Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15

December 12th, 2011 kNuke Posted in Fantasy Football | No Comments »

In honor of Christmas we’re rolling out the Scrooge edition of Waiver Wire pickups. Before we get to the misery and misanthropy let’s all cheers to MJD who was living the high life this weekend. Okay enough with the pleasantries, on to the Bah Humbug list:

1. Congratulating your opponent before the final results are all in (this applies all year). I get it, you’re trying to be right on both ends. If you win, you’re good. If not, you look smart by “knowing” the other team was going to win. You can’t have it both ways. If you “know” you’re going to lose just bench all of your players. If not, shut the hell up and let the game play out. You can congratulate the other guy when it’s over.
2. After the fact smack talkers. If you talk the talk then walk the walk feel free to keep on slinging that smack son. But if you didn’t talk any smack before the contest don’t be a douche bag and talk smack after it’s over.
3. Taking joy in finishing 4th or just making the playoffs.  There is only one winner, that’s it.  You can talk all you like about finishing above another owner, but it doesn’t matter.  If you’re not the champion you’re all on the USS Loser.
4. Deadbeat owners.  There is nothing like fighting for a playoff spot down the stretch only to have your main competition up against a deadbeat owner who beat your squad earlier in the year when the owner was actually playing.
5. Tim Tebow lovers/haters.  Give it a rest…
6. Holiday shopping, company parties with no alcohol, in-law family gatherings, and fruitcake.  Ugh.

Jake Locker: I’m not a big fan, but the match up is there for a big game. If Matt Hasselbeck is out, Locker has a solid chance of landing inside the Top 12.

Andy Dalton: A safer play than Locker, but he could still post good numbers. Inside the Top 15 sounds a little high, but attainable.

Felix Jones: With DeMarco Murray done for the year all that’s left in the Dallas cupboard is Felix. That bodes well for short term fantasy purposes. He is a top end RB2 moving forward with two great match ups ahead. He’s not the healthiest cat in the litter, but I’d gamble he stays healthy enough the next two weeks. This is the guy who could have you packing your bags to Titletown.

Ryan Grant: If James Starks is out again next week Grant becomes an interesting play. The Packers don’t run much, but if the game gets out of hand he could garner extra carries. Solid Flex with upside if Starks is out.

Demaryius Thomas: That’s two good games in a row and he has a to die for match up. Like Felix Jones this guy could be your ticket to Titletown. Thomas is a low end WR2 this week that could be had in most leagues.

James Jones: If Greg Jennings misses time the percentage bet is that Jones picks up the slack. Donald Driver is in the picture as well, which muddies up the situation making Jones a gamble at WR3.

Jake Ballard: He scored last week. Doubt he’ll score again, but you never know. On the low side he’ll probably get around 50 yards receiving and that ain’t bad.

Cincinnati, Tennessee, Seattle, or Atlanta DEF/ST (in order): If you’re streaming defenses these are the teams to go after.

Send me stuff on Twitter @kNuke. I’ll be posting updates and answering questions throughout the week.