Thomas Rawls – RB – Seahawks: Hopefully Lynch owners were already smart enough to handcuff their star pick with Rawls, but if he’s available in your league, go out and get him regardless of if you have Beast mode. There’s no doubt that Rawls can produce, he’s played well all year even in the shadow of Lynch, showcasing his unique combination of power, vision and shiftiness. Marshawn made sporting news with an abdomen injury and may now miss the season, which means Rawls will get a chance to be the featured back on a typically elite rushing offense. Look out. He should be the top waiver wire target this week.
Javorious Allen – RB – Ravens: Pretty much everything has gone wrong in Baltimore this year, but at least the talented former Trojen, Buck Allen, will get to wet his feet this year in a depleted offense. The powerful runner plays a well-rounded game, with chops in the passing game as well as on the ground. He’ll stand alongside the backup QB Matt Schaub for the rest of the season, so Allen looks to have plenty of opportunities. If you don’t get Rawls, Allen is the next best option and he should make future fantasy updates.
Tevin Coleman – RB – Falcons: Coleman beat out fellow Falcon Devonta Freeman for the job over the offseason, but quickly lost it when the season started. Now he has a chance to turn the tables once again as Freeman left week eleven with an injury early in the game against the Colts. The rookie was considered to be one of the most talented backs in his draft class, and the Falcons line has been a force to be reckoned with in front of the Freeman this season, so Coleman could do some damage in the same role. He didn’t play well last week, but on paper it looks like everything should come together. Keep an eye on him.
Devin Funchess – WR – Panthers: Funchess took advantage of the first start of his career in week eleven against the Redskins, catching four balls on eight targets for 64 yards and a touchdown. Cam Newton is having an MVP caliber season without a standout receiver, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see one step up down the stretch, and Funchess certainly fits. Funchess certainly has the physical tools to be a star NFL receiver, and if he continues to develop the intangibles, Funchess could be a huge playoff breakout in deeper leagues. He’s worth a late waiver wire grab and should be a fantasy news regular the rest of the season.
Crockett Gilmore – TE – Ravens: Gilmore has been quietly fantasy relevant in the last few weeks, racking up two touchdowns in his last three games and a 100 performance last week against St. Louis. Joe Flacco will be forced to miss the season due to an ACL injury, which means Gilmore could see more check downs coming his way from the backup, Schaub. The wire is thin this year for tight ends, so Gilmore is a fantastic add as a backup or starter as he offers a consistent workload with an appealing upside. He’ll play a weak Browns defense next week, so he’s also a good week twelve stream.
