Week 15: Pickups of the Week
It's fantasy playoff time and if you haven't planned accordingly you'll likely have a tough time finding difference-making waiver help. Still, if you've got needs to address, here are ten who could be of use to you.
QB Jason Campbell, ---
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Jason Campbell was nearly flawless in a losing effort last Sunday against the AFC South-leading Jaguars. That makes two games in a row in which Campbell has posted a 100 or better QB rating (which shouldn't come as a complete shock -- efficiency has always been one of his hallmarks). Campbell is a low risk alternative for owners who don't trust their regular starter. He's no Superman -- in his career, he's only once thrown more than two passing touchdowns in a game, -- but by the same token, he's not going to kill your chances with dumb turnovers -- Campbell once went nine consecutive starts without an interception. He's option 1A to those of you seeking an Aaron Rodgers alternative.
QB Kerry Collins, ---
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In his Week 13 return, Collins struggled with timing and accuracy, but he looked to be in sync with his receivers last week, connecting on 72 per cent of his passes and pinning three touchdowns on the Colts secondary. He should continue to roll with another soft opponent this week. Houston shares with Dallas the dubious distinction of having allowed the most passing touchdowns of any team. And they are second only to New England in passing yards allowed. This week, consider Collins to be Aaron Rodgers replacement option 1B.
RB Tim Hightower, ---
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Tim Hightower has been steadily stealing carries from Beanie Wells since Week 9 and capitalized on his backfield rival's illness to rip off the best rushing game of his young career. Never mind that the bulk of the yardage came in "garbage time," 142 yards on the ground is a fantasy gift, win or lose. With Wells clearly in the rear view mirror, Hightower looks safe to ride through the playoffs. He faces a tantalizing matchup this week against the Panthers, who are recovering from a 112-yard, 3-TD mauling by Atlanta's Michael Turner.
RB Javarris James, ARI
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Neither Mike Hart nor Joseph Addai can stay healthy and this was supposed to be 2009 first-rounder Donald Brown's time to shine. Instead, the ballyhooed sophomore back has been upstaged by undrafted Javarris James. In the past few weeks, James had been accomplishing much more with fewer carries. He finally got a respectable workload in Week 14 and notched his sixth TD of the last six contests. Brown is the afterthought now and even if Hart or Addai get healthy, James should continue to rock the goal line role for Indianapolis.
WR Arrelious Benn, ---
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Tampa's Mike Williams was uncharacteristically quiet against the Redskins, which allowed for a noise-making performance by fellow rookie Arrelious Benn. Benn broke some big gains en route to a 122-yard day, his biggest game so far. You can safely expect Williams to bounce back from a down game, but that doesn't mean Benn needs to take a back seat. Detroit's secondary is vulnerable, and Week 15 opponent Seattle currently sits at 30th in the league in pass defense. There should be plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks for both young Buccaneers wide receivers to make their mark.
