What another strange week in the NFL and NFL fantasy land. The amount of unknown players that are coming out of nowhere this season is amazing. Each week there is a handful of players that are surprisingly posting double-digit points. And, some of them, are doing it in consecutive Sundays. Some, as you will see on this list, are coming back to fantasy relevance.

Some of these players are rookies or veterans, just like the players I suggested in last week’s article. Lets just say that the younger players seemed to manage better than the veterans who finally got back on the field. Last week, I selected Anthony Dixon (RB, BUF), who managed only 39 total yards for just over five points. That’s a loss. Second, Willie Snead (WR, NO) went off for 141 yards on his way to a victory in my book. Finally, rookie TE Maxx Williams from Baltimore put up a goose egg.

This week’s picks will be able to help your team, especially with a lot of injuries and bye weeks taking effect.

1) Theo Riddick – RB, DET vs. CHI

Owned in 15% of Fleaflicker leagues

Can you name any running back, let alone a second-string RB, that has put together four straight games of five catches or more? Honestly, off the top of my head, I could not think of any until I saw the recent numbers that Riddick has been putting together lately. And, it is amazing he is yet to be owned in the majority of leagues.

There are several question marks surrounding the Detroit Lions, the NFL’s last winless team this season. They have a questionable QB in Matthew Stafford and their offense had high expectations that they have failed to meet. And, as expected, the team has trailed a lot in games, especially in the second half. Riddick is their best back on the team to use in the passing game. Riddick should begin to see more snaps as the season goes on, especially if the team continues to disappoint. Look for Riddick to have a large role in this week’s game.

Prediction: 30 rushing yards, 6 receptions, 50 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown

2) Brandon Coleman – WR, NO vs. ATL

Owned in 15% of Fleaflicker leagues

I cannot justify why none of the Saints’ receivers, asides from Brandin Cooks, are owned in the majority of leagues. Coleman started the season strong with a touchdown in the season opener, but began to fell off once Willie Snead started his streak.

This week, Marques Colston is expected to miss Thursday night’s game against the Falcons. This means that Coleman will be used once again in three receiver sets, something the team uses a lot of. Coleman should be target monster for the Saints, considering that they are in the bottom five in the league in rushing yards per game. Brees, even at his age, still enjoys airing the ball out to numerous weapons throughout the game. Coleman should see close to double-digit targets in a high-scoring game against one of the remaining undefeated teams.

Prediction: 5 receptions, 80 receiving yards

3) Jacob Tamme – TE, ATL vs. NO

Owned in 6% of Fleaflicker leagues

Does anyone remember when Tamme played for the Indianapolis Colts and had Peyton Manning as his quarterback? Can anyone recall what his best season was? I did not think so. To answer that question, Tamme has only gone over 200 receiving yards in a season twice in his 10 seasons. Last week against the Washington Redskins, Tamme finished the game with eight receptions for 94 yards, almost half way to that 200 yard threshold.

This week, the team may lack the weapons it needs to outscore the offensively-minded Saints. Stud WR Julio Jones is dealing with a lingering injury, even though he says he is going to play. Leonard Hankerson is dealing with an injury and fellow WR Roddy White is showing his age this season. This should mean double-digit targets for Tamme. Do not be surprised if he sets a new career-high in receiving yards for a game this week. Matt Ryan enjoys airing the ball out and should have plenty of room to do so this week.

Prediction: 9 receptions, 115 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown

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