Offensive
Sleepers of the Week |
by
Bob Henry, Exclusive to Footballguys.com
|
A look at players who are generally ranked
outside of the starter ranks on a weekly basis.
The players listed below are those which you may
gamble on depending on conditions such as a
favorable matchup or an opportunity created by injury.
On the other hand, the player may be considered
a normal starter with a bad matchup or high risk
which makes him a reach. Generally, each
position is covered beginning with those who are
better bets and finishing with those who are certifiable reaches
or long shots. Your mileage may vary, but the
idea is to discuss these players and provide you
with some analysis that might help you make
those difficult lineup decisions a bit easier.
Quarterbacks
Steve McNair, Ten at MIN
McNair most definitely isn't a sleeper, but
it's hard to believe he's not ranked among the
top 15 or 20 QBs in most leagues, too. Facing
the Vikings this week McNair is prime to perhaps have his best game of the season
providing he doesn't take any more bad shots to
his sternum. He's still not quite
100%, but he's thrived playing hurt for so long
it's like 2nd hand nature. We expect him to go about
business as usual and the Vikings are the #1
passing matchup for QBs allowing 294 passing yds
and 1.4 TDs per game.
Byron Leftwich, Jac at IND
Leftwich couldn't look any better this week
judging by the matchup. He limped away from last
week's 4th come-from-behind victory of the
season in the fourth quarter. Like McNair, he's
also less than 100% coming
into this game, but Leftwich should have no
problems with the Colts defense. Like a hot
knife through butter, expect his hot streak to continue.
Leftwich threw for 318 yds and a TD just a few
weeks ago at home against Indy, so look for
another 300 yard day possibly with a TD or two.
Michael Vick, Atl at KC
For all his athletic prowess, Vick still
hasn't become the fantasy stud QB we've come to
expect. Until he develops better consistency
he's going to blow up some weeks and leave you
scratching your head on others. Facing the
Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium is one of those
situations where the matchup suggests the
former. The Chiefs are the 5th best matchup in
terms of fantasy pts allowed to QB. Opposing QBs
are averaging 219 yds and 2 TDs per game (9
passing, 1 rushing) against them. However, crowd
noise could become an issue as Arrowhead is
among the raucous environments for visiting
teams. Fortunately, gambling on Vick isn't a
very tough decision and it comes with tremendous
scoring upside.
Jake Delhomme, CAR vs SD
Delhomme needs to shake off the 4 INTs he threw
last week in time to rebound this week against
the visiting Chargers, who enter this game as
the 4th best fantasy matchups for QBs. San
Diego's opponents are averaging 272 passing
yards per game as QBs have thrown for 9 TDs and
ran for 2 more in 5 games. Delhomme may need to
throw, too. Stephen Davis had setback in
Wednesday's practice and looks questionable for
the game. That potentially leaves the running
game in the hands of FB Brad Hoover, Nick Goings
and undrafted free agent Joey Harris, who was
recently promoted from the practice squad.
Knowing this, Delhomme could be active and
stands a decent chance to throw for strong
yardage. He's a decent play as long as the
turnover margin isn't a negative factor like it
was last week. Look for Delhomme to pick on
Sammy Davis or Jamar Fletcher's side of the
field possibly resulting in Keary Colbert
turning in a solid game on the stat sheet.
Jeff Garcia, CLE vs Phi
The Eagles are giving up 246 yds per game
through the air (9th most in the league). Garcia
stands a good chance to throw for well over 200
yards considering the stats of previous opposing
QBs against the Eagles. Case in point, Joey Harrington threw for 199
yds and 2 TDs while Jake Delhomme put up 205
yards with a TD (uh hum, and 4 INTs also). Even Jonathan Quinn
produced 215 yards and a TD. Garcia's coming off a
huge game, but also could be without his big
play WR Andre Davis though he says he'll suit up
and play with a turf toe injury. How effective
he'll be remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the
disgruntled Quincy Morgan is gone bringing Antonio Bryant
in return. Bryant might not be of much help
this week, so expect Dennis Northcutt to be a
decent play and likely Garcia's main target
against the Eagles. Garcia is a bit risky, but a
potentially rewarding play as long as he can
limit the turnovers.
Solid reaches
Kurt Warner, NYG vs Det
I like the matchup Kurt Warner has this week
against the visiting Lidowns. Detroit checks in
as the 6th best fantasy matchup for QBs allowing 270
passing yards/gm with 6 passing TDs (1 rushing)
through 5 games. Having Dre Bly back in the
lineup helps the Lions pass defense, but it
didn't help them last week as Brett Favre
shredded them en route to a rousing victory on
the Lion's home turf. The main thing to worry
about with Warner is succumbing to the Lions
front four. Shaun Rogers is having an All-Pro
season and could be a load for the Giants
offensive line to handle. Otherwise, if Warner
has some time to set up in the pocket this
matchup will produce useful numbers and make
Warner a decent stop-gap starter this week.
Brian Griese, TB vs Chi
Griese has two straight solid performances behind him and faces a Bears
defense that enters this game as the 8th best
fantasy matchup for QBs. Chicago is allowing 226
yards/gm with 6 passing TDs (1 rushing TD)
allowed to opposing QBs. He may not have Charles
Lee in the lineup, but Joe Jurevicius is
expected to play giving the Bucs two solid
downfield targets for Griese. On the other side,
Jerry Azumah returned last week with a bang. He
intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD in
his first game of the season. Azumah strengthens
the Bears secondary a bit giving them another
solid cover guy, but they remain vulnerable and
the Bucs preference is always to throw the ball
- an "endearing" Gruden quality worth exploiting
for fantasy purposes.
Vinny Testaverde, Dal at GB
The rumors have begun. Testaverde is on the
Tuna's short leash. Considering the Cowboys woes
elsewhere, an aging Vinny at QB should be the
least of their concerns. Regardless, Vinny
hasn't been too bad in reality. From a fantasy
perspective he's been reasonably productive -
more so than anyone predicted. The Packers
defense tightened last week against the Lions,
but unless they can do it a few weeks in a row
that might turn out to be the exception rather
then the rule. They enter this week as the 8th
best fantasy matchup for QBs allowing 217
passing yds per game with 12 TDs. On a side
note, with Antonio Bryant being dealt for Quincy
Morgan look for Dedric Ward to see increased
playing time this week. That shouldn't effect
Vinny's production much - if at all.
..and finally if you're desperate
Kerry Collins, OAK vs NO
I gotta be honest here.. I was tempted to
place Collins in the category above, but
couldn't bring myself to do it. He's just been
far too erratic and unproductive. That said, he
once again faces a defense that looks like a
good matchup on paper. The Saints are allowing
276 passing yds/gm along with 9 total TDs (8
passing, 1 rushing) to QBs. That makes them the
7th best fantasy matchup. That's the encouraging
side. The realistic or pragmatic side now
follows.. Norv Turnover can't be happy. Then
again, where else does he turn? Tuiasosopo?
Doubt it. Collins simply needs to protect the
football better and make better decisions. Two
good things going for him this week - 1. He's at
home which always helps when dealing with
distractions, crowd noise, etc. 2. Jerry Porter
is clamoring for the football and Doug Gabriel
is in the starting lineup this week. No more
Jerry. That's arguably a good thing for the
Raiders if not a relief in the locker room.
Collins is a gamble - no doubt - but not one
without some merit.
Josh McCown, ARI vs Sea
While it might seem hard to believe, McCown has a better than fair chance to
produce decent numbers this week. The Seahawks
are just the 20th best matchup for opposing QBs
allowing 228 yds/gm with 6 TDs total. However,
they are also going to be without DE Grant
Wistrom and LB Anthony Simmons - arguably the
two best players in their front seven. One of
the main problems for McCown has been a lack of
protection up front. Without Wistrom the
Seahawks pass rush likely won't be as effective
meaning things could be looking up for McCown
and the Cardinals passing attack.
Joey Harrington, Det at NYG
One week Joey looks like a world beater the
next he's back in the frying pan.. It's hard to
put a finger on what we might expect from the
Lions offense moving forward. Due to injuries
they're arguably not much better than last year
- which was abysmal. Roy Williams will try to
play this week, but how effective he'll be is a
question mark. Same goes for Kevin Jones. The
Giants pass defense is nothing great, but they
are solid if not opportunistic with turnovers.
I'd personally refrain from using Harrington on
the road this week, but if you're options are
thin, he could produce in the neighborhood of
200 yds with the TDs/INTs being the real
wildcard.
Jay Fiedler, MIA vs StL
I always hesitate when even mentioning Jay Fiedler's name as a possible
sleeper, but the matchup can't be ignored here.
The Rams are the 10th best fantasy defense for
QBs allowing 246 yds/gm with 8 TDs. While the
Dolphins pass defense remains one of the better
units in the league, the Rams should still be
productive. They were against the Bucs on MNF.
So, expect the Dolphins to be trailing on the
scoreboard which creates the angle for which
Fiedler is worth considering. Playing from
behind against a defense that has been less than
stellar against the pass means Fiedler might
possibly be useful in some way, shape or form.
That said, if you have to reach this far you
have my sincere sympathies. That must hurt.
Running Backs
Top Choice
Reuben Droughns, Den at CIN
No sleep watch here. The thought of Droughns
running downhill against the league's worst run
defense conjures up thoughts of Corey Dillon's
record breaking performance against the Broncos
a few years ago. You think Mike Shanahan might
remember? This could
be the week Droughns goes for 200+ yards -
seriously. There's also a good chance the other
Broncos backs could clean up in what could be a
real house party for the Broncos RBs and running
game in general. The Bengals are allowing 160
yds and 1 TD per game on the ground. Brace
yourself if you're a Bengals fan.
Mewelde Moore, MIN vs Ten
Like Droughns, he's no sleeper by any
stretch. Like a Broncos back, almost anyone who
starts for the Vikings that has talent is sure
to be a scoring machine. Moore just happens to
be talented in more ways than we can count. He
really is almost a perfect fit in the Vikings offense
and he gets another start this week against the
Titans defense allowing 103 rushing yds and 1 TD
per game to opposing backs. The best part is
he'll probably catch another 5 to 10 passes on
top of that making him an all-purpose yardage
machine. Whether or not he can find the end zone
with C-Pep hogging up the TDs remains to be
seen.
Amos Zereoue, OAK vs NO
Zereoue has the best matchup on the board.
The Saints are the top ranked fantasy matchup for opposing RBs allowing a
staggering 193 combined yards to RBs with a combined 11 TDs in 6 games. Of
course, Zereoue will likely share touches with whoever ends up in pads this
week. Given the injuries and status of Tyrone Wheatley and Justin Fargas, it's
more likely Zereoue will continue to get the majority of the carries while Zack
Crockett could get the goal line or short yardage work with J.R. Redmond
possibly seeing some spot duty as well. Zereoue could be the sleeper play of the
week at this position considering he's produced some big plays already for the
Raiders.
Sammy Morris, MIA vs StL
Could Morris be the Dolphins back who
finally produces consistently or more than just
one week? He sure surprised a lot of us with a
solid effort last week against his former team.
He was probably available off waivers in many
leagues making him perhaps the best pick up and
start option for most owners. Whether or not he
can actually string something together and break
the chain of inconsistency and lack of
production the other Dolphins back have given us
remains to be seen. The matchup won't hurt
though. The Rams are the 8th best defense for
opposing RBs to face in terms of fantasy points
allowed - 140 combined yds/gm with 8 TDs. If
Morris is able to follow up with a 2nd solid
effort then he'll be worth holding onto as a
solid 2nd/3rd fantasy back in deeper leagues.
Decent options this week
T.J. Duckett, Atl at KC
The Chiefs run defense remains a strong play for opposing RBs, but in
Duckett's case not only does it create a good
fantasy opportunity, but we also have to be
concerned with Warrick Dunn. It looks like Dunn
will be good to go this week, but he
surprisingly was not used much a week ago
opening the door for Duckett to ramble for some
yardage. Duckett remains a very risky play, but
there's also a decent chance he could get more
carries this week if Jim Mora wants to take the
safe route with Dunn to keep him healthy and
fresh for the full slate.
William Green, CLE vs Phi
Green appears to be settling in as the
Browns favored RB for now.. Lee Suggs had a
strong game last week but the majority of his
production came as a receiver not as a runner.
The Eagles are middle of the road in terms of
their run defense which makes Green a weak play
for the most part. He's a fringe starter but
he's obviously capable of making plays and
producing if you're in a pinch. The downside is
obvious as well. Suggs could once again be the
hot back and get the bulk of the carries
unknowingly to the fantasy owner who starts
Green expecting a solid afternoon. As such,
tread lightly, but don't be afraid to take a
shot with Green if you're thin at RB this week.
Michael Pittman, TB vs Chi
Pittman hasn't exactly established himself
as a starter-quality fantasy back this season.
Mostly because the Bucs running game is
ineffective and Gruden doesn't stick with it for
long if at all.. Pittman does have a good
matchup going for him this week, but that also
hasn't panned out for him the last few weeks.
He's faced two other strong matchups but failed
to produce big numbers, so take the matchup
angle with a grain of salt. The Bears allow 132
rushing yds and 60 receiving yds per game to
opposing RBs, but haven't allowed a TD to them
through 5 games. Go figure. The Bucs don't
produce many TDs from their RBs either. Pittman
is strictly a yardage play, especially in
leagues that score points for receptions -
though he's not exactly impressed in that
department yet either.
Chester Taylor, BAL vs Buf
The Bills are a strong team in terms of
their run defense, so make no mistake about it.
Considering Taylor a sleeper option is not
because of the matchup angle. Rather it has
everything to do with opportunity and playing
time in lieu of Jamal Lewis's suspension for 2
games. Taylor has been very productive in
limited playing time, but he's never been THE
MAN for the Ravens until this week. Even now
he'll likely split carries on some level with
2nd year back Musa Smith. Taylor is the
better 3rd down back of the two and perhaps has
more big play ability. Either way, he's one of
the better sleeper plays this week despite the
Bills ranking as the toughest matchup on the
board for opposing RBs. It's all about
opportunity.
Richie Anderson, Dal at GB
Eddie George, Dal at GB
Green Bay is the 5th best matchup for
opposing backs and Anderson appears to be the
best option among the Cowboys committee
approach. Anderson gets more opportunities
because he's the most versatile and reliable
player for Parcells. He knows the system and
does precisely what the Tuna expects him to do.
As far as the matchup goes.. the Packers D has
been trampled by most teams this year. Witness
the drubbing Chris Brown and the Titans laid on
them in Green Bay under the MNF lights. The
Cowboys offensive line and ground attack isn't
quite as good as the Titans. And George never
gets the bulk of the carries either. Reshard Lee
will also get some chances. Still, Eddie can be
useful even if it's 3 to 4 yards at a crack. The
Packers are hoping DTs Grady Jackson and James
Lee will be able to play this week. If both
return then their run defense improves
significantly - though most of that improvement
is directly attributed to Jackson's availability
as opposed to Lee.
Kevin Jones, Det at NYG
The Lions running game is nothing to write
home about, but the Giants run defense also
allows 110 rushing yds/gm to opposing RBs.
Starting Jones is obviously very risky. Mooch
insists on sticking to his committee plan
involving Artose Pinner and Shawn Bryson. The
result ends up being a lack of rhythm for any of
the backs as they don't have the touches
necessary to get into any sort of groove. Yet if
anyone is going to do just that it would be
Jones, not Pinner or Bryson. Conceivably, we
can't help but think Jones is going to start
getting the bulk of the carries soon, but he's
still not quite 100% which means - even in a
good matchup situation - he's a definite reach
unless you are in a deeper league with 14 or
more teams.
Backup RBs who may be worth a look
Brad Hoover, CAR vs SD
Stephen Davis suffered a setback on
Wednesday and looks to be fairly questionable
for this week's game against San Diego. In the
even he's not able to play or if he's limited,
then Brad Hoover figures to pick up the slack.
Joey Harris and Nick Goings may
very well be in the mix, too. Hoover picked up
some extra touches last week and has been a
featured back previously for the Panthers a
couple years back in sort of the same situation
- they were ravaged by injuries and Hoover was
at the right place at the right time. Hoover
won't win any foot races, but he can slug it out
between the tackles for 3-4 yards a pop, catch
the rock and put his hat down and get into the
end zone.
Steven Jackson, StL at MIA
If you're on the same page as I am.. it seems like it's only a matter of
time before Jackson has a coming out party. Judging for myself, he's
already the best RB on the Rams roster and that's no slight to the Hall of Fame
to be - Marshall Faulk. The Dolphins run defense is not what it used to be. In
fact, it's among the worst in the league in yielding rushing yards to opposing
RBs - 129 yds/gm. Only three teams allow more rushing yds to opposing
backs in the NFL. That said, look for Jackson to possibly steal more of Faulk's
mojo this week and perhaps find the end zone as well.
Lee Suggs, CLE vs Phi
See William Green above. While Green
seems to have won or earned the right to retain
the starting RB job, Suggs at least forced Butch
Davis to keep him in the rotation and utilize
him frequently in other ways. Even then it
doesn't seem as if Davis has a plan from week to
week on what he's going to do with these two
backs. If Suggs gets off to a hot start or Green
doesn't, then it's entirely possible that Suggs
could once again be the more productive of the
two. For that reason alone, he's worth a
gamble.. but expecting too much is a pitfall you
should avoid. He's probably not going to be an
every week player unless Green gets hurt.
Musa Smith, BAL vs Buf
See Chester Taylor above. Expect Musa
to get around 8 to 12 carries this week with
that estimate being on the aggressive side.
Taylor hasn't proven he can be a full time back
capable of producing with 20+ touches on a
weekly basis. Then again, he hasn't shown he
CANNOT do it either. I'm personally a believer
in the Rouge Rocket, but he's got some
limitations. Musa is bigger and more powerful.
So it wouldn't be a stretch to expect him to see
more goal line opportunities than Chester. As
such, both are worth reaching for, but I
personally feel Chester is the better bet until
proven otherwise. Also keep in mind the matchup
isn't particular good either.
Willis McGahee, Buf at BAL
Henry will start this week, but look for
McGahee to get more carries than he did earlier
in the season. That being said, they are facing
the Ravens defense so I wouldn't get carried
away and reach this far unless you literally
have no other or better solutions. This is a
serious reach unless Henry reinjures his foot
and leaves the game.
..great matchups, but not enough
touches
A few backs who are worth a long look for those of you really grasping for
straws. Reshard Lee (Dal at GB)
is chief among them along with the Broncos backup RBs - Quentin Griffin
& Tatum Bell (Den at CIN). The
Broncos look primed for a HUGE game running the football this week. I would not
be surprised if Droughns rambles for 200+ yards nor would I be shocked if he
goes for 100+ in the first half and Shanahan decides to rest him in order to get
Griffin and Bell an extended look in the 2nd half.
Wide Receivers
Not really a sleeper, but Amani Toomer (vs Det)
is on the upswing with the first of
three strong matchups in a row beginning this
week. The Lions are very beatable and from a
matchup perspective, Toomer should benefit. He's
been pretty quiet through the first half but
he's long been a strong finisher in the past and
this week it looks like he's on the upswing.
Don't stop them now, they're on a roll...
Terry Glenn, Dal at GB
Glenn was the hot read last week and could
be a solid source for big points this week, too. The Packers have allowed 8 TDs
to opposing WRs so far and 155 yds/gm. Antonio Bryant is sayonara and I don't
expect Quincy Morgan to be an effective part of the game plan this week.
Donald Driver, GB vs Dal
He's leading the Packers in receptions and targets but still hasn't
commanded the respect he might deserve because
of his abysmal 2003 season limited by a neck
injury. But you can put that in the past. It's
certainly not effecting him now. Driver is on a roll
and has another strong matchup this week
especially with Javon Walker nursing a few minor
injuries and Robert Ferguson trying to get
healthy. Outside of Terrence Newman the Cowboys
don't have a lot of options as far as corners
that can cover.
Nate Burleson, MIN vs Ten
Whether Randy plays or not, Burleson is a nice play against the 9th best
defensive matchup for WRs. Tennessee is allowing 186 yds/gm with 4 TDs to
opposing WRs and that number figures to go UP after this week. Both teams leave
a lot to be desired in terms of pass defense so
there could be plenty of production to spread
around. Burleson is right at the top of the list
along with Marcus Robinson in terms of players
who will benefit if Randy doesn't play. Even if
he does play, expect him to be rather limited.
Michael Clayton, TB vs Chi
Clayton seems to do all the little things
right. All of the things that make rookie WRs
inconsistent don't seem to apply here. He blocks
well. He's got ridiculously long arms and he's
more than willing to go over the middle and take
his lumps. With Charles Lee possibly out this
week - Clayton figures to be targeted even more.
It's too easy to compare him to Anquan Boldin
last year, but the way things are shaping up in
Tampa it's not a bad analogy. Tampa throws a
lot. Clayton is their best WR at this point.
Solid matchup plays this week
Dennis Northcutt, CLE vs Phi
Andre Davis is nursing a turf toe injury and Antonio Bryant will need a bit
longer to digest the playbook and get on the same page as Garcia. Look for
Northcutt to pick up the slack this week and potentially put up strong numbers.
He's due. Davis says he'll play, but how effective he can be with that injury is
something I wouldn't be willing to gamble on.. but I'll take my chances with
Northcutt this week. He's a strong play for a guy that was probably available in
most leagues as a pick up and play option.
Jerry Porter, OAK vs NO
Ron Curry
and Doug Gabriel are nursing hamstring injuries and Jerry Rice
is Audi... as in Audi here. Never mind. The
important thing to note here is Porter was vocal
this week about not getting the ball. We all
know what follows those kinds of public
outcries, right? Porter will get more balls
thrown his way. In all seriousness, it wouldn't
matter if he said nothing. The Raiders need more
out of him with Curry questionable and Gabriel
less than 100% as well. The Saints are a strong matchup allowing
186 yds/gm to opposing WRs with 4 TDs.
David Patten & David Givens, NE vs NYJ
They've been productive almost all year so
far.. so why stop now? The Jets allow 166 yds/gm
with 4 TDs to opposing WRs. Deion Branch and
Troy Brown are still not ready for primetime and
Bethel Johnson - for whatever reason -
hasn't stepped up yet. Look for the Davids to
keep getting the majority of targets again this
week.
Worth a gamble?
Justin McCareins, NYJ at NE
McCareins is killing everyone who drafted
him, but something's gotta give here. It's not
just him. Santana Moss isn't productive either.
The Jets are just running the ball and winning
more than in the past. Chalk it up to better
defense. This week they'll need to throw a
little more against the Patriots. Whether that
means McCareins can put together even 60 yds
remains to be seen.
Backup or slot WRs that are possible
options this week
Jerome Pathon, NO at OAK
If Donte Stallworth can't go on Sunday, move
Pathon up the ranks considerably. He's been semi-productive out of the slot but
if he moves into a starting position with Philip Buchanan likely working against
him - then he'll be a frequent target for Brooks and a solid sleeper this week
to produce starter-quality numbers.
Eddie Berlin, Ten at MIN
Berlin is already riding a little wave of
increased playing time and production. The
Vikings are sure to put points on the board and
the Titans are sure to be throwing frequently at
some point. Drew Bennett is still having
problems with his ribs and assorted injuries and
Tyrone Calico, of course, is out for the year.
That means the Titans are counting on Berlin to
step up and become a formidable part of their WR
corps. He should be good for 3-5 catches at
least - which means possibly 40 to 70 yards and
an outside shot of scoring.
Ernest Wilford, Jac at IND
Just a hunch here.. Wilford is due for one
of those 2 catch games with a TD. Leftwich will
certainly be slinging away against the Colts and
Wilford has developed a nice rapport with him.
If the Jags get Leftwich in the shotgun
formation playing catch up football, then
Wilford's chances of producing or scoring a TD
increase substantially. And I do think that's
what will materialize sooner or later in this
game.
Joe Jurevicius, TB vs Chi
Another hunch.. Charles Lee is questionable
to play this week but Joe Jurevicius has
reportedly worked out full strength in practice
most or all of the week without any setbacks.
Jon Gruden said he expects Jurevicius to play
but he probably won't be on the field full-time.
Still, with his size and hands he could be a
nice weapon downfield as defenses begin to pay
more attention to the rookie Clayton.
Troy Edwards, Jac at IND
Edwards has been a consistent 3 to 4 catch WR the past several weeks. He's
got a niche in the Jags offense and could be
utilized more frequently this week considering
the Colts dearth of talent at corner. All of the
Jags WRs get a bump this week, but Edwards
hasn't made his mark or caught a TD yet and this
could be the week when he does.
Kelly Campbell, MIN vs Ten
He's been left out of the party lately. If
Moss doesn't suit up this week, Campbell's odds
go up for hitting pay dirt.
..and finally if you're REALLY
desperate
Keenan McCardell, SD at CAR
I wouldn't recommend putting McCardell in
the lineup yet, but I'm sure somebody will..
Reggie Williams, Jac at IND
Williams has barely registered a blip on the
radar so far. He's been knocking on the door a
few times as far as near TDs go, but like
Edwards and the other Jags WRs this could be the
week to roll the dice on him if you're still
holding him for any other reason than a dynasty
league owner.
Tight Ends
Jermaine Wiggins, MIN vs Ten
The Titans have allowed 7 TDs in 5 games to opposing TEs. Wiggins scored
twice last week. Think he's a good matchup play this week? He's among the top 5
fantasy TEs on a pts score per game basis. In just 3 games, he's got 15 catches
with 2 TDs. Put two and two together and Wiggins has a chance to emerge as one
of the top scoring TEs in week 7.
Jerramy Stevens, Sea at ARI
He's on a roll and facing the 2nd best
defensive matchup for TEs judging by fantasy pts
allowed by position. The Cardinals are giving up
60 yds/gm with 3 TDs to the big men. Stevens
looks primed to emerge as a top 5 fantasy TE in
the 2nd half of the season potentially. There's
no doubting his talent, it's just a matter of
developing some consistency. When (and if) these
two things come together for Stevens he'll be a
bon-a-fide fantasy stud TE. For now, let's
contain our enthusiasm and keep him on the short
list of TEs that are out producing their
expectations.
Dallas Clark, IND vs Jac
Clark caught a TD two weeks ago and should
resume his productive ways this week now that he is completely healthy. Then
again, Marcus
Pollard is expected back, which may or may not hurt Clark's numbers. Having
both of these guys healthy and available gives coordinator Tom Moore a lot of options
to work with. Moore loves to utilize the double TE formation, but the emergence
of Brandon Stokley means the Colts are using more 3 WR sets this year as opposed
to the past. The Jags are also the 3rd best fantasy matchup
for TEs allowing 49 yds/gm with 4 TDs.
Courtney Anderson, OAK vs NO
The Saints are the 7th best matchup for TEs and Anderson seems to be growing
into a nice role within Norv Turner's scheme.
The Saints have allowed 42 yds/gm to TEs with 3
TDs. With Jerry Rice out of the picture and
Ronald Curry questionable with a hammy, it's not
without question that Anderson could see more
targets in the passing game. The Raiders should
have success running the football which usually
bodes well for the TE, too.
..and a few real long shots
Kris Mangum, CAR vs SD
The Chargers are allowing 38 yds/gm to opposing TEs with 3 TDs in 6 games.
Mangum isn't the best fantasy option by any means, but he's fairly consistent
with 2 to 3 catches per game and with a decent matchup he could be perhaps worth
considering.
Kyle Brady, Jac at IND
While George Wrighster isn't close to 100% (but could play this
week), Brady could once again have a nice opportunity to produce
for the 2nd straight week since returning from
injury. Against the Colts, Leftwich will
probably need to throw
frequently making Brady a decent candidate to produce useful numbers again this week.
Ben Troupe, Ten at MIN
Erron Kinney remains out as is Shad Meier leaving Steve McNair with Ben
Troupe as his starting TE this week. Last week Troupe was the lone trooper as
well, but he wasn't all that productive. The Titans make frequent use of their
TEs typically. And while Troupe is tremendously talented, he's still a rookie
and has struggled with the playbook and learning the ropes in the NFL. He's not
a great sleeper to be honest, but given his natural talent and opportunity
provided this week, he may be worth a look if you're left with few options.
|