We are getting to the point in the fantasy football season when there are so many different factors that determine whether your team is going to actually contend for a league championship.
Of course, injuries are a primary concern for many of us. I received a whole bunch of questions and comments on Twitter over the last few days complaining about these injuries. "I don't have a healthy running back" and "my quarterback just isn't up to snuff" were two of the most prominent conversations that took place.
Realistically, it's pretty much up to the luck of the draw for many of you. If your fantasy team stayed relatively healthy throughout the season, you are probably in a damn good position. If not, you will soon be resorting to airings of The League to get your fantasy fix.
There are, however, some out there who are in a decent position and need to rely on a couple under-the-radar performers to take that next step into contention. Fret not; I am going to help you through this process today. Here is a look at a couple fantasy performers that might save your season moving forward into the playoffs.
T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton is owned in only 25 percent of ESPN leagues, but continues to make his presence known on a weekly basis. The rookie third-round pick put up 144 all-purpose yards and two scores against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. He has now put up an average of about 13 fantasy points in his last four games. Indianapolis only has one game remaining against a top 10 pass defense and that comes against the lowly Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16.
Colin Kaepernick, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
This second-year quarterback from Nevada is without a doubt San Francisco's starter moving forward, no matter what head coach Jim Harbaugh wants the media to believe. He has put up an average of 19 fantasy points in the last three games. Additionally, Kaepernick is the eighth ranked fantasy quarterbacks over the course of the last two weeks. Yes, that is simply astonishing.
San Francisco is also going up against a 26th ranked Miami Dolphins pass defense and a New England Patriots unit that ranks 29th in that category in two of its final five games. In fact, all four of the 49ers opponents prior to a meaningless Week 17 (in terms of fantasy football) game against the Arizona Cardinals, rank in the last half of the league against the pass.
Chad Henne, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins
Yes, this is surprising. Not in my wildest imagination would I have expected to have Henne included in an article like this just a couple weeks ago, but here he is. Henne ranks sixth among quarterbacks in fantasy points since he took over for the injured Blaine Gabbert last week. He has thrown for nearly 500 yards with five touchdowns and just one interception during that span.
Jacksonville has a favorable remaining schedule against pass defenses as well. It will take on the Buffalo Bills (18th), Miami Dolphins (26th), New England Patriots (29th) and Tennessee Titans (27th) in four of its final five games.
Marcel Reece, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
One of the few bright spots for this team has been the play of its backup runnig back and former starter at fullback. Reece has filled in for the injured Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson extremely well. He is averaging 14 fantasy points in the last four games and continues to be a solid PPR option in the passing game.