RUNNING BACKS
Aston Walter, RB-Rice
Aston Walter was likely on a lot of watchlists earlier in the season because of his receiver eligibility on Fantrax. However, a 14-carry and 11-yard performance against Baylor on September 21 probably scared off fantasy owners. Since then, he has ripped off three 100-yard rushing games and has scored in each of the Owls’ past three games.
Next 3 weeks: Southern Miss, Marshall, OFF
Tra Barnett, RB-Georgia State
For the past several weeks, we’ve viewed Tra Barnett as more of a one-week option given the right matchup, but the resume he has put together over the first eight weeks of the season shows he is a long-term fantasy option. Barnett has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last three games and has scored in five of the Panthers’ seven games this season.
Next 3 weeks: Troy, at UL Monroe, Appalachian State
George Holani, RB-Boise State
Fantasy owners have been teased this season by Boise State running backs Robert Mahone and George Holani. Mahone has been banged up and has given Holani every opportunity to prove his worth. After carrying the ball 20 times for 97 yards in a 28-25 loss at BYU, Holani proved once again that he can hold up when given 20-plus carries a game (22-103-0 in Week 2 vs. Marshall). The Broncos have a bye this weekend, but if Mahone’s leg injury keeps him out for an extended period of time, Holani will be worth the wait.
Next 3 weeks: OFF, at San Jose State, Wyoming
RECEIVERS
Kyle Phillips, WR-UCLA
Phillips has caught at least six passes in each of the Bruins’ last three games and has totaled 234 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns during that stretch. His recent emergence has sparked the UCLA passing game and he could provide valuable receiver depth down the stretch.
Next 3 weeks: Arizona State, Colorado, OFF
T.J. Simmons, WR-West Virginia
Earlier in the season, teammate Sam James was the top fantasy receiver in the Mountaineers’ offense, but T.J. Simmons seems to be the player you want on your roster now. Simmons has scored in each of the last three games and averaged 95 receiving yards per game during that stretch.
Next 3 weeks: OFF, at Baylor, Texas Tech
DEFENSE/ST
Wyoming vs Nevada
Minnesota vs Maryland
Louisiana Tech at UTEP