Posted by radan in 
We break down our weekly pickups by the size of the league because, well, it just doesn’t make sense otherwise. As with our Contentious Starts and Sits, please leave comments calling us out or adding to the list. If your thoughts are solid we will stick you words right in the post…
Eight Teams
Mike Sims-Walker – JAC, WR – Sims-Walker is easily one of the the top 15 receivers in the league this season. I have to be honest, I didn’t really know much about this guy until around Week 5, but he’s hard not to notice now. After another great game in Week 9 (147 yards, 1 TD), he’s proven that he can be a legitimate #2 on any fantasy team.
Ricky Williams – MIA, RB – He might not be rushing for a bunch of yards every week, but Williams sure does know how to find the end zone. He’s scored four times over his last three games. This isn’t the Ricky Williams of old, but it’s a lot closer than the Ricky Williams of a few years ago.
Carson Palmer– CIN, QB – Palmer is still available in some leagues, but probably not for long. He has been fantastic recently. He threw 5 touchdowns last week, and he helped the Bengals win their sixth game of the season this Sunday against the Ravens. He’s now thrown for over 220 yards five games in a row.
Ten Teams
Rashard Mendenhall – PIT, RB – It looks like the starting RB job is Mendenhall’s to lose in Pittsburgh, even if Willie Parker ever comes back 100% healthy. Mendenhall rushed for 155 yards in Monday’s win over the Broncos.
David Garrard– JAC, QB – What I like about Gerrard is that any time he throws a pick or two, he’ll usually make up for it with a lot of yardage and/or a couple of touchdowns. And then in other games, he’ll just completely dominate. He had another nice game against the Chiefs over the weekend (264 yards, 1 TD), and I’m expecting more of the same as Jacksonville isn’t going to face too many more tough defenses this season.
Matt Hasselbeck – SEA, QB – Hasselbeck has had an up-and-down season, but recent performances have me believing he will be a solid QB option down the stretch. Over his last four games, Hasselbeck had 7 touchdowns to only 2 picks.
Mike Wallace – PIT, WR – I’ve been trying to figure out why this guy is still a free agent in most leagues. I realize he isn’t targeted very much, but the 4-6 times he is, he pretty much always makes at least one huge play. He’s also scored in three out of Pittsburgh’s last four games, so he’s a must-sign for anyone who needs another receiver.
Twelve Teams
Percy Harvin– MIN, WR – In Week 9, Brett Farve targeted Harvin more times (7) than both Sidney Rice and Bernard Berrian, and he was rewarded for it. Harvin caught 5 of those passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. I’m sure I’ll be moving him up to the ten team group soon enough.
James Jones – GB, WR – Jones is proving that when he’s targeted, he’ll put up the numbers. He has 3 touchdowns over his last four games. Not bad for a guy who is a free agent in just about every league.
Josh Freeman – TB, QB – Is it too early to say Freeman is a legitimate fantasy QB? Absolutely. But after throwing 3 touchdowns against a pretty tough Packers D this past Sunday, I think it’s safe to assume he’ll have at least a couple more solid performances. It also helps that he has the potential to run for a TD every now and then.
Spencer Havner– GB, TE – Havner has become one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite red zone targets. He might be the third tight end on Green Bay’s depth chart, but that didn’t stop him from catching 3 TD passes over his last 3 games. Not a bad pickup if all of the good ones are gone or you need a temporary replacement in the next couple of weeks.
