We are entering the second week of December, meaning that the fantasy season is coming to a swift conclusion and the postseason is close at hand. Teams across the land are fortifying their rosters for that late playoff push or eliminating any possible holes in an otherwise solid squad. Whatever case you find yourself in, this fantasy football pickups pre playoffs edition will help with the necessary waiver wire selections. There’s no sense in waiting another minute. There is not a lot to pick from at this time of year, so let’s dive right in!

Running Backs

Dontrell Hilliard, Tennessee Titans, 35.2% Owned

Recommended as a pickup and stash last week, Dontrell Hilliard takes center stage in the running back category in week 14. The stats were certainly there for Hilliard in week 12 against the Patriots as he rushed 12 times for 131 yards. He also caught two passes. However, the play that stands out is his 68-yard touchdown run just before halftime.

The really good news is this was Hilliard’s second straight standout fantasy performance. Hilliard caught eight passes and averaged 5.0 yards per carry the previous week against Houston. His rushing and catching ability clearly springboards Hilliard to the head of the list for a waiver pickup this week.

Sony Michel, Los Angeles Rams, 35.2% Owned

It took a while, but Sony Michel finally made his presence felt for Los Angeles. However, it happened Sunday, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rams as Darrell Henderson sat out with a thigh injury. Michel rushed 24 times for 121 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville. The rushes and yards were by far his most of the season. In addition, Michel was involved in the passing game, catching three of four targets.

It should come as no surprise that the game was also Michel’s best fantasy output of the year by a wide margin. While it is true that Henderson could be back against Arizona, there is no guarantee of that. Even if he does return, where once an injury occurs, another may not be far behind. Stashing Michel until needed certainly make sense on this fantasy football pickups pre playoffs edition.

Other Running Back to Consider:

Perhaps Hilliard is off the board. If so, his running mate D’Onta Foreman deserves attention. Just as Hilliard did, Foreman rushed for over 100 yards against New England. Anyone that logs that kind of performance against the Patriots is a worthy waiver selection.

Wide Receivers

Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons, 24.9% Owned

Russell Gage has been mentioned by this commentator a couple of times during this season. Picking him up off the wire hasn’t quite caught on just yet, but that needs to change. Even as the Falcons are crash landing right now, Gage’s performance has taken flight the past two weeks. Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay is a clear example of Gage’s ability.

Targeted an unbelievable 12 times, Gage finished with 11 catches for 130 yards. All of those were far and away the top stats on the day for Atlanta. Over the past three games, Gage has been targeted 27 times. Matt Ryan can’t do much else right at the moment, but he can get the ball to Gage at a high rate. Even with an upcoming road game against Carolina next up for the Falcons, Gage needs a fantasy home this week and beyond.

Deonte Harris, New Orleans Saints, 3.8% Owned

Few, if any, players had as complete a game as Deonte Harris did against Dallas last Thursday. Harris was targeted eight times, resulting in four catches for 96 yards. His 70 yard catch and run for a touchdown was a play not to be missed. The yardage total topped the Saints and was a career high. Hill had a carry in the game as well. As if that wasn’t enough, Hill returned four punts for 37 more yards.

To be clear, this is a selection with risk attached, as Hill faces a three game suspension for violating the league’s program and policy for substances of abuse. He has appealed the suspension and a ruling is expected soon. If a manager has a bench spot to stash Hill for the time being, picking him up of the wire could be a championship type move.

Tight Ends

Tyler Conklin, Minnesota Vikings, 34.2% Owned

When star wide receiver Adam Thielen went down early in the game Sunday against the Lions, Tyler Conklin stepped up the Minnesota. Conklin set a season high with nine targets and tied for the most catches he has had in a game with seven. The end result was Conklin’s third best fantasy showing of the season. If he had only scored a touchdown, it would have been a great day for him.

Thielen doesn’t have much time to get back on the field this week as the Vikings host Pittsburgh on Thursday Night Football. As is well known, the tight end position is razor thin right now. If a player at the position has the chance to be a team’s number two receiver, go get him without hesitation. Without doubt, Conklin leads the way for tight ends on this fantasy football pickups pre playoffs edition.

Evan Engram, New York Giants, 28.4% Owned

There are a few players highlighted here that could have been featured on missing posters this season. One such player is Evan Engram. However, his appearance was a minor one as Engram caught four of five targets for 61 yards. His yards per catch was 15.3, which is very respectable for a tight end. The 61 yards was a modest total to be sure, but it led all Giants receivers on the day.

Fortunately, for the Giants, the Chargers are up next. Their defense has been mostly invisible against tight ends this season. Only four defenses have allowed more fantasy points per game than the Chargers have this year. It is unknown at this writing who the Giants’ quarterback will be for this game, but whomever it is will want to take advantage of this weakness in Los Angeles’ defense. Once again, there isn’t a lot to choose from on the waiver shelves. If tight end is a need, go out and pickup Engram.

Quarterbacks

Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints, 30% Owned

Obviously, we have to get the negative out of the way regarding Taysom Hill‘s performance Thursday night against Dallas. Without question, the four interceptions were ugly. Equally clear is that the rest of Hill’s effort makes him a worthy pickup this week, especially with the inept defense of the Jets up next. After all, Hill did throw two touchdown passes in the game. Even better, Hill rushed 11 times for 101 yards.

Any player that averages almost 10 yards a carry demands attention in fantasy football. Passing the ball, Hill finished 19 of 41 for 264 yards. The Saints are clearly finished with the experiment of Trevor Siemian starting at quarterback. That clears the way for Hill to be a secure pickup for anyone needing a starting QB in week fourteen. New York’s defense is truly horrendous, giving Hill a nice floor going into the game. Hill definitely belongs on the short list of quarterback options on this fantasy football pickups pre playoffs edition. Hill hurt his throwing hand against Dallas. However, he is expected to play through the injury. At this point in the season, beggers can’t be choosers, so pick him up if QB is a need.

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers, 38.7% Owned

Without question, there haven’t been many, if any, performances as disastrous as what Cam Newton put together against Miami in week 12. Newton was benched in the fourth quarter after completing just 5 of 21 passes for 92 yards and two interceptions. He also had only three carries for five yards in the game. Coming off his three TD effort against Washington the previous week, managers from coast to coast jumped at adding him to their rosters.

After what he did against Miami, many of those same managers rushed to dump him. No one could dispute that was the proper call, especially as the Panthers were on their bye last week. However, hopes springs eternal in fantasy, especially with a home game with Atlanta up next. The Falcons are ranked 24th in team defense this season. Newton has one more chance to redeem himself and managers should give him that chance this week.

Other Quarterback to Consider:

After disappearing from the face of the earth for about seven weeks, Zach Wilson reappeared in a big way Sunday against the Eagles. Wilson completed 23 of 38 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns while also running the ball in for a score. It was the most productive game of his rookie season. He is owned in only 3.8 percent of leagues. The Saints are next on the schedule and their defense has completely fallen apart in recent weeks. Wilson could be a strong add for a manager with QB troubles.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy football pickups pre playoffs edition! As always, I welcome input, questions and suggestions from all of my readers. Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea, and be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports & Picks for all the latest NFL and sports news!

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