Crunch Time: Hot commodities
With many Fantasy playoffs cranking up in Week 14, owners are making last-minute additions to their rosters. Crunch Time surveys the hottest -- and coldest names on waiver wires.
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5 min read
Next in line
Stat: Raiders receiver Doug Gabriel has a catch in 10 games in row. Fantasy spin: With the season-ending injury to Ronald Curry (Achilles), Gabriel will move into a starting role along with Jerry Porter. Fantasy owners in need of receiving depth would be wise to pick up this speedy wideout.Giants on deck
Stat: Ravens running back Chester Taylor had a career-high 139 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 13 against Cincinnati on 23 carries for a 6.0-yard average. Fantasy spin: After shredding the Bengals in Week 13, Chester will likely get the start in Week 14 against the Giants with Jamal Lewis still nursing an ankle injury. The Giants defense is 26th against the run and so another big day for Taylor could be on the horizon.
Man in Minnesota
Stat: Minnesota running back Onterrio Smith has rushed for a team-leading 477 yards in just eight games. Fantasy spin: Smith has finally emerged as the go-to back for coach Mike Tice. The only drawback is that Moe Williams will continue to be used as the goal-line back for the Vikings. Considering the performance of Willis McGahee (116 yards and four TDs) and Julius Jones (198 yards and three TDs) the past two weeks against Seattle, Smith could have a monster day against the Seahawks in Week 14.Biggest movers UP
These statistics are culled from our over one million Fantasy football players. RB Larry Johnson, KCWas owned in 25 percent, now owned in 54 percent.
CHANGE: 29 percent
Quick take: With Priest Holmes (knee) out for the year, Johnson should see plenty of action down the stretch. WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN
Was owned in 15 percent, now owned in 33 percent.
CHANGE: 18 percent
Quick take: As Carson Palmer continues to emerge, Houshmandzadeh is thriving as the No. 2 receiver in Cincy. WR Lee Evans, BUF
Was owned in 34 percent, now owned in 50 percent.
CHANGE: 16 percent
Quick take: The rookie out of Wisconsin has proved to be the big-play receiver the Bills had hoped for when they drafted him. QB Billy Volek, TEN
Was owned in 13 percent, now owned in 23 percent.
CHANGE: 10 percent
Quick take: Steve McNair's bruised sternum has opened the door for Volek to get some starts. QB Drew Bledsoe, BUF
Was owned in 56 percent, now owned in 65 percent.
CHANGE: 9 percent
Quick take: The running of Willis McGahee has opened up the pass for Bledsoe.
A change of scenery
Stat: Cleveland receiver Antonio Bryant is second on the club with 26 catches. Bryant has two-plus catches in each game since being traded to the Browns on October 19th. In his first five games of the season in Dallas, Bryant had zero touchdowns on 16 catches for 266 receiving yards. In his past six with the Browns he has four touchdowns on 26 catches for 377 yards. Fantasy spin: It looks like the Browns really got a great deal when they shipped Quincy Morgan to Dallas for Bryant. The former Pittsburgh Panther has a ton of talent and will provide some nice value for the remainder of the season and is one to watch for 2005.Running rookie
Stat: Rookie second-round selection RB Julius Jones (Notre Dame) rushed for 198 yards and three touchdowns in Week 13 at Seattle. He now has 429 rushing yards in his past three games. Fantasy spin: Because he was out most of the season with a fractured shoulder blade, the now-healthy Jones has fresh legs and has looked great in the past few weeks. He will provide a tremendous boost to Fantasy squads as they enter the playoffs.TD machine
Stat: Seattle running back Shaun Alexander has 15 touchdowns and is first player in NFL history with four 15-touchdown seasons in a row. He has rushed for 749 yards in his past six games. Fantasy spin: Alexander has proved this season that he belongs in the very elite levels of Fantasy stardom. He should have another great game in Week 14 at Minnesota.
Biggest movers DOWN
WR Ronald Curry, OAKWas owned in 51 percent, now owned in 36 percent.
CHANGE: -15 percent
Quick take: Curry will miss the rest of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. QB Tim Rattay, SF
Was owned in 55 percent, now owned in 47 percent.
CHANGE: -8 percent
Quick take: Rattay has a torn fascia in his right foot and will miss Week 14. QB Marc Bulger, STL
Was owned in 100 percent, now owned in 95 percent.
CHANGE: -5 percent
Quick take: Bulger will miss at least one or two games with a bone bruise in his right shoulder. Chris Chandler will start in his place. Seahawks DST
Was owned in 94 percent, now owned in 89 percent.
CHANGE: -5 percent
Quick take: Have given up 77 points in the past two games and now travel to Minnesota in Week 14. RB Najeh Davenport, GB
Was owned in 60 percent, now owned in 55 percent.
CHANGE: -5 percent
Quick take: Ahman Green has returned as the starting running back and Davenport is fighting injuries to his ribs and hamstring.














