Week 12: Pickups of the Week

QB Chad Henne, ---

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Henne gave Jaguars fans reason to smile last weekend, even if his four touchdowns and 354 yards passing were not enough to seal a victory. The former Dolphin breathed life into a moribund offense and lit a fire under his team's two talented young receivers. That's more than Blaine Gabbert was ever able to do. And it's not like this was an isolated incident. Henne actually opened 2011 as the Dolphins starter, throwing for two touchdowns and 416 yards on opening day against the Patriots. Four games (and four losses) later, the team turned to Matt Moore. Picked up by Jacksonville in the offseason, it took a seven-game losing streak from Gabbert for Henne to claim the starting job. The veteran's big day probably closes the door on the Blaine Gabbert era.

RB Bryce Brown, ---

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LeSean McCoy got his bell rung by Redskins safety Madieu Williams late in Sunday's game and almost certainly suffered a concussion. Given the NFL's newly enhanced head injury protocol, and given the fact that the Eagles have lost six straight, it's possible the team could hold McCoy out of next Monday night's game against Carolina. Bryce Brown is the logical fill in. He has averaged 4.4 yards per carry in a supporting role this season and would be looking to make his mark against a Panthers defense ranked 20th in the league against the rush.

RB Ronnie Hillman, ---

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Willis McGahee's MCL tear means the Broncos will be looking to Hillman to carry the rock – likely for the remainder of the regular season. The rookie has looked strong at times this season and has seen his role gradually increase, particularly in the passing game. He possesses explosive speed and has the potential to deliver RB2 fantasy numbers as a newly anointed starter in a potent offense. Next on tap for the Broncos are the Chiefs, who are giving up more than 129 yards per game on the ground. This is why you spend those late round picks on handcuff RBs. And if no one in your league had the foresight to do that, then this is why you hold on to top waiver priority or save up those free-agent-bid bucks.

RB Jalen Parmele, ---

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A starter by default, Rashad Jennings has been given every chance to produce and has flat out failed to do so. Jalen Parmele, on the other hand, took advantage of his lone opportunity and used it to seize the starting job. It's just too bad he didn't have that chance a little sooner. With Jennings benched, Parmele rolled up 80 yards on 24 carries against the Texans. He'll draw the start again this week and is a decent play against the Titans, though owners need to keep in mind that Maurice Jones-Drew could be back in action as soon as Week 13.

WR Danario Alexander, ---

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Alexander became the starter just two weeks ago when he lit up the score sheet in a loss to Tampa Bay. He was dominant again last week as he abused Denver's undersized corners for seven catches, 96 yards and two touchdowns. He's hitting on all cylinders and should be locked in as a starter in all fantasy leagues. If his injury history has scared away owners in yours, this may be the last chance for you to sneak in and make a potentially season-altering pickup.

WR Justin Blackmon, ---

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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, ---

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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.

WR T.Y. Hilton, ---

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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, ---

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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, ---

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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.