There were 104 touchdowns scored last week, the most in NFL history, and the game with the best weather (Buffalo vs. Tampa Bay) had the most turnovers. Just more proof that this sport is nearly impossible to predict, but I’ll try to help you with some free agent acquisitions.
QB – Joe Flacco, Ravens (59.7 percent owned in FOXSports.com leagues)
This may not be helpful for those in deeper leagues, but I try to accommodate many formats in these write-ups. In more shallow leagues, Joe Flacco could be a great option for those remaining in the fantasy playoffs. He’s playing in a dome and against the Lions, who allow 256 passing yards per game.
RB – Daniel Thomas, Dolphins (9.6 percent)
Just when you, or maybe it was only me, think that Lamar Miller has the starting job all to himself, Daniel Thomas returns and Miller gets hurt. Last week, Miller suffered a concussion against Pittsburgh and Thomas ran for a season-high 105 yards. This Sunday, the Dolphins host New England, who allow over 17 points per game to the opposing running backs in standard leagues.
WR – Da’Rick Rogers, Colts (0.1 percent)
A wide receiver has emerged with Reggie Wayne out for the season, and it isn’t T.Y. Hilton. In garbage time against the Bengals, Andrew Luck connected with Da’Rick Rogers for 107 yards and two TDs on six catches. It will be interesting to see the Texans and Colts rematch this week. If you remember the first encounter, Case Keenum threw three touchdowns to Andre Johnson in the first half and Luck rallied with three TDs of his own to Hilton (who hasn’t scored since). Maybe the effectiveness of Rogers will lift Luck, Hilton, and himself.
WR – Cordarrelle Patterson, Vikings (5.6 percent)
Even after last week’s game where Matthew Stafford failed to throw a touchdown pass to any receiver, the Eagles still allow the most points per game to opposing WRs with 28 ppg. This Sunday, the Vikings play host to the Eagles and their 285 yards per game secondary. In snowy Baltimore, Cordarrelle Patterson caught five passes for 141 yards and a TD. I imagine his numbers will be better in a dome, especially with Matt Cassel at quarterback.
TE – Dennis Pitta, Ravens (3.4 percent)
Before his injury, Dennis Pitta was considered a top tier tight end in fantasy football draft rankings. In his first game back, he proved why by catching six balls on 11 targets for 48 yards and a TD. This week, Pitta and the Ravens travel to Detroit for some Monday night football. While the Lions allow the third-fewest points to opposing tight ends, Pitta plays more like a slot receiver and should still be acquired in almost all formats.
