 to have a shot at the playoffs.
If you’ve got a record of 4-7, you’ll most likely have to win out and have a good point total to gain a playoff spot. My advice is to take it one week at a time and play upside match-ups the rest of the way. This week we will look at a few running backs and a breakout receiver.
Pickups and Plays of the Week
Justin Gage (WR) – He was the top wide receiver last week with totals of 147 yards and 2 TDs. Gage doesn’t have the greatest match-up against the Jets on Sunday, but he is worth picking up in all leagues, as he should be a deep threat for the undefeated Titans for the rest of the season.
Jonathan Stewart (RB) – This rookie running back is heavily owned, but for most teams he’s only been a spot-starter up to this point in the season. Last week he ran for 130 yards and a TD on 15 carries as he and DeAngelo Williams tore up the Detroit defense. Look for Carolina to rely heavily on the running back duo this week against Atlanta, making Stewart a solid No. 2 back this week.
Peyton Hillis (RB) – Last week in his first career start, Hillis had a combined 70 yards and scored twice on 10 carries and three catches. On Sunday, Hillis will face a horrible Oakland team that hasn’t scored an offensive TD in the last 13 quarters. If this one gets out of hand, look for Hillis to get plenty of touches and tally serviceable numbers. He should lose carries as the rest of the Denver backfield gets healthier, so take advantage of his role this week.
Injuries and Solutions
Earnest Graham (RB) – A severe ankle injury sustained in last week’s game will keep Graham on the shelf for the rest of the season. This may be an injury that helps fantasy teams more than it hurts them. Warrick Dunn should have a huge role in the Tampa Bay backfield for the remainder of the season. Dunn has a chance for a very big Sunday afternoon as he faces a Lions team that gave up 264 rushing yards last week to Carolina.
Brian Westbrook (RB) – The last three weeks have been disappointing for Westbrook owners with a three-game high of 61 yards rushing and no TDs. It seems that Westbrook is always banged up and right now it’s a lingering ankle injury from the beginning of the year. Even though Westbrook will still have the start, Correll Buckhalter is a great backup to stash just in case Westbrook injures the ankle any further.
Have any roster problems that were not addressed? Since I can’t look at specific roster needs, I’d be happy to give any advice on your potential pick-ups, trades and sit-start decisions through e-mail. Good luck to everyone fighting to stay alive this week.
Mat Adams is a mathematics junior and a Mustang Daily sports columnist. He can be reached at madams03@calpoly.edu.