Week 15 Pickups of the Week
As you know, the Pickups of the Week on NFLDraft101.com are divided into 3 sections: The Observatory, The Road to Recovery, and the Weight Room.
- In the Observatory, I give you the emerging new stars, available in more than 60% of leagues, competing to be in your starting lineup.
- In the Road to Recovery, I give you viable replacements for the key injuries of the week. Recover your hope of a championship.
- In the Weight Room, I give you deep sleepers to add to your Bench in deeper leagues or to your Watch List in more shallow leagues until the time is right.
The Observatory
…emerging new stars available in more than 60% of leagues.
© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Kaepernick's athletic ability to run and strong throwing arm make him an excellent fantasy option and might make the 49ers the best team in the NFC. He has thrown for 1073 passing yards, 8 touchdowns (including 5 rushing touchdowns), 1 interception, and has run for 351 rushing yards
Projection for 2012 Season: 1,500 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 500 rushing yards
You can follow him on Twitter: @Kaepernick7
QB Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) Yahoo! 31% owned, ESPN 22% owned
Russell Wilson was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2012 draft as
a mobile quarterback with the unique gift of accuracy while throwing on
the run. He has thrown for 2,492 yards 20 touchdowns and 9
interceptions so far in his rookie season. He has also run for 310 yards rushing. As his chemistry with his receiving corps
continues to build, so will his production in the 2nd half of the
season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 3,000 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 375 yards rushing
You can follow him on Twitter: @DangeRussWilson
QB Nick Foles (Philadelphia Eagles) Yahoo! 8% owned, ESPN 4% owned
Having been named the starting QB for the rest of the season, Nick Foles has an opportunity to audition to be the QB of the future for the Eagles. He was drafted in 3rd
round pick of the 2012 Draft. Marty Mornhinweg, the Eagles Offensive
Coordinator, called him a "3rd round steal." He has a strong arm with
great accuracy on
short passes which should play right into the West Coast Offense that the
Eagles run. He has thrown for 1,174 yards, 5
touchdowns (including 1 rushing) and 3 interceptions so far this season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 1,800 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions
WR Danario Alexander (San Diego Chargers) Yahoo! 53% owned, ESPN 27% owned
Danario
Alexander has emerged as the Charges most reliable target. Alexander could be in line for big 2nd half of the
season. He has 33 receptions for 555 yards and 5 touchdowns on the
season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 55 receptions, 800 yards, 7 touchdowns
You can follow him on Twitter: @D_Alexander84
WR Josh Gordon (Cleveland Browns) Yahoo! 49% owned, ESPN 38% owned
Gordon has been the most productive WR for fellow rookie
Brandon Weeden. He
has 42 receptions, 732 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 56 receptions, 875 yards, 7 touchdowns
You can follow him on Twitter: @Josh_GordonXII
WR Justin Blackmon (Jacksonville Jaguars) Yahoo! 62% owned, ESPN 69% owned
The
Jaguars drafted Justin Blackmon in the 1st round with 5th pick in the
2012 Draft. Expectations
abound for such a high draft pick. If Cecil Shorts misses any time due
to his concussion, look for Blackmon to play a bigger role in the
Jaguars passing game. He has caught 39 receptions for 557
yards and 3 touchdowns so far this season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 60 receptions, 750 yards, 5 touchdowns
You can follow him on Twitter: @JustBlack81
WR Golden Tate (Seattle Seahawks) Yahoo! 42% owned, ESPN 17% owned
Golden
Tate seams to be a jack-of-all-trades in the Seahawks offense. He
now has 23 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 20 rushing yards, 37
receptions, 492 receiving
yards and 7 touchdowns so far this season. He typically only receives
between 4 and 5 targets per game which causes inconsistent production.
Projection for 2012 Season: 48 receptions, 600 yards, 9 touchdowns
You can follow him on Twitter: @ShowtimeTate
WR Kendall Wright (Tennessee Titans) Yahoo! 34% owned, ESPN 15% owned
Kendall
Wright becomes a matchup play only since the Titans continue to spread
the ball around. He should be the top rated WR for the Titans in 2013.
He
now has 59 receptions, 555 yards, and 4 touchdowns on the
season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 72 receptions, 700 yards, 6 touchdowns
WR Chris Givens (St. Louis Rams) Yahoo! 31% owned, ESPN 17% owned
Givens has become the Rams best deep threat with break-away speed. His stat totals are 36
receptions, 584 yards, and 3 touchdowns so far this season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 45 receptions, 675 yards, 5 touchdowns
You can follow him on Twitter: @CG1three
© Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Ahmad Bradshaw left Sundays' game with a knee injury. Bradshaw will undergo multiple test on his knee including an MRI. If Bradshaw misses any time, David Wilson's fantasy value would soar to become the top pickup in week 15 after his record breaking performance in week 14. Wilson has 211 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 receptions, and 8 receiving yards. The Giants have favorable matchups in the playoffs (Falcons week 15, Ravens week 16, and Eagles week 17)
Projection for 2012 Season: 350 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns, 15 receptions, 90 receiving yards
RB Joique Bell (Detroit Lions) Yahoo! 29% owned, ESPN 10% owned
Joique
Bell has
been sneaky play
in PPR leagues since he plays such an active role in the passing game.
He has 374 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, 39 receptions, 380 receiving
yards so far this
season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 370 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns, 42 receptions, 420 receiving yards
RB Jonathan Dwyer (Pittsburgh Steelers) Yahoo! 52% owned, ESPN 44% owned
Jonathan Dwyer has been named the starting RB for the Steelers. Brian Billick has compared him to Jerome Bettis (aka "the Bus")
because he is hard to bring down and runs through tackles. Billick
probably still has nightmares of "the Bus" running over the Ravens twice
a year. Dwyer has 510 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 17 receptions, and 97 receiving yards.
Projection for 2012 Season: 675 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, 20 receptions, 120 receiving yards
RB Vick Ballard (Indianapolis Colts) Yahoo! 48% owned, ESPN 69% owned
Ballard
might be the better RB in the Colts backfield but, he is
still splitting time with Donald Brown for the moment. Ballard has 562
rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 15 receptions, 143 receiving yards so far this season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 680 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns, 18 receptions, 170 receiving yards
RB Ronnie Hillman (Denver Broncos) Yahoo! 21% owned, ESPN 13% owned
Willis
McGahee (torn MCL) has been placed
on IR and designated for return in the postseason. The Broncos have
shocked most fantasy
players by giving Moreno the bulk of the carries even though Hillman has
the highest long term potential. I expected that to change in the
remaining weeks. Hillman has 250 rushing yards, 1
touchdowns, 10 receptions, and 62 receiving yards.
Projection for 2012 Season: 325 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, 15 receptions, 90 receiving yards
You can follow him on Twitter: @MrHillman2U
TE Martellus Bennett (New York Giants) Yahoo! 57% owned, ESPN 59% owned
Martellus
Bennett has emerged as a redzone target for Eli Manning. However his
production tends to be highly dependent on touchdowns. He now has 49
receptions, 569 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
Projection for 2012 Season: 56 receptions, 600 yards, 6 touchdowns
TE Denis Pitta (Baltimore Ravens) Yahoo! 26% owned,
ESPN 30% owned
Dennis Pitta might
be a serviceable option available on the waiver wire if you still need a TE. He has been a trusted
option to move the chains most of the season. He has
caught 50
receptions for 488 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season.
Projection for 2012 Season: 55 receptions, 550 yards, 6
touchdowns
TE Clay Harbor (Philadelphia Eagles) Yahoo! 0% owned, ESPN 0% owned
Clay Harbor replaced Brent Celek after he suffered a concussion in week 14. Harbor caught 6 receptions for 52 yards and 1 touchdown in relief. Celek has already been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bengals on a short week. Harbor will get the start and should be a sneaky play amongst TE in week 15.
Projection for 2012 Season: 30 receptions, 240 yards, 4
touchdowns
K Connor Barth (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Yahoo! 48% owned, ESPN 37% owned
Connor Barth has the sixth most fantasy points among K. He
has made 23 of 25 field goals attempted including 15 of 19 field goals
over 40 yards. He
has also made all 37 of his extra point attempts. He could make an impact in your playoff matchup.
You can follow him on Twitter: @ConnorBarth
K Rob Bironas (Tennessee Titans) Yahoo! 27% owned, ESPN 44% owned
Rob Bironas has made 24 of 29 field goals attempted but, he is just 5 of 10 on field goals over 40 yards. He
has also made all of his 27 extra point attempts.
You can follow him on Twitter: @RobBironas
K Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis Colts) Yahoo! 29% owned, ESPN 25% owned
Adam Vinatieri has made 23 of 30
field goals attempted, including 12 of 16 on field goals over 40 yards. He
has also made all of his 29 extra point attempts.
You can follow him on Twitter: @adamvinatieri
DEF Detroit Lions Yahoo! 34% owned, ESPN 51% owned
The Lions Defense and Special Teams have a great matchup
this week against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have given up the
third most points to opposing defenses this season. The Lions defensive
highlights of
the season include 30 sacks, 10
interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries, and 1 blocked kick.
The Road to Recovery
…viable replacements for the key injuries of the week. If you have an injury issue, grab a tissue. Then pick up one of these guys!
Robert Griffin III left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter with a mild knee sprain. An MRI on Sunday night revealed good news, he avoided any significant ligament damage so it will not be season ending. His status for week 15 is uncertain at this time. Kirk Cousins would start in his place if RG3 in unable to play. Watch his progress in the practice reports to determine his status for this week.
Jay Cutler left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter with neck injury. His status for week 15 is unknown at this time. Watch his progress in the practice reports to determine his status for this week.
See the Observatory or the Weight Room for the QB help.
LeSean McCoy missed his third straight game on Sunday recovering from a concussion. Bryce Brown has likely earned his way into a timeshare with McCoy once he is able to return. Watch his progress in the practice reports to determine his status for this week.
Maurice Jones-Drew missed his seventh straight game Sunday with a left foot injury. There is not time table for his return at this time.
Ahmad Bradshaw left Sundays' game with a knee injury. Bradshaw will undergo multiple test to diagnose his knee injury including an MRI. If Bradshaw misses any time, David Wilson's fantasy value would soar after his all purpose yards record breaking performance. Watch his progress in the practice reports to determine his status for this week.
Fred Jackson left Sundays' game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. He will likely be placed on IR ending his season due to injury. C.J. Spiller will become the focus of the Bills running game.
See the Observatory or the Weight Room for the RB help.
Percy Harvin (ankle injury) was placed on the IR ending his season.
Jordy Nelson missed Sunday's game after suffering a pulled hamstring. Watch his progress in the practice reports to determine his status for this week.
Dez Bryant broke his left index finger in Sunday's game and may require season ending surgery. Watch his progress in the practice reports to determine his status for this week.
Danny Amendola missed his second straight game Sunday with a right heel and foot injury. Watch his progress in the practice reports to determine his status for this week.
Cecil Shorts missed Sunday's game recovering from a concussion. Watch his progress in the practice reports to determine his status for this week.
Dwayne Bowe left Sunday's game in the second quarter after he suffered multiple broken ribs. He will likely be placed on IR ending his season.
Ryan Broyles (torn ACL) was placed on IR ending his season.
See the Observatory or the Weight Room for the WR help.
Rob Gronkowski missed his third straight game on Monday with broken arm. Gronk was expected miss 4 to 6 weeks as an early timetable for his return. Watch his progress in the coming weeks to determine when he will be able to return.
See the Observatory or the Weight Room for the TE help.
The Weight Room
…deep sleepers to add to your Bench in deeper leagues or to your Watch List in more shallow leagues until the time is right. Still waiting on the Weight Room.
© Kirby Lee-US TODAY Sports
Rod Streater has produce strong with back-to-back productive efforts in relief of Denarius Moore. Streater signed with the Oakland Raiders as an Undrafted Free Agent coming out of Temple's run heavy offense. He posted a 4.46 40 yard dash on his pro day back in March 2012. His speed is comparable to Chris Givens of the Rams who posted a 4.41 at the Combine.
WR Jason Avant (Philadelphia Eagles) Yahoo! 2% owned, ESPN 1% owned
Jason Avant and Riley
Cooper have an opportunity to earn more playing time now that DeSean
Jackson will miss the rest of the season with multiple rib fractures.
WR Riley Cooper (Philadelphia Eagles) Yahoo! 2% owned, ESPN 0% owned
Jason Avant and Riley
Cooper have an opportunity to earn more playing time now that DeSean
Jackson will miss the rest of the season with multiple rib fractures.
WR Michael Floyd (Arizona Cardinals) Yahoo! 5% owned, ESPN 3% owned
Michael
Floyd was drafted as a Jr. out of Notre Dame by the Cardinals with the
13th pick in the 1st round of the 2012 Draft. He was the 2nd WR drafted
overall. He now has 28
receptions for 312 yards and 1 touchdown on the season.
RB Jacquizz Rodgers (Atlanta Falcons) Yahoo! 54% owned, ESPN 29% owned
Jacquizz
Rodgers is the handcuff for Michael Turner. If Atlanta wraps up home
field advantage, look for Turner to rest for the playoffs. He has 295
rushing yards, caught 43 receptions for 327 receiving yards and 2
touchdowns so far this season.
RB Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints) Yahoo! 28% owned, ESPN 62% owned
Mark
Ingram has begun to turn around his disappointing season in recent
weeks. He has since surpassed Pierre Thomas as the backup for Darren
Sproles. Ingram has 420 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns, 5 receptions, and
22 receiving yards so far this season.
RB Justin Forsett (Houston Texans) Yahoo! 4% owned, ESPN 1% owned
Coming
into the season, Ben Tate was considered the handcuff to Arian Foster.
However, Ben Tate's injuries this season have opened the door for Justin
Forsett. The Texans are likely to clinch a bye in the playoffs, look
for them to rest Arian Foster in the final weeks.
RB Danny Woodhead (New England Patriots) Yahoo! 35% owned, ESPN 30% owned
Danny
Woodhead is the handcuff for Stevan Ridley. If New England clinches the
division, look for Ridley to rest for the playoffs. The Patriots
playoff schedule is a mixed bag. They have one of the worst matchups
in week 15 and two of the best matchups in weeks 16 and
17.
RB Daryl Richardson (St. Louis Rams) Yahoo! 19% owned, ESPN 7% owned
Daryl
Richardson is a must handcuff for Steven Jackson owners. Either by
injury or by coaches decision, Daryl Richardson will become the Rams
primary back in the finals weeks of the season. Steven Jackson has
performed poorly this season and he will be a free agent at the end of
the season. The Rams have a favorable schedule in the playoffs for RB's.
RB Peyton Hillis (Kansas City Chief) Yahoo! 22% owned, ESPN 49% owned
Peyton
Hillis is the handcuff for Jamal Charles owners. Even though Hillis has
become the Chiefs goal line back, his greatest value comes as insurance
in case Charles suffers an injury.
© Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts pair of rookie TE could become the next Gronkowski and Hernandez as Andrew Luck continues to develop. Coby Fleener was Andrew Luck's primary receiver at Stanford so the was a natural report coming into the NFL. The Colts 2nd round pick in the 2012 draft is once again competing for looks with fellow rookie Dwayne Allen. Fleener has 23 receptions, 257 yards, and 1 touchdowns so far this season.
TE Dwayne Allen (Indianapolis Colts) Yahoo! 12% owned, ESPN 3% owned
The Colts pair of rookie TE could become the next Gronkowski and Hernandez as Andrew Luck continues to develop. The Colts 3rd
round pick in the 2012 draft is once again competing for looks with fellow rookie Coby Fleener. Allen has 37 receptions, 446 yards, and 2
touchdowns so far this season.
TE Marcedes Lewis (Jacksonville Jaguars) Yahoo! 18% owned, ESPN 21% owned
Marcedes
Lewis appears to be a smart TE matchup play in the playoffs. Chad Henne
has been an improvement over Blaine Gabbert despite averaging 59.7%
completion percentage and 6.8 yards per attempt for his
career.
Follow me on Twitter: @bgbailey85
Add a Comment or Question below.