Friday, December 3, 2010

Fantasy football: Week 13 waiver pickups

Once again fantasy football experts nationwide are making me shake my head. Sometimes, instead of just looking at the hard cold stats you need to look outside the box to determine a player's fantasy worth.
The player in question is Dallas back Tashard Choice, who is still available on many waiver wires.
Other experts are telling you to avoid Choice and start Dallas back Felix Jones this week with Marion Barber sidelined for the next 3-4 weeks. Sure, Jones' production should improve a notch or two but it is Choice you should be keying on.

Choice has been champing at the bit to get on the field and contribute this season. In 11 games he only has 14 carries for 38 yards and one touchdown.
But here is where you have to think outside the box.
Twice this week Choice was dissed in Dallas- once by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and again by interim coach Jason Garrett. Jones said the reason Choice hasn't played more is he has been terrible playing on special teams. Garrett said the reason Choice hasn't played more is he just isn't as good as Barber or Felix.
While Barber is a bruising, power back, Jones is a finesse guy with jukes and moves to make his way down the field. Choice is a combination of the two with power, speed and moves.

Ticked off, Choice plans to showcase that ability these next few weeks with the opportunity he has in place. In each game he should get 10-14 carries and a few passes thrown in and likely a touchdown against the struggling Indianapolis run defense.
Choice's motivation to show what he can do should be a plus for fantasy football owners. I added the guy on three of my teams and I am starting him in the Register Media League this week.
This reminds me of Atlanta back Michael Turner, who was in LaDainian Tomlinson's shadow in their San Diego days. Once he had a chance to start, expecially full time, Turner took off and produced.

Other players to key on who could still be on your waiver wire are backs Brian Westbrook and Maurice Morris, receiver Legedu Naanee, tight end Kevin Boss and San Diego's defense (okay, not a player but a DST that can get you many points with three home games in its next three games).

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