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Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Dixon has seen his usage consistently increase each week since his return from ankle injury. In Week 12 against the Bengals, Dixon had 17 total touches, 13 of which were rushes, the same number as Terrance West. Dixon also gained 16 more yards than West (80 to 64). Dixon has officially established himself as the best running back for the Ravens. While he hasn’t found the end zone, his usage and production warrants flex consideration.
Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Cheifs
Hill had his breakout game against the Denver Broncos in Week 12. Hill scored a receiving touchdown, a rushing touchdown, and a free kick following a safety returned for a touchdown. Whether or not Jeremy Maclin returns this weekend, Hill’s role in the Chiefs offense is secure. Hill will see a favorable matchup against a Falcons secondary that is now without Desmond Trufant.
Taylor Gabriel, WR, Atlanta Falcons
On November 15, in my Week 11 waiver wire column I mentioned Gabriel a boom or bust flier for the remainder of the season.
“Gabriel is the definition of a boom or bust play, and recently, he has been all boom. The pure deep threat has scored a touchdown in each of his last three games, scoring at least 12 fantasy points in each. While he still doesn’t have a huge role, his big play potential is appealing, especially as part of the best offense in the NFL. But yes, a waiver claim on Gabriel is probably a big time flier.”
That analysis proved to both right and wrong. Right that Gabriel is a boom or bust, but wrong that he doesn’t have a big role. Since that post, Gabriel has gone on to have a 13 point game in Week 10, followed by a 22 point game in Week 12 (with a Week 11 bye). Gabriel had two touchdown receptions in Week 12, both weaving through the Cardinals defense. The Falcons continue to be the best offense in the NFL, and Dan Quinn loves taking advantage of Gabriel’s speed. His value remains high, especially with the 49ers and Panthers secondary coming in Week 15 and 16 respectively.
Malcolm Mitchell, WR, New England Patriots
The rookie wide receiver has been a revelation for the Patriots, producing three touchdowns in his last two games, and 32 combined points. Mitchell has had a total of nine catches in that span, four for 98 yards in Week 11, and five for 42 yards in Week 12. In one of the leagues strongest passing attacks, Mitchell can truly sustain his value, despite tough defensive opponents remaining (Ravens and Broncos).
Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Yes, you read that correctly, Colin Kaepernick does in fact have fantasy relevance. In his last four games, Kaepernick has had 22, 23, 19 and 33 points respectively. The 49ers play the Bears in Week 13, making Kaepernick the top streaming option for Marcus Mariota owners.