Fantasy 411 - Week 15 Dec 11, 2012 | More
More articles from Keith Jordan

The final few weeks of the fantasy football season comes with its own set of challenges. Teams are not only fighting through a litany of injuries, but many teams who find themselves out of contention are quietly beginning the process of preparing for next season. With several young and emerging players getting extended looks setting your fantasy playoff roster can be tougher than ever to fill out. Which situations should you be monitoring as we close the season out?

No waiver wire addition will draw more attention than David Wilson this week, and the interest is well warranted.  Wilson eclipsed 100 yards and was responsible for three total touchdowns in the Giants thumping of the Saints.  Wilson was already receiving an expanded role with Andre Brown landing on injured reserve. As if that opportunity was not enough, we find out that Ahmad Bradshaw is banged up with a knee injury. Owners who have Bradshaw have to cash in the insurance policy with Wilson. A start or two down the stretch would make Wilson a must-own player in all leagues.  

With the Cowboys pushing to make a run towards the playoffs in the muddled NFC East the ominous word out of Dallas on Monday is that Dez Bryant suffered a finger injury that may require season ending surgery.   This season Bryant has focused on beating defensive backs and has developed in to an every week WR1 starter. Teams who have relied on Bryant to get them to this point will need to prepare for his possible absence.

Danario Alexander is a solid option that fantasy owners should give consideration to adding to fill in at reveiver. Alexander has always had the talent to perform at a high level and this season he has shown that ability to stay healthy and is getting reps as a starter. Alexander displaced Robert Meachem half way through the season and has been developing a nice rapport with quarterback Philip Rivers. Despite some tougher matchups, Alexander should be added for owners who need depth at receiver.  

With DeSean Jackson’s season over, the Eagles’ Jason Avant has had an opportunity to step in to a starting role. Avant does not possess the overall talent that Jackson offers, but he does have reliable hands and veteran savvy. Avant hauled in seven catches for over 100 yards on Sunday against the Buccaneers and will offer your fantasy squad a reliable option over the last several weeks if you find yourself desperate at receiver.  

Brent Celek has already been ruled out for Week 15 with the lingering effects of a concussion and Brandon Pettigrew left the Lions’ game on Sunday as he was hobbled by an ankle injury leaving many teams with a hole at the tight end position. Fantasy owners looking to solidify their team or add some options should consider Celek’s fill in Clay Harbor.   Harbor performed admirably in his first career start on Sunday by grabbing six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown and he should be a starting option in week fifteen with a favorable matchup against the Bengals.

In addition to these position players, if you don’t have a reliable defense there are a couple of waiver wire flyers who should perform well. The Lions have a nice matchup in week fifteen against the hapless Cardinals and the Chargers are set up for a good outing in week sixteen with the Jets.

It’s crunch time in fantasy football and making a key move or two down the stretch could easily be the difference between claiming your league title or being an also ran.