By The Hudsonian, Joshua Hudson
New author, same format. Sorry folks. I’m filling in for Commishie this week as takes care of business elsewhere. But have no fear. He told me his picks so I’m just here to pass them along. It’s Week 10 and the playoffs inch another week closer. The wire is exhausted and has been picked through like starving thieves in an orange grove. Let’s see if we can help you find that needle in the haystack for your playoff run.
Robert Kelley
If you drafted Matt Jones, you’ve likely been fairly disappointed in the Redskins’ running back. Don’t look now, but the rookie Kelley is big, strong and hungry for touches. He took over lead back duties for the injured Jones in Week 8 and racked up 87 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Is he the new starter? Probably not. But the inconsistent Jones can easily have his job taken if he doesn’t start producing and the Redskins keep pushing for a playoff spot. A good stash as the playoffs approach.
Peyton Barber
You know what fantasy players love? Running backs. You know what else they love? Starting running backs. As of right now, that’s what Barber is for the Buccaneers. With Doug Martin and Jacquizz Rodgers still nursing injuries and Charles Sims and Antone Smith on Injured Reserve, Barber is the next man up. Have you ever seen so many injuries on one team at such an important position? Me neither. The matchup with the Bears this week isn’t pretty, but if you’re in dire need of a FLEX option, Barber could be your man.
Rishard Matthews
I mentioned him on this week’s podcast as someone who is picking up steam. He’s currently 32nd in Skrip Club scoring at WR and has scored 5 TDs in his last 5 games. Mariota is finding a rhythm and Matthews is benefiting. He could be a useful FLEX option come playoff time and he’s owned in only 11.3% of leagues. Pick ‘Em Up!
DuJuan Harris
He was a popular pickup due to the continued absence of 49ers’ RB Carlos Hyde, added in 31% of leagues last week. Then he went and scored 23.2 points against an awful Saints run defense so he makes this list. The 49ers play the Cardinals this week, so certainly not a great matchup, but if you have Hyde and want to protect him, you know the former Packer can produce in Chip Kelly’s offense.
Paul Perkins
If you’ve been following us from Day One, you know how much I loved this guy coming into the season. Then the Giants just continued to trot out the spectacularly unreliable Rashad Jennings over him. Well this past week against the Eagles, Perkins matched Jennings in touches – each with 11 carries and 3 catches – and Perkins outscored Jennings 7.7 to 6.9. Not sold? Just watch Jennings play and you’ll know that change is coming if the Giants are going to make the playoffs. If they’re pushing, they’re using the RB that will help them the most, and that’s Perkins. Get in before he blows up!