Here it is, Fantasy Football Week 13 and you are either in or fighting for your playoff spot. While I would be hard pressed to find my answer in week 13 on the waiver wire, there are a few interesting pickups that just may make a difference.
Quarterbacks
Kyle Orton, Kansas City Chiefs – It really is boom or bust with The Viper in Kansas City. Orton will be making his first start with the Chiefs next week against the Chicago Bears. The Bears defense is tough, but if there is anyone that knows the Bears it is Kyle Orton. I am real curious to see what he does in Kansas City with so many weapons at wide receiver. Unfortunately you will have to risk your biggest regular season of the game to find out. Grab him if you need a QB or want to keep him away from your competition in the postseason.
Running Backs
C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills – I have already recommended Spiller but a few things have happened since I last wrote about the Bills running back. Fred Jackson is out and Spiller will be the lead back the rest of the way. But maybe the most important development here is that ESPN and other leagues have left Spiller in at wide receiver. You have the very rare case of sticking a running back likely to get 20-25 touches a game in at wide receiver. That is huge if you are struggling at wide receiver. He has two great matchups the next two weeks so if you are feeling froggy, jump on Spiller.
Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings – He wasn’t flashy but he got the job done on Sunday if all you expected was a score and some yards. He is a big kid that runs hard in the red zone. He is bound for 15 carries a game while Adrian Peterson is out and the latest news seems to indicate that Peterson won’t go on Sunday. It isn’t a great matchup against the Denver Broncos, but with Ponder airing it out, there is bound to be some goal line opportunities for the big kid.
Roy Helu, Washington Redskins – I know, I know, never trust a Washington Redskin under Mike Shanahan at running back. However, Helu may be worth the risk. Helu has produced nice numbers when given the touches, and the head coach says that Helu is now ready for a full time load. Do I believe it? Eh. Am I willing to grab him and find out if I have room? Absolutely because the last thing I want is to go up against a Helu owner in the playoffs that beats me because I slept on the wire.
Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears – While there isn’t a whole lot out there this week, Knox is worth taking a look at. Calib Hanie targeted Knox a team-high 10 times on Sunday. He now has back to back solid games and is playing a Kansas City team that is beatable. One thing I can almost guarantee about Hanie is that he will be playing from behind most weeks. That means consistent targets for Knox and quite possibly, a fantastic grab on the waiver wire as you enter the post season.
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