2012 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: Players with Rising Value

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Drafting is upon everyone this month and values of players rise and fall during the preseason as injuries occur, players under-perform, and players show what they are made of.  Here is a list of players in no particular order with rising values.


Adrian Peterson (RB, MIN) - AP is officially off the PUP list and ready for action.  He may have a bit of a lower amount of carries in Week 1, but there is no doubt he will be ready to roll with solid fantasy numbers in 2012 if his knee holds up.  AP's knee is the major unknown, but so far AP is showing that he heals well and is ready to rock.  1,200+ yards and double digit TD's in 2012 is what you should expect.  If you are given a later round first round pick and looking for a RB then AP is a nice choice.

Evan Royster (RB, WAS) - Evan Royster is going very late in drafts.  In the last two games of the year as a starter was able to post 150 combined yards in each game.  Hightower is injury prone and Helu isn't showing that he can handle a full workload.  Royster is an excellent RB later rounds selection.

Andrew Luck (QB, IND) - I am excited to see how Luck does in his rookie year.  He is looking extremely sharp and intelligent in the pre-season and he should be able to post solid numbers for 2012.  He is an easy dynasty league QB selection, but what type of numbers can you expect this year?  Luck should safely produce over 3,600 yards and 20 TD's, BUT his upside is 4,000 yards and almost 30 TD's.  Solid backup QB selection choice at this point.

Cedric Benson (RB, GB) - PPR league players should keep an eye on Benson as Rodgers does like to throw to his RB.  Benson is going to go in later rounds of your draft and he is great to have on your bench to see if he produces upside for you.  James Starks is dealing with turf toe, which is never good, and I would bet Benson sees a solid amount of action in 2012.

Pierre Garcon (WR, WAS) - Garcon is going in mid-rounds of drafts and his upside potential with RGIII is excellent.  Going over 1,000 yards with near double digit TD's is not out of the question.  Do yourself a favor and target Garcon in your 2012 drafts.

Austin Collie (WR, IND) - Collie is a starting WR in Indy and Luck is looking his way.  Collie is going very late in drafts and is worth rostering for bye weeks and spot starts.

Nate Washington (WR, TEN) - Kenny Britt is not a safe pick in 2012, but Nate time and time again shows he is a safe pick for fantasy football teams.  Nate will give you around 1,000 yards and 8 TD's which makes him a later round target for your bye weeks and spot starts.

Need reassurance in your 2012 drafts?  Hatty Waiver Wire Guru Draft Guide

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