October 4th, 2008 7:07pm PST
Players On The Move
(WEEK 5 WAIVER WIRE)
Week 4 is in the books, and for those of us buried deep in football excitement, we're now about one third of the way into our fantasy season. So how are we doing? When you look at your team, do you cringe or do you gloat and smile? For some of you sitting at 3-1 or 4-0, you're on a roll, the pieces of the puzzle are in place, and the only thing you are looking for is some added depth to solidify your championship run. For others sitting at 2-2 or worse, this is the time to turn the tide and address your weaknesses, rebuild your strengths, and release some dead weight. Many of us owners were caught up in the preseason hype and let our emotions dictate some of our decision making. Now that the jury is in, we begin to see who's getting it done on the gridiron and who's chasing a pipe dream. It's time to start looking for the needed help, make some moves, and get our teams back on track!
As we look ahead to week 5, here are some of those players that could make the difference you need to keep the "Ws" coming or get you back into that win column!
Willy Wants Ya (Weekly)"Golden Ticket"
This week's Tickets...
RB-LeRon McClain (Bal)....the Ravens big boy has been getting it done week in and week out. McClain has been a consistent fantasy scorer with his three touchdowns on the season. It looks like HC John Harbaugh is taking a fancy to the teams "big set" power I-formation with McClain and FB Lorenzo Neal. It's not likely that McClain will ever accumulate over 100 yards, but he'll be the punisher inside the 5 getting those extra scores, and the pounder that wears the defense down in the 4th quarter. With the rookie Flacco remaining the quarterback, expect the Ravens to continue this commitment to run and McClain to be a serviceable fill-in and flex option.
WR-Steve Breaston (Ari)....the big news confirmed is Boldin is OUT making Breaston a hot item on the Waiver Wire in most leagues. Breton probably won't see the same amount of targets that Boldin would normally see, but playing opposite Fitzgerald, he's instantly a serviceable low end WR2 or flex option.
RB-Deuce McAllister (NO)....last week, the Deuce made his first start of the year and carried the ball 20 times. Although Monday is not the most favorable matchups going up against the Vikings, McAllister will give the Saints consistency running the ball inside and handle the short-yardage and goal line carries. With the Saints aerial attack, the Deuce could find a few seams and chew some yards. It's not likely he'll have a big day this Monday night, but if you need a plug-in for this week and/or down the road, with better matchups McAllister should be able to fill the void.
more "Boys on the Move"...
If your lineup has a few holes, if it's not too late to make a move, these are the guys that could provide some temporary relief you need this week.
Deion Branch WR & Bobby Engram WR (Sea)-....the Seahawks receiver has been practicing a couple of weeks and just days ago was looking very good and explosive in practice. In his first four games last season, before going down with a knee injury, Branch was leading the team with 22 receptions and Engram was second with 19. In his first three games this season, the Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck has had to search for receiver's to throw to. It shouldn't take him long to find either one of these guys. Owners shouldn't expect big results out of the gate, but if you're needing help at the position, either Seahawk should provide relief in the weeks to come!
Rudi Johnson RB (Det)-....the Lions return from the bye with a couple of changes, Johnson is now their starter at running back. Although they have he has tough matchup this week and the Lions are expecting to open things up, I expect to see Johnson stayed involved with the pass as well as the run. In week three, prior to the Lions bye week, Johnson chipped in with 83 yards rushing and 3 catches for another 48 yards. Even as the Lions starter, Johnson will likely split carries with rookie RB Kevin Smith. Fantasy owners should not consider RJ any more than a decent RB3 or flex option at this time.
Devin Hester WR (Chi)-....with the Bears receiving corp in shambles (Lloyd OUT, Booker doubtful) it looks like, if healthy Hester will draw the start this Sunday against the Lions. Hester became more involved in the offense last week against a good Eagles defense. Hester had a carry for 15 yards and added 3 catches for 27 yards, including a 20 yard touchdown reception. Facing a weak Lion defense this week, Hester could be targeted quite often. Owners needing a serviceable fill-in, can look at Hester as a possible option. His big play ability makes him a good bet to reach the end-zone.
"Diamond in the Rough"
Once again here are some "Hidden Jewels" that may have been overlooked when the season began or passed over as after thought, but are on the brink of making a little noise and could be on their way to fantasy relevance.
Your Week 5 Deep Sleepers...
Steve Smith-WR (NYG).....the Giants are without Plaxico Burress this week and with the Seahawks likely to show WR Amani Toomer more attention, players like Smith could find themselves getting open on Sunday. In week 3 prior to the bye, Eli hooked up with Smith 7 times, look for this trend to continue with Plax out of the line up. Fantasy owners might not be able to fill a pressing need here with Smith, but he's definitely worth watching. As teams try to double Burress and with Toomer slowing down, the Giants 2nd year receiver could emerge a reliable target for Manning down the stretch.
James Jones-WR (GB).....the Packers 2nd year receiver could make his return to the field this week after missing a couple of games with a knee injury. If healthy Jones could make an immediate impact as he did back in week two (4 receptions, including a touchdown), but with Rodgers slowed by a shoulder injury, fantasy owners would be advised not to move too quickly, unless you have the room on your roster.
"Lying in wait" under watchful eyes...
...these are those players through week 4, that are not still not considered serviceable options, but should be kept an eye on as their situations could suddenly change making them fantasy relevant and worthy of a spot on your roster!
Running Backs
Ryan Torain (Den)...I really didn't expect the Broncos to be needing help with the running game this season. It seemed when the season started they were loaded, but it clearly looks as if Shanahan has no confidence in his current corp of backs and the team could be counting the days for Torain's return. The Bronco's rookie runner has a similar style and build to a former Bronco running back (that has the initials T.D.) that Bronco fans adorned, and this similarity could be the right fit to get the ground game rolling as it once did. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the Denver backfield rotation. If we see no changes in the coming weeks as the Broncos near their bye, this could be the opportunity Torain will need to crack the line-up!
Wide Receivers
Kevin Curtis (Phi)....the Eagles receiver is not ready to return and it could be a few weeks before he does, but when Curtis is healthy and gets back out there, he will help any fantasy team. McNabb and Curtis developed great chemistry last season, and by the time Curtis is on the field and back to football speed it could be just in time for your fantasy championship run. If you have the roster space, now might be the time to snatch this speedster who is getting close to returning.
Drew Bennett (Stl)....this could be just a stretch, but with the rookie Donnie Avery now starting, by the time Bennett returns Avery's presence could help open things up in the passing game. Bennett is a big (6'5") sure-handed receiver when healthy. If he can get back on the field, with Avery in the slot, Bennett could see more single coverage against smaller corners. For owners in deep leagues needing help, a situation to keep your eye on for a while.
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