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It’s not an enviable time to be an Antonio Brown or Mike Wallace owner. One, to both, is probably the reason you’re still seeking Fantasy advice well into December, but starting either this week could very well be the end of your season. If Ben Roethlisberger hasn’t been confirmed as the starter for Pittsburgh’s Monday night clash with the 49ers on Sunday morning, you’ll have to look another direction. There won’t be any alternatives if you don’t. The San Francisco match up isn’t all that bad for the speedy wideouts, but, the thought of Charlie Batch tossing them the football is not something I even want to imagine. Fortunately there are credible, and available options to help out.
James Jones and Donald Driver have both become interesting options because of Greg Jennings injury. The problem is, which one is it going to be? Could Randall Cobb actually turn out to be the biggest beneficiary? These are questions that won’t have an answer until the Packers actually take the field at Arrowhead, but I can tell you this: Jones has the most upside because of his big play ability, but Driver is more likely to score. Aaron Rodgers still likes the familiarity of Driver when he needs someone to make a pressure reception. Driver isn’t going to pile up the yards, but should be safe for 5-plus catches and a few red zone targets. Just hope he converts.
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| If James Jones can simply manage not to drop every second pass thrown his way, he’ll be in stor for a big Fantasy day. Photo Credit: elviskennedy |
It’s probably a good time to reinvest in the Saints big play receivers. Minnesota’s secondary has been victimized by big plays of 30-plus yards all season long and Drew Brees isn’t shy about going deep. Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem are in a fantastic situation, but like the Packers receivers, it’s unlikely both will have a good game.
And don’t underrate the impact that the Patriots defense has on mediocre receivers. New England has allowed almost 500 more yards to wideouts than any other team. Tim Tebow be damned, both Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker are safe, quality options and if you’re really in a spot, Matt Willis is a capable alternative with the targets he’ll see.
Rankings set to PPR scoring format.
1 point for every 10 yards Rushing/Receiving
1 point per reception
6 points per Touchdown
Points per reception (PPR) scoring must be treated differently than your standard league. Receivers and scat backs have inflated value in PPR. As do possession receivers. Percy Harvin, Wes Welker, Early Doucet and others in that mold are safer options. Catches tend to be more consistent. Obviously, touchdowns and yards are still important, but for filling a FLEX position, take any advantage you can. For standard scoring, running backs with hands of stone like Cedric Benson, Rashard Mendenhall, Beanie Wells and Michael Turner all see their stock rise by switching to a scoring system that doesn’t count receptions.
1. Rob Gronkowski – It’s not tough to be the best when you’re incapable of being brought down on first contact.
2. Arian Foster – TJ Yates looked pretty solid last week, but Houston’s game plan is still running the ball down opponents’ throats.
3. Ray Rice – Simply delivers every week.
4. Chris Johnson – Has been more hit than miss in soft matchups.
5. Wes Welker – It’s almost no fun to rank him anymore, he’s just so consistent.
6. Darren Sproles – PPR Machine won’t have a problem breaking through the second level of the Vikings putrid defense.
7. Reggie Bush – Reggie faced better defenses in the PAC-10.
8. Roy Helu – Now has the bulk of carries to match catches.
9. Jordy Nelson – Hard to gauge the impact the absence of Greg Jennings will have in terms of coverage. I’m banking on it no affecting too much.
10. Percy Harvin – It appears that for the first time in years, Harvin is back to full health.
11. Laurent Robinson – I feel terrible for doubting his talent last week.
12. Michael Bush – Consistency is the name of the game with Bush.
13. Felix Jones – The extended vacation really helped his speed burst.
14. Calvin Johnson – His drop issues have become problematic.
15. Shonn Greene – We’ve seen this late season surge before. It’s legit.
16. Brandon Marshall – Marshall gives the Bills nothing but problems.
17. Hakeem Nicks – Seems to be completely over his slew of injuries.
18. Brandon Lloyd – No matter how terrible the Rams play, Lloyd is still getting his.
19. Jimmy Graham – Even with back spasms posted a productive week.
20. AJ Green – The toss it up to Green down the sideline play is quickly becoming a main cog in the Bengals offense.
21. LeSean McCoy – Play has drifted off but the TDs are still there.
22. Victor Cruz – Has established himself as option 1a in the Big Apple.
23. Larry Fitzgerald – Just hope Kevin Kolb doesn’t make it to the stadium.
24. Dwayne Bowe – You’ll be surprised how much of an impact Kyle Orton has on Bowe.
25. Marshawn Lynch – More beast mode time!
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Pat Mayo hosts RotoExperts’ Fantasy War Room, Thursdays at 8pm ET & The Sunday Scene 9:30pm ET recapping the day’s NFL action. He also appears on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio with Scott Engel and the morning crew every Wednesday at 8am & joins Dr. Roto every Sunday at 10am for the RotoExperts radio show on 770 ESPN.
Need a question answered? Harass Pat on Twitter @thepme.
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