Mick's Picks :: Week 14 by Scott Mickels Published: December 5, 2007, 3:40 pm
Make sure to check here every week! Find out who the hot players are to pick up and the slumping players you should bench. Each week I'll help you make those critical waiver wire decisions that can make or break your team. Mick's Picks - Week 14 Pick Up 
Mike Furrey, WR, DET (vs. DAL)
FPM Spin: Roy Williams is expected to miss the rest of the season with a sprained knee, opening the door for Furrey as the Lions' #1 receiver. Along with Furrey, you can bump up the rest of the Lions' receivers a bit in your rankings as well. Furrey is expected to see more looks, but this will be the first time in his career that he'll be the #1 guy, which means he'll be facing opposing teams' #1 cornerback. It also remains to be seen if he will produce as well lining up on the outside as opposed to the slot, where he mostly lined up during his surprising 2006 season. Despite a couple of red flags, Furrey is worth a look in deeper leagues or for you Roy Williams owners in need of depth at receiver.
Stats - 46 receptions, 522, 1 TD  Fred Jackson, RB, BUF (vs. MIA) FPM Spin: Jackson put up impressive numbers last week by rushing for 82 yards in just 16 carries. He also added in 69 yards receiving. If Marshawn Lynch can't play this week, and it's looking more and more likely that he won't, Jackson will be line for the start. If he does get the start, he has a great match-up this week against the Dolphins—the league's worst rush defense. Jackson is worth a pick-up this week in any league as a good #2 running back. Stats - 25 carries, 116 yards, 0 TD  Amani Toomer, WR, NYG (@ PHI) FPM Spin: Toomer is really the only healthy, productive receiver the Giants have. He's averaging 5 catches and 76 yards his last two games. With Plaxico Burress and Steve Smith injured along with Jeremy Shockey and Sinorice Moss being nonexistent in the offense, Toomer should see plenty of looks down the stretch. He's not going to blow your socks off with his stats, but he makes a good #3 receiver in any league. Stats - 47 receptions, 583 yards, 3 TD
Bench 
Plaxico Burress, WR, NYG (@ PHI)
FPM Spin: After catching a touchdown in his first six games of the season, Burress has just one in his last six. He's also gained less than 50 yards in five of his last six games. Apparently, the injuries are taking their toll on him. That being said, he has yet to miss a game this year, so I don't expect him to this week. However, temper your expectations, as he will obviously be playing at less than 100%. If you can afford it, consider placing Burress on your bench for Week 14.
Stats - 55 receptions, 764 yards, 9 TD  Jesse Chatman, RB, MIA (@ BUF) FPM Spin: Chatman continues to be nagged by ankle injuries. He was forced to sit late in the game last week against the Jets. Reports out of Miami are saying Chatman will be able to play, but this one has the dreaded "running back by committee" written all over it. Even if for some reason Chatman does get the bulk of the carries, he's a #3 running back at best because he won't do much on a bum ankle. Chatman should be reserved in all leagues until he proves he can play an entire game without being hampered by his sore ankle, which very well may not happen the rest of the year. Stats - 107 carries, 435 yards, 1 TD  Roy Williams, WR, DET (vs. DAL) FPM Spin: As I mentioned earlier, Williams is expected to miss the rest of the season with a sprained knee. It's safe to say this is a no-brainer. Williams should be dropped or benched in all leagues at this point. If you're in a keeper league though, depending upon your roster, you could justify stashing him in your IR spot (if your league has one, of course). Stats - 63 receptions, 836 yards, 5 TD - Scott Mickels, FPM Staff Writer Support FPM! You can send your questions and comments to Scott Mickels Looking for additional help. Visit the fantasy football forums! |