FSH: THE ATL REPORT

July 11th, 2009 4:37pm PST


THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

WR Jabbar Gaffney likely first in line in Denver….
Nothing is a given, but with Marshall sidelined while recovering from offseason surgery Gaffney has been getting the majority of reps starting opposite Eddie Royal. While it looks like a long shot for the Broncos to trade Marshall (that’s what we thought about Cutler), if they did make the move Gaffney is the front-runner. As it stands he’ll likely compete for the slot position, but won’t be expected to make a lot of noise in fantasy this season.

RB Kevin Jones could see substantial time this season...
The Bear’s running back is coming back from ACL surgery and has looked very good. With 2nd year back Forte expected to carry much of the load, an impressive Jones could pick up some substantial time as the primary back-up. Jones will hardly be worth drafting, but if he’s healthy he’ll make an excellent handcuff for the Bears featured back Matt Forte.

Rookie receiver Hakeem Nicks has impressed…..
In New York the Giants top rookie prospect has heads turning. With the release of Plaxico Burress and the offseason departure of Amani toomer, the team will spend the offseason finding and tailoring its new set of starting wideouts. Hicks was drafted to come in and compete this season for playing time. Thus far he has yet to disappoint and it looks like he could make an immediate impact this season. He’ll be “One to watch” this fantasy season.

RB Shaun Alexander still hopeful to play in 2009…
The aging veteran running back is still hopeful he can find work this season, but after his short stint with the Redskins last season, it looks doubtful that fantasy owners will see the leagues former MVP suiting up in 2009. Last season Alexander now 32-yaers old, only saw 11 carries for 24 yards and played in just four games. Injuries always play a huge factor in things, but should injury strike any number of teams this season on the list of options Alexander is likely to be near the bottom.

RB Michael Turner could see fewer carries in 2009….
The Falcons surprise running back wonder in 2008 carried the rock 377 times for nearly 1,700-yards. While he won’t be expected to duplicate the 377 mark, he’ll easily top 300 carries this season and could easily eclipse 1,500 yards again. Last season the Falcons as a team toted the pigskin 560 times (ranked 2nd in the NFL). There is no reason to expect to see that number drop by much, so Turner owners should be able to count on another solid fantasy season.

Brown’s Josh Cribbs a likely holdout this summer….
The Browns special teamer isn’t likely to crack any starting fantasy lineups in 2009, but versatile back will have some influence on special teams for fantasy leagues that employ team defenses and special teams. Cribbs did have one return for a touchdown in 2008, but other than his special teams contribution he offers little or no value to fanasy owners.


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