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This is the last week before the playoffs in CBS leagues. If you're in a Big Ten-only league, it's actually the first week of the playoffs. With that in mind, I'll give some recommendations with an eye toward some juicy playoff matchups. You don' want to miss out on some matchup-changer because your opponent has a higher waiver priority than you next week!
I think it could be a good year to play someone from Navy (including the defense) against Delaware, or even someone from Army (again, including the defense) against VMI (and playing North Texas week 12 doesn't hurt)... but I don't like to recommend taking the 25% penalty. Use your own judgment for your situation, on whether or not to take that penalty.
I’m going to stick to guys in BCS conferences, as your league more than likely contains those conferences in some combination.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Mallett, Arkansas (Troy) – Florida actually threw the ball against Troy. A lot. Mallett throws more anyways, so what do you think is going to happen?
Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech (@Duke) – I’m tired of writing about Ricky Dobbs- go get Nesbitt. Also, I was surprised when he was unowned in my BCS-only league, and only owned in 42% of all CBS leagues.
If you’re hardcore: Sean Canfield, Oregon State (Washington) – He’s averaging 18 points per game, which is decent, and could help your team in some leagues, as he’ll probably approach that. Plus, he gets the awesome matchup with Washington State next week (the first week of the playoffs- in some leagues this could propel you to the championship game). I guess this is a more of a 2-week combo recommendation?
Running backs
Baron Batch, Texas Tech (@Oklahoma State) – Batch is a sneaky-good play in a lot of leagues, a lot of weeks. A Big XII patented 85-75 game should yield lots of scoring opportunities.
Chris Brown, Oklahoma (Texas A&M) – I’m not convinced OU hasn’t just given up on the season. But A&M at home should mean they score many, many points.
Rodney Stewart, Colorado (@Iowa State) – In case you haven’t been paying attention (and if you don’t reside in Boulder, you weren’t) Stewart has been a breakout player of sort recently, and it can’t hurt that one of his competitors for carries- Darrell Scott- transferred.
If you’re hardcore: Jason Ford, Illinois (Northwestern) – I guess the assumption that LeShoure had taken over the Illini’s featured back role was wrong- Ford exploded last week. If he’s the featured back, you want him. If it’s back to LeShoure, well, go get him. I have Ford in one of my smaller leagues. Doesn’t hurt that he’s the only Big Ten running back without a bye week 13 (aka the Championship in CBS leagues).
Wide Receivers
Joe Adams, Arkansas (Troy) - He’s gone for 22 points and 7 since returning from a stroke. A home date with Troy means he’ll get closer to the 22, if not more. And any health concerns should be gone by now.
Tramain Swindall, Texas Tech (Oklahoma State) – High scoring game + Mike Leach + owned in 35% of leagues = go pick him up. There, math for Saturday.
Terrance Toliver, LSU (Louisiana Tech) – There’s some uncertainty at QB, but he should have a big game either way. Latest news is Jarrett Lee will get the start, but it really shouldn’t matter- the matchup is good enough for Toliver.
If you’re hardcore: Chris McGaha, Arizona State (@Oregon) / Chris Owusu, Stanford (@USC) – I give you two this week, as they each put up 17 points… and this week, the switch opponents. Will they each put up 17 points again? Probably not. But could be worth a shot?
Tight Ends
Nick Tow-Arnett, Minnesota (San Diego State) – Seems to be getting more catches since the Eric Decker injury. Hard to argue with getting to play the Aztecs at an hour none of the San Diego State players are usually awake. Last two games: 20 and 6 points, respectively.
If you’re hardcore: Joe Halahuni, Oregon State (Washington) – I just like recommending people against Washington. And you can play him next week against Washington State, too! Did your TE score 12 points (6 catches, 128 yards) last week?
Defense / Special Teams
UCLA (@Washington State) – One more chance for me to take a shot at the Cougars. At this point, they are bringing down the Pac-10 worse than bringing in… San Diego State.
If you’re hardcore: Louisville (Syracuse) – Louisville sucks, but Syracuse is worse. (That sentence fell somewhere below Will Ferrell as George W. “The Rock is strong but Nolan Ryan is wise”, but sometimes it is this easy, folks). Could both teams score less than zero?
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