FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

October 7th, 2009 11:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

Players you should watch and few to grab!
With our continued watch from week to week, the search continues for those select gems that look primed and ready to breakout at a moments notice. With four weeks now history, we’ve had a good look at plenty of possibilities, but only a handful this week show the real promise some owners may have to bank on to keep their season heading in the right direction.

Whether you are riding high on a four week winning streak or just hoping to stop the bleeding you need to know which players will offer your team the best chances at securing a win in week five. With notable offenses like the Saints and Packers on bye this week, many owners are going to be searching long and hard for some temporary relief;

This week’s gems…

In Green Bay….
No longer in the rough, this diamond appears ready to shine now. Monday night was just a glimpse of what some believe the Packer’s tight end Jermichael Finley can do. Now that his coming out party has passed, count on seeing more of this kid in weeks ahead. At 6’6” and athletic, there’s no question Rodgers will be looking his way more and count on this 2nd year tight end to see plenty of looks in the Redzone.

In Cleveland….
With the Browns finally showing up to play in week four one of the brighter spots on Sunday was the play of running back Jerome Harrison. Now Harrison may not be a favorable long term option, but for the moment his shine is brilliant. Coming off a career day, 29 carries and 121 yards rushing Harrison is looking at a good matchup for week 5 against the Bills 27th ranked run defense that is allowing 4.8 yards per carry. Harrison might not have another career day, but the prospects of having a good one look bright. He’ll be a hit and miss from week to week with matchups being a consideration, but he’s shown much ability and great promise.

In Denver….
He’s hardly put up the numbers of a starting fantasy running back, but already we’ve seen the signs of rookie Knowshon Moreno’s greatness. In his first four games he’s yet to bust the century mark, but consistently he’s been getting the touches. With starter Correll Buckhalter sideline, this could be Moreno’s time to shine. In his last three games he’s averaged 19 touches and leads the team with 60 carries. This unpolished gem has tremendous talent and ability and is poised to become a star; something many figured would come later, but it appears his time is now.

In New York….
The team’s newest acquisition wide receiver Braylon Edwards could be a featured component in the Jets aerial attack Monday night against a suspect Miami pass defense. Edwards leaves a ton of baggage behind, but arrives in the big Apple with a clean slate. Already slotted to start, Edwards is a dark horse just waiting to run wild. We’ve seen Edwards perform at a high level in the past and with a new team and a new start, we could see him return again. This week against a secondary that has been burned five times for 40 yards or more, Edwards could flourish. Look for this trade and first game to kick start Edwards going forward.

Worth keeping your eye on for now

So far in this young 2009 season rookie wide receiver Kenny Britt has been a bright star in the titans passing game. Overshadowed by the veteran talent at the receiver spot, Britt has managed to hold his own, leading the team with 17 catches and 271 yards receiving. With a potential shootout looming this Sunday night, keep your eye on this kid as he continues to get better.

The Texan’s receiver Andre Davis is off to a very slow start this season with just three catches. Davis has missed the last three weeks due to injury, but will make his return this Sunday on the road against Arizona. Davis is coming off a poor production season in 2008, but with stability under center and his deep threat ability, the Texans could work him more into the gameplan. The Cards do allow 8 yards per pass (ranks 29th) and have been burned 10 times for 20 yards or more this season. Keep your eye on Davis.

Remember to check back for more "Diamonds in the Rough!"