Week 12: Pickups of the Week
WR Justin Blackmon, JAX
MyFantasyLeague availability: 16%For the past several weeks, Jaguars receivers have taken turns teasing fantasy owners with flashes of exceptional play. Cecil Shorts and Laurent Robinson have both come on strong lately, but it was the rookie Blackmon who posted by far the best stat line of Jacksonville's season this Sunday. His 236 receiving yards were good enough for the second best mark in franchise history. His chemistry with Chad Henne was palpable. With a new QB at the helm, the rookie wideout seems to be regaining the confidence he lost during the Blaine Gabbert era, which may now have come to an end.
WR Julian Edelman, NE
MyFantasyLeague availability: 80%Edelman has had trouble carving a niche for himself in New England. Whether limited by injury or just buried on the depth chart behind receivers with similar skill sets, he hasn't had many chances over the course of his four year career to show what he can do. The Patriots kept faith in him, though and even toyed with the idea earlier this year of starting him at slot over Wes Welker. That idea fizzled as much due to Welker's superlative play as to it was due to Edelman's broken hand. In Week 11, the team found a way to get both of their slot receivers to share the field. They'll need to keep doing so now that Rob Gronkowski will no longer be occupying the middle and soaking up the bulk of Tom Brady's passes.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveWR T.Y. Hilton, IND
MyFantasyLeague availability: 18%Ty Hilton now has three 100-yard games to his name this season and could be in line for a few more down the stretch. Donnie Avery's concussion puts his Week 12 availability in doubt and should at least open the door for Hilton to get more looks in the passing game. The rookie's big play ability makes him a great fantasy add for this week's tilt against a Bills defense that is susceptible to the long ball. It also makes him a player to hold on to in dynasty leagues, where he will have the opportunity to grow and flourish alongside fellow rookie phenom Andrew Luck.
TE Dallas Clark, ---
MyFantasyLeague availability: 58%Just like his former QB out in Denver, Dallas Clark is turning back the clock in Tampa Bay. He posted his best game of the season during his team's win against Carolina, snagging seven passes and recording the game-winner in overtime. Though he's been poorly used at times this season, he tied Vincent Jackson for the team lead in targets with 11 last weekend and could become a bigger part of this offense down the stretch. Owners of Rob Gronkowski may need to look deep for a replacement and Clark offers a decent fall-back plan.
TE Brandon Myers, NYG
MyFantasyLeague availability: 26%Myers is a top ten fantasy TE who just moved up another notch thanks to the injury to Rob Gronkowski. So why is he still unowned in so many leagues? It's a bit baffling. This is a player who not only leads his pass-first team in receptions, but also sits fifth in receptions amongst all NFLers at his position. Maybe it's his lack of pedigree -- he was a sixth-round pick who was valued for his blocking and who, in 2011, only caught 16 passes in 16 games. Our advice is to the past is behind you. Myers is a player with a bright NFL -- and fantasy -- future.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
