DeMarco Murray – DeMarco Murray is this weeks hot pickup with Felix Jones set to be sidelined for the next 2-4 weeks with a high ankle sprain. This is a running back who had tremendous success on the ground when Sam Bradford was in Oklahoma and displayed Reggie Bush type hands when defenders started to stack the box against the run once Sam Bradford departed for the NFL. A WMFL favorite Murray is a good bet for flex value with RB3 upside during Jones’ absence. If he can string a couple of good games together the talented Murray will force a timeshare, something that would greatly benefit the talented but fragile Felix Jones. Murray is currently available in 84 percent of Yahoo! leagues and could emerge as a PPR stud over the next few weeks.
Greg Salas – Salas had a breakout game in week six that would usually make him one of this weeks top pickups but with the Rams acquiring Brandon Lloyd in a steal of a deal Greg Salas’ value takes a hit. Salas still has a chance to shine in the slot role but must theoretically compete for snaps with Austin Pettis and now Brandon Gibson. His eight receptions for 77 yards cannot be ignored however and he is worth a flier in most league formats, especially PPR. Salas is available in 100 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Jerome Simpson – Jerome Simpson had a strong week six performance with six receptions for 101 yards. Available in 81 percent of Yahoo! leagues Jerome Simpson is a strong bye week filler option who may emerge as a reliable flex2 down the stretch as Andy Dalton becomes more and more comfortable with the Bengals offense..
Michael Crabtree – Available in 58 percent of Yahoo! leagues the talented Michael Crabtree went off for a NFL week six high nine receptions for 77 yards. Crabtree dominated Alex Smith’s eye to the tune of 15 targets which also led the NFL in week six. It might be a little premature but we believe that Michael Crabtree may have finally arrived.
Greg Little – Little had the best week of his rookie season with six receptions for 72 yards this past Sunday versus the Raiders. Now while Little only hauled in 50 percent of his targets this past Sunday, the mere fact that he got 12 targets is a serious boost for his fantasy value the rest of the way. Little is currently available in 83 percent of Yahoo! leagues and could emerge with WR3 value by the end of the year, as of now he is an intriguing flex2 in shallow formats and a flex in deeper leagues..
Darrius Heyward-Bey – Surprise, surprise, Heyward-Bey is finally showing some consistency. DHB had his second straight strong effort this Sunday hauling in six receptions for 82 yards. DHB is currently available in 54 percent of Yahoo! leagues and his fantasy arrow is pointing up even higher following the news that Carson Palmer is now an Oakland Raider.
Earnest Graham – Graham had a terrific start in place of LaGarette Blount going off for 109 yards on the ground on 17 carries and another 22 through the air off of two receptions. Graham is a good bet for 100 yards from scrimmage every game as long as he is a full-time starter. Get him in lineups as an upside flex play. Graham despite being named the interim starter since last week is still available in 44 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Jackie Battle – Despite week five strong performance and emerging as the running back to own in Kansas City, Jackie Battle remains available in 63 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Battle should continue to get the majority of the carries in KC, though Thomas Jones will remain in the mix as well as Dexter McCluster. Battle is a fine bye week filler and could emerge with solid flex value down the stretch. The owner of a 123.5 speed score coming out of college Battle was always used as the exception to the speed score metric rule…he now has a chance to meet expectations.
Tim Tebow – Tim Tebow has the chance to be something special for fantasy owners as evidenced by his three games as a starter last season during which span he was the number one fantasy QB averaging 217 yards passing and 66 yards rushing. Tebow is still available in 52 percent of Yahoo! leagues and has QB1 potential the rest of the way.
