The PFW staff's late-week fantasy WR tips say Michael Crabtree's matchup against the Patriots could produce a big day, while Kenny Britt, who's rounding into form, and Cecil Shorts, who returns from a concussion, should be strong big-play options.

Loudly voicing his approval of Colin Kaepernick under center, it appears 49ers WR Michael Crabtree is on a fantasy roll of sorts, catching a combined 16 passes for 194 yards (12.1 ypc) in the last two games. Crabtree could be a force Sunday night going up against New England’s 29th-ranked pass defense.

Titans WR Kenny Britt had his most dominant performance of the season in Week 14, catching eight passes for 146 yards. Britt was explosive after the catch and looked as healthy as he’s been all season. Although he has a difficult matchup against the Jets and CB Antonio Cromartie on “Monday Night Football,” he is a solid WR3. The absence of TE Jared Cook, who was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder inury this week, should only increase Britt’s chances, particularly downfield.

Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts (concussion) returned to practice Wednesday after missing Jacksonville’s Week 14 game against the Jets. This is an encouraging sign for the Jaguars and Shorts owners, who have reaped the huge benefits from one of the league’s more explosive receivers in 2012. If Shorts is active, he should be in your lineup against this week against the Dolphins, the team who drafted Shorts’ quarterback, Chad Henne, in Round Two in 2008.