QB’s
Jake Locker – Maybe you’re stuck with Matt Moore, Carson Palmer, Joe Flacco, a hurting Ben Roethlisberger or some low end QB1 that’s hindering your roster; possible but not likely if you’re still alive in week 15. But consider the athletic Locker as a viable qb start if you’re in the above position. Last week in relief he threw for 282 yards and a td and also ran for 36 yards and adding another td on the ground in a near comeback win against the Saints. This week may signal the changing of the guard as Hasselbeck left last week with a calf injury and may not be rushed back, giving the Titans an excuse to get their high draft pick on the field. Locker if starting should put up the same if not better numbers against Indy in a division rivalry game.
RB’s
Felix Jones – *MUST ADD* DeMarco Murray broke his ankle and is out for the remainder of the year. Next up is former starter Felix Jones. He should be very fresh and provide a speedy burst out of the back field as he complements the 3 stud receivers of the Cowboys well in passing situations. Not only should you add Felix, but you should be starting him over your current RB2 this week against a Tampa run defense that ranks 28th in the league allowing 140 yards per game. The Cowboys have said they will sign Sammy Morris for RB depth but he is not a threat to Felix. Add and Start.
Chris Ivory – With Mark Ingram out last week with a toe injury, Chris Ivory was active and led the Saints in rushing attempts with 13 for 53 yards. Pierre Thomas had 6 carries and Darren Sproles had 5. If Ingram is not back this week, you have a very serviceable RB 3 or flex running back. He even saw a passing target!
WR’s
James Jones / Randall Cobb – In that order. With Jennings out most likely the rest of the regular season, each Packers WR moves up a spot on the snap and target list. Jones figures to start opposite Nelson and Cobb in the slot. No rush to add Driver unless in deeper leagues. Jones led all receivers last week with 33 snaps, injured Jennings had 30 while Cobb had his season high 26 snaps. This offense should continue to roll as they seek season wins perfection. Jones could see WR2 numbers and Cobb is worth WR3 or flex consideration.
Demaryius Thomas– Hopefully you grabbed him last week when he was on my waiver wire and flier list, but if you didn’t and he is still available in your league then stop reading and put in your claim. He had a monstrous 13 targets last week with 7 receptions and 1 td. This week he goes up against New England and their 32nd ranked pass defense that gives up 323 yards. That’s why he was worth listing back to back. Believe in Thomas like Denver believes in Tebow.
TE
Anthony Fasano – If you’re desperate for a TE then keep reading… Fasano faces a Buffalo defense that has allowed a td in their last 4 games and he scored a td in their last meeting with Buffalo earlier in the year.
Flier’s
Eddie Royal – With John Fox’s penchant for veteran players, perhaps Royal returns to the starting lineup, if not he will be out there in 3 wide sets against New England and their porous secondary. Royal’s return gets a boost in value in return yardage leagues as well.
Titus Young – Calvin Johnson has scored 1 td in his last 5 games while averaging just 5 catches per as well. In an offense that throws a ton, and with defenses keying on Calvin, Titus has value in the slot. Last week he had 4 catches for 87 yards and a td.
Kalil Bell – Last week it was Barder who scored the TD and had 3 times the carries of Bell. But Barber also had the costly fumble at the end of the game and also once failed to stay in bounds and thus preserved time for Denver to extend the game. Perhaps the carry split becomes more even this week and going forward as the season slips away.