Michael Jenkins, Falcons

I sometimes hate reading an introduction.  I mean do you really have to peruse the intro to gain any fantasy knowledge?  I tend to ask myself this same question with every piece I read.  This is probably because I’ve read a lot of articles in my short time on the earth and I generally tend to skip this portion of the fantasy write up.  I mean really what kind of fantasy assistance is really in the average fantasy sports introduction?  Not much.  Just take a quick look back at what I’ve written so far.  Yeah I just wasted about 30 seconds of your life. The heart of the writing and the sole reason you’re even bothering to click on the link is to see which players you should seek out for this coming week.  In my opinion, there is something about human nature that makes us think we need an introduction to get to the heart of the article.  Its kind of like a garnish on your meal.  Yes it makes the presentation of the food look a lot better but nobody ever eats the parsley.  What would be interesting is if I stuck the introduction at the end, saved you some mouse clicks (and time) and started this off with the highlight of the player(s) I’m recommending.  People would probably still glaze to the bottom just to skip over it.  Either way, an introduction is needed and its getting to the point in the fantasy football season where you need something substantial. Its fantasy play off time!  We fantasy football aficionados (who are still left playing) need quick answers and have less time to make them in (not really).  So without further wasting your valuable time here we go with this week’s pickups.

Previous week Waiver Wonders who are still good bets to produce over the coming weeks: Fred Davis, Jason Campbell , Jamaal Charles, Jeremy Maclin, Vince Young (yes despite the injury) and Kenny Britt.

Chris Jennings – RB – Browns

24 year old Chris Jennings was a giant part of the upset in Pittsburgh where he had 20 carries for 73 yards and a score.  He hasn’t exactly lit the league afire with a YPC on the season of 3.7.  However, the Browns get the weak run defense of the Chiefs this coming week and the slightly worse (if that’s possible) Raiders rush defense in Week 16.  Jennings should be added in most standard leagues based on this.

Arian Foster – RB - Texans

The Houston backfield is a bit of a mess right now. Steve Slaton has been IR’d, Chris Brown is Chris Brown (you’ve heard of the Mendoza line right?) and Ryan Moats can’t hang on to the ball.  Because of this, Coach Gary Kubiak stated that Foster will now be the feature back in Houston.  Arian wasn’t exactly brilliant in rushing for 34 yards on Sunday against Seattle.  However, in a deeper league he’s worth looking at as Houston plays the Rams next week and St. Louis has one of the worst defenses in the league. 

Michael Jenkins – WR – Falcons

It’s about time we gave Jenkins some respect.  This his third straight week of solid fantasy goodness, averaging over 80 receiving yards per game over that stretch.  This past week he had three receptions for 82 yards and a score.  They draw the Jets next week and their top-ranked defense against the pass.  The good news for prospective Jenkins owners is that there is no doubt All-World CB Darrelle Revis will be keying in on the Falcons superstar wideout Roddy White.  Jenkins will likely have more value in point per reception leagues.

Kevin Boss – TE – Giants

Boss has been very inconsistent but seven receptions for 70 yards and a score is always worth noting, especially from a tight end.  The recommendation for Boss this week must be taken with a grain of salt.  The Philly/NYG game on Sunday night was a bit of a barnburner.  Also, the Giants draw the Redskins next week who are one of the top defenses in the league against the pass and against opposing tight ends.  This week, Boss is for deep leagues only.

Quinton Ganther – RB – Redskins

There will be some scampering for Ganther this week and I’m not sure its going to be justified for a lot of teams outside of deeper leagues.  Ganther had 2 touchdowns 50 yards rushing, 3 receptions for 43 yards against a very poor Raiders rush defense.  The Redskins have little to play for as they are out of playoff contention which gives Washington a good excuse to get this kid Ganther some reps. Incumbent starter Clinton Portis is likely done for 2009 and Rock Cartwright has been demoted.  For a critical week 15 match up in the playoffs, Ganther will face the ninth-ranked Giants defense.  Mind you, the Giants defense as evidenced in the past game against the Eagles is not what it once was.  Either way, Ganther should be added for a flex play in deeper leagues.

Well that’s all for me this week.  Good luck in the playoffs!