Author: TJ Streett

Pick Up Toby Gerhart

Adrian Peterson is most likely out for Minnesota’s week twelve matchup with Atlanta as the fantasy world turns its attention to Toby Gerhart .

Analysis: While the injury to Adrian Peterson is not as severe as once thought, high ankle sprains do tend to linger. Even if Peterson was somehow able to go next Sunday, why risk it? At 2-8, the Vikes are going nowhere this year and there is no point to putting the top back in the league out there.

Toby Gerhart who is available in well over ninety-seven percent of fantasy leagues is the logical fantasy replacement for Peterson. He should be in line for a solid chunk of carries in week twelve. He’s physical enough to be playing in goal line situations and he is one fresh back at this point in the season.

It isn’t all good when it comes to Gerhart’s potential this week and beyond. Atlanta is second in the NFL is rushing yards allowed and seventh in yards per carry against. Atlanta is at home and if they can put the Vikes in a hole early- it will not be a good fantasy day for Gerhart. Either way, he is an absolute must pick up this week. Start him at your own discretion.

Selling High- Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby returns to action Monday night against the Islanders after a ten month layoff.

Analysis: The window to sell high in Sidney Crosby’s case may be rather short. We do not know how his body will react nor do we know if any opposing teams will head hunt the overrated center. What we do know is that with all the hype surrounding Crosby at the moment, the intelligent play here is to sell him. Yes, when he suits up he is a top five fantasy player but how often will he suit up this year? The Pens have sixty-two games remaining on their schedule and if Crosby cannot play in at least fifty games then his top five to ten value will go out the window.

It is unpredictable how Crosby will acclimate back into a rigorous NHL schedule and with the nature of concussions I do not expect Crosby to play in more than forty games. Now is the time to capitalize on the hype of his return and land an elite, reliable player. After all, Crosby is only scheduled for twelve minutes of ice time Monday night and with four games this week it is likely that he will miss a game or two.

Ales Hemsky Is Available

After missing significant time earlier in the year with a shoulder injury, Ales Hemsky is back in form and playing well.

Analysis: The knock on Ales Hemsky is and will always be his health. He has not played in more than fifty games over the last two years but when he’s healthy he always produces. He’s a career .80 point per game player and with the Oilers much improved his plus/minus is no longer a fantasy issue. His injured shoulder appears to be healthy and while it remains that way… you just have to play him.

Hemsky is available in a little less than half of fantasy leagues which is a big plus for those looking for a boost on their right wing. His ice time in his last four games has been in the sixteen minute range but his biggest asset will be in assists. With guys like Steve Downie struggling, you have to consider making the switch to Hemsky. Hemsky will most likely miss more time down the road but as a right wing option in the present… he’s more than solid.

Week Eleven- Streaming Defenses- Seattle

With a week eleven matchup against an anemic Rams offense, the Seattle Seahawks look to be a solid defense to stream in week eleven.

Analysis: The Rams are averaging a league low 12.6 points per game while the Seahawks are coming off of a dominating performance against the Baltimore Ravens. Sam Bradford has not looked good all year as he sports a 72.6 passer rating. The only bright spot on the Rams’ offense is Steven Jackson. Jackson has carried the rock 81 times over the last three games and it is time to expect him to slow a bit due to the heavy workload recently.

On the other side of the ball you have a streaky Seattle defense that finds itself playing the worst offense in the league from a points per game and sacks allowed perspective. Seattle may be just a middle of the road defense but they are very similar to Jacksonville who last week put up great fantasy numbers playing Indy while being owned in less than ten percent of leagues. With Seattle you have a defense that is widely available, playing well and playing against a weak offense… it’s time to stream.

PPR Help- Dexter McCluster

With an impressive eight carry and six reception game against Denver Sunday, Dexter McCluster will be attracting even more fantasy attention this week.

Analysis: Dexter McCluster carried the rock eight times Sunday, four more times than Thomas Jones who could only manage just four yards on the day. McCluster’s eight targets were three more than rookie Jon Baldwin and one more than Dwayne Bowe. McCluster is now averaging nearly eight carries per game over his last four contests and his twenty-nine receptions on the year is top ten among all fantasy qualified backs this season. McCluster isn’t going to win any PPR fantasy leagues by himself but his touches should remain solid as Thomas Jones continues to fall out of favor in Kansas City.

It appears that McCluster is finding a niche in the KC offense since Jamaal Charles went down and considering Jackie Battle doesn’t have the best of hands, McCluster is becoming a huge asset in their offense. Even though it is unlikely that the Chiefs will make the playoffs coming off of homes losses to Miami and Denver, they remain just one game back of Oakland. If they are to make a playoff push, Dexter McCluster will have to be on the end of more touches.