Happster's Market Report: Week 12

The 2011 year has been horrific when it comes to injuries and the above is just a small list of players who are out for the season, have missed significant time, or look to miss some time going forward, it’s not pretty.

Hopefully, the rest of the season will go better, but there are never any guarantees, therefore, we need to look at ways to mitigate any damages our teams receive from players going down with injuries. That’s why this week’s market report has an eye on players that should produce for the rest of the fantasy season.

Buying:

Matt Leinart, QB – Houston Texans

Before you start leaving hateful comments, hear me out: Leinart is on his last contract before the UFL gives him a call and he is in an excellent situation. Andre Johnson should be returning to the lineup and Arian Foster (and occasionally Ben Tate) is there to keep the pressure off of him. This is a much better situation than Arizona ever was and if Leinart is going to do something, it’s now or never. I’d pick him up if I was a former Schaub owner with no long-term alternative. Plus, in the final five weeks of the fantasy season (assuming your championship game is in Week 16…it is, isn’t it?) the Texans play teams ranked in the bottom six for fantasy defenses twice, both Week 15 (vs Car) and Week 16 (@ Ind). Leinart could be just the guy to lead you to fantasy glory…if nothing else I hear he’s great in a hot tub…

Matt always wondered why no one would play with him in Arizona...

C.J. Spiller, RB – Buffalo Bills

Ok, so Fred Jackson’s corpse isn’t even cold yet (and honestly, is probably not even dead), but it’s hard to deny Spiller’s talent. Fred Jackson is not a spring chicken, in fact he’s already hit the expiration date for running backs (he turned 30 last February). So in the event that Mr. Jackson goes down, Spiller will be there to pick up the slack. Additionally, Spiller has been a good receiver, and with Ryan Fitzpatrick’s obvious arm strength limitations, there are plenty of opportunities for check-downs.

Selling:

Frank Gore, RB – San Francisco 49ers

So you aren’t really going to trade Frank Gore. Probably because:

A)    He’s the best guy on your team and you feel like you’ll never get the value in a trade deal that you think you should get.

B)    Your trade deadline has already passed.

I’m not saying Gore is bad, and I’m not really even advocating that you trade him (I actually, totally am, go get someone else for him, preferably someone younger). What I do think is that he has a really horrendous set of matchups for the remainder of the fantasy season. Especially during Weeks 15 & 16 which are the most important weeks of the whole season. In those weeks Mr. Gore faces Pittsburgh and then travels to Seattle. Playing in Seattle is a nightmare for running backs (so is playing against San Francisco, but no one starting Marshawn Lynch will be in the championship game). All in all, Gore could put up some good numbers, but the deck is stacked against him and you’ll need help from your supporting cast to put up a win.

Penny Stocks:

Joe McKnight, RB – New York Jets

In typical American fashion, it will take a “Mc”Knight to save the Jets’ kingdom, and the fact that this knight is named “Joe” is just gravy. But awesome name aside, the kid has some great talent and gives the Jets’ offense a versatility that could only been dreamed of when Shonn “I’m so glad I never, ever, had you on any of my fantasy teams” Greene is on the field. With Tomlinson over-the-hill and possibly injured, McKnight might be a great value pick up that yields some good numbers in the fantasy playoffs.

Nate Burleson, WR – Detroit Lions

The has-been wide out has actually produced some good numbers over the past few weeks and is looking to increase those number this week when the Lions host the Packers on Thanksgiving. The Packers give up lots of yards in the air so Stafford will be spreading around the love like the mashed potatoes at the kitchen table, with slightly less yummy results. A great pickup for this week and the next two following (at New Orleans and vs. Minnesota).