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Joseph Hutchins | Archive | Email
Staff Writer


The Shot Caller's Report - WRs
Your Weekly Guide To Fantasy Lineups: Week 14
12/6/12
Positions: QBs | RBs | WRs


Bye Weeks:
N/A

Grab a Helmet

Josh Gordon v. KC: He may have some work to do on the defensive side of the ball, but Art Briles has proven he knows offense during his short stint at Baylor University and, more specifically, how to develop NFL-ready talent on that side of the ball. There’s Robert Griffin III, of course, the league’s likely rook of the year. There’s Kendall Wright, one of Griffin’s favorite targets in Waco, playing a similar role for Jake Locker in Tennessee. Finally, there’s Josh Gordon, Cleveland’s best receiver just 12 games into his NFL career. I liked Gordon enough to draft him in our ultra-competitive 12-team league but I foolishly let him go after opening weekend, reasoning I needed the roster space for someone who could contribute “immediately.” I must have been delusional because I selected Aldrick Robinson to take his place, an even more obscure rookie at the time and someone who didn’t exactly fit the profile of immediate contributor. Sigh. Anyway, now that we’ve established my stupidity, allow me a chance for redemption with a way-too-early breakout candidate for 2013: Terrance Williams, Briles’ next ready-to-rock fantasy contributor. Heard it here first, folks.

Sidney Rice

Rice has 4 TDs in his last 5 games.

Sidney Rice v. ARZ: I’m still not over that Monday Night Mockery from earlier this season so I refuse to dignify Rice’s running mate with even a mention. However, there’s no denying they’ve both been coming on of late and are now borderline must-starters as we head down the stretch. Rice, in particular, has been nothing short of dynamite this past month, racking up four touchdown grabs (and four double-digit days) in his last five outings. Of course, the guy who deserves most of the credit is the guy distributing footballs in the Emerald City, Russell Wilson. Whatever you might think about Pete Carroll as an NFL shot caller, he certainly made the right call when he inserted Wilson as the starter from the get-go this season. Expect the Hawks to avenge an opening week loss to the Cards at Century Link Field this Sunday and for Wilson and Rice (and maybe that other guy) to be a big reason why.

Aaron Hernandez v. HOU: The Pats engaged in some contract brinksmanship with Wes Welker at the beginning of the 2012 campaign, but soon relented when Hernandez was injured early, costing the team its leverage. Simply put, they needed Welker. That need has only intensified as the season has worn on since Hernandez’s injury was just the first in a rash of them. Rob Gronkowski was lost several weeks back (broken arm) and then Julian Edelman, the guy who surprisingly replaced Welker in the starting lineup early on, was lost for the season last week. That leaves Welker, Brandon Lloyd, and the recently returned Hernandez as the only established threats in the passing game (unless you count Donte’ Stallworth). And if you think this paucity of weapons will slow down Tom Brady on Monday night, think again. I like Hernandez to have his best game of the year against Houston, a team that hasn’t defended tight ends particularly well this year (8.1 points/game).

Grab Some Wood

Malcom Floyd @ PIT: Earlier this season, I predicted Floyd would end up in the top 20 at the receiver position by year’s end. He was cruising along as Philip Rivers’ only decent receiver and had two 100-yard games to his credit in his first five outings. Seven games later, much has changed. The Bolts have added just one more win to their bottom line and, more importantly, a new favorite target for Rivers in the form of Danario Alexander. Accordingly, Floyd’s numbers have pretty much leveled off. He’s not worthless by any stretch. In fact, he’s been remarkably consistent the last couple months, posting four receptions in five of his last six games. However, he’s only averaging about 64 yards/game and is currently on pace to barely eclipse last year’s career best numbers, despite the absence of Vincent Jackson and the fact he’ll likely play four more games this year. He is what he is, in other words (a second fiddle), and that probably isn’t good enough against the Steel Curtain this coming Sunday.

Dwayne Bowe @ CLE: The Chiefs powered through some unbelievable adversity last weekend to secure a long-sought second victory against the Panthers in front of the home folks at Arrowhead. Quarterback Brady Quinn was a big reason why as he played error-free football for the most part, tossing for 201 yards and a couple scores. I commend the KC players for persevering under really tough circumstances. Now, for the unfortunate truth about teams that ride emotional roller coasters to victories: They usually come crashing back down to earth in the succeeding game, especially if that games in hostile territory. Simply put, I think the Chiefs are gonna get drilled by Quinn’s old mates in Cleveland this Sunday and it probably won’t be that close (lay the points). That means, unfortunately, that Quinn won’t be nearly as successful in Week 14. If Bowe only managed 64 yards on seven targets in that heroic win last weekend, what can we reasonably expect from him in the upcoming dud? Be very leery of your Chiefs this Sunday against a vastly improved Browns squad.

Stephen Hill, Jeremy Kerley @ JAX: New York fans could probably be excused for wanting to stick forks in their eyes during last Sunday’s exceedingly difficult to watch 7-6 win over Arizona. It was one of those games that should have produced two losers or, at the very least, should have ended in a tie. Alas, the Jets prevailed, recommitted to Mark Sanchez early this week (at least for the time being), and now hit the road to face Jacksonville in another game that could get really ugly really fast. Maybe to spice things up, they should loan Tim Tebow to his hometown Jags for the afternoon and let the former Gator square off against the guy who’s been standing in his way all season? Tell me you wouldn’t pay to see that! I jest, of course, but I’m dead serious about this: If you don’t feel like advancing in your fantasy playoffs, load up on Jets receivers this weekend. Sanchez may have earned a temporary reprieve but he’s still one of the worst starting QBs in the league.
Good luck, folks!

Quarterbacks