For those of you who have made it to this point, congratulations. By now almost all fantasy football leagues have begun their playoffs. If you’re still in the hunt, you still need to be working the waiver wire. There were a ton of injuries across the NFL last weekend, but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. We’re here to help. Here are your Week 15 fantasy pickups.
Toby Gerhart, RB, Vikings: Adrian Peterson received good news this week in that he reportedly avoided any fractures or structural damage with his foot injury. However, he has been wearing a walking boot. The Vikings are 3-9-1 and out of the playoff hunt. They’re not going to risk Peterson suffering a serious injury, so he’s questionable at best for this weekend’s game against the Eagles. Gerhart would handle the bulk of the carries in AP’s absence and could make for a solid spot start.
Jordan Todman, RB, Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew suffered a hamstring injury last Thursday night against the Texans. While he says the injury is nothing serious, hamstring tweaks can be problematic for running backs. Todman carried the ball seven times for just 14 yards when MJD went down against Houston, but he could be in for more work against Buffalo’s 26th-ranked rush defense this weekend. It’s a tasty matchup and Todman would make for an intriguing start if Jones-Drew is unable to go.
Da’Rick Rogers, Colts, WR: Rogers came out of nowhere on Sunday with six catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Bengals. He played 41 snaps (via Rotoworld) and drew nine targets from Andrew Luck. The undrafted rookie from Tennessee Tech has incredible talent, but he drew little interest from NFL teams because of off-field issues. It would appear that the Colts have finally realized Darrius Heyward-Bey can’t catch a football, as his playing time was decreased on Sunday. Someone has to step in and catch passes with Reggie Wayne out. Rogers could very well be that guy.
Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins: Just a few weeks ago, Thomas suffered an ankle injury that many speculated would be season-ending. Instead, he returned to action against the Steelers last weekend and rushed for 105 and a touchdown on 16 carries. It didn’t hurt his production that Lamar Miller left with a concussion in the second half. The Dolphins face the Patriots on Sunday, who have struggled mightily against the run since losing Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork. New England allows 135.8 rushing yards per game — 31st in the NFL. Thomas will be a solid RB2 play if Miller is out and a good flex play regardless.
Dennis Pitta, TE, Ravens: Are you a Rob Gronkowski owner who is in desperate need of help? Look no further than Pitta. He returned from a hip injury to make his 2013 season debut on Sunday against the Vikings, hauling in six catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Joe Flacco loves Pitta, and the tight end looked plenty healthy in his return. He should instantly have TE1 value and could provide just enough to give Gronkowski owners a shot.
