Week 16: Deep League Pickups

For this final edition of Deep League Pickups, the focus will primarily be on players that could be worth stashing for keeper/dynasty leagues, but still using the deep league mentality. Every league has different rules when it comes to how keepers are determined, but the following players are worthy of a look now if you can stash and keep them in the mid-to-late rounds.

I know there is still at least one week to go in the 2009 fantasy season, but the likely options this week will be covered in a variety of places on this site. For example, if you are truly in a pickle this week, check out Tuesday's 2pm est podcast, where I will be joined by Evan Silva from Rotoworld. We will breakdown all of the Week 16 games, including our take on the Jerome Harrison explosion, what happened to the Vikings' offense and which teams could start resting players . Plus, we will analyze the Week 16 value of players like Joseph Addai, Tom Brady and Knowshon Moreno. And of course, breakdown the key starts, sits and free agents of the week.

For additional Week 16 help, check out our position rankings to compare players, read the standard league pickup article or email me at ben.standig@fftoolbox.com with questions.

Also note that the podcast will continue next week and into next year, with shows focusing on Playoff fantasy leagues, the NFL Playoffs and the offseason including free agency and the NFL Draft.

QB Jason Campbell, OAK

MyFantasyLeague availability: 54.07%

Ok, ok, it is hard to recommend a player who looked as bad as Campbell did Monday night, but the entire Redskins team was abysmal. Heading into that game, Campbell had thrown seven touchdowns and averaged 273 yards over his last three games, all of which makes him a strong QB2 or viable start for those in need. The fact that Campbell is still slinging it for the Redskins is almost a miracle in itself as the Redskins did nearly all they could to replace him at QB this past off-season, with Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez the names most bandied about. While Cutler has been an abomination with the Bears and Sanchez has dealt with the expected steep learning curve, Campbell has shown strong improvement over the course of the year and is on the cusp for his first 20-TDP season. Now, Campbell is a free agent -- the #1 QB expected to be available in fact via free agency. The Redskins do not have an obvious replacement and their overall situation is in a state of flux, though if you believe the rumors -- and I do -- pass happy Mike Shanahan will be taking over next year. Factor in the Shanahan offensive "genius" tag and the Redskins' young receivers finally showing a pulse, and Campbell is in position to be a top-15 fantasy QB on draft date and better than that during the season. If the bridges between player and organization were not burned after the previous off-season's shenanigans, both sides would be wise to re-up with one another and see what Campbell can do with a real coach and cohesive plan in place.

QB Chad Henne, MIA

MyFantasyLeague availability: 24.85%

After Ronnie Brown went down with a season-ending injury, all the fantasy talk concerning the Dolphins has been focused squarely on Ricky Williams with the occasional mention of one of their wide receivers as a spot start (no Ted Ginn, not you). Of course, when Brown went out (in large part) he took the Wildcat offense with him and then in turn opened the door for Chad Henne to start producing, whether anyone outside of South Florida noticed or not. Though still learning the ropes in his first stint as NFL starter, the second-year QB has passed for over 300 yards in two of the last three weeks despite working with a rather pedestrian group of receivers. Look for the brain trust to work on upgrading that group, via the draft (Dez Bryant?), free agency (Brandon Marshall, Lee Evans?) or a trade (Anquan Boldin?). Considering the Dolphins already have a solid nucleus up front and will have Ronnie and maybe Ricky returning next year, there is no reason that the strong-armed Henne cannot continue his development and become a viable fantasy play next year with better production to come.

RB James Davis, CLE

MyFantasyLeague availability: 93.68%

Jerome Harrison just produced an all-time type performance for the Browns, but is a free agent at the end of the year and unlikely to be signed as a full-time starter (as good as he was, Harrison's Week 15 outing had more to do with the Chiefs' defense than the back). Rookie Chris Jennings has looked good in spots, but might be better served as a situational runner. Jamal Lewis, he is heading for the golf course. So who will be the primary ball carrier for the Browns next year? Well, what about James Davis? Ah, you forgot about their 2009 sixth-round pick out of Clemson, who was THE top fantasy sleeper heading into drafts this year after a strong preseason. Yet his season was cut short after he suffered a shoulder injury after only three games. With Mike Holmgren coming in to run the Browns organization, expect widespread changes throughout the roster. That means no jobs are safe, but also that almost every position is available. Expect a healthy Davis to compete for the Browns RB spot.

WR James Jones, GB

MyFantasyLeague availability: 71.55%

With five touchdowns on the season and the porous Seahawks pass defense on deck, Jones is a worthy WR3 play in deep leagues for those lacking options; he could be in position for a much higher fantasy outlook next year depending on how the Packers handle their offseason. The potential uncapped year could mean all sorts of things in terms of NFL rosters, but the cutting of veteran players with large contracts could be at the top of the list. WR Donald Driver is having one of his best seasons, but the soon-to-be 35-year old could be one of those casualties as the Packers have invested recent high draft picks on receivers like Jones and Jordy Nelson. If the Packers go that way, Jones immediately becomes a top-30 fantasy WR with potential to be much higher as long as Aaron Rodgers remains upright. Even if Driver remains, Jones has the potential to be a Steve Breaston-type fantasy option in the pass-friendly offense, but the thought of him becoming the starter is drool worthy. Get your bib on, right after you add Jones this week.

WR Devin Thomas, WAS

MyFantasyLeague availability: 58.1%

The story goes that it takes three years for receivers to learn the NFL world and become a reliable presence for their real team. Next year, 2007 second-round pick Devin Thomas enters that third season and after bombing out in his rookie campaign, he has shown signs of becoming a substantial player after all. After posting only 19 receptions for 146 yards over his first 22 ineffective games, Thomas came alive to the tune of 21 grabs for 299 yards and three scores in his next 10. The former Michigan State Spartan has the size and skill set to be a #1 receiver and in Washington; he also has the opportunity as Santana Moss has always been out of place as the main target. It has been his lack of focus that slowed his development. If his across-the-board progress continues, Thomas has a shot to be a legit WR2 at some point next season. Against the Cowboys in Week 16, playing him as a WR3 is a reach in this currently unreliable offense.

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