On The Radar–Week 14

Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimorfte Ravens

A former first round pick of the Ravens, Clayton has shown flashes here and there throughout his career but has never been a consistent threat. Perhaps now they have found a legitimate quarterback with Joe Flacco, and if they have it could be what Clayton has needed to realize his potential.

He has scored two weeks in a row and exploded for a 164 receiving yards and both a receiving and passing touchdown. There is something to be said for a hot player as we enter the playoffs. He’s worth a shot, but don’t be surprised if he fades down the stretch.

Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay Packers

When Ryan Grant went out with the thumb injury Jackson came in and did quite well. The former first round pick of the Packers carried the ball 11 times for 80 yards. Grant said he could have come back into the game if he was asked to, and has been back practicing this week.

As long as Grant is healthy you can’t expect Jackson to have too much of an impact, but if something were to happen to Grant he at least showed that he can be a guy worthy of a flier.

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints

With the possible suspension of Deuce McAllister still up in the air, the value of Pierre Thomas hangs in the balance. If McAllister is out for the rest of the season, than Thomas becomes the guy who gets 10-15 carries a game, including the goal line carries.

He has already had 10+ carries in each of the last three weeks, and if the suspension sticks, look for Thomas to become more involved in the Saints offense.

Reggie Williams, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Any of you who email me on a regular basis know what I think about David Garrard. For those who don’t, I think he is one of the more overrated fantasy QBs in the league. It would have to be a very desperate situation for me to start him. That being said, I like Reggie Williams even less.

A former ninth overall pick, Williams has been a colossal bust yet he still seems to think he is much better than he actually is. Reggie did score 10 touchdowns last season, and has two trips to paydirt in the last two weeks, but it would have to be a late season injury or a big disappointment for me to pick up Williams.

J.P. Losman, QB, Buffalo Bills

It looks like Losman will be behind center this week for the Bills, but he was demoted to second string for a reason. He is a risk taker, however, and the problem is he isn’t good enough to take the chances that he does.

Losman is a turnover waiting to happen and shouldn’t be in your lineup unless the word ‘desperation’ creeps into your mind. He is playing the better than average Dolphins defense this week and he should have at least one interception and probably a fumble in there too.

Ken Dorsey, QB, Cleveland Browns

As a 49ers fan who watched Dorsey play QB for us during his tenure there, I just have one word for him. UGH! If you are at the point that you are going to have Dorsey in your lineup you are in a WHOLE LOT of trouble. He will start for the Browns for the rest of the season, but that is no reason to have him in your lineup.

Dane Looker, WR, St. Louis Rams

Looker has 12 catches over the last three weeks, however the Rams pass offense once their strength has been reduced to mediocrity. He led the team in receiving in Week 13, and this week the Rams play the Cardinals who have allowed the most passing touchdowns in the league.

You would have to be in a very deep league for me to suggest to play him, but Looker has been hot, so keep an eye on him just in case you hit some adversity heading into the playoffs.

Martellus Bennett, TE, Dallas Cowboys

I have tried to be sure that I have included a quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end in each one of these On The Radar columns. Since we are really late into the season, the pickins get slim.

Obviously Bennett isn’t the starter in Dallas considering they have Jason Witten, but he has scored in three straight weeks, and four of the last seven games. Bennett will get you next to nothing if you don’t get a touchdown out of him however, as he has had no more than three catches over the past two months, so beware of counting on Bennett.

Tanard Choice, RB, Dallas Cowboys

The rookie runner might be the starter as the Cowboys go into a big game against the Steelers. He did pretty good when he saw some action this past week, as he ran 11 times for 57 yards against the Seahawks.

Needless to say the Pittsburgh defense is just a little bit better than Seattle’s so I’m not sure what you can expect out of Choice if he does get the start. The Steelers are the number one defense against the run, so if you are forced to play Choice, definitely keep your expectations low.

As always, your comments and questions (adds/drops, lineup advice, etc) are welcome at [e-mail].