Week 12: Pickups of the Week
QB Chad Henne, ---
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Henne gave Jaguars fans reason to smile last weekend, even if his four touchdowns and 354 yards passing were not enough to seal a victory. The former Dolphin breathed life into a moribund offense and lit a fire under his team's two talented young receivers. That's more than Blaine Gabbert was ever able to do. And it's not like this was an isolated incident. Henne actually opened 2011 as the Dolphins starter, throwing for two touchdowns and 416 yards on opening day against the Patriots. Four games (and four losses) later, the team turned to Matt Moore. Picked up by Jacksonville in the offseason, it took a seven-game losing streak from Gabbert for Henne to claim the starting job. The veteran's big day probably closes the door on the Blaine Gabbert era.
RB Bryce Brown, ---
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LeSean McCoy got his bell rung by Redskins safety Madieu Williams late in Sunday's game and almost certainly suffered a concussion. Given the NFL's newly enhanced head injury protocol, and given the fact that the Eagles have lost six straight, it's possible the team could hold McCoy out of next Monday night's game against Carolina. Bryce Brown is the logical fill in. He has averaged 4.4 yards per carry in a supporting role this season and would be looking to make his mark against a Panthers defense ranked 20th in the league against the rush.
RB Ronnie Hillman, ---
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Willis McGahee's MCL tear means the Broncos will be looking to Hillman to carry the rock – likely for the remainder of the regular season. The rookie has looked strong at times this season and has seen his role gradually increase, particularly in the passing game. He possesses explosive speed and has the potential to deliver RB2 fantasy numbers as a newly anointed starter in a potent offense. Next on tap for the Broncos are the Chiefs, who are giving up more than 129 yards per game on the ground. This is why you spend those late round picks on handcuff RBs. And if no one in your league had the foresight to do that, then this is why you hold on to top waiver priority or save up those free-agent-bid bucks.
RB Jalen Parmele, ---
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A starter by default, Rashad Jennings has been given every chance to produce and has flat out failed to do so. Jalen Parmele, on the other hand, took advantage of his lone opportunity and used it to seize the starting job. It's just too bad he didn't have that chance a little sooner. With Jennings benched, Parmele rolled up 80 yards on 24 carries against the Texans. He'll draw the start again this week and is a decent play against the Titans, though owners need to keep in mind that Maurice Jones-Drew could be back in action as soon as Week 13.
WR Danario Alexander, ---
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Alexander became the starter just two weeks ago when he lit up the score sheet in a loss to Tampa Bay. He was dominant again last week as he abused Denver's undersized corners for seven catches, 96 yards and two touchdowns. He's hitting on all cylinders and should be locked in as a starter in all fantasy leagues. If his injury history has scared away owners in yours, this may be the last chance for you to sneak in and make a potentially season-altering pickup.
