2012 Fantasy Football, Week 5 Free Agent Fix: Domenik Hixon On The Loose
Domenik Hixon, WR, New York Giants
This Sunday, the Giants play host to a Cleveland defense that has allowed a whopping 286 yards per game through the air, and will be without top defensive back Joe Haden, who is serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on banned substances.
With the status of Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot injuries) and Ramses Barden (concussion) up in the air, Domenik Hixon (25% owned in Yahoo leagues) could be in line for a huge day in New York’s aerial attack (322 passing ypg., T-1st NFL). Hixon had a solid effort in the Giants’ Sunday night loss in Philadelphia, hauling in six catches (on 11 targets) for 114 yards. It wouldn’t surprise us in the least to see him duplicate those numbers if he lines up as Manning’s #2 WR.
We’d advise owners with roster space and a hole at WR to add Hixon as soon as possible, but be sure to monitor the status of Nicks and Barden leading up to gametime.
Jackie Battle, RB, San Diego Chargers
Jackie Battle has officially taken over the top spot in the Chargers’ backfield, at least for the time being. We don’t love his skill set, and Ryan Matthews will probably pass him on the depth chart before long, but Battle looks like a legitimate option for the immediate future.
Battle has a favorable Week Five matchup against a New Orleans defense that has allowed a league-worst 187 yards per game on the ground. After a brutal Week Four loss in Green Bay dropped them to 0-4, the Saints’ season is already circling the drain. We can’t help but wonder how motivated they will be this weekend.
Battle managed just 39 yards on 15 carries last week, but he also had four catches for 42 yards and found the end zone twice. If nothing else, the number of touches makes him an intriguing option. If you’re thin at RB, Battle is worth a roll of the dice.
Written by Aaron Schuldiner exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. For more great fantasy analysis, follow Aaron on Twitter @SheaLivesOn.
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