FANTASY 101
--DECEMBER DILLEMAS: The calendar has turned December at that presents a whole new set of challenges for fantasy owners. First and foremost Mother Nature now becomes a much larger factor. It is important for owners to be aware of extreme weather conditions that could hamper the production of their players. Secondly, keep your eyes on teams clinching playoff positions. Two teams, the Falcons and Texans, enter Week 14 with a shot to wrap up home-field advantage through the playoffs. That could lead to studs sitting as the season winds down. In addition, with just a few weeks left owners must weigh whether or not it’s worth holding onto big name players facing multiple-week injuries against picking up healthy players for added depth.

PLAYOFF PICKUPS
(Here are some players that could be nice waiver wire pickups for your post-season run)

--QB Russell Wilson (SEA): [Playoffs: ARZ, @Buf, SF] – The Seahawks’ rookie has thrown for multiple TD passes in six of his last seven contests. He’s added 170 yards on the ground over his last four to boot. The schedule isn’t as friendly as some other options, but the way Wilson is playing he’s a great pickup for a QB2 and could be worth a look for teams hurting at quarterback as a starter.

--RB Joique Bell (DET): [Playoffs: @GB, @Ari, ATL] – Bell may be behind Mikel Leshoure on the Lions’ depth chart, but he’s still getting enough touches a game to offer up some fantasy production. He’s averaging 5.7 ypc compared to Leshoure’s 3.8 ypc rate. With the receiving corps spread thin with injuries expect Bell to become even more involved in passing situations. His 30 receptions rank him 10th amongst all running backs.

--WR Chris Givens (STL): [Playoffs: @Buf, MIN, @TB] – Even if Danny Amendola returns, Givens has shown enough not only to warrant a pickup, but should receive strong lineup consideration as WR3/flex based off his upside. Over the last two weeks the rookie has been targeted 20 times and came away with 16 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown. The favorable schedule is the icing on the cake.

--TE Martellus Bennett (NYG): [Playoffs: NO, @Atl, @Bal] – In his two games since the bye in Week 11 Bennett has shown some good signs of life with 126 yards and TD on eight catches. The return of Hakeem Nicks to the lineup has helped opening things up over the middle a bit for him and with the Saints, Falcons and Ravens on tap look for the surge to continue.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Darren McFadden (ankle): After missing four straight games with an ankle injury, McFadden will make his return on Thursday night vs. the Broncos. There are too many risks for owners to expect a huge game between his month-long absence, the 3.2 yard per carry, the crowded backfield and the terrible matchups he’s a huge roll of the dice in Week 14.

--Percy Harvin (ankle): The Vikings placed Harvin on season-ending I.R. this week due to Grade 3 ankle sprain that involved a complete ligament tear. Redraft league owners can drop him and move on, but dynasty league owners should stash him away as he should return as a top 10 wideout in 2013.

--Ryan Broyles (knee): Broyles will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee. He suffered the same injury to his left knee during his senior year of college. The youngster was clearly a player on the rise. With major knee injuries on both legs now his long-term value is also in jeopardy of being impacted. Mike Thomas takes over opposite of Calvin Johnson in the Lions’ starting lineup.

--LeSean McCoy (concussion): LeSean McCoy continues to make progress with his concussion symptoms. The Eagles’ running back is now in Stage 3 of the league’s recovery process. With the team out of the mix they could very easily continue to roll with Bryce Brown. Even if McCoy makes it back on to the field this season, expect him to share the workload with the red-hot rookie. Brown has compiled 372 yards and four touchdowns on 51 carries over the past two weeks.

--Cecil Shorts (concussion): Still has yet to make it back on practice field, making his Week 14 status vs. Jets very much up in the air. He did score in his fourth straight game before sustaining the injury in Week 13.

Injuries to Watch: Ben Roehtlisberger (shoulder/ribs), Hakeem Nicks (knee), Danny Amendola (heel), Sidney Rice (concussion), Brandon LaFell (turf toe).

GETTING DEFENSIVE
(Defense isn’t as important in fantasy as it is real football, but these units have a difference for their owners)

--Patriots DEF: The only DEF/ST unit that has outscored New England this year is the Bears and no team has put more fantasy points on the board over the past five weeks than New England (13.5 ppg). The Texans and 49ers aren’t the best scenarios to face in Weeks 14 and 15, but the Week 16 matchup with the Jaguars should have owners licking their chops.

--Broncos DEF: With a NFL leading 38 sacks, the Broncos’ defense wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Big time playmakers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil headline a talented group. With seven interceptions a pair of touchdowns and a safety over their last five contests, the Broncos are putting big fantasy numbers on the board entering the season’s most critical stretch.

--Bengals DEF: The team’s recent four-game winning streak has coincided with the play of great play on defense. Though they haven’t scored a defensive TD in over the past five weeks, the Bengals still find themselves as a top 12 fantasy unit based off the 15 sacks and 11 turnovers they’ve come away with. With a friendly schedule ahead look for them to remain steady.

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The fantasy season is winding down, sadly, but that means the fantasy playoffs are starting up. It’s likely your league’s trade deadline has passed or is about to pass, and so too are waiver pickups. And, let’s face it, the pickings are pretty slim at this point. So rather than tout grabbing Bryce Brown after he went off Monday night, let’s look at some of the best waiver wire finds from the past 12 weeks.

QB:
Colin Kaepernick, SF – Only San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh is confused about who the future 49er quarterback is. The owners who took a chance on the athletic Kaepernick early on have been rewarded, down the stretch, when it matters most. Even if Alex Smith goes back under center, Kaepernick is the long-term QB in Frisco and has tremendous keeper value.

Russell Wilson, SEA – Boy were some fantasy experts (who shall remain nameless) wrong on Wilson. I admit to being one of the critics who was not buying into Wilson’s preseason success. I didn’t think he’d win the starting job, and definitely didn’t think he’d be this productive. So, for those who snagged Wilson off the waiver wire, I salute you. You now have a reasonably backup QB for the future, as Wilson isn’t quite at QB1 level, but nevertheless is a solid waiver wire find.

RB:
Alfred Morris, WAS ­– The one fantasy rule has always been, avoid Mike Shanahan’s running backs. So, when the Washington head coach started with his Shanahigans in the preseason, most people left Alfred Morris, the apparent golden child, undrafted. And who could blame them? But, Morris has managed to get the yeoman’s amount of carries and touches throughout the season. He was an early season waiver wire find, and can be counted as a RB2 every week.

Mikel Leshoure, DET ­– Serving a two-game suspension, and with a resurgent Kevin Smith ahead, Leshoure slipped off draft lists and ended up on waiver wires. By week two, however, the savvy owner grabbed Leshoure, waited to make sure that Kevin Smith did in fact suck (and he does), and then acquired themselves a decent running back starter.

Marcel Reece, OAK – It was just a matter of time before Darren McFadden got hurt. But it seemed to be Taiwan Jones who was the heir apparent as the Run DMC handcuff. However, Jones has done nothing and it was Marcel Reece who became the waiver wire gem. In PPR formats, Reece has vaulted himself into top 12 running back. Not bad for a forgotten about player for a lousy team.

WR:
TY Hilton, IND – Hilton is one of the feel good stories of the year. He was taken in the third round by the Colts, but he was looked at as a special teams contributor and project receiver. However, Hilton has nearly 500 yards receiving and five TDs. He’s quickly developing a trust factor with Andrew Luck, and his value has yet to be maximized. Hilton is a superstar in waiting with a high ceiling.

Cecil Shorts, JAX – I was one year too early with my praise of Shorts. I saw the potential and knew how much the Jacksonville coaching staff thought of him. Once Blaine Gabbert yielded the quarterback reigns to Chad Henne, Shorts has become a viable fantasy wide receiver. He has 747 yards and 6 TD, in basically a half a season.

Mohamad Sanu, CIN – When he was drafted by the Bengals, I saw a lot of potential from Sanu. But he seemed to be untrusted by the Bengals coaching staff early in the season. Sanu even threw a touchdown in the Washington game. Since the bye week, Sanu has become a red zone target for the Bengals and has scored 5 receiving TDs.

TE:
Martellus Bennett, NYG – For years Bennett was stuck behind Jason Witten on the Dallas depth chart. Late in preseason, Bennett signed with the Giants. His talent was never questioned, and he just needed the right situation. And Bennett found that with Eli Manning. Bennett still lacks consistency and doesn’t have the gaudy numbers of other tight ends but his 455 yards and 3 TDs is enough to make him a worthy free agent grab this year, especially at a position like tight end.

Brandon Myers, OAK – Despite an 86-yard performance in week 2, most owners were late to picking up Brandon Myers. In week 6, Carson Palmer targeted him 10 times, and from that point, Myers became a waiver wire darling. He’s been targeted 73 times for 55 catches, 591 yards and 3 TDs. Not too shabby at all.

Follow Jimmy Dinsmore, The Fantasy Geek, on Twitter @fantasy_geek

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Bye weeks are over, Thanksgiving is here. Football is everywhere. Does it get any better? This week there are a lot of waiver wire targets due to injuries. Here are the best ones to target

QB
Colin Kaepernick, SF – If you didn’t grab him last week, you must grab him now, after what he did to the Bears Monday night. Kaepernick may move back to his role as backup QB if/when Alex Smith is healthy, or he might not. Either way, Kaepernick appears to be the 49ers QB of the future and has a lot of long-term value.

Chad Henne, JAX – With Henne under center, the Jaguars are a completely different team. Henne will play this week, any maybe beyond and this makes him fantasy viable, especially if you’re an owner who is unhappy with your QB play.

RB
Ronnie Hillman, DEN – Willis McGahee is out 6-8 weeks, and is likely out for the season. Hillman will get the bulk of the carries for the Broncos. However, Lance Ball could swipe some of his touches, especially at the goalline. But, Hillman, a rookie, has nice long-term value and is someone to target.

Jalen Parmele, JAX – Parmele is the new starting RB in Jacksonville, replacing the ineffective Rashad Jennings, who is essentially a fantasy scrub at this point. Parmele has little long term value, but could serve as a decent short term replacement and a great play this week against Tennessee.

WR
Justin Blackmon, JAX – Blackmon finally showed his value as a high rookie pick. He seems to have a connection with Henne, so as long as Henne is the Jags’ QB, Blackmon makes for a decent WR3/Flex type of guy. And given his skill set and age, Blackmon has great long-term value.

Mohamed Sanu, CIN – Here’s another rookie who has worked his way into a prominent role. The Bengals offense is starting to click, and Sanu has scored twice in the last two weeks. Sanu is someone to target and stash. I’m still ready to insert him in a starting lineup down the stretch, but if you’re desperate, he has potential.

TE
Garrett Graham, HOU – Graham went off last week for 2 TDs and 8 catches. That’s fantastic production, but unfortunately, he wasn’t started in leagues, so you don’t get credit for him. If you grab him now, he may not match that type of performance again all year. He is only a tight end to target in deep leagues with desperate owners.

Jermichael Finley, GB – Some experts (myself included) called for the dropping of Finley earlier this year. It was justified advice, but after Finley found the end zone and 4 catches, he might give owners false hope, or this could be his one last stand as a viable fantasy tight end.

Follow Jimmy Dinsmore, The Fantasy Geek, on Twitter @fantasy_geek

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Injuries are wreaking havoc big time now in the NFL and in fantasy football. Not exactly what fantasy owners need as they march toward the playoffs. Between bye weeks and injuries, hit the waiver wire hard this week. There’s talent to be found.

QB
Colin Kaepernick, SF – Alex Smith is one of four NFL starting QBs who got knocked out of the game with an injury (concussion). Kaepernick entered and put up very average passing stats (although the sample of 17 passes is not a fair assessment). Kaepernick did run for 66 yards and a TD so he has value this week, although the matchup against the Bears is not a good one.

Nick Foles, PHI – Last week I told everyone to grab him before Michael Vick was injured or benched. Well, Vick is now out with a concussion and the Nick Foles era begins. He will be the top-sought free agent this week, so do what you need to do to get him.

RB
Chris Ivory, NO – In Darren Sproles’ absence, the Saints backfield has been a revolving door. And this past week it was Ivory who excelled. He ran with emphasis and found the end zone against Atlanta. Ivory will be a hot waiver wire commodity, but I’m not sold on him as much.

Mark Ingram, NO – Ingram is the New Orleans RB I feel more confident in over Ivory. Ingram is a goal line back who looks healthier than he’s looked all year. He’s starting to establish a role in the Saints playbook for himself too.

WR
Danario Alexander, SD – Alexander replaced the sub-par Robert Meachem in the starting role for the Chargers. And what a debut he had. 160 yards receiving and a TD for a finally-explosive San Diego offense. I’m still not sold on Alexander, but he’s worth a grab.

Chris Givens, STL – Givens is a big-play type of receiver who can make your week with just one play. Of course he has to play in order to make that happen, which he did not do last week as head coach Jeff Fisher punished him for a curfew violation. Givens has the Jets this week and makes for a sneaky play this week, with another big play up his sleeve.

TE
Dennis Pitta, BAL – It’s a tale of two Pittas. This first half of the season, Pitta was a viable, scoring option at tight end, and then he became PITTAful. Last week, Pitta reemerged as a scoring threat and makes for a nice little pickup this week if you need a tight end replacement.

Tony Moeaki, KC – It’s hard to type these words as Kansas City is so bad. But Moeaki caught 3 passes for 68 yards against a tough Steeler defense. This week he gets the Bengals who regularly get torched by tight ends. Again, Moeaki is not a strong recommendation, but could be a nice one-week fill-in.

Follow Jimmy Dinsmore, The Fantasy Geek, on Twitter @fantasy_geek

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GSI.com's Stefanie Theobald offers a few names for you to consider adding to your fantasy team...

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, waiver wire, week 11, fantasy video, stefanie theobald

With your fantasy season hanging in the balance and probably only about 5-6 weeks of games left until the postseason, you have to look at your team and decide what you are. Are you a buyer or a seller? If you’re a buyer, it’s time to make moves. And this includes waiver moves that could help you down the stretch. If you’re a seller, and in a keeper league, it’s time to go prospecting. Here are some options for both scenarios.

QB
Jake Locker, TEN – He is probably on your waiver wire due to a recent injury, and some sub-par performances. But, if you’re looking for a longer term project, then pick up Locker. He is probably not the right type of acquisition for those playing for this season however, as the Titans offense, other than Chris Johnson, looks lost.

Nick Foles, PHI – I touting him a few weeks ago, and I am still touting him now. I am not a subscriber to the theory that the Eagles should bench Mike Vick. But I am a subscriber to what my eyes see and that is that Vick is going to get hurt sooner than later with the horrendous offensive line play from Philly. When that happens, Foles steps in.

RB
Marcel Reese, OAK – In PPR formats, Reese is a must-grab player. He in fact is a much better option for the owner in the win-now mentality, as Reese will have very little long-term value. In non-PPR leagues, I would not bother with Reese, but maybe target his team mate Taiwan Jones.

Evan Royster, WAS – This is more of a gut call than anything. Royster could be a contributor late in your fantasy season. Mike Shanahan has not played too many games yet with his backfield, as Alfred Morris has been solid, but Royster did vulture a TD last week. Is this a sign of Shanahan’s Shenanigans going on in the near future? Only grab Royster if you have endless moves and the roster space for him. But he could be a nice stash.

WR
Golden Tate, SEA – Tate is the perfect pickup this week for any owner. He has great short-term and long-term value. He has five TDs this season and seems to be a nice red zone target for Russell Wilson. Tate is also a nice long-term keeper possibility too.

Laurent Robinson, JAX – Now that he’s back from an injury, Robinson received 9 targets last week, catching 6 balls for 49 yards. Not stellar numbers, but as Robinson starts to integrate himself into the playbook, he could get hot down the stretch as the Jags have an easy fantasy playoff schedule. Remember what Robinson did last year for the Cowboys last year in November and December?

TE
Dwayne Allen, IND – If you must start a tight end, Allen is a great one-week fill-in (with little long-term value). Allen had 7 targets last week and caught 6 passes for 75 yards. This week the Colts play Jacksonville on Thursday night. So, Allen could be a great bye-week fill-in or injury replacement.

Follow Jimmy Dinsmore, The Fantasy Geek, on Twitter @fantasy_geek

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FANTASY 101
-TANGLING WITH TIES: Tying is like kissing your sister and it’s even worse in fantasy football. Whether it’s ties in games or for playoff spots let’s look at some ways to avoid. The best way to avoid games ending in ties is moving to decimal point scoring system. This means moving leagues that give one point for every 10 yards rushing or receiving to 0.1 point for every yard and adjusting accordingly with passing. Playoff tiebreakers are a bit more delicate and a situation that needs to be addressed before the season begins to avoid controversy. My preference for these matters has always been total points, but head-to-head, lineup efficiency, and division records could also apply.


STRUGGLING WIDEOUTS
Here are a handful of receivers that have not lived up to their hype thus far in 2012…

--Calvin Johnson (DET): It appears as if the Madden Jinx has struck again, at least for half of season. Megatron, who was the top receiver to be taken and a first-round pick in most fantasy drafts, has found the end zone just one time through his first seven games. Last year he entered Week 9 with 11 scores. His yardage and receptions are close to where they were a year ago, giving reason for hope for better things to come for fantasy owners.

--Andre Johnson (HOU): The Texans’ veteran wideout has been hampered by the team’s run-first philosophy and the lack of other playmakers around him in the passing game. With tight end Owen Daniels appearing to be the team’s top red-zone option through the air, Johnson has managed just 100-yard game and two trips to the end zone. He has shown signs of life over the past two weeks, but his days as a top 10 fantasy wideout may have come to an end.

--Steve Smith (CAR): With Cam Newton struggling mightily in Carolina, Smith has struggled to find fantasy consistency. He has heated up as of late, tallying 18 receptions for 241 yards over his last three contests, but Smith is still searching for his first touchdown of the season.

--Dez Bryant (DAL): Fantasy owners and the Cowboys alike are still waiting for Bryant to deliver on his potential. He has had 95 yards or more in three of his last four games, but has scored in just one of the Cowboys’ seven contests thus far. While he possesses top 10 talent, Bryant will need find more consistency to become a must-start weekly option.


FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Demarco Murray (foot): Murray was missing in action again on Thursday and has not practiced since injuring his ankle in Week 6. He’s doubtful for this week and it remains to be seen if Week 10 will even be possibility. Even when he does return the team will likely ease Murray back into the mix. Fantasy owners need to continue to move forward with him not a part of the lineup plans.

--Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles): Mendenhall participated in a limited capacity in the Steelers practice on Thursday, but those that cover the team are still skeptical that he’ll return in Week 9 versus the Giants. Jonathan Dwyer returned to practice on Thursday too and regardless of Mendenahll’s status will likely get the starting nod this week for Pittsburgh.

--Jordy Nelson (hamstring): The Packers’ wideout will test his hamstring on Friday to see how responds before the team makes a decision regarding his Week 9 status. It would not be surprising at all to see them take it easy with him one more week with their bye following the matchup with the Cardinals. Randall Cobb and James Jones will continue to see increased opportunities in his absence.

--Percy Harvin (hamstring): After being limited in practice on Wednesday, Harvin missed Thursday’s practice altogether raising concern that he may have aggravated the injury. However, head coach Leslie Frazier clarified saying that his receiver missed practice to handle family matters.

--Ryan Tannehill (knee): Reports indicated that Tannehill is 50/50 to start at the Colts Sunday after having his knee drained twice this week. If he sits in Week 9 look for Matt Moore to get the nod. Either way expect Miami to look to run the ball against a Colts’ D that has struggled to slow opposing rushers.

Others of injuries note: Darren Sproles (hand), Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), Dez Bryant (hip), Roddy White (back)


SECOND HALF RISERS
(Players with upside heading down the stretch)

--QB Matthew Stafford (DET): After throwing for just five touchdowns in first six games, the Lions’ QB passed for three scores in last week’s win over Seattle. Despite how ugly Stafford has looked he’s still managed to throw for 301 yards per game primarily he’s averaged 44 attempts a week.  Though he won’t come close to the 41 TD’s he threw last season with only three matchups against top 10 pass defenses ahead of him expect more scoring strikes to come.

--RB Doug Martin (TB): Not only am I encouraged by his scheduled, but the Bucs’ rookie is starting to show glimpses of greatness. Playing as the featured piece in Tampa Bay’s run-first offense, Martin is the only player in the NFC with 500-plus rushing yards (543) and 200-plus receiving yards (224). His touchdown total of four needs to improve a bit for him to become an elite fantasy option, but Martin will prove valuable to fantasy owners on their playoff runs.

--WR Denarius Moore (OAK): Moore’s value continue to rise and after scoring for his third straight game his owners are definitely seeing the dividends. Like the others to make the list, Moore has a favorable slate of games ahead; including four games against teams that rank in the top seven in fantasy points allowed to WR’s this season. The Raider wideout is a top 24 player in scoring at receiver entering Week 11 and could crack the top 15 by year’s end.

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