Stock rising
QB: Jake Locker, Titans
The rookie out of Washington made an appearance in this stock column three weeks ago after engineering a near-comeback win over the Falcons in Atlanta, but was unfortunately put on the back burner after the team decided to stick with the veteran Matt Hasselbeck under center. Don’t envision that scenario to manifest itself again, as Locker entered in relief of an injured Hasselbeck and again proved his mettle, waking up a dormant Titans offense with his athleticism in Tennessee’s almost-upset of the Saints. Locker’s accuracy (13-for-29) was a tad disconcerting, yet his calming presence and play-making ability more than made up for this deficiency. The extent of Hasselbeck’s health is unknown; even if granted a clean bill, Locker is the best man for the job. Expect the neophyte to start against an atrocious Indianapolis defense next week.
QB: T.J. Yates, Texans
Not bad for a man who was invited to the Combine as a de facto ball machine.
Yates led an 80-yard game-winning drive, hitting Kevin Walter for a six-yard score with seconds to spare, defeating Cincinnati 20-19 and pushing the Texans in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The third-stringer struck 26-of-44 intended targets for 300 yards and two touchdowns, and added another 36 yards on the ground. For those seeking a viable signal caller in two-QB formats, Yates takes on a Carolina secondary in Week 15 that is surrendering the third-highest QB rating in the league (97.4). Also, perhaps judging one’s performance from two games and change is premature, but let’s add Yates to the ever-expanding “rookies who are outperforming Blaine Gabbert” list after Jacksonville’s first-rounder had two interceptions and two fumbles (both recovered by the Jags) facing one of the league’s worst defenses in the Buccaneers. Hang in there, Jacksonville fans (all 28 of you). At least you didn’t pass on the opportunity last season to select local product and pigskin prophet Tim Teb…wait…oh…wow, so this is awkward…
RB: Shonn Greene, Jets
Greene submitted his third straight commendable outing, racking up 129 yards and a touchdown in New York’s 37-10 take-down of the Chiefs. Greene, who also contributed in the passing attack with three receptions for 58 yards, now has 295 yards and four excursions to the end zone in the past three weeks. Granted, these feats did not come against formidable foes, as the Jets’ slate in that time frame featured Buffalo, Washington and Kansas City. Yet the forthcoming forecast is hardly littered with stout rushing resistances, as Gang Green takes on the Eagles and Giants, both in the bottom half of rushing defense, in the next two weeks. Continue to roll with Greene in the fantasy playoffs.
WR: Laurent Robinson, Cowboys
Despite his dexterous display (eight touchdowns in the past seven games), there was concern that the return of Miles Austin would hamper the fantasy value of Robinson. Nothing was further from the truth on Sunday night, as the Illinois State product finished with a team-high 137 yards off four receptions, including a touchdown grab, in the Cowboys’ heart-breaking defeat to the G-Men. A date with the Buccaneers’ 27th-ranked pass defense should facilitate similar figures in Week 15.
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
Sure, Denver only airs it out in the fourth-quarter, but Thomas has collected 11 balls for 222 yards and three scores in the last two weeks. More importantly, Thomas has received a team-high 20 targets in the aforementioned duration. Thomas is far from a sure-thing, as Tim Tebow’s, um, “Tebowness” could correlate in a goose-egg for the second-year receiver next weekend. However, the Broncos do take on the Pats in Week 15, who are conceding a conference-high 322.7 receiving yards per game. For those ready to roll the dice, Thomas, who is owned in just 4.3 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues, is your man.
TE: Owen Daniels, Texans
The absence of Andre Johnson and appalling play out of the Cincinnati’s linebackers translated into Daniels’ best day of the season, hauling in seven catches for 100 yards. Johnson is expected to miss this week’s matchup, and the inexperience of Yates should continue to equate to extended looks to the Houston tight end.
DEF: Detroit Lions
Ok, so maybe allowing 28 points to a Minnesota offense commanded by Joe Webb doesn’t merit inclusion in this forum. Still, have to tip your cap to two defensive touchdowns, three interceptions and four sacks.
Stock regressing
QB: Christian Ponder, Vikings
Ponder was yanked in favor of the Webb after turning the ball over four times in the Vikings’ loss to Detroit. This comes with a few asterisks, as Ponder was dealing with hip issues, still managed two touchdowns and was coming off a solid showing in Week 13 (381 yards and two scores versus Denver). Nevertheless, fantasy proprietors are never pleased when their player is pulled from a contest. On the other hand...the return of Joe Webb! That man will always hold a place in my heart for his contributions during countless fantasy playoff runs last year from the wide receiver spot, thanks to a roster eligibility loophole. Keeping dreaming big, Joe.
RB: DeMarco Murray, Cowboys
The newcomer’s season has been cut short by an ankle sprain and fractured ankle. Unless Murray is designated for keeper status, drop him from your fantasy squad.
RB: Beanie Wells, Cardinals
Going against the San Francisco front seven is quite the endeavor for any back, but on his bum knees Wells managed just 27 yards on 15 carries. Aside from a brief rejuvenation in Week 12 (228 yards on 27 carries), Wells has failed to surpass 70 yards on the ground in five of the past six weeks. Arizona’s remaining schedule features opportune matchups in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Seattle; alas, in his condition, Wells is a risky proposition even at the flex position.
WR: Mike Wallace, Steelers
His season stats may convey a sense of dominance; unfortunately for Wallace owners, the game log tells a different tale. After accumulating 800 yards in the first half of the season, the Steeler wideout has posted a pedestrian 234 yards in the past five ball games. Ben Roethlisberger’s bruised thumb undoubtedly has influenced this drop, and Big Ben’s further injuries suffered against Cleveland will do nothing to alleviate this issue. Antonio Brown’s assimilation into the offense has decreased the targets to Wallace as well. For now, continue to play him, but beware of further drop in production.
WR: Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
Maclin proponents will point to the reenactment of Noah’s Ark in Miami during pregame or that his hamstring limited his mobility. Whatever the excuse, the box score doesn’t lie: one reception for 13 yards. Maclin is forecast to suit up against the Jets, yet void of any meaningful contribution since Halloween and a matchup with Revis Island looming, feel safe to sit the Philly receiver.
TE: Jason Witten, Cowboys
Lost in the emergence of Robinson has been the relative ineffectiveness of the perennial Pro Bowler Witten. After finishing with a meager 12 yards on three receptions against the Giants, Witten has posted 50 yards or less in four of the past five games. On the bright side, Witten is still getting targets, with his 97 looks leading the team. Of course, that’s not much consolation for owners if it fails to come to fruition on the fantasy scoreboard.
DEF: Kansas City Chiefs
After holding their opponents to 17 or less points in three of their past four games, pundits believed a minor defensive revitalization was taking place in Arrowhead. Yeah, about that…
FOX Fantasy Football Homepage | Football Chat Central
