THE FANTASY E.R.
Week Eight Surprises & "Eyebrow Raisers"
Every Week fantasy owners are desperately searching for that needed edge, something to get them over the hump and within grasp of that hard to reach "victory." With the waiver wires closing fast for the week, it's time to start looking anywhere and everywhere. With most leagues filled with free agents abound, searching for those hidden gems can be the same as looking for a needle in a haystack. For all of you fantasy gamers help is on the way as we take a look back at last week's performances from the not-so-elite. Fantasy owners take note of these gridiron gladiators that not only caught your eye, but raised a few eyebrows as well!
Strong Arms!
QB-JOE FLACCO (BAL)
The Ravens rookie quarterback was all purpose in Week 8, passing for 140 yards, rushing for 23, and adding a 43 yards reception. Flacco tossed one touchdown and also ran for another finishing off the big fantasy scoring day. (23-FPts)
QB-CHAD PENNINGTON (MIA)
If he hasn't found a home somewhere, the Dolphin's quarterback has sure made a case why he should. Over his last three starts Pennington has been a solid play and last Sunday he did not disappoint; (17-FPts)
QB-DAVID GARRARD (JAX)
The Jaguars quarterback finally started playing the like player he was a season ago. In Week 8 against the Browns, Garrard completed 25 of 42 passes, threw for 283 yards with 2 touchdown passes. Garrard also added 59 yards rushing for the day. (28-FPts)
QB-TYLER THIGPEN (KC)
Perhaps the biggest surprise last Sunday came in Jets-Chiefs game. Quarterback Tyler Thigpen nearly led the Chiefs to a huge upset over the Jets, completing 25 of 36 passes for 280 yards with two touchdowns. He also ran for 20 yards in the Week 8 loss. (25-FPts)
Crazy Legs!
RB-RAY RICE (BAL)
The Rookie running back got a chance to showcase some of his talents last weekend. His recent play has earned him more time on the field and last Sunday against the Raiders Rice ran the ball 8 times for 64 yards and also caught 3 passes for 37 yards. (9-FPts)
RB-RICKY WILLIAMS (MIA)
So far this season it has been the other back in the Dolphin's backfield making all the noise, but in Week 8 Williams got into the act. Ricky Williams only ran for 16 yards, but he found the end-zone once and added 43 receiving yards in the team's big win. (11-FPts)
RB-LEON WASHINGTON (NYJ)
The Jets versatile scat-back scored not once, but twice (one rush, one receive) last Sunday in the team's Week 8 home win. Washington was electric carrying the ball a mere 3 times, but scampering for 67 yards. He also chipped in 3 catches for another 34 yards. (21-FPts)
RB-DEUCE MCALLISTER (NO)
Deuce is being mentioned deservingly so, but it should also be noted he could be suspended very soon. Too bad for owners that rolled the Deuce in Week 8. You managed to take advantage of his 85 total yards and one touchdown performance, but likely won't see that against for a while. (14-FPts)
Good hands people!
WR-STEVE BREASTON (ARI)
The biggest surprise here, had to be with the return of Anquan Boldin, no drop in production for Steve Breaston. Owners in deeper leagues that made a dash to pick up Breatson, may want to continue to play him after his 9 catches for 91 yards in Week 8. (9-FPts)
WR-DONNIE AVERY (STL)
The rookie receiver exploded in Week 8 against the Patriots. The Rams wideout, Donnie Avery caught 6 passes for 163 yards and a 69 yard touchdown catch and run score. (22-FPts)
WR-MATT JONES (JAX)
The Jaguars wide receiver, Matt Jones finally had the breakout Sunday fantasy owners were hoping he'd have. All season Jones has been a steady play, but on Sunday in Week 8 Jones pulled in 8 passes for 117 receiving yards and added a score. (17-FPts)
WR-KEVIN WALTER (HOU)
The Texans number two receiver could be the best in the NFL with 5 receiving touchdowns this season. With his counterpart grabbing headlines each week, Walter continues to do the dirty work. Last Sunday the Texans receiver caught 5 passes for 70 yards and scored twice. (19-FPts)
TE-BILLY MILLER (NO)
With tight end Jeremy Shockey hobbling, Biller Miller emerged as a Week 8 surprise catching a number of passes. Miller raised a few eyebrows with his receiving totals; 7 receptions for 82 yards. (8-FPts)
IDP Leagues...
LB ZACH THOMAS (DAL)
The Cowboys high profile free-agent signing in the off-season, Zach Thomas led the defensive charge on Sunday with 11 tackles (including 8 solo). Fantasy owners looking for IDP help could do worse than Thomas as the LB position.
LB JOEY PORTER (MIA)
If he didn't catch your eye, there's no question this IDP had to catch the attention of his former team (Pittsburgh) that let him get away. Porter had a huge day in Week 8 with 5 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 sacks making him a solid IDP start.
DL SHAUN ROGERS (CLE)
Last Sunday, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers was an IDP monster against the Jaguars, recording 9 solo tackles and adding a sack in the team's week 8 win over Jacksonville.
DL CHRIS LONG (STL)
The Rams rookie defensive lineman was noteworthy IDP start with 4 tackles and two sacks last week in the team's Week 8 loss to the Patriots. Long now has 4 sacks for the year.
More notable surprises from some fantasy "Hidden-Jewels"
- The Patriots running game got a lift in Week 8 from RB Kevin Faulk, who rushed 13 times for 60 yards on the ground and added 4 receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown.
- The Rams were without one of their big guns last Sunday, but RB Antonio Pittman was admirable replacement. Pittman carried the rock 19 times for 83 yards (4.3 yds/carry) and added 3 catches for 25 yards. (10-FPts)
- The Chiefs newest addition to the passing game, WR Mark Bradley raised a few eyebrows last Sunday. Bradley caught 5 passes for only 42 yards, but did have a touchdown. (10-FPts)
- The Rams QB Marc Bulger finally broke out of his slump in Week 8. Against the Patriots Bulger completed 18 of 34 passes for 304 yards passing with a touchdown and a pick. (16-FPts)
- The Giants don't miss their former tight end that plays in New Orleans these days. In week 8, TE Kevin Boss helped the team to forget the former just a little more. Last Sunday Boss caught 4 passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. (9-FPts)
- The Steelers WR Nate Washington only caught one pass, but it was enough to turn a few heads and raise a few eyebrows. Washington connected with his quarterback on a 65 yard touchdown strike in Week 8. (12-FPts)
- The Steelers also received another surprise performance from RB MeWelde Moore who carried the ball 19 times for 84 yards, caught the ball 2 times for another 10 yards, and added one touchdown. (15-FPts)
- The Jaguars WR Reggie Williams found the end-zone in Week 8 and finished the day with 3 catches for 42 yards and a touchdown (10-FPts)
- With the team's starter sitting last Sunday, TE Steve Heiden came up with a few big plays and continues to raise many eyebrows. Heiden was active in the pass game last week, pulling in 3 passes for 73 yards. (7-FPts)
Keep watching every Sunday for more "Eyebrow raising" performances from some of those guys you didn't expect to see on the highlight reel!
**noted scoring based on standard rules.
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