The fantasy regular season will quickly draw to a close now that week 13 is here. It can be difficult to find players at this point in the season, but here’s some advice that will help get owners through the final stretch of the season.
Player to add: Colin Kaepernick
The San Francisco quarterback has looked stellar in his two starts so far. In an impressive win over the Saints, Kaepernick threw for 231 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for another touchdown. In all likeliness, the 49ers will stay with the young quarterback in place of Alex Smith. The 49ers look more dangerous with him than with Smith, and if he’s going to be sticking around, he could be a valuable add in any league. He makes plays with his arm and his legs, making him a possible fantasy owner’s dream.
Player to keep an eye on: Bilal Powell
The New York Jets running back has been putting up some decent numbers in recent weeks. He’s rushed for over 40 yards in his last two games with three touchdowns. He’s still the backup to Shonn Green at this point, but he is producing. At this point in the season with injuries piling up, finding running backs can be difficult. Don’t expect Powell to put up big numbers, but he’ll put up some and that’s a decent guarantee this late in the season. Keep an eye on this guy. He’s starting to look like a dependable back, which is more than can be said for the rest of the Jets.
Player to drop: LaRod Stephens-Howling
The Arizona running back was a decent temporary fix for fantasy owners needing a running back, but with the return of Beanie Wells he’ll most likely go back to his backup position. Last week Stephens-Howling only rushed one time for one yard, signaling he’s not going to be the guy in the backfield for the Cardinals anymore. He’s not going to be worth the roster spot from here on out, baring another Wells injury. Drop him.
Player to hang on to: Anquan Boldin
The Baltimore wide receiver hasn’t been putting up the big numbers fans are accustomed to, but he’s still producing. He’s become available in recent weeks, so anyone in desperate need of a receiver would do well to pick Boldin up. He may not be putting up monster numbers, but it’s enough to keep him around. He has 50 receptions for 669 yards and a touchdown so far this season, which isn’t great but isn’t bad. This close to the end of the season, he’s healthy and still producing. Keep him around.
Lucky to have: Eli Manning
The Giants quarterback has had his share of struggles this season, but Sunday night’s outing against the Packers was spectacular. Manning threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns. If anything can be learned about Manning over the past few seasons, it’s that the guy lives for the end of the season, and if Sunday’s game is any indication, the Giants will be hard to stop again this year as the playoffs approach. Anyone who has this quarterback this time of year is lucky and will be putting up the points.
Kevin Bingaman can be reached at [email protected]