David Garrard - With Ryan Fitzpatrick, Josh Freeman and Vince Young likely owned in most leagues, Garrard is someone who you could pick up with Aaron Rodgers out and not miss a beat . Before the bye week Garrard threw for 260 yards and four touchdowns vs. the Cowboys, while performing at a high level for most of 2010. The Texans are on deck, and since Houston has a worst pass defense then Dallas, Garrard should make for a top 12 play this week.
Mike Goodson – With DeAngello Williams out the last two games with a sprained foot and Jonathan Stewart getting knocked out with a concussion against the Saints, Goodson could be the running back by default this week. It’s possible that Williams and Stewart are back against the Buccaneers, but owners in need of a back should add Goodson immediately. If Goodson starts, he has a solid matchup vs. Tampa Bay who’s been terrible against the run and ranking 30th in the league. A running back that is starting is always a solid flex play, so add Goodson and hope Carolina finds their groove.
Nate Burleson – Burleson was someone I mentioned before the season, as a possible sleeper, and it seems that he’s finally starting to wake up. Against a stout Jets defense, Burleson caught seven balls for 113 yards and a touchdown. In his last four games Burleson has 24 grabs, 266 yards and three touchdowns on an offense that airs it out with the best of them. With Calvin Johnson drawing so much attention, Burleson makes for a nice flex play even with Drew Stanton under center.
Jordan Shipley – While I’m not in love with the Bengals as an offense, Shipley’s having an excellent rookie campaign. While Ochocinco continues his disappearing act from the Cincinnati passing game, Shipley’s become a reliable receiver for the Bengals. Over the last three weeks Shipley has 13 catches for 206 yards and a touchdown over the last three games. In 12 team leagues with receivers on a bye week, Shipley is a solid third receiver option.
David Nelson – In 14-16 team leagues, Nelson could be a solid flex play for not only this week but for the rest of the season. Roscoe Parrish is out for the year with a hand injury, after having his most productive season with the Bills, catching 33 balls for 400 yards and two touchdowns. Nelson will take over Parrish’s spot in the slot, and should see plenty of looks with Fitzpatrick slinging the ball around. The last three games Fitzpatrick has thrown the ball 43, 48 and 51 times, so Nelson should see plenty of looks in what is a top five passing offense from here on out.