Alright, we're changing things up again. Tediously picking out 30 players each week is too time-consuming for me and a good portion of it is useless. So I'm thinking I'll just speak my mind a bit. Random comments about the week, guys who will perform and who won't perform. Sleepers and busts. And here's the most important part. I need your questions. Don't know who to start? Leave a comment. Please. Send an email. Listen to the Beantown Breakdown radio show and call in or send in questions. I don't care. But I know you fantasy football players have tough decisions now that bye weeks have started. So why not ask for an extra opinion? Can't hurt, right? As added incentive, I'm succeeding this year in my fantasy league (first place). I'm here to help you!
If your quarterback has a bye week, like mine does, you're likely turning to the waiver wire for a spot-starter. Either that or you are turning to your backup QB, but for some of us (Mike Vick owners, cough cough) our backup isn't serviceable right now. So the waiver wire is the spot, and these are the picks. In 20% of fantasy leagues, Carson Palmer is available. If your league is one of those and you're one of these people, go with him. He's coming off a monster week in which T.O finally played up to his ego. The Bengals just might start snowballing their successes here against a Buccaneers team that really hasn't faced a QB with Palmer's ability thus far. If he's not there, though, I like David Garrard as a backup selection. Garrard is available in nearly 70% of leagues out there, and he's facing a dreadful Buffalo team. After getting torched by the run last week, all of the Bills' defensive resources will go toward stopping MJD. I think Garrard's good for a couple of scores. Finally, Kevin Kolb is actually still out there in about 40% of fantasy leagues. He's the starter this week, folks. He was the Eagles' starter at the beginning of the season. He's worth a shot if you've got nothing better. Go for him. Still, if these guys are all gone, start looking toward the likes of Sam Bradford, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Shaun Hill.
Don't Wait Till Next Week. Sign Brandon Tate.
Take my advice on this one. If you have extra room on your roster, a guy who you really can afford to drop, pick up Brandon Tate. I don't care that the Patriots have a bye week. Like I said, do it if you have room to do it. He's no longer just a superficial option with an occasional kick return threat. He's New England's #1 folks. Welker is still a slot receiver, making him a #2. Tate is our top wideout. He's replacing Moss. The difference is, Tate will give 110% every play and Tate still has to earn his way to the top. He's an extremely talented and explosive young talent. He still will get you an occasional kick return TD. His already decent numbers will spike dramatically with the departure of Randy Moss. And hey -- since when is Tom Brady's #1 wideout a fantasy non-factor? I'm just telling you, I'd snatch him up before the others catch on. I think he's got serious sleeper potential moving forward.
CJ Spiller or Fred Jackson Will Emerge; Grab Lynch, Too.
The Bills entered this season with that 3-headed backfield. After this week's Marshawn Lynch trade to Seattle, Buffalo has just Jackson and Spiller remaining. All three of these guys have gone up in my book. Spiller has given new hope to all the owners who took chances on him. Fred Jackson now has a legitimate shot to seize the #1 spot like he did last season. And Marshawn Lynch will get a fresh start in Seattle. Most analysts believe the Seahawks have never really wanted Justin Forsett to be their feature back. To me, Forsett has never been a real safe play. Lynch will have every opportunity to kick-start his career under Pete Carroll. If you're looking to take a stab at a running back sleeper moving forward, grab Lynch. If you've got one of Buffalo's backs, I would suggest holding out hope until this week passes by.
This Might be the Week for Mathews, Rice, and Wells.
Ryan Mathews has been a huge disappointment this season for owners who reached out to get him, but I think that disappointment ends this week. He figures to be basically back to full health, and he gets an Oakland defense that has given up the most fantasy points to opposing RBs in the NFL. The Chargers figure to be winning this game, even though divisional games can always be unpredictable. Expect them to run the ball and expect Mathews to finally put up a respectable number. Ray Rice, meanwhile, has been an even bigger disappointment. ESPN projects Rice for a mere 6-point performance, probably because Denver is the 2nd best in the NFL at limiting opposing fantasy backs. I'm not a buyer. Denver has only faced RBs of Rice's caliber twice this year, and both guys -- MJD and CJ -- broke 100 yards on the ground. I think this is the week Ray Rice plays like the Ray Rice we saw last season. And finally -- I don't really know why -- but I have a good feeling about Beanie Wells this week. The Cardinals have a pee-wee level passing attack, but Max Hall showed some bright spots last week. If they can get
anything going through the air, Wells should be able to get going on the ground. He's real talented, and that Saints defense hasn't proven they can stop anyone on the ground anyway.
Danny Amendola May be Worth a Look.
I mean, don't take this the wrong way. I'm hardly even calling Amendola a good fantasy option yet. But in deeper leagues, why not take a stab at him? He's available in 94% of leagues right now. So basically you can get him anywhere. He made a stellar one-handed catch in the game last week, which is nothing to write home to your fantasy Gods about. But Sam Bradford has consistently targeted him this season, and against the lowly Lions this week, I don't see any reason why he can't haul one in for a score -- or at least be productive otherwise.
Moss? Immediate Impact.
Lots of people out there are thinking it's going to take time before Moss is a viable option out there in Minnesota. I'm not so sure about that one. We learned in New England how effective Randy can be when he's just straight up running down the field as fast as he can, throwing his arm up, and having his QB let it fly. That's basically what Brett Favre loves to do, even if he throws 47 thousand interceptions in the process. Moss found pay dirt last time he faced Revis and the Jets, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him do it again. If you're a Moss owner, I wouldn't be shying away from starting him.
There's some fantasy thoughts for you. That was a lot easier for me to write, anyway. It probably took just as long. But going through and getting precisely 5 players here, 5 players there ... doesn't it seem a bit monotonous? Like I said, though, speak your mind. Ask me questions. If you're torn between players, I'll help you decide. That's what this website is for when it comes to fantasy football. Helping you win your games. So fire away, folks. Fire away.
