TOYOTA TUNDRA – PICKUPS OF THE WEEK

Josh Freeman(notes) (QB) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In fantasy, past results normally don't predict future gains. However, Freeman will be the exception to the rule. To say the rookie is mistake prone is a gross understatement. Thrust into first-team action midseason, the youngster has repeatedly tripped, sometimes over his own two feet. In nine contests, he's committed a JaMarcus Russell(notes)-like 18 turnovers. His statistical malevolency is an eyesore, but Freeman has occasionally shown the skills needed to develop into a Pro Bowl caliber signal caller. Equipped with a large frame, strong arm and opportunistic feet, he should yield appreciable production versus an Atlanta defense he shredded for 250 yards and two scores back in Week 12. On the year the Falcons have surrendered 257.9 yards and 1.6 scores per game to QBs, equal to the fourth-most fantasy points. Concerned Peyton Manning(notes), Aaron Rodgers(notes), Philip Rivers(notes) and Kurt Warner(notes) owners should plunder their booties for the young Buccaneer.
FAAB Bid ($100 budget): $3-6

• ATT/CMP 143/259
• CMP% 55.2
• YPG 187.0
• TD 9
• INT 16
• Y% 10

Donald Brown(notes) (RB) Indianapolis Colts
The extreme caution exercised by Jim Caldwell in his team's first loss last week is a clear indicator Joseph Addai(notes) will see little to no action in the finale at Buffalo. Brown, who's been limited by shoulder and chest injuries for much of the season, carried the rock 16 times against the Jets in Week 16 for just 27 yards and a touchdown. His yards-per-carry average was dreadful but with a similar workload his numbers are sure to multiply versus a very generous Buffalo defense. On the season, the Bills have given up 4.9 yards per carry, 185.5 total yards per game and 19 touchdowns to rushers, equal to the most fantasy points. Brown, who was Indy's first-round pick in last April's draft, is a talented, versatile rusher. When provided opportunities earlier this season his gifts were clearly visible. His immediate and long-term futures are vibrantly bright. Consider him a top 20 play in Week 17.
FAAB Bid ($100 budget): $25-30

• RUSH/G 7.4
• YDS/G 28.5
• YPC 3.9
• REC/YDS 11/169
• TD 3
• Y% 45

Brandon Jackson(notes) (RB) Green Bay Packers
Two seasons ago many pundits expected Jackson, not Ryan Grant(notes), to become the Packers' workhorse. But because Jackson was hampered by injuries and poor blitz recognition, Grant staked his claim as Green Bay's bell cow. Despite being relegated to a backup role, the former Cornhusker boasts an above average skill set. He's a versatile back blessed with surprising burst and power. Earning additional touches in a lopsided affair last week versus Seattle, he totaled 39 yards and three scores on just eight touches. With Green Bay's playoff fate determined, he could again see extensive action in the desert. The Cardinals have performed adequately against rushers at home, limiting them to a bland 4.1 yards per carry. But in a similar situation as the Packers, it's possible many of their key defensive starters won't break a sweat. If he nets roughly 15-20 touches, Jackson should deliver quality RB2/flex numbers in deeper formats.
FAAB Bid ($100 budget): $10-15

• RUSH/G 8.9
• YDS/G 27.2
• YPC 3.1
• REC/YDS 17/190
• TD 1
• Y% 2

Derrick Ward(notes) (RB) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The resurrection of Carnell Williams(notes) has greatly diminished Ward's overall fantasy value. Pegged as a sleeper by many fantasy aficionados when the Bucs signed him last spring, the former Giant has generated only mediocre returns. However, over the past couple weeks the well-rounded veteran has gripped the pigskin more often. Against the Hawks and Saints he accumulated 105 yards and a touchdown on 26 touches. Williams will once again captain the backfield ship for Tampa, but his first mate should net a substantial workload versus an Atlanta defense which has recently struggled to defend pass-catching backs. In their past five contests, the Falcons have allowed 5.4 receptions, 53.2 yards per game and four scores to RBs. Based on his matchup and expected 10-12 touches, label Ward a useful flex option in deep PPR formats.
FAAB Bid ($100 budget): $10-15

• RUSH/G 8.1
• YDS/G 29.2
• YPC 3.6
• REC/YDS20/150
• TDs 3
• Y% 31

Mike Wallace(notes) (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers
As supporters in deeper formats can attest, the intrepid reporter gives his all over a full 60 minutes. After a miracle catch against the Packers two weeks ago, the mainstream media finally noticed what the fantasy masses have known for weeks, Wallace is quickly developing into one of the league's best young wideouts. Because Santonio Holmes(notes) and Hines Ward(notes) are still prominently featured in Bruce Arians' smash-mouth spread, the rookie is still a clear-cut No. 3. However, his role could expand this week if Ward (hamstring) is unavailable or severely limited. Despite totaling terrific numbers over his past two (five catches, 162 yards, two TDs), he's only enticed 10 total targets. Still, he's a trustworthy WR3 for championship-seeking owners with suspect primary options. Pittsburgh's Week 17 opponent, Miami, has conceded the third-most 20-yard pass plays, most 40-yard pass plays and fifth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season. To exploit the matchup, Ben Roethlisberger(notes) will likely take a handful of shots downfield. Another 70-80 yards with a long score is very possible.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $15-20

• TGT/G 4.6
• REC/G 2.5
• YDS/G 46.1
• TDs 5
• YPC 18.7
• Y% 54

Mohamed Massaquoi(notes) (WR) Cleveland Browns
Considering the circumstances, the first-year receiver from Georgia has performed admirably. Though he's been overshadowed by other rookie wideouts from an extraordinary class, Massaquoi ranks 47th among all receivers in yardage. This week, he could outpace his contemporaries against an underachieving Jacksonville defense. The return of former All-Pro Rashean Mathis(notes) has injected little life in a Jaguars secondary wrought with ineptitude. Since Week 12, Jack Del Rio's club has yielded the fifth-most fantasy points to receivers. Yes, Derek Anderson(notes) would probably bring a plastic fork to a knife fight, but because the defensive focus has shifted toward Jerome Harrison(notes), several downfield opportunities will likely be presented. Coming off a 61-yard, one-TD effort against the Raiders, Massaquoi could flirt with 80 yards in the Browns' last hurrah.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $7-12

• TGT/G 2.7
• REC/G 1.5
• YDS/G 10.2
• TDs 3
• YPC 10.2
• Y% 18

Brian Hartline(notes) (WR) Miami Dolphins
The strategic tide shift on South Beach has transformed the rookie into a deep league player of interest. The quick and shifty former Buckeye has snagged two TD passes and averaged a respectable 5.8 targets per game since Week 12. Pittsburgh's deficiencies on pass defense are well-documented. Over the past five week's, only Hartline's team and the Patriots have surrendered more fantasy points to pass catchers. Undoubtedly, the Fins will feature Ricky Williams(notes) early and often, but given Tony Sparano's increased confidence in Chad Henne(notes) and the Steelers' ongoing vertical problems, they will turn to the air at least 30-35 times. For those hoping to nail a bull's eye in the dark, Hartline is your target.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $5-10

• TGT/G 3.5
• REC/G 1.9
• YDS/G 31.5
• TD 3
• YPC 16.3
• Y% 2

Todd Heap(notes) (TE) Baltimore Ravens
Typically the subject of owner chuckles, Heap's recent production is nothing to joke about. Those bold enough to employ his services have been richly rewarded. Over his past two standout contests, the oversized target has reeled in seven passes for 93 yards and four scores. Joe Flacco(notes) has routinely looked his direction inside the red zone. Due to his 6-foot-5 frame, plus athleticism and bull strength, he's conquered many opponents. In a playoff critical game for Baltimore, that trend should continue this week against the Raiders. Since Week 12, Oakland has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends. For Dallas Clark(notes) owners, Heap is hardly trashy.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $12-17

• TGT/G 4.8
• REC/G 3.4
• YDS/G 36.9
• TD 6
• YPC 10.8
• Y% 52

Matt Moore(notes) (QB) Carolina Panthers
Jake Delhomme's(notes) days as a starting quarterback are officially numbered. Since overtaking first-team snaps Week 13, Moore has tossed seven touchdowns to just one interception, averaging 207 yards per game. Another multi-TD effort could be on tap this week against the suddenly sliding Saints. Unquestionably John Fox will lean heavily on Jonathan Stewart(notes) and DeAngelo Williams(notes) (if healthy), but don't expect the coach to take the bullets out of Moore's gun. The backup has established quite the chemistry with playmaker Steve Smith. Over the past four weeks the two have connected 19 times for 378 yards and three scores. But Smith's absence due to a broken arm will be difficult to overcome. Still, his opponent will encourage throwing. New Orleans' secondary has been crippled by injuries over much of the season's second half. Since Week 12, they've yielded an astounding 301.8 yards per game to passers. Count on Moore for roughly 230-250 yards with 2-3 touchdowns.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $4-8

• ATT/CMP71/115
• CMP% 61.7
• YPG 148.5
• TD 7
• INT 2
• Y% 5

Detroit Lions Defense/Special Teams
Laughable is how most fans, both casual and staunch, would characterize the Hello Kitties defense. Why wouldn't they? After all, Detroit has conceded 30.5 points per game. But the oh-so-gracious Jay Cutler(notes) is a giver. The humiliated quarterback could make a MAC defense look like the New York Jets. He's been picked off a team-record 29 times and sacked 31 times. Due to the pick six potential, Jim Schwartz's downtrodden defense could actually prove to be a difference maker in deeper formats. Yes, seriously. The odds of the Bears stringing together back-to-back stellar offensive efforts are slim.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $2-5

• PA 30.5
• YDSA 390.4
• SCKS/G 1.6
• TOs/G 1.5
• TDs 3
• Y% 4