Hakeem Nicks: Late-Game Fantasy Options If Giants' WR Can't Go

With Hakeem Nicks operating under the dreaded game-time-decision tag, it is important for fantasy owners to have some late options in case he can't go. 

First, let's take a look at where Mr. Nicks is in his recovery. Pro Football Talk tweeted this out:

"

Hakeem Nicks flies to San Francisco, appears set to play wp.me/p14QSB-5Tvi

—ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 13, 2012"

So, Nicks' playing chances are looking good, but you can never be too cautious when things are coming down to the wire. Also, there is the little fact that the Giants are going against the tough 49ers defense. So, Nicks is at risk even if he can go. 

With that in mind, here are some last minute options to replace Nicks with. These options come with differing availability, but all will help you if Nicks' injury puts you in a bind.  

*Percentage of leagues owned in according to NFL.com.

Andre Roberts, WR, Cardinals—Owned in 42.9 percent of leagues

Opponent: Buffalo Bills

Did you see that? Andre Roberts will be going against the Buffalo Bills. What more needs to be said? 

The Bills have allowed the fourth-most points to wide receivers in standard leagues this year, and they are just generally terrible in all areas of defense and getting worse. 

Roberts will definitely produce as the Bills porous pass D scrambles to try and stop Larry Fitzgerald. 

Also, Roberts is just a solid pickup to begin with. He is quietly putting together a nice year and enters 14th among wideouts in fantasy points. 

Robert Meachem, WR, Chargers—Owned in 77.6 percent of leagues

Opponent: Denver Broncos

Robert Meachem has a doctorate in frustrating fantasy owners. He'll pop off with a big game here and nice game there, but in between there is a bunch of nothing. 

This season is proving to be no different. Meachem had 67 yards and two touchdowns last week against his former team, the Saints, but the week before he was held without a catch. 

I like Meachem to offer up a nice game again this week as he goes against a Broncos defense that has allowed at least 31 points in two of their last three games. 

Philip Rivers is starting to develop a nice chemistry with Meachem, and I expect the Bolts to put up some big numbers against the sinking Broncos defense. Meachem and his fantasy owners will benefit from that. 

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans—Owned in 1.1 percent of leagues

Opponent: Green Bay Packers

Kevin Walter has not produced much this year. He is a clear second option to Andre Johnson on the outside, and tight end Owen Daniels is also earning more Matt Schaub targets.

Still, I like Walter's chances to produce in this matchup. The Packers defense is performing better than it did last year, but this group has still allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to receivers. 

But what I really feel gives Walter a boost is that I expect this one to be a shootout, which will result in plenty of targets for everyone.