1. Jake Delhomme, Panthers

Last Week’s Stats

14 comp.

21 att.

213 yds.

2 TDs

5 rush yds.

Breakout Performer

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In his last four games, Jake Delhomme has 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He’s made a complete 180 degree turn from his awful first half of the season. At this point, Delhomme is worthy of starting almost every week. A favorable schedule to close the season makes him a perfect acquisition for any team that needs a quality back-up.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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@NO

STL

@ATL

@TAM

NO

2. Kerry Collins, Raiders

Last Week’s Stats

26 comp.

45 att.

339 yds.

4 TDs

7 rush yds.

Breakout Performer

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Collins is finally grasping Norv Turner’s offense. In the last two weeks, he has six touchdown passes and 563 passing yards. If you’ve fallen out of the playoff race and are trying to perfect your role as a spoiler, Collins is an excellent acquisition. His schedule is favorable over the next few weeks, including a great match-up next week against the Chiefs. Consider starting him over disappointing QBs like Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Brooks.

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KC

@ATL

TEN

@KC

JAC

1. Maurice Hicks, 49ers

Last Week’s Stats

13 car.

46 yds.

2 rec.

33 yds.

1 TD

Breakout Performer

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The Forecast has recommended Hicks for three weeks in a row now. If you haven’t been following the 49ers lately (and I wouldn’t blame you), Kevan Barlow has been losing touches to Hicks. On Sunday, Hicks got four more carries than Barlow, possibly signifying an official changing of the guard. Acquire Hicks this week and don’t be afraid to start him. The 49ers will face the 31 st ranked run defense of the St. Louis Rams.

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@STL

@ARZ

WAS

BUF

@NE

2. Amos Zereoue, Raiders

Last Week’s Stats

1 car.

4 yds.

1 rec.

5 yds.

0 TDs

Breakout Performer

Raiders starting RB Tyrone Wheatley pulled his hamstring in Sunday night’s win over the Broncos. Backup Amos Zereoue is expected to move up to the No. 1 RB spot and split carries with Justin Fargas. Zereoue posted a couple big games earlier this year when Wheatley missed time with a shoulder injury. The problem with “Famous” Amos is you never know whether he’s going to explode for a big game or break your heart with a goose egg. A match-up against a soft Kansas City defense should help his cause this week.

Short-Term Injury Replacement

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KC

@ATL

TEN

@KC

JAC

3. Larry Croom, Cardinals

Last Week’s Stats

10 car.

25 yds.

1 rec.

8 yds.

Breakout Performer

Emmitt Smith has a sprained toe and is likely to miss the next couple games. Head coach Denny Green has deemed rookie Larry Croom the interim starter. Croom is pretty much an unknown at this point. He was an undrafted free agent out of UNLV. The scouting reports I’ve seen suggest he’s a small back who can catch the ball, but lacks open field speed. The fact that he’s starting against the Lions certainly makes the idea of activating Croom for fantasy purposes intriguing. Detroit gives up about 125 yards per game.

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@DET

SF

STL

@SEA

TB

1. Keary Colbert, Panthers

Last Week’s Stats

3 rec.

72 yds.

2 TDs

Breakout Performer

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Colbert was a hot acquisition early in the season after Steve Smith went down with an injury. But after a string of mediocre performances, he may have found his way onto your league’s wavier wire. If so, give him a second look this week. Colbert’s stock is once again on the rise after a two touchdown performance Sunday against the Bucs. A favorable schedule to close the season makes him an excellent spot starter.

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@NO

STL

@ATL

@TAM

NO

2. Antonio Bryant, Browns

Last Week’s Stats

8 rec.

131 yds.

2 TDs

Breakout Performer

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Bryant, who is a transplant from Dallas, was one of the primary beneficiaries of Cleveland’s offensive fireworks Sunday. He was synced up with QB Kelly Holcomb all game. Bryant has never been short on talent. He was a first round pick by the Cowboys a couple seasons ago. His problem has always been attitude. More performances like the one on Sunday, will go a long way toward keeping him happy go lucky. Acquire Bryant this week in the hopes that the combo continues to stay hot.

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NE

@BUF

SD

@MIA

@HOU

3. Lee Evans, Bills

Last Week’s Stats

6 rec.

70 yds.

1 TD

1 car.

15 yds.

Breakout Performer

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Rookie Lee Evans looks like he’s the real deal. He had his best game of his young career in Sunday’s throttling of the Seahawks. Unfortunately, he’s a bit inconsistent. He posted a touchdown and 64 yards back in Week 9, then fell flat in Weeks 10 and 11 before re-surfacing Sunday. He’s a great prospect in deep keeper leagues and dynasty leagues. Match-ups against teams like the Bengals and 49ers could make Evans a factor in the fantasy playoffs.

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@MIA

CLE

@CIN

@SF

PIT

4. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals

Last Week’s Stats

4 rec.

79 yds.

2 TDs

2 car.

17 yds.

Breakout Performer

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Houshmandzadeh is another previous recommendation – made back in Week 4. He’s stepped into a starting role after the season-ending injury to Peter Warrick. QB Carson Palmer has looked more comfortable in recent weeks and could close out the season on a positive note. If he does, Houshmandzadeh and fellow Bengals wideout Chad Johnson will rack up some solid fantasy numbers. At this point, he’s probably best kept on your bench. But if he musters up another 5-6 catch game this week, he could be used as a starter if you’re desperate. A brutal schedule to close the season limits his potential a bit.

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@BAL

@NE

BUF

NYG

@PHI

1. Erron Kinney, Titans

Last Week’s Stats

6 rec.

53 yds.

2 TDs

Breakout Performer

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At the beginning of the season, I thought the connection between Steve McNair and Erron Kinney had potential to generate some decent fantasy points. In seasons past, McNair frequently used former TE Frank Wycheck in the passing game. His retirement opened up an opportunity for Kinney. Unfortunately, Kinney and McNair have been hurt at various times throughout the season and they didn’t get to play together much. But in Week 12, the promise finally materialized into actual fantasy production. Look for continued success in the coming weeks. Kinney and the Titans have a great schedule to close the season.

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@IND

KC

@OAK

DEN

DET

2. Steve Heiden, Browns

Last Week’s Stats

7 rec.

82 yds.

3 TDs

Breakout Performer

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Like Antonio Bryant, Steve Heiden got on the same page as QB Kelly Holcomb in a hurry Sunday. Heiden snagged seven receptions and was a major factor in Cleveland’s offense. The change at QB is clearly a good sign for Cleveland’s offense and particularly could benefit the tight ends. Unfortunately, a brutal upcoming schedule could spoil Heiden’s potential. He’s worthy of an acquisition, but keep him on your bench until Cleveland’s offense proves its worth.

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NE

@BUF

SD

@MIA

@HOU

1. Detroit Lions

Last Week’s Stats

19 pts. allw.

0 INTs

1 FR

7 Sacks

0 pts.

Breakout Performer

The only positive about the Lions as a defense / special teams is Eddie Drummond. Unfortunately, he got hurt Sunday and will miss the rest of the season. So why am I recommending them? They will face the Arizona Cardinals this week, a team that’s planning to start their rookie, third-string QB John Navarre. The Lions secondary will smell the blood in the water and rack up at least a couple INTs. They’re worthy of an acquisition this week.

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ARZ

@GB

MIN

CHI

@TEN