Quarterbacks:
Shaun Hill, QB St. Louis Rams, 2 percent owned (ESPN) – Shaun Hill was able to put up consistent numbers against a good Broncos defense on Sunday, throwing for 220 yards and a touchdown while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes.
While that is an extremely small sample size, Hill appears to be playing much better than Austin Davis, especially when it comes to turnovers.
His numbers may not blow you away, but Hill looks like a consistent game manager, and his job shouldn’t be in question going forward.
The Rams will travel to San Diego this Sunday for an afternoon matchup with a reeling Chargers team.
Over the last three games, San Diego is in the bottom half of the league in pass defense. Hill should be able to put up consistent numbers against the Chargers, and going forward as St. Louis’ starting quarterback.
Other options: Josh McCown (TB), Zach Mettenberger (TEN)
Running backs:
Isaiah Crowell, RB Cleveland Browns, 23.9 percent owned (ESPN) – Crowell carried the ball 14 times for 61 yards, while also catching two passes for 30 yards.
According to Adam Schefter, Ben Tate was released early Tuesday morning. This opens things up for Crowell, who was already the Browns’ goal line back.
Crowell was more effective than fellow rookie Terrance West last Sunday and should continue to garner more carries going forward.
Cleveland will travel to Atlanta this weekend to play one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Even if he splits time with West, Crowell will be a respectable start as he garners all the goal line carries.
Bryce Brown, RB Buffalo Bills, 9.4 percent owned (ESPN) – Brown rushed for a mere 14 yards against the Miami Dolphins, but he registered seven catches for 57 yards.
Yes, Anthony Dixon is garnering more carries than Brown.
Yes, Fred Jackson will return soon.
But neither of them are the receiving threat that Brown is. Over the last two games, Brown has caught 13 passes from quarterback Kyle Orton, and that production won’t slow down anytime soon.
The Jets have been average at covering opposing running backs, but the change of pace between Brown and Dixon should help the Bills get past their cross-state rivals.
Brown has added value in PPR-leagues simply for his volume as a pass-catcher. Give Brown a look if you are looking for a last-second add.
Other options: Trent Richardson (IND), Jonas Gray (NE), Alfred Blue (HOU)
Wide Receivers:
Josh Gordon, WR Cleveland Browns, 68.1 percent owned (ESPN) – It’s been twelve weeks without Josh Gordon, and fantasy owners have long awaited for the 2013 receiving leader’s return.
Brian Hoyer struggled against the Texans’ defense, only completing 40 percent of his passes as he went 20 of 50 with a touchdown and an interception.
Gordon will step in and contribute right away. He is a must-have if he is in your free agent pool.
As bad as they have been against the run, the Falcons have been even worse against the pass, ranking dead last in the NFL.
Hoyer and Gordon should have a field day in their first game together this season.
John Brown, WR Arizona Cardinals, 14.7 percent owned (ESPN) – Rookie John Brown caught five passes for 69 yards in Sunday’s win.
Over the past two games, Brown has 18 targets to his credit and it is looking like he will keep taking touches from both Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald.
With the age of Fitzgerald, Brown could be settling into a starting receiver position.
Seattle still has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, but they are playing a hot Arizona Cardinals team.
Drew Stanton is new to the starting quarterback role, but he has built chemistry with Brown when they were on the second-team offense.
With Andre Ellington struggling to run the ball, the Cardinals may lean on the passing game, meaning more touches for Brown.
Other options: Kenny Britt (STL), Kenny Stills (NO), Wes Welker (DEN)
Tight Ends:
Coby Fleener, TE Indianapolis Colts, 6.4 percent owned (ESPN) – Andrew Luck’s former Stanford teammate looked great on Sunday as he caught seven passes for 144 yards.
Fleener looked like Luck’s most reliable target against a stout New England defense.
More importantly, he solidified himself as the No. 1 tight end in the Indianapolis offense and his role should increase going forward.
Jacksonville has one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, giving up over 260 yards per game this season.
Fleener might not get the first look from Andrew Luck, but he should put up consistent numbers this Sunday and the remainder of the season for fantasy owners.
Other options: Jacob Tamme (DEN), Chase Coffman (TEN)
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