The fantasy football season is approaching its most pivotal point as the final standings begin to shake out and postseason brackets take shape. With that in mind, the timing of rises from players such as Jonas Gray, Tre Mason, Isaiah Crowell is particularly helpful for those looking to make their final playoff push.
Josh Gordon is another high-profile addition in leagues he has managed to stay available. The NFL’s reigning receiving leader is returning from a 10-game suspension this week and is a prime candidate to make a huge splash when it matters most. The Browns say they will deploy him conservatively at first, but might have little choice if he’s his usual, explosive self from the outset.
Rookies Jordan Matthews and John Brown have both offered encouraging glimpses of their high upside, a process that has been expedited by the play of backup quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Drew Stanton, respectively. Connections were formed between these players in the preseason, and they’re paying off now, in both fantasy and reality.
While Gordon is the most urgent addition on most waiver wires, running back help is in broader supply.
Gray has momentum after rushing for 199 yards and four touchdowns in a Week 11 win over the Colts, but comes with red flags in how coach Bill Belichick deploys his running backs. Mason should benefit from an easier schedule down the stretch. Crowell has a more clear path to touches with the Browns having released Ben Tate.
Jon Ritchie, Ross Tucker and Dustin Hockensmith broke down the best waiver-wire picks for Week 12 and plenty more in this week’s Keystone Sports Network podcast. Check out audio from the show in this post and get plenty more podcasts and analysis on KeystoneSportsNetwork.com and by following @KSNSportsNet on Twitter.