Make sure to check here every week! Each week, I'll suggest three players that are likely on your league's waiver wire that could provide a spark to your fantasy team. Of course, if you have any questions you'd like me to answer, please send them to me at scottmickels@fantasyplaymakers.com.
Now, for this week's Mick's Picks...
Mick's Picks - Week 12
Derek Hagan, WR, NYG (vs. JAC)
FPM Spin: Keep in mind at this point in the season unless there's an injury to a legit starter, you likely won’t be picking up players off the wire to start. However, I don’t like to repeat myself by listing guys I have in previous Mick’s Picks articles, so from this point forward consider my picks to be long shots unless otherwise noted. With that in mind, let’s talk about Derek Hagan. With Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith out, Hagan gets the start this week as the Giants #2 receiver. He performed well last week catching 3 passes for 10 yards and a score. He gets a great match-up this week against the Jaguars' 28th-ranked pass defense. Consider Hagan a decent flex option in deeper leagues.
Season Stats - 3 receptions, 10 yards, 1 TD
Maurice Morris, RB, DET (vs. NE)
FPM Spin: Morris gets the start at running back for the Lions in place of rookie Jahvid Best. By the time you read this, it’ll likely be too late to pick him up for the Thanksgiving day game, but he’s still someone to keep on your radar if you’re thin at running back. Kevin Smith is done for the year and Best will be dealing with turf toe for the rest of the season. Morris is a good receiver out of the backfield, and we know the Lions love to throw the ball, and he has a career average of just over 4 yards per carry. Morris makes a serviceable flex option and intriguing pick-up for the rest of the season.
Season Stats - 21 carries, 41 yards, 0 TD
Rusty Smith, QB, TEN (@HOU)
FPM Spin: Kerry Collins is done for the year and Vince Young is injured, so the starting quarterback gig in Tennessee goes to Rusty Smith by default. The rookie from Florida Atlantic isn’t going to set the world on fire, but he does have some things working in his favor: good weapons to throw to and a solid running game to help back him up. Smith also gets a favorable match-up this week against the league’s worst pass defense. Like I mentioned earlier, I realize he’s a reach, but if you happen to be in a deep league that starts two quarterbacks, Smith could be worth rolling the dice on for a week, maybe more.
Season Stats - 62 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Brian Hartline, WR, MIA: Hartline has quietly gained at least 53 yards in every game the last 5 weeks. With Brandon Marshall’s Week 12 status in doubt, he could be worth stashing.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, PIT: He has found the endzone the last two weeks. Granted, that was likely due to Hines Ward being out, but if Ward misses any more time, Sanders will surely benefit.
Blair White, WR, IND: He caught two passes for touchdowns last week. With Austin Collie out, White will once again be asked to step in as the Colts #3 receiver.
Scott Mickels, FPM Staff Writer/Editor, Member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association
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