Wire Me This (Week 13)

Welcome to the week 13 edition of this week’s wire me this, as we head down the home stretch of the season and the playoffs are right around the corner.  Here are some guys to keep an eye on for help in your fantasy playoffs (or to get there):

Running Backs

1. Fred Jackson (BUF)

2. Chad Simpson (IND)

3. Darren McFadden (OAK)

4. Darren Sproles (SDC)

5. Jerious Norwood (ATL)

If Fred Jackson is available in your league at this point, pick him up.  He appears to be leaps and bounds better than Marshawn Lynch this season and Perry Fewell is favoring the guy with the most talent and that give his team the best chance at winning…and that’s Jackson.  I’m mainly listing Chad Simpson as a possible handcuff for Joseph Addai or Donald Brown owners at this point.  With the Colts on the verge of clinching home-field advantage, the Colts are going to rest their starters.  Now, will Donald Brown see rest, also?  It remains to be seen but, he’s worth looking into just in case.  If there’s ever a time I’m going to recommend Darren McFadden, this would be the week.  If he’s on your wire, pick him up and stash him for week 16’s match-up with the Browns. Darren Sproles will be a nice play this week against the Browns, as I look for a lot of the running game against a depleted Browns’ run defense. Michael Turner re-injured his high ankle sprain after rushing back to the lineup.  Jerious Norwood should be the primary back and will be especially valuable in PPR leagues.

Another handcuff to consider: Eldra Buckley with the Eagles.  With Brian Westbrook missing time, he could be a change of pace or goal-line back for LeSean McCoy.  He’s someone to keep an eye on…..

Wide Receivers

1. Jason Avant (PHI)

2. Hank Baskett (IND)

3. Jacoby Jones (HOU)

4. Mark Clayton (BAL)

5. Reggie Brown (PHI)

Jason Avant and Reggie Brown could see increased snaps and targets should DeSean Jackson miss any playing time due to his concussion.  With the way Andy Reid and the Eagles treat concussions, I could definitely see Jackson missing this week at the most.  Hank Baskett could see more snaps the stretch if the Colts start resting players.  He’ll also be needed since Anthony Gonzalez will not be contributing anything during the regular season, IMO.  Jacoby Jones might be sneaking through opposing defenses as opposing defensive backs are concentrating their efforts on stopping Andre Johnson.  Mark Clayton continues to tease and tease with his “potential.”  He was targeted 10 times in week 12 and hauled in 127 yards.  Defenses are going to have to try and stop Derrick Mason at some point.  Joe Flacco is going to have to get him more involved as he’s one of their more talented pass catchers…he just hasn’t been given a good enough opportunity.