December 4th, 200911:57pm PST
The Fantasy Sports Zone
"Diamonds in the Rough"
(fantasy sleepers)
Players you might want to play now!
There is no rest for the wicked or fantasy owners for that matter. With many custom leagues gearing up for the fantasy playoffs, there will be a many critical matchups this week and every point will count. If you don't quite have what it takes this week and are looking for some possibilities here are few to consider...
This Week's Gems....
In St.Louis....
The Rams offense has not had much to look forward to each week other than their amazing running back, but this week there may be some extra smile in the huddle come Sunday. With a more agile and mobile quarterback in Kyle Boller under center the Rams passing offense may have a chance this week to show some life. With the Bears 14th ranked pass defense having allowed 21 touchdowns this and better than 64 percent pass completion this season, the Rams receiver Donnie Avery could be in line to make some plays on Sunday. There's no question the defense will be keyed to stop the run, allowing Avery to see some favorable coverage. Avery has big game potential and looks primed to improve his five touchdowns total for the season.
In Houston....
Only a few weeks ago with the demotion of running back Steve Slaton it seemed the fantasy world was riding the Ryan Moats bandwagon and with good reason, but funny how quickly things change. The recent word on Slaton's status for Sunday, he's not expected to play; the door does not open for Moats, but rather running back Chris Brown. Facing the 26th ranked pass defense the Texans should have little trouble getting the ball into the red-zone. Brown has the bruising running-style and strength to put the ball in the end-zone; last week he powered his way to 56 yards on 11 carries with a score. Expect to see the Texans to move the ball with ease and Brown to pick-up an easy score or two.
In Philadelphia...
In recent weeks the Eagles have encountered a slew of injuries on offense and with DeSean Jackson already ruled out, the door of opportunities opens again. A few weeks ago I mentioned keep your eye on Eagles receiver Jason Avant. When Jackson went down last week Avant filled in nicely catching five passes for 94 yards. Avant was targeted six times last Sunday and has seen 20 balls in his direction over the past three weeks. In that span the Eagles wideout has caught 17 passes for over 270-yards and due to start this week against the Falcons he could be ready for another big Sunday.
Worth Noting for this week....
With most fantasy leagues preparing for the final weekend of their regular fantasy season, owners are having to make some tough decisions. One decision some owners will face is what to do about all of these concussions? One such affected player that will present a huge dilemna is quarterback Kurt Warner. Last week fantasy owners were let down when the 38 year old veteran had to sit because of lingering concussion symptoms. Warner has practiced , but he will be questionable for Sunday night's matchup with the Vikings. The tough choice here is risking a start with a player who could sit or could even be knocked out early. The Vikings do a good job getting to the quarterback, considering his injury you have to consider Warner to be in a fragile state; how many hits can he take. If this week is a critical matchup fantasy owners may be wise to not take a chance with such a risky play.
By David Ortega
Check back every week for more "Diamonds in the Rough"
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