Best Catches to Targets From Week Twelve

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Knowing who were the main targets on a week to week basis is imperative to position your team and know your opponents strengths. Even at this time of the year you should be paying attention to this crucial category. Here is a look at some best catches to targets from week twelve.

Anquan Boldin
With a healthy Vernon Davis and a better presence on the field at wide receiver in Mario Manningham, Boldin has started to resurge the past two weeks. Maybe Boldin should just get tabbed the Robert Horry of football. He shows up in big moments and is trying to get his team ready for a postseason run.

Pierre Garcon
Even with the Redskins season in peril, Garcon continues to be a weekly fantasy football top wideout. He caught eight of eleven throws from RG3 Monday, which has been a dependable stick stat every week. Though his yardage numbers were a bit low at only 48.

Josh Gordon
Other teams around the NFL have to consider themselves foolish to not have pursued the trade for Josh Gordon before the deadline. Adam Schefter and other NFL insiders had listed Gordon as a possible receiver on the trading blocks. It didn’t happen and throughout having three different quarterbacks Gordon has remained a constant defensive nemesis to stop. He caught fourteen of seventeen targets for over 200 yards receiving.

Brandon Marshall
I’m impressed with Marshall the most out of any receiver in football this year. For one he has kept quiet even during the Bears turn of events from a quarterback and winning standpoint. He plays on every possession and continues to be a monster every week. Sunday he caught ten balls out of twelve targets.

Jared Cook
Cook’s improvement just by signing with the Rams could be seen in the preseason. The Rams made it imperative to take advantage of Cook’s athleticism in their offense. That was something that the Titans hardly did with Cook. He caught four of five targets for eighty yards and a box out touchdown.

Dez Bryant
Antics were left and checked by Bryant against the Giants. He was there for his team and quarterback time and time again. He thrived in the pressure moments the Cowboys usually fail and had nine catches on sixteen targets.

Julian Edelman
The Danny Amendola sightings are becoming as ghost as old Randy Moss tales. Edelman did his best Wes Welker imitation with Welker on the opposing sideline. He hauled in a game high nine catches on eleven targets with two critical touchdowns. The weapons at Brady’s disposal will be key to their playoff run.

Others: Harry Douglas 9 catches/11 targets, Jimmy Graham 5 catches/7 targets, Darius Johnson 6 catches/8 targets, Antonio Brown 6 catches/10 targets, Emmanuel Sanders 6 catches/7 targets, Timothy Wright 8 catches/9 targets, Nate Burelson 7 catches/10 targets, James Jones 7 catches/10 targets, Keenan Allen 9 catches/12 targets, Steve Smith 5 catches/8 targets, Brian Hartline 5 catches/5 targets, Cecil Shorts III 8 catches/11 targets, Michael Floyd 7 catches/7 targets, Jacob Tamme 5 catches/5 targets,

Stretching the Field Post Week Twelve

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Here is a look at players that had great performances to stretch the field for their quarterbacks in week twelve. Based upon their performances you probably had a bitter beer face when checking your live stat tracker on your smart phone application.

Jimmy Graham
I don’t ever think a tight end has been in the running for MVP. It’s sort of a surprise to me that Graham’s name has not been mentioned as a possible candidate. Each and every week he has been an almost lock to have on field success for the Saints, almost near the level of Calvin Johnson. Thursday he caught five passes for one hundred yards and a touchdown.

Josh Gordon
Talk about a steal that fantasy owners probably have patted themselves on the back for. Gordon missed games due to suspension just like Justin Blackmon. Except Gordon kept himself out of trouble since his suspension and has terrorized weekly opponents. Gordon had an exceptional game with over 230 yards receiving against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Donnie Avery
His touchdowns may have receded but Avery has still been a decent WR3 or flex option for fantasy owners. Alex Smith doesn’t stretch the field too often but when he does he is looking Avery’s way. Sunday against the San Diego Chargers the duo connected on four catches for over ninety yards.

Mike Wallace
One week for Wallace’s name to appear on this weekly column just isn’t enough. It’s not entirely his fault that the Dolphins haven’t found a way to involve him more. Miami has been one of the poorer teams at protecting the quarterback which has translated into a shorter passing attack for the Dolphins. But if Miami can have success against Carolina’s front seven with the long ball, they need to figure out a way to continue to do so. Wallace caught five balls for over 120 yards Sunday.

Jacoby Jones
What’s been missing from the Baltimore Ravens offense this season? Once you begin to start the list it will continue past the number ten. One area defenses have hindered the Ravens from having success with is with Jones. Sunday the Jets allowed one big play from Jones and it became the dagger in Sunday’s game.

Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter
The Titans tandem at wide receiver became the latest receivers to torch the Raiders secondary. What was more surprising was to see Ryan Fitzpatrick play a complete game. He seems to be settling in with the talent he has in Tennessee which is a huge upgrade from what he had in Buffalo at receiver. Both had well over one hundred yards receiving.

Post Week Eleven Waiver Wire

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EJ Manuel
The spotlight on Sunday’s game was entirely on Geno Smith’s horrid performance. But who caught my eye was EJ Manuel who came back strong after a poor return against the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a rough first quarter the Bills ignited thanks to a long sideline throw by EJ Manuel. If he can get back to the level he was playing pre-injury Manuel can be a definite fantasy football asset to a team.

Josh McCown
The longer Cutler is declared out the more the hype around McCown grows. McCown led another comeback win Sunday over the Ravens. This time it was in horrendous field and weather conditions. This Bears offense is setup to produce points and will do so on a weekly basis.

Bobby Rainey
You could see this coming. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had instant success with running backs over the last few years with Cadillac Williams, LeGarrettte Blount, Doug Martin, Mike James, and now Bobby Rainey. The reason Rainey wasn’t high on many fantasy football writers waiver wire lists before was uncertainty on the amount of carries he would have. Based on thirty carries from Sunday, that has been answered. If running to the waiver wire was practical, owners would be scurrying in a marathon sprint type of fashion.

Donald Brown
I’m not going to completely write off Trent Richardson like every sports fan in America. But clearly the Browns disliked Richardson and cast him off to the Colts to get their investment of a first round pick back. To get more consistency at running back the Colts have turned more to Brown. Brown is what the Colts need to sustain a constant and serious threat to keep Andrew Luck and the Colts in playoff contention.

Daniel Thomas
After two total yards rushing against the Buccaneers Miami committed to the run game against the Chargers. It resulted in less pressure on the Dolphins offensive line and better protection for Ryan Tannehill on drop backs. Thomas should continue to see carries as they try to make a wild card playoff push.

Shane Vereen
Vereen is active again and though he will be brought along gradually you can expect the Pats to utilize him quite a bit. Before his injury Vereen was on his way to a stellar season. Even at this point of the season fantasy owners can get a fair amount of value by adding Vereen.

Rashard Jennings
Jennings was a sleeper start of the week and he delivered on the road in Houston with 150 yards rushing and a touchdown. Who would of thought the top two fantasy running backs of the week would be Bobby Rainey and Rashard Jennings? Oakland offers a high opportunity to the starter and right now that is Jennings with McFadden out with injury. With either McGloin or Pryor under center the team values and protects play calling with volume run calls.

Jerricho Cotchery
The Steelers have resorted to Big Ben in hopes of getting back in division and playoff contention. They’re letting Ben throw upwards of fifty times a game to help spark a team that’s ailing defense is surrendering too many points. Cotchery has seen an increased role as the team continues to run and gun for wins.

Michael Floyd
Floyd’s done this before with strong play in the back half of the season. I predicted that Carson Palmer should finish the second half of the season stronger and in turn boost the performance of all the Cardinals receivers. Palmer finally had a turnover free game Sunday and had only twelve incomplete passes. Floyd had the biggest play of the day on a catch and run touchdown in which he shredded several defenders.

Coby Fleener and Delanie Walker
Both tight ends shined in Thursday night’s game. Fleener has had a poor season thus far but figures to have a vital role with Reggie Wayne out. Walker on the other hand will also see more targets with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback over Jake Locker. While in Buffalo, Fitzpatrick even made Scott Chandler a viable fantasy performer.

NFL Team Rankings Post Week Ten

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1. Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs get the test everyone has been waiting for against the Denver Broncos
2. Denver Broncos- Peyton seems to be shaken off the injury bug that occurred with his ankle last week. The Broncos know this game against KC is crucial for controlling home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
3. Seattle Seahawks- Seattle’s offense is starting to finally turn the corner. Word on when Percy Harvin will enter the lineup is still up in the air.
4. New England- Tom Brady typically has standout games on Monday night football. Carolina and Cam Newton want to sway that history this Monday forthcoming.
5. New Orleans- A running game in New Orleans??!! Say it ain’t so.
6. Indianapolis- It was an awakening loss for the Colts Sunday to the Rams. They remain a top ten team based on their premium wins.
7. San Francisco- Something needs to change in a hurry for the 49ers offense. The read option is all but gone, and teams have forced the 49ers to throw the football.
8. Carolina Panthers- Suddenly a team on the verge of another down season turned it around and are 6-3.
9. Detroit Lions- No one is in better divisional control than the Lions right now. All of their other divisional mates are struggling mightily with injuries.
10. Cincinnati- The Bengals are not playing like a top ten team as of late. Their record though is 6-4 and they are still in the driver’s seat to win the AFC North division.
11. Dallas Cowboys
12. Arizona Cardinals
13. Green Bay Packers
14. Chicago Bears
15. Baltimore Ravens
16. NY Jets
17. San Diego Chargers
18. Philadelphia Eagles
19. Washington Redskins
20. Cleveland Browns
21. Miami
22. NY Giants
23. St. Louis
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
25. Houston Texans
26. Tennessee Titans
27. Buffalo Bills
28. Oakland Raiders
29. Minnesota Vikings
30. Atlanta Falcons
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Best Catches to Targets From Week Ten

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Rishard Matthews
Matthews had hardly been involved in the Dolphins offense this season, but had eleven catches on fourteen targets Monday night. It’ll remain to be seen if the Dolphins can keep Matthews involved in the offense or if it was a one game ordeal. Based upon the high amount of targets it’s safe to say Miami will continue to find a way to involve him.

John Carlson
If you’re in need of a tight end for a span of a few weeks than here he is. Carlson hauled in all seven targets from Christian Ponder and should continue to see quick route throws his way. We will have to see how Ponder’s non throwing shoulder injury affects the passing game, but look for Carlson to be an adequate tight end.

Brandon Marshall
Fantasy radar alerts before the season were mindful of Marshall’s hip. He had been limited in preseason because of it and it appeared that he may be a liability throughout the season. That has not been the case. Instead Marshall has continued to be a top ten receiver in the NFL. He hauled in seven catches out of twelve targets Sunday.

Jarrett Boykin
Boykin stands to continue to be a fantasy threat with Aaron Rodgers out. With a third string quarterback at under center, Boykin stands to be a familiar option for Scott Tolzien. Reps from third string quarterbacks don’t typically go to the team’s standout receivers. So Boykin’s eight catches on thirteen targets Sunday are a stat to keep looking forward to.

Kendall Wright
Wright continually is a high target receiver. Unfortunately in the Titans offense neither Jake Locker or Ryan Fitzpatrick has had success with throws down the field. That means Wright is great in PPR leagues but does not offer the threat of high yardage or touchdowns. He caught seven of nine passes Sunday.

TY Hilton
Hilton has proved me wrong and has been able to step up as the number one receiver in consecutive weeks. For it to continue the Colts need to run the football more and develop targets to other options. Hilton had seven catches on eight targets, and did most of his damage in the second half.

Others: Jordan Reed 6 catches/9 targets, Harry Douglas 7 catches/8 targets, Golden Tate 6 catches/7 targets, Alson Jeffrey 9 catches/18 targets, Brandon Pettigrew 5 catches/5 targets, Antonio Brown 6 catches/11 targets, AJ Green 8 catches/15 targets, Steve Smith 6 catches/11 targets, DeAndre Hopkins 6 catches/11 targets, Andre Roberts 5 catches/8 targets, DeMaryius Thomas 7 catches/10 targets, All Saints receivers

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During Isiah Thomas’s tenure with the Knicks he made several awful impactful decisions. Personnel moves by Thomas left the Knicks as a down and out franchise for several years. The signing of Carmelo Anthony was a move expected to bolster their prospects as a team on a year to year basis. After strong signs last year the regression has taken its course in a drastic fashion.

The season is hardly two weeks old and the Knicks have lost at home to the Bobcats, Timberwolves, and the San Antonio Spurs. The losses to the Timberwolves and Spurs were horrible blowout losses. Mike Woodson who is a defensive coach has to be burning with frustration. His team may be the worst in basketball currently at playing defense.

They gave up 120 points to a Spurs team Sunday that played their second unit in preparation of their back to back matchup. Rotation defensively on pick and rolls and cuts to the hoop by the Spurs were an embarrassment. It looks as if the Knicks were not prepared if Tyson Chandler would miss any time this season.

Bench depth at the power forward and center position is non-existent. Amare Stoudemire is attempting to perform on his bad knees, but clearly is at the end point of his solid career. Mistakes with the Knicks boil down to their offseason signings, it’s as if they want to make Carmelo Anthony have an easy decision to leave the New York Knicks.

Andrea Bargnani could be a complimentary offensive asset but with Chandler out he is the biggest defensive liability in basketball. He can’t rebound at all and is too flat footed to control the paint. Woodson has to rethink his lineup to get a big man in the middle that can disrupt penetration somewhat. If not teams will continue to score over 100 points a game against the Knicks.

The other poor acquisition was the signing of Ron Artest. Has Ron Artest aka Metta World Peace ever taken a shot on the offensive end that makes sense? His strong skill is still defensively but even that isn’t near what it was five years ago or even two years ago.

There just isn’t enough balance offensively to offset this team’s horrific defense. For fantasy basketball teams Carmelo Anthony is shooting the basketball at just 41 percent, far below his career average. In rotisserie leagues you may want to pick your spots at inserting Melo and hold off on any other Knick until they develop a win streak above two games.