TOYOTA TUNDRA – PICKUPS OF THE WEEK

Matt Leinart(notes) (QB) Arizona Cardinals
We're surprised the Sultan of Stubble held up this long. Warner, who possesses the speed of a wounded sloth, could be sidelined this week with an undisclosed head/kneck injury. The 38-year-old quarterback is light years more advanced than the former first-rounder in every single category, but with premier weapons Larry Fitzgerald(notes) and Anquan Boldin(notes) to utilize even JaMarcus Russell(notes) could accumulate respectable numbers (OK, maybe not). Arizona's Week 12 opponent, Tennessee, was ravaged by passers earlier this season but has greatly improved in recent weeks due to the return of starters Cortland Finnegan(notes) and Vincent Fuller(notes). Since the duo's return, the Titans have allowed 230.3 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game to QBs. Because of Tennessee's noticeable deficiencies in run defense Ken Whisenhunt may install a more conservative gameplan. But for owners desperate for QB assistance, the once-promising Leinart is worth a speculative add.
FAAB Bid ($100 budget): $10-14

• ATT/CMP 17/25
• CMP% 71.4
• YPG 74.0
• TD 0
• INT 0
• Y% 6

Rock Cartwright(notes) (RB) Washington Redskins
Forget turkey, the injury imp's favorite meal might be Washington running backs. With Clinton Portis(notes) still clearing his head from a nasty concussion and Ladell Betts(notes) cooked by a torn ACL and MCL, the little used goal-line vulture is primed to take flight. Incredibly versatile and slippery in space, the former seventh-round pick from Kansas State racked a classic Westbrookian line last week at Dallas, totaling 67 rushing and 73 receiving yards. His versatility should prove useful this week against Philadelphia's aggressive, blitz-crazed defense. The Eagles have surrendered 121.2 total yards per game and five scores to rushers since Week 7. 'Skins rushers only totaled 75 yards in the first matchup between the divisional foes, but Cartwright is an upside flex play in PPR-intensive formats.
FAAB Bid ($100 budget): $28-34

• RUSH/G 3.0
• YDS 13.5
• YPC 4.5
• REC/YDS 13/93
• TD 1
• Y% 16

Kevin Faulk(notes) (RB) New England Patriots
Very quietly Faulk has been an unsung producer in deeper PPR formats. Since Week 9, the tacky-handed rusher has averaged 3.3 receptions and 64.3 total yards per game. In Monday's monumental clash with undefeated New Orleans, the former LSU standout could easily eclipse those averages in his return to the bayou. Minus lane clogger Sedrick Ellis(notes) for the past several games, the Saints have been very accommodating to rushers, surrendering eight scores, 5.2 yards per carry and 169.8 total yards per game, equal to the fifth-most fantasy points allowed. Laurence Maroney(notes) and, to a lesser extent, Sammy Morris(notes), are the Patriots' primary red-zone options, but Faulk could net sneaky yardage totals in the expected scoring extravaganza.
FAAB Bid ($100 budget): $8-13

• RUSH/G 3.9
• YDS/G 19.2
• YPC 4.9
• REC/YDS29/252
• TD 1
• Y% 26

Lex Hilliard(notes) (RB) Miami Dolphins
The Montana product, promoted from the practice squad due to catastrophic injuries suffered by Ronnie Brown(notes) and Patrick Cobbs(notes), impressed in limited action against Carolina, averaging 6.0 yards on four totes. Ricky Williams(notes) is the undisputed choice at running back for the Fins, but, in order to ensure his long-term health, Hilliard will be worked into the offense. This week, look for the former Grizzly's role to expand. The Bills are a disaster defensively in the trenches. On the season, they've yielded 4.9 yards per carry, 195.6 total yards per game and 16 touchdowns to rushers, equal to the most fantasy points allowed. Miami, the league's best rushing offense, will undoubtedly run Ricky and Hilliard ragged. Expect the second-year back to rack roughly 10-12 carries with 50-plus yards. Consider him a suitable flex option in very deep leagues.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $6-$12

• RUSH 4
• YDS 24
• YPC 6.0
• REC/YDS2/7
• TD 0
• Y% 15

Laveranues Coles(notes) (WR) Cincinnati Bengals
Understandably, the majority of fantasy owners consider Coles a tainted asset. His 5.4 points per game mark ranks 54th at his position, one spot behind Banana Hands Braylon Edwards(notes). But since Chris Henry's season ended against the Ravens in Week 9, Coles' production has steadily increased. Over the past three weeks, he's averaged 7.0 targets, 4.3 receptions and 66.7 yards per game. This week against the woeful Browns he could eclipse the 80-yard mark for the first time this season. On the year, the Chihuahuas have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to receivers. Rekindle a relationship.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $9-14

• TGT/G 5.2
• REC/G 2.9
• YDS/G 35.5
• TD 3
• YPC 12.2
• Y% 59

Jason Avant(notes) (WR) Philadelphia Eagles
Surprisingly, Avant has developed into a scoring savant. Despite being the third or in some cases fourth option for Donovan McNabb(notes), the 26-year-old has attracted numerous looks. Over the past two weeks, he's totaled 14 targets, 12 receptions, 182 yards and a touchdown. Barely involved in Philly's first battle with Washington – he garnered only one target – Avant should be more than a blip in the rematch. Though the 'Skins have excelled against the pass – they've surrendered the sixth-fewest fantasy points to receivers since Week 7 – they can be beat deep, as Brandon Marshall(notes) illustrated two weeks ago. The Eagles, who are a pass-first club, will turn to the air early and often. The odds of Avant posting spectacular numbers are long, but for deep leaguers, its time to give the fourth-year wideout an audition.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $5-10

• TGT/G 3.6
• REC/G 2.7
• YDS/G 38.0
• TD 2
• YPC 14.1
• Y% 7

Brandon Gibson(notes) (WR) St. Louis Rams
If targets were a scoring category in fantasy, Gibson would be the ultimate leviathan. Lined up in the crosshairs a week-high 17 times in Week 11, the rookie, who was acquired from Philadelphia for Will Witherspoon(notes) in October, will remain an integral part of the Rams' offense going forward. With Keenan Burton(notes) out for the remainder of the season and Donnie Avery(notes) drawing ample attention, the youngster could average roughly 7-9 looks down the stretch, especially with St. Louis continuously playing from behind. He obviously needs more polish – poor route-running and dropped passes plagued him versus Arizona – but the talent is there. This week, the Rams host a Seattle defense that has been pounded vertically. Since Week 7 no secondary has allowed more fantasy points to wideouts. Because of the matchup and his expanded role, Gibson is prime Shocker Special material in Week 12.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $7-12

• TGT/G 6.8
• REC/G 3.0
• YDS/G 38.5
• TD 0
• YPC 12.8
• Y% 5

Jermichael Finley(notes) (TE) Green Bay Packers
Finley, activated for the first time since Week 7 last week versus San Francisco, was targeted a season-high 10 times, catching seven passes for 54 yards. The second-year tight end is an unbelievably gifted athlete who has shown more maturity in his approach and general performance. This week against the loathsome Lions, a team he posted five catches for 54 yards against Week 6, he could easily accumulate top-10 totals. Since Week 7, the Lions have conceded the ninth-most fantasy points to TEs. Reacquire his services immediately.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $7-12

• TGT/G 4.4
• REC/G 3.4
• YDS 44.9
• TD 1
• YPC 13.1
• Y% 20

Alex Smith (QB) San Francisco 49ers
Three weeks ago, the Noise discussed Smith's second-half potential at length, labeling him this year's Tyler Thigpen(notes). Though his horrific effort against the Bears two weeks ago was an eyesore, he rebounded nicely last week totaling 227 yards and three scores in Green Bay. This week he could again pay a top-flight dividend. The Niners host a Jacksonville defense that has been tattooed aerially for much of the season. On the year, the Jags have surrendered 250 yards and 1.7 touchdowns per game to passers. Without an answer defensively for Vernon Davis(notes), the not-so-frisky felines are helpless against San Fran. Expect another 220-240 yards and 2-3 scores from Smith.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $5-9

• ATT/CMP95/155
• CMP% 61.3
• YPG 207.0
• TD 9
• INT 7
• Y% 28

Carolina Panthers Defense/Special Teams
Typically suspect units on the road are not the most recommendable plays. But the Panthers are an exception. After a stirring start to his NFL career, Mark Sanchez(notes) has fallen hard. Since Week 6, he's committed 12 turnovers. Tackling machine Jon Beason(notes) and his cohorts have performed admirably at times this season, especially against the pass. If Julius Peppers(notes) can successfully disrupt the pocket and his cohorts can keep Thomas Jones(notes) contained, Carolina should net its second double-digit output of the season.
FAAB Bid ($100 Budget): $2-5

• PA 23.9
• YDSA 315.7
• SCKS/G 1.8
• TOs/G 1.7
• TDs 1
• Y% 23