Quarterbacks:
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Houston Texans, 4.5 percent owned (ESPN) – Fitzpatrick had his best game as a pro on Sunday as he lit up the Titans secondary with 358 yards and six touchdowns.
The nine-year vet has taken back his starting job after Ryan Mallett went down last Sunday, and never looked back. He constantly tricked a Titan’s defense that has been decent against the pass this year.
Fitzpatrick has a stronghold of the Texans offense, and should finish the season that way. With some momentum, look for the former Harvard grad to have success against a terrible Jaguars defense. He’s a great add in deeper leagues.
Other options: Blake Bortles (JAC), Colt McCoy (WAS)
Running Backs:
LeGarrette Blount, RB New England Patriots, 54.3 percent owned (ESPN) – LeGarrette Blount carried the ball 10 times for 58 yards in Sunday’s game against the Packers.
Since being signed by New England, Blount has led the Pats backfield in rushes with 22 over the past two games. He’s beginning to take back the job he had late last season as the Patriots lead back. Blount has given Bill Belicheck a reason to believe in him as he’s averaged 6.2 yards per carry the past two games.
Best to pick up in deeper fantasy leagues, Blount will more than likely remain the Pats top rusher for the rest of the season. With a decent matchup against the Chargers on Sunday, the former Oregon Duck is definitely worth a shot if your team is hurting in the running back or flex position.
Matt Asiata, RB Minnesota Vikings, 30.0 percent owned (ESPN) – Asiata carried the ball 14 times for 52 yards, while also catching four passes for five yards against the Panthers last week.
No, those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but Asiata will be the lead back as long as Jerrick McKinnon is on the shelf. Some may fear he will lose carries to Ben Tate, but he out-carried Tate on Sunday 14 to five.
Ideally, Asiata isn’t your long term solution, but he is worth picking up if you have an injured running back. Asiata is also great for PPR leagues, as he’s already pulled in 29 passes this season. The Jets haven’t been too kind to the run this season, but Minnesota has found several ways for Asiata to get touches this season. Sunday should be no different.
Other Options: Doug Martin (TB), Jonathan Stewart (CAR), Marion Grice (ARI)
Wide Receivers:
Harry Douglas, WR Atlanta Falcons, 1.3 percent owned (ESPN) – Harry Douglas exploded against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling in nine catches for 116 yards.
An injury to Roddy White has spiked Douglas’ production, as he was targeted a team high 12 times Sunday, due to Julio Jones being blanketed by Cardinal corner Patrick Peterson. He’s a low end WR2 or solid WR3 depending on the depth of your league.
As long as White is sidelined, Douglas should continue to perform at a high level. When White comes back however, Douglas should be dropped. Bottom line: he’s only a good add, if he’s on the field. A favorable matchup with the Packers in week 14 will help Douglas’ production on the field.
Stedman Bailey, WR St. Louis Rams, 4.3 percent owned (ESPN) – Sunday was a career day for Stedman Bailey, as he hauled in five catches for 100 yards against the Oakland Raiders.
Working with former backup Shaun Hill on the second team has done wonders for Bailey’s season. In the past two weeks, he’s been targeted 15 times. Bailey also leads the team in receiving yards over the past two games with 189.
His teammates’ health have helped him reach the field more often, but Bailey is starting to emerge as a solid NFL receiver. He should continue his production going forward, and is a must-add in PPR leagues. Washington has been a favorable secondary, so Sunday should help in Bailey’s production.
Other Options: Eddie Royal (SD), Greg Jennings (MIN), Marqise Lee (JAC)
Tight End:
Jordan Reed, TE Washington Redskings, percent owned 24.6 (ESPN) – Jordan Reed managed to catch nine of his 11 targets for 123 yards against the Colts.
Colt McCoy loves throwing to targets named Jordan, see Jordan Shipley. While Niles Paul also receives some snaps in the Washington offense, Reed has been McCoy’s favorite target at tight end.
Reed is in no danger of losing his starting job to Niles Paul. He puts up solid numbers when he has a quarterback that is willing to throw to him. If he’s available, he’s your best option as a free agent tight end.
Other Options: Dion Sims (MIA), Tim Wright (NE)
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