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 13
James Davis, RB, WAS (@ NYG)
FPM Spin: Davis led the Redskins in carries and rushing yards last week against the Vikings. Of course, he only rushed 6 times for 11 yards as the Redskins all but abandoned the running game. Still, it's worth noting that when Washington did run the ball they opted to give it to Davis. Don't get me wrong though, he has in no way supplanted Keiland Williams as the starter, and Ryan Torain is close to returning, but it is an interesting development that Davis inexplicably got the majority of the carries over Williams. If you happen to own Williams or Torain, Davis is someone to keep on your radar considering what played out last week.
Season Stats - 10 carries, 20 yards, 0 TD
Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN (vs. BUF)
FPM Spin: With Adrian Peterson injuring his ankle in last week's game, Gerhart stepped in and played well rushing 22 times for 76 yards and a touchdown. He's clearly established himself as the Vikings' #2 running back over Albert Young. Peterson's status for Week 13 is still up in the air, so needless to say, Gerhart is a must pick-up in all leagues for Peterson owners. If Peterson does happen to sit, Gerhart gets a very favorable match-up against the league's worst rush defense in Buffalo. Provided Gerhart gets the start, which remains to be seen, he makes a low-end #2 in all standard leagues.
Season Stats - 46 caries, 162 yards, 1 TD
Brian Westbrook, RB, SF (@ GB)
FPM Spin: Westbrook is the no-brainer pick-up for Week 13. After Frank Gore left Monday night's game with a fractured hip, Westbrook caught everyone by surprise and had a fantastic game carrying the ball 23 times for 136 yards and a score. Granted, it was against the Cardinals' 31st-ranked rush defense, but it was an encouraging performance from the aging vet nonetheless. Week 13's game at Green Bay will prove to be a tougher match-up, but Westbrook will likely get the bulk of the carries as long as he stays healthy despite 49ers head coach Mike Singletary saying they would go with a committee at running back moving forward. If Westbrook is anywhere near as effective as he was on Monday night, he has no chance of losing the starting job.
Season Stats - 28 carries, 145 yards, 1 TD
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Anthony Dixon, RB, SF: To continue from what I was saying about Westbrook, it seems Dixon will be in the mix, although I don't expect it to be much of a role initially. The main thing to remember here is Westbrook is just as injury-prone as Gore and could get injured at any time. If that happens, Dixon will be the starter in San Francisco. For now though, he's no worse than the 49ers' #2 running back and someone to keep on your radar.
Jacoby Ford, WR, OAK: All 16 of his receptions this year have come in the last 5 games as he's slowly becoming more involved in the Raiders' offense. He also has over 100 yards receiving in his last 3 games. Consider Ford a low-end #3 in deeper leagues.
Nate Kaeding, K, SD: I don't typically like to put kickers on my Mick's Picks, but I felt Kaeding was worth mentioning. He was no doubt drafted as a top 10 kicker in your league and was likely dropped after missing a month with a groin injury. Well, he's back (although technically he came back in Week 11) and looked great Sunday night. He's worth grabbing and putting back in your lineup once again.
Scott Mickels, FPM Staff Writer/Editor, Member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association
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