Week 11: Pickups of the Week
WR Jacoby Ford, ---
MyFantasyLeague availability: 100%FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Hopefully the hype settled enough over the bye week to allow savvy owners the chance to now jump on the biggest surprise of Week 9. Jacoby Ford made owners take notice with more than 300 total yards against the Chiefs. Kansas City had no answer for him and now Oakland is left with the question of how to keep this guy involved. Darrius Heyward-Bey could lend a helpful hamstring and sit out Week 11, giving Ford a chance to start. Ford has all the upside in the world and just needs an opening. If you've got room on your bench, this is a guy who could become a difference maker for the Raiders down the stretch.
WR Mike Thomas, ---
MyFantasyLeague availability: 100%FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Hidden in the wide empty space of Jacksonville, Mike Thomas has sneakily put together a very solid season. Week 10 marked the second time this year he's recorded eight catches in a game, but his breakout 149 yards are what should make fantasy owners take note. With 41 catches on the season, Thomas has quietly outperformed teammate Mike Sims-Walker. He may not be the team's top red zone target, but his steady catch output makes him a legitimate option in PPR leagues. With late-season games against Cleveland, Tennessee, Washington and a rematch with Houston, Thomas will have ample opportunities to expand on his impressive totals.
TE Jermaine Gresham, ---
MyFantasyLeague availability: 100%FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Gresham had his best game of the season, notching nine catches and a touchdown against the banged up Colts. He can expect to face the same backup-quality coverage from Buffalo's safeties and linebackers this week. The Bills have given up an astonishing eight touchdowns to tight ends on the season and there's no sign they'll find a remedy any time soon. Gresham can build on his momentum with another big performance and should become a receiving staple as ice and snow starts to turn the Cincinnati passing game more conservative. With cold-weather games against Pittsburgh in Week 14 and Cleveland in Week 15, Gresham will be a hot commodity right when it matters most to fantasy owners.
TE Rob Gronkowski, ---
MyFantasyLeague availability: 100%FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Fluke? One Hit Wonder? Gronkowski opened eyes with his three touchdown catches in Week 10, yet few people noticed he had already hit pay dirt three times earlier this season. He may have been lost in the fanfare surrounding fellow rookie Aaron Hernandez, but was showing himself to be a top goal line option even prior to last week's outburst. Both TEs have been productive and this is a tough situation to call. Hernandez's recent case of butter fingers (four drops in the last two weeks) and Gronkowski's budding touchdown chemistry with Tom Brady may have turned the tide. We're gonna put our money on the taller target, Gronkowski, earning himself more looks in the weeks ahead.
PK Nate Kaeding, ---
MyFantasyLeague availability: 100%FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Yes, I can picture the comments section already...
Obvious_guy47 says, "This is a brainless pickup suggestion. Kaeding's ranked number one for the rest of the season! Get a grip, man. Tell me something new."
Here's something new: Nate Kaeding is due back after a four week hiatus -- a four week hiatus in which most owners dropped him and haven't bothered to re-acquire his services. As of Monday night, this potentially dominant kicker is unowned in 37 per cent of MyFantasyLeague.com leagues. That's ridiculous. Get this guy a roster spot and cash in on some of the easiest fantasy points available.
And for you, Obvious_guy47, if Kaeding's taken, try out Shayne Graham, who has recently assumed kicking duties for the high-scoring Patriots.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
