Recapping Week 12

By Joey DeClercq

As things are starting to come to a close for fantasy football, things are heating up on the field. A few step-up performances are in the books by two unlikely running backs, and one wide receiver stood out from the rest.

49er star running back Frank Gore exited Sunday’s game against the Cardinals because of a broken hip and was replaced by veteran Brian Westbrook. Westbrook rushed 136 yards and 1 touchdown in less than a full game. This might not be a bad thing for the Niners who are only a game out of the division lead, because Westbrook was once the NFL’s leading yard getter and if he performs like he has in the past they might not lose a step without Gore.

Adrian Peterson hurt? Really? That is actually no shocker. In fact, A.P. is almost always beat up some way or another, but now the Vikings have a legitimate threat in his absence. Heisman Trophy finalist and Stanford grad Toby Gerhart filled in quite nicely rushing for 76 yards and 1 touchdown on 2 carries in the Vikings win on Sunday.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe had a huge game on Sunday catching 13 passes for 170 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Chiefs who already have a stellar running game love to get solid production from their receivers and are solidifying their case as the best team in the AFC West.

A couple QB’s who had tremendous games, Kyle Orton and Michael Vick, have been steady all year long and should be considered candidates for top 5 QB’s next season. Vick latched himself onto the MVP hype by passing for 333 yards and 2 TD’s while Orton was no slouch and threw for 347 yards and 3 TD’s.

Looking Ahead: Pickups for week 13

By Caleb Taylor

Fantasy playoffs are almost here and the trade deadline is past, so hopefully you have already secured a spot in the playoffs, but if you are one of the few teams on the edge, here is a quick rundown of the players who can help:

Brian Westbrook is the backup running back for the San Francisco 49ers, but with Frank Gore injured and out for the rest of the season, Westbrook is the new starter. After being the team’s number two rusher and having an outstanding performance last week, look for him to run wild in the next few weeks. The 49ers remaining schedule has them playing Green Bay, Seattle, San Diego, St. Louis.

With Adrian Peterson’s injury status still unsure, all Peterson owners should immediately pick up Toby Gerhart from the waiver wire. Even if Peterson does play this week he could have an injury setback to his ankle at any time and if that happens, Gerhart will be the man. Gerhart stepped in last week after Peterson was injured and rushed for an impressive 76 yards and one touchdown. He is definitely capable of carrying the load in Minnesota and might get an opportunity to prove that again this weekend.

If you are desperate at wide receiver, a few pickups for you are Ben Obomanu (Seattle Seahawks) and Jacoby Ford (Oakland Raiders). Ben Obomanu has racked up three touchdowns in the last four games and has become one of Hasselbeck’s favorite targets over the last few weeks. Meanwhile, Ford has had two 100-yard receiving games in the last three weeks and has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the last three weeks as well. Both of these guys could really help you in these last few weeks before the playoffs.