Zach Miller - Reliable Raider?

News/Notes

Raiders tight end Zach Miller continues to be the only worthwhile Oakland player to have on your fantasy roster. Even with JaMarcus Russell going down with an injury, Miller still managed to reel in eight passes for 64 yards with back-up Andrew Walter. This is his fifth straight game of 40 yards receiving or more.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers had an easy go of it against the Raiders on Thursday night. He completed 10 of 22 for 214 yards and three touchdowns. The Chargers ran two times more than they passed, otherwise his numbers would have been better. He’s a must start against Kansas City next week.

X-rays came back negative on Frank Gore’s ankle following the 49ers win against the Jets on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, it looks like it would be a stretch for Gore to play in week 15 at Miami. Picking up backup Deshaun Foster would be smart if you own Gore.

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson had his worst day as a pro in the Eagles big win in the Meadowlands against the Giants. He rushed for -9 yards, while not catching any balls all afternoon. Donovan McNabb targeted him a few times, but he was covered well and the weather conditions didn’t help any. He’s a great start against Cleveland next week.

Broncos surprise star running back Peyton Hillis is likely gone for the rest of the season after badly straining his hamstring in a win against the Chiefs. Look for Tatum Bell and P.J. Pope to get the bulk of the carries next week in Carolina.

Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker bounced back in a big way against the Seahawks in week 14 with 12 receptions for 138 yards and a two point conversion. He’s a beast over the middle and Matt Cassell loves throwing to him.

49ers quarterback Shaun Hill continues to play well under center in San Francisco. In a big win against the Jets, Hill completed 28 of 39 for 285 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 10 touchdowns in his last 6 games and improved to 5-2 and a starter dating back to last season. He’s a solid QB2 in most leagues.

Even though more was expected from Cardinals QB Kurt Warner against the Rams, he still threw for 279 yards and a touchdown. With the Vikings coming to town in week 15, you can expect Warner to have a big game against that weak secondary.

Rivers has been finding Jackson

Stock Market Report
Buy: Vincent Jackson – If you didn’t have the giant Chargers wide receiver in your lineup before, hopefully his five catch, 148 yard, 1 touchdown performance against the Raiders finally opened your eyes. Since Chris Chambers has been bogged down with an ankle injury, Jackson has become the go-to guy for Rivers. Expect big things against a weak Chiefs secondary in week 15.

Sit Tight: Tony Romo- It was a rough afternoon for the Cowboys quarterback in Pittsburgh on Sunday as he was intercepted 3 times in the rough conditions. He did manage to throw a td, but hit on only 19 of 36 pass attempts. He should bounce back in a high scoring affair against the Giants next week.

Helium Watch: Deion Branch- Seems like it’s been awhile but Deion Branch finally had that huge day for the Seahawks. The former Superbowl MVP caught four passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns against a solid Patriots secondary. He could have another game like this next week against the Rams, no matter who is at quarterback.

Sell: Hines Ward- Now I don’t think you should go around cutting Hines Ward from your team, but he should probably take a seat on your bench for the next two weeks. Ward could only reel in one ball for 2 yards today against a beat up Cowboys secondary, albeit in very cold temperatures. His next two matchups are at Baltimore and at Tennessee, so tread lightly with Hines.

Sleeper Watch

It’s hard to find many good players on waivers at this time of year but with Broncos’ running back Peyton Hillis being done for the season after hurting his hamstring; you may be able to pick up Tatum Bell. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy has put up big numbers in this offense before and as long as he’s healthy, he should be able to establish himself as the number one healthy back in the Broncos offense. He’s not a great start against Carolina next week, but he could put up 100 combined yards and a score.

Is your tight end still not getting it done for you this late in the season? Seahawks tight end John Carlson can certainly help you out. He had a 69 yard, 1 touchdown game against the Patriots and has been quality all year long. Whether the quarterback has been Hasselback or Wallace, Carlson grabs a few balls a game and puts up a decent showing for a tight end. He would be an excellent start against the Rams in week 15.