Three largely forgotten impact players who might return this season:
Adrian Peterson—yes, that Adrian Peterson—could return by Week 15 or
16, according to ESPN’s Ben Goessling.
On the one hand, it’s speculation; AP isn’t even running at full speed,
and we’re a week from December. On the
other hand, why not pick him up and see what happens? Minnesota plays the Colts and Packers in
weeks 15/16. Their backfield is
averaging 2.7 yards per carry. They’re
fighting for a playoff spot. If AP is
ready, he’ll contribute on the field and in fantasy lineups.
Sammy Watkins could return next weekend. Last year he was 16th in wide
receiver fantasy scoring despite playing in only 13 games. Oh, and in one of those 13 games, Watkins
didn’t catch a ball while being shadowed by Vontae Davis. Regardless, Watkins averaged nearly 12
fantasy points per game in those 13 games.
It’s realistic to assume a healthy Watkins could muster WR2 numbers at
worst and elite WR1 numbers at best.
That he’s available in two-thirds of all ESPN leagues is unbelievably
ridiculous.
Ameer Abdullah is seeing a doctor today to determine whether he can
return this season. If he does, the
second-year Lion could help some folks during the fantasy playoffs. As great as Theo Riddick is as a
pass-catching RB, he is not every-down-back material. Abdullah looked terrific before going down in
Week 2 and should return RB3 production with TD-dependent upside if he makes it
back.