By Dan O’Shea
We’re officially into the second half of the football season, with only three weeks left in the fantasy football regular season in many leagues. It’s time to look for a few late-bloomers who might provide the edge needed to make the fantasy playoffs and maybe even win a championship.
Here are a few candidates:
QB
Nick Foles, PHI: Honestly, he was already a candidate before his record-tying seven-TD performance in Week 9, and he probably would be easier to steal off the waiver wire this week had he not gone crazy, and had Aaron Rodgers not gotten injured Monday night. Those two factors will make him the hottest waiver wire pick-up across all positions this week.
Case Keenum, HOU: Threw for 350 yards and three TDs against a good Colts defense last week. Though the Texans have had their problems and now have a coach sidelined by a stroke, Keenum has talented receivers to work with and not much to lose by airing it out every week.
RB
Mike James, TAM: Doug Martin’s replacement ran for 158 yards and threw for a TD in Week 9. He may not score much, but the rookie is making the most of his chance, and giving the Buccaneers a reason to sideline Martin for the rest of the season. The Bucs are stubbornly insisting Martin may play in Week 10, but I think they’ll come to their senses.
Rashad Jennings, OAK: Went wild for 176 total yards in Week 9 after Darren McFadden was injured. McFadden’s injury is hamstring-related, which could mean a long layoff for him and many more touches for Jennings.
WR
Riley Cooper, PHI: Ended up at the other end of many Foles passes last week, to the tune of 139 yards and three TDs. Foles has a clear rapport with him, so if you miss out on Foles and find yourself thin at WR, Cooper could be a nice consolation prize.
Aaron Dobson, NE: He essentially lost playing time early in the season to upstart Kenbrell Thompkins and veteran Julian Edelman, but he has 287 yards receiving and three TDs in the last four weeks. He’s got a bye this week, but he seems to be emerging at the right time to be a postseason fantasy contributor.
TE
Jordan Reed, WAS: Has averaged about 80 yards receiving per game over the last four weeks. QB Robert Griffin III has been seeking him out, and with WAS having a porous defense, RG3 should be throwing a lot in the weeks to come.
Expert Wire
* ESPN has a guide to the biggest single-game fantasy scorers of all time. Foles now holds the single-game mark for 2013.
* Bleacher Report shows us what’s to be gleaned from Week 9.
* CBSSports.com sizes up trade value for several players.
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Dan O’Shea is our man in fantasyland. He welcomes your comments.
Posted on November 5, 2013