TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK
What to make of Week 7
Steven still going Strong
For fantasy owners there was a lot to take note of this past Sunday; the Saints resiliency, the Cardinals dominance in the secondary, and the continued success of Peyton Manning and his Colts. In light of these occurrences a couple of other things stand out that fantasy owners should consider.
Despite the continued ineptitude of the Rams passing game, a healthy Steven Jackson continues to have success on the ground (averaging 114-yards per game). If the Rams can just get him more involved in the passing attack they might be able to score a few points. Jackson is greatly under-used out of the backfield with 21 receptions for only 169 yards. Even with the lack of scoring this season (no touchdowns), Jackson remains a high number two fantasy back.
Looking under the microscope
The Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker started off the 2009 a little slow, but his recent production has been on the rise with four touchdowns in his last three starts. Welker was a little dinged up to start the season, but he is being highly targeted by quarterback Tom Brady and results are starting to show. Welker has caught 28 passes in his last three and with two consecutive 100-yard receiving efforts, despite what people may have believed about Welker’s short yardage role he’s playing more like a number one fantasy receiver. His fantasy points in his last three games; 14 points, 27 points, and 16 points. There are not many better right now.
Although he has been consistent much of this young 2009 season, the Bengal’s running back Cedric Benson was a huge surprise on Sunday with a monster game. Benson is not likely to be considered a top tier fantasy runner, but after his 189 yards against the Bears it will be tough to deny that he’s a strong weekly starter. The Bengals look much improved and balanced and with Benson running as well as he is, he’s a must start every week.
In week 7 the return of Alex Smith was unexpected for many fantasy owners, but a welcomed one. His presence under center will give the offense and in particular the passing game a boost. Fantasy owners should note that tight end Vernon Davis already playing like a number one fantasy tight end will see his value rise, as will rookie receiver Michael Crabtree.
Down in Miami Saints running back Pierre Thomas appeared to have gotten lost in the everglades in the second half of the Saints matchup with the Dolphins. Thomas gained 21 total yards in the first half and then completely disappeared in the second half gaining only another 10. After totaling 330 yards over his previous three games, his 31 yards on Sunday was a huge let down for fantasy owners. With Mike Bell stealing most of the work in the second half owners should really try to avoid this three-headed committee of fantasy confusion.
By David Ortega
Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”
No comments:
Post a Comment