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Week 13 Fantasy Outlook

Quarterback

Carson Palmer is lighting up the field now, and helping to win football games. With the recent slew of quarterback injuries league-wide, you should seriously consider picking up Palmer. He's back in the saddle and playing well, even in the Fantasy world. Last week he threw for 300+ yards, but had one interception. Depending on if you have a league that's focused more on yards than points then play him, however, if you rely heavily on a QB's ability to score, he may not be as beneficial. Last week he threw for no touchdowns, but his stats were great.

Again, play him if you're looking for yardage, but do so while accounting for one or two interceptions.

Running Backs

Michael Bush is a must play this week. Darren McFadden in still out with no word on when he'll return. Rookie Taiwan Jones also did not practice on Wednesday, which doesn't bode well for his chances on Sunday. These factors taken into account, Bush is going to get a ton of carries. While he didn't score last week, his yardage was key in setting the tone of the game. He'll be a big factor this weekend.

Marcel Reece caught five passes for 92 yards in Week 12 and is a worthwhile name to keep on your radar. He is currently utilized as a dump-off outlet and is turning them into points. If you are in a deep-points-per-reception league, Reece may prove to be a productive player for you. Monitor his situation closely.

Wide Receivers

We got conflicting practice reports this week for Denarius Moore. Beat reporters saw him practicing on Wednesday, out on the field with helmet and pads, but according to Head Coach Hue Jackson, Moore did not participate. Moore missed last week’s game and is no doubt an explosive player, fully utilizing Palmer’s big arm. For fantasy purposes, owners are encouraged to do their homework leading up to game-time for Moore’s status. Peg him as a WR3 with upside this week, partly due to his injury and his boom-or-bust stat lines.

Jacoby Ford on the other hand was seen jogging, but did not practice as well. Ford commented to reporters that his timetable is well ahead of McFadden’s and is signaling a closer return. But that seems to not be in Week 13. Savvy fantasy players should scoop up Ford as a waiver-wire addition for the fantasy playoffs. The Raiders face Green Bay, Detroit and Kansas City in Weeks 14-16, all defenses that gives up yards. View him as a lottery ticket WR3 or flex option with high upside.

Darrius Heyward-Bey is reportedly pain-free after his scary injury against the Vikings. He’s only playable in the deepest of leagues and possible points-per-reception leagues. The Raiders WR situation is in flux and one that is worth monitoring.

Tight Ends

Kevin Boss was a name on plenty of fantasy owners’ minds entering Week 12. But he was held to just one catch for eight yards in the game vs. the Bears. The targets that we assumed would go to tight ends actually went to Reece, the fullback. Look elsewhere for production.

Kicker

Sebastian Janikowski was named as one of the AFC players of the week. The Raiders big leg kicker connected on six field goals in Week 12 and is 22 of 24 overall on the season. If someone in your league dropped him because of injury, scoop him up for the stretch playoff run. Janikowski did not practice Wednesday but Coach Jackson expects him to play vs. Miami.

Defense/Special Teams

The Raiders took advantage of the mistake-prone Caleb Hanie in Week 12 with three interceptions and allowed 20 points in the game. In Week 13, the advice for fantasy is to reserve caution. The Raiders are squaring off against a rejuvenated Miami offense with weapons all over the field. The Raiders should win, but the possible lack of turnovers in this game may not make this unit a solid play in fantasy. Strong defensive plays in Week 13 include: New England vs. Indianapolis, Denver vs. Minnesota, Atlanta vs. Houston and San Diego vs. Jacksonville.

 

 

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