Bye Week Pickups

Teams on bye: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens

QB Jon Kitna, Dallas: Kitna has been a solid starter for three different teams in his career, but his last meaningful season was in 2007. Still, he’s got enough offensive weapons to be a decent fantasy option.

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo: Besides being incredibly smart (Harvard grad), Fitzpatrick has brought some much needed consistency to the Bills offense. Against arguably the best defense in football, Fitzpatrick threw for 382 yards and four touchdowns. More importantly, he’s got at least two touchdowns in each of the games he’s started. And he’s available in 95% of leagues.

QB Matthew Stafford, Detroit: The Lions offense has improved to the point that Shaun Hill was a decent fantasy option for a few weeks. Just think how good it could be with a former number one overall pick. Stafford is available in more than 70% of leagues.

RB LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay: Blount was given more than 10 carries for the first time this season, and he rewarded the Bucs with more than 70 yards. He’s slowly but surely taking over the top spot, and could be a very good sleeper option for fantasy playoff time.

RB Donald Brown, Indianapolis: Still available in 40% of leagues, and should see the bulk of the carries against Houston. The Colts learned from their first game that they need to win the time of possession battle, and establishing the run is the way to do that.

RB Derrick Ward, Houston: The Texans want to keep Arian Foster fresh, and Ward has been a pleasant surprise. He’s scored a touchdown in each of the past three games, and more importantly, has increased his role. We saw what the Texans running game did to the Colts in the first game; Ward could be a solid flex play this week.

WR Steve Johnson, Buffalo: Everyone knows about the big play threat that is Lee Evans. But the guy lining up on the other side is putting up similar numbers. Johnson has touchdowns in the last four games, and the Bills passing attack is better than you’d think (see above).

WR Patrick Crayton, San Diego: I brought this guy up on my radio show (Fantasy Football Friday on Sportsradio1400). With Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee both nursing injuries, Crayton has stepped in as the top wide receiver. We know the Chargers like to air it out, and he’s still available in 55% of leagues.

WR James Jones, Green Bay: It’s hard to decipher how bad Donald Driver’s injury is, but we do know that with Driver playing limited snaps last Sunday, Jones stepped in to put up over 100 yards receiving. If you have Driver, you might want to hedge your bets with JJ.

TE Owen Daniels, Houston: Available in way too many leagues (44%) and he’s finally turned the corner following last year’s season ending injury. Coming off a bye, I expect some fresh legs and big numbers. This could very well be the week he gets his first touchdown.

TE Jacob Tamme, Indianapolis: Dallas Clark has been lost for the season, and someone needs to line up at tight end for the Colts. I don’t know how much of a fantasy option Tamme will actually be, but Peyton Manning has shown that he loves to spread the ball around.

Week 8 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, IND (vs. Houston)

2. Matt Schaub, HOU (vs. Indianapolis)

3. Philip Rivers, SD (vs. Tennessee)

4. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (at New Orleans)

5. Aaron Rodgers, GB (at New York Jets)

6. Kyle Orton, DEN (at San Francisco)

7. Drew Brees, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

8. Carson Palmer, CIN (vs. Miami)

9. Tom Brady, NE (vs. Minnesota)

10. Chad Henne, MIA (at Cincinnati)

11. Matt Cassel, KC (vs. Buffalo)

12. Donovan McNabb, WAS (at Detroit)

13. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (vs. Green Bay)

14. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (at Kansas City)

15. Jon Kitna, DAL (vs. Jacksonville)

16. Matthew Stafford, DET (vs. Washington)

17. Josh Freeman, TB (at Arizona)

18. Matt Moore, CAR (at St. Louis)

19. Brett Favre, MIN (at New England)

20. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA (at Oakland)

21. Vince Young, TEN (at San Diego)

22. Troy Smith, SF (vs. Denver)

23. Jason Campbell, OAK (vs. Seattle)

24. David Garrard, JAC (at Dallas)

25. Sam Bradford, STL (vs. Carolina)

Running backs

1. Adrian Peterson, MIN (at New England)

2. Arian Foster, HOU (at Indianapolis)

3. Steven Jackson, STL (vs. Carolina)

4. Frank Gore, SF (vs. Denver)

5. Jamaal Charles, KC (vs. Buffalo)

6. Chris Johnson, TEN (at San Diego)

7. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (at Dallas)

8. Darren McFadden, OAK (vs. Seattle)

9. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (at New Orleans)

10. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (vs. Green Bay)

11. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (at Oakland)

12. Cedric Benson, CIN (vs. Miami)

13. Ryan Torain, WAS (at Detroit)

14. Jahvid Best, DET (vs. Washington)

15. Felix Jones, DAL (vs. Jacksonville)

16. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (at San Francisco)

17. Thomas Jones, KC (vs. Buffalo)

18. DeAngelo Williams, CAR (at St. Louis) ** Injury Concern

19. Ronnie Brown, MIA (at Cincinnati)

20. Shonn Greene, NYJ (vs. Green Bay)

21. Fred Jackson, BUF (at Kansas City)

22. Beanie Wells, ARI (vs. Tampa Bay)

23. Brandon Jackson, GB (at New York Jets)

24. Ryan Mathews, SD (vs. Tennessee)

25. Jonathan Stewart, CAR (at St. Louis)

26. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (vs. Minnesota)

27. Donald Brown, IND (vs. Houston)

28. LeGarrette Blount, TB (at Arizona)

29. Chris Ivory, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

30. Ricky Williams, MIA (at Cincinnati)

31. Michael Bush, OAK (vs. Seattle)

32. Marion Barber, DAL (vs. Jacksonville)

33. Mike Tolbert, SD (vs. Tennessee)

34. Danny Woodhead, NYJ (vs. Minnesota)

35. Derrick Ward, HOU (at Indianapolis)

36. Justin Forsett, SEA (at Oakland)

37. Cadillac Williams, TB (at Arizona)

38. C.J. Spiller, BUF (at Kansas City)

39. Reggie Bush, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

40. Tim Hightower, ARI (vs. Tampa Bay)

41. Mike Hart, IND (vs. Houston)

42. John Kuhn, GB (at New York Jets)

43. Keiland Williams, WAS (at Detroit)

44. Darren Sproles, SD (vs. Tennessee)

45. Mewelde Moore, PIT (at New Orleans)

46. Bernard Scott, CIN (vs. Miami)

47. Javon Ringer, TEN (at San Diego)

48. Kevin Smith, DET (vs. Washington)

49. Ladell Betts, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

50. Correll Buckhalter, DEN (at San Francisco)

Wide receivers

1. Andre Johnson, HOU (at Indianapolis)

2. Calvin Johnson, DET (vs. Washington)

3. Miles Austin, DAL (vs. Jacksonville)

4. Reggie Wayne, IND (vs. Houston)

5. Brandon Marshall, MIA (at Cincinnati)

6. Hines Ward, PIT (at New Orleans)

7. Randy Moss, MIN (at New England)

8. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (vs. Miami)

9. Dwayne Bowe, KC (vs. Buffalo)

10. Santana Moss, WAS (at Detroit)

11. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (at San Francisco)

12. Greg Jennings, GB (at New York Jets)

13. Pierre Garcon, IND (vs. Houston)

14. Marques Colston, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

15. Percy Harvin, MIN (at New England)

16. Mike Wallace, PIT (at New Orleans)

17. Wes Welker, NE (vs. Minnesota)

18. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (vs. Tampa Bay)

19. Kenny Britt, TEN (at San Diego)

20. Terrell Owens, CIN (vs. Miami)

21. Mike Williams, TB (at Arizona)

22. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (vs. Green Bay)

23. Steve Smith, CAR (at St. Louis)

24. Dez Bryant, DAL (vs. Jacksonville)

25. Michael Crabtree, SF (vs. Denver)

26. Patrick Crayton, SD (vs. Tennessee)

27. Lee Evans, BUF (at Kansas City)

28. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (vs. Green Bay)

29. Davone Bess, MIA (at Cincinnati)

30. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (at San Francisco)

31. Deion Branch, NE (vs. Minnesota)

32. Donald Driver, GB (at New York Jets) ** Injury Concern

33. Steve Johnson, BUF (at Kansas City)

34. Mike Williams, SEA (at Oakland)

35. Roy Williams, DAL (vs. Jacksonville)

36. Buster Davis, SD (vs. Tennessee)

37. Lance Moore, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

38. Robert Meachem, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

39. James Jones, GB (vs. New York Jets)

40. Nate Burleson, DET (vs. Washington)

41. Eddie Royal, DEN (at San Francisco)

42. Danny Amendola, STL (vs. Carolina)

43. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC (at Dallas)

44. Jacoby Jones, HOU (at Indianapolis)

45. David Gettis, CAR (at St. Louis)

46. Nate Washington, TEN (at San Diego)

47. Kevin Walter, HOU (at Indianapolis)

48. Mike Thomas, JAC (at Dallas)

49. Steve Breaston, ARI (vs. Tampa Bay)

50. Jordy Nelson, GB (at New York Jets)

Tight ends

1. Antonio Gates, SD (vs. Tennessee)

2. Jason Witten, DAL (vs. Jacksonville)

3. Vernon Davis, SF (vs. Denver)

4. Dustin Keller, NYJ (vs. Green Bay)

5. Chris Cooley, WAS (at Detroit)

6. Aaron Hernandez, NE (Minnesota)

7. Zach Miller, OAK (vs. Seattle)

8. Heath Miller, PIT (at New Orleans)

9. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (vs. New England)

10. Owen Daniels, HOU (at Indianapolis)

11. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (vs. Washington)

12. Tony Moeaki, KC (vs. Buffalo)

13. Kellen Winslow, TB (at Arizona)

14. John Carleson, SEA (at Oakland)

15.  Jeremy Shockey, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

16. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (vs. Miami)

17. Mercedes Lewis, JAC (at Dallas)

18. Anthony Fasano, MIA (at Cincinnati)

19. Bo Scaife, TEN (at San Diego)

20. Andrew Quarless, GB (at New York Jets)

21. Rob Gronkowski, NE (vs. Minnesota)

22. Tony Scheffler, DET (vs. Washington)

23. David Thomas, NO (vs. Pittsburgh)

24. Jacob Tamme, IND (vs. Houston)

25. Michael Hoomanawanui, STL (vs. Carolina)

Defense/Special Teams

1. Dallas Cowboys (vs. Jacksonville)

2. New York Jets (vs. Green Bay)

3. Tennessee Titans (at San Diego)

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (at New Orleans)

5. Washington Redskins (at Detroit)

6. Green Bay Packers (at New York Jets)

7. Seattle Seahawks (at Oakland)

8. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Buffalo)

9. St. Louis Rams (vs. Carolina)

10. San Francisco 49ers (vs. Denver)

11. Minnesota Vikings (at New England)

12. New England (vs. Minnesota)

13. New Orleans Saints (vs. Pittsburgh)

14. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Miami)

15. Oakland Raiders (vs. Seattle)

16. San Diego Chargers (vs. Tennessee)

17. Denver Broncos (at San Francisco)

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Arizona)

19. Miami Dolphins (at Cincinnati)

20. Indianapolis Colts (vs. Houston)

21. Houston (at Indianapolis)

22.) Carolina Panthers (at St. Louis)

23. Detroit Lions (vs. Washington

24. Arizona Cardinals (vs. Tampa Bay)

25. Buffalo Bills (at Kansas City)

Posted under Uncategorized

Bye Week Pickups

Teams on bye: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Houston Texans

QB: Matt Cassel, KC: Don’t look now, but Cassel has put up two straight games with 20 points or more. He’s got the Jaguars, Bills and Oakland as his next three opponents. Just saying.

QB: Colt McCoy, CLE: Let me begin by saying Colt-45 should likely not be on your team. But if you are really in dire straits, you could find a worse guy. In his first start, he faced the league’s toughest defense and put up 281 yards and a touchdown.

RB: Chris Ivory, NO: As I’m typing this, I can hear fantasy owners across the country putting a waiver claim on this guy. 15 carries and 158 yards are impressive for a guy who’s owned in just 2% of leagues. He won’t be available for long.

RB: Mike Bell, CLE: Peyton Hillis is nursing an injury, and the team is thin at every skill position. Certainly worth a flier this week.

WR: Roy Williams, DAL: How is he only owned in 66 percent of leagues? Yes he has not lived up to the hype, but the dude has produced. In his last three games, he’s caught 14 passes and five touchdowns. I don’t care who you have, your team could use that type of production.

WR: Deion Branch, NE: Owned in just 13% of leagues – for now. Despite his time away from the Pats, he stepped right back in as Brady’s favorite guy.

TE: Benjamin Watson, CLE: Leads the Browns in every receiving category. Both their top wideouts are injured and a rookie quarterback is under center. Who else will Colt McCoy throw to?

TE: Aaron Hernandez, NE: He’s available in 43% of leagues. Seriously, how is that possible?

Week 7 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Drew Brees, NO (vs. Cleveland)

2. Philip Rivers, SD (vs. New England)

3. Kyle Orton, DEN (vs. Oakland)

4. Tony Romo, DAL (vs. New York Giants)

5. Aaron Rodgers, GB (vs. Minnesota)

6. Tom Brady, NE (at San Diego)

7. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (at Miami)

8. Eli Manning, NYG (at Dallas)

9. Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. Buffalo)

10. Kevin Kolb, PHI (at Tennessee)

11. Brett Favre, MIN (at Green Bay)

12. Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. Cincinnati)

13. Donovan McNabb, WAS (at Chicago)

14. Carson Palmer, CIN (at Atlanta)

15. Jay Cutler, CHI (vs. Washington)

16. Chad Henne, MIA (vs. Pittsburgh)

17. Matt Cassel, KC (vs. Jacksonville)

18. Alex Smith, SF (at Carolina)

19. Josh Freeman, TB (vs. St. Louis)

20. Sam Bradford, STL (at Tampa Bay)

21. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA (at Arizona)

22. Vince Young, TEN (vs. Philadelphia)

23. Colt McCoy, CLE (vs. New Orleans)

24. Matt Moore, CAR (vs. San Francisco)

25. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (at Baltimore)

Running backs

1. Frank Gore, SF (at Carolina)

2. Chris Johnson, TEN (vs. Philadelphia)

3. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (at Miami)

4. Ray Rice, BAL (s. Buffalo)

5. Adrian Peterson, MIN (at Green Bay)

6. Steven Jackson, STL (at Tampa Bay)

7. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (at Kansas City)

8. Jamaal Charles, KC (vs. Jacksonville)

9. Michael Tuner, ATL (vs. Cincinnati)

10. LeSean McCoy, PHI (at Tennessee)

11. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (at Dallas)

12. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (vs. Arizona)

13. Ryan Torain, WAS (at Chicago)

14. Cedric Benson, CIN (at Atlanta)

15. Peyton Hillis, CLE (at New Orleans)

16. DeAngelo Williams, CAR (vs. San Francisco)

17. Matt Forte, CHI (vs. Washington)

18. Ryan Mathews, SD (vs. New England)

19. Felix Jones, DAL (s. New York Giants)

20. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (vs. Oakland)

21. Beanie Wells, ARI (at Seattle)

22. Chris Ivory, NO (vs. Cleveland)

23. Thomas Jones, KC (vs. Jacksonville)

24. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (at San Diego)

25. Ronnie Brown, MIA (vs. Pittsburgh)

26. Fred Jackson, BUF (at Buffalo)

27. Darren McFadden, OAK (vs. Oakland)

28. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (at Dallas)

29. Brandon Jackson, GB (vs. Minnesota)

30. Michael Bush, OAK (at Denver)

31. Cadillac Williams, TB (vs. St. Louis)

32. Justin Forsett, SEA (vs. Arizona)

33. Ricky Williams, MIA (vs. Pittsburgh)

34. Ladell Betts, NO (vs. Cleveland)

35. Jonathan Stewart, CAR (vs. San Francisco)

36. Marion Barber, DAL (vs. New York Giants)

37. Mike Tolbert, SD (vs. New England)

38. Danny Woodhead, NE (at San Diego)

39. Pierre Thomas, NO (vs. Cleveland)

40. John Kuhn, GB (vs. Minnesota)

41. Chester Taylor, CHI (vs. Washington)

42. C.J. Spiller, BUF (at Buffalo)

43. Willis McGahee, BAL (vs. Buffalo)

44. Mike Bell, CLE (at New Orleans)

45. Jason Snelling, ATL (vs. Cincinnati)

46. Laurence Maroney, DEN (vs. Oakland)

47. Earnest Graham, TB (vs. St. Louis)

48. Darren Sproles, SD (vs. New England)

49. Jerome Harrison, PHI (at Tennessee)

50. Keiland Williams, WAS (at Chicago)

Wide receivers

1. Randy Moss, MIN (at Green Bay)

2. Brandon Marshall, MIA (vs. Pittsburgh)

3. Anquan Boldin, BAL (s. Buffalo)

4. Miles Austin, DAL (vs. New York Giants)

5. Greg Jennings, GB (s. Minnesota)

6. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (at Tennessee)

7. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (at Seattle)

8. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (at Dallas)

9. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (vs. Oakland)

10. Wes Welker, NE (at San Diego)

11. Mike Wallace, PIT (at Miami)

12. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (at Atlanta)

13. Marques Colston, NO (vs. Cleveland)

14. Percy Harvin, MIN (at Green Bay)

15. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (at Atlanta)

16. Santana Moss, WAS 9at Chicago)

17. Steve Smith, CAR (vs. San Francisco)

18. Steve Smith, NYG (at Dallas)

19. Hines Ward, PIT (at Miami)

20. Dwayne Bowe, KC (vs. Jacksonville)

21. Michael Crabtree, SF (at Carolina)

22. Deion Branch, NE (at San Diego)

23. Kenny Britt, TEN (vs. Philadelphia)

24. Terrell Owens, CIN (at Atlanta)

25. Roy Williams, DAL (vs. New York Giants)

26. Mike Williams, TB (s. St. Louis)

27. Donald Drier, GB (vs. Minnesota)

28. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (vs. Oakland)

29. Johnny Knox, CHI (vs. Washington)

30. Patrick Crayton, SD (vs. New England)

31. Mike Williams, SEA (vs. Arizona)

32. Dez Bryant, DAL (vs. New York Giants)

33. Buster Davis, SD (vs. New England)

34. Derrick Mason, BAL (vs. Buffalo)

35. Steve Johnson, BUF (at Baltimore)

36. Lance Moore, NO (vs. Cleveland)

37. Robert Meachem, NO (vs. Cleveland)

38. Davone Bess, MIA (vs. Pittsburgh)

39. Danny Amendola, STL (at Tampa Bay)

40. Danario Alexander, STL (at Tampa Bay)

41. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC (at Kansas City)

42. Lee Evans, BUF (at Baltimore)

43. Eddie Royal, DEN (vs. Oakland)

44. Steve Breaston, ARI (at Seattle)

45. Devin Hester, CHI (vs. Washington)

46. Louis Murphy, OAK (at Denver)

47. James Jones, GB (s. Minnesota)

48. Jason Avant, PHI (at Tennessee)

49. Anthony Armstrong, WAS (at Chicago)

50. Mike Thomas, JAC (at Kansas City)

Tight ends

1. Antonio Gates, SD (vs. New England)

2. Vernon Davis, SF (at Carolina)

3. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (vs. Cincinnati)

4. Zach Miller, OAK (at Denver)

5. Jason Witten, DAL (vs. New York Giants)

6. Aaron Hernandez, NE (at San Diego)

7. Heath Miller, PIT (at Miami)

8. Brent Celek, PHI (at Tennessee)

9. Benjamin Watson, CLE (at New Orleans)

10. Tony Moeaki, KC (vs. Jacksonville)

11. Mercedes Lewis, JAC (at Kansas City)

12. Kellen Winslow, TB (vs. St. Louis)

13. John Carlson, SEA (vs. Arizona)

14. Todd Heap, BAL (vs. Buffalo)

15. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (at Green Bay)

16. Chris Cooley, WAS (at Chicago)

17. Jeremy Shockey, NO (vs. Cleveland)

18. Greg Olsen, CHI (s. Washington)

18. Donald Lee, GB (vs. Minnesota)

19. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (at Atlanta)

20. Fred Davis, WAS (at Chicago)

21. Kevin Boss, NYG (at Dallas)

22. Andrew Quarless, GB (vs. Minnesota)

23. Rob Gronkowksi, NE (at San Diego)

24. Bo Scaife, TEN (vs. Philadelphia)

25. Anthony Fasano, MIA (vs. Pittsburgh)

Defense/Special Teams

1. Baltimore Ravens, (vs. Buffalo)

2. New Orleans Saints (vs. Cleveland)

3. Seattle Seahawks (vs. Arizona)

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Miami)

5. San Francisco 49ers (at Carolina)

6. Chicago Bears (vs. Washington)

7. Green Bay Packers (vs. Minnesota)

8. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Jacksonville)

9. Philadelphia Eagles (at Tennessee)

10. New York Giants (at Dallas)

11. Atlanta Falcons (vs. Cincinnati)

12. Minnesota Vikings (at Green Bay)

13. Philadelphia Eagles (at Tennessee)

14. Tennessee Titans (vs. Philadelphia)

15. Washington Redskins (at Chicago)

16. St. Louis Rams (at Tampa Bay)

17. Denver Broncos (vs. Oakland)

18. Dallas Cowboys (vs. New York Giants)

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. St. Louis)

20. San Diego Chargers (vs. New England)

21. New England (at San Diego)

22. Miami Dolphins (vs. Pittsburgh)

23. Carolina Panthers (vs. San Francisco)

24. Arizona Cardinals (at Seattle)

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (at Kansas City)

Posted under Uncategorized

It took just five weeks of the season, but just like every other football season ever played – the injury bug has struck again. While to you and me, it might be devastating that Jermichael Finley is on the sideline for the foreseeable future (it’s not easy to replace his production on the waiver wire), it’s nothing new in the NFL. In his weekly press conference, Packers coach Mike McCarthy put it best: “There is no ‘Woe is me. You don’t have time for that. This is an excellent opportunity for guys to step up and it’s a great time for them to prove themselves.”

He’s right in a sense. No use crying over spilled statistics. You just got to pick yourself up (or a name below on the waiver wire) and keep on chugging. If all else fails, it’s time to pull off a trade. But that’s a conversation for another blog (possibly the next one).

Injury/Bye Week Pickups

Teams on bye: Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers

QB Sam Bradford, STL (vs. San Diego): Over 200 yards in four of five games coupled with double-digit points in two of them, Bradford isn’t a bad pickup on the bye week. Bradford has more touchdowns that Favre, Flacco and McNabb.

QB Shaun Hill, DET (at New York Giants): It’s a general principle, some players are good, and some are bad. I don’t want to burst your bubble too much, but at least this season, Shaun Hill has been in the first group. His 9 touchdown passes tie for third best in the league, and he’s scored 20* points in three of the four games he’s started. He’s only owned in 14% of leagues, so pick him up and enjoy.

QB Alex Smith, SF (vs. Oakland): Listen, you may be mocked by others, but there are statistics to back up the decision to roll with Smith. He’s actually got more points than a guy like Joe Flacco, and looked impressive against Philly. You can throw on Oakland, and he could be a good sleeper pick.

RB Marshawn Lynch, SEA (at Chicago): You don’t buy a new toy to just stare at it in the box. Lynch has the most talent of all the Seahawks backs, and d will be the go-to guy. This isn’t a great matchup, but he’s a good pickup moving forward.

RB Brandon Jackson, GB (vs. Miami): Jackson sputtered out of the gate as a starter, but it seemed with one run last week against the Redskins, he’s a more confident back. He’s available in 46% of leagues and a very nice backup fantasy option moving forward.

RB Cadillac Williams, TB (vs. New Orleans): He’s available in 30% of leagues and is the featured back in an unstable passing game. That’s just not right.

WR Roy Williams, DAL (at Minnesota): I’m not a fan of his personally, but you can’t look past the fact that he’s available in 60% of leagues, yet has more fantasy points than guys like Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson and Brandon Marshall.

WR Davone Bess, MIA (at Green Bay): He’s averaging 7 catches and 90 yards in his last two games. While Charles Woodson matches up with Marshall on the other side, Bess should take advantage against the remaining subpar DBs.

WR Mike Williams, TB (vs. New Orleans): Seriously, I don’t know how many times I need to talk about this guy. He’s still available in 50% of leagues, but has three touchdowns in four games, and is averaging 5 catches and 60 yards a game. That’s the type of consistency you usually can’t find on the waiver wire.

TE Aaron Hernandez, NE (vs. Baltimore): He’s the remaining big play threat the Patriots have in the passing game, and he will get a nice boost with Randy Moss now out of town.

TE Tony Moeaki, KC (at Houston): Moeaki is boring but consistent. He’ll get 5 catches and 50 yards and has been targeted in the end zone. More importantly, he caught every ball thrown his way, something most of the other Chiefs pass catchers can’t even pretend to say.

TE Mercedes Lewis, JAC (at Tennessee): He’s the top option in a Jacksonville passing game that is just finding its groove. More importantly, Lewis is the top option in the red zone (behind MJD of course).

Week 6 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Philip Rivers, SD (at St. Louis)

2. Drew Brees, NO (at Tampa Bay)

3. Peyton Manning, IND (at Washington)

4. Tom Brady, NE (vs. Baltimore)

5. Tony Romo, DAL (at Minnesota)

6. Joe Flacco, BAL (at New England)

7. Eli Manning, NYG (vs. Detroit)

8. Aaron Rodgers, GB (vs. Miami) ** Injury Concern

9. Matt Schaub, HOU (vs. Kansas City)

10. Jay Cutler, CHI (vs. Seattle)

11. Kyle Orton, DEN (vs. New York Jets)

12. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (vs. Cleveland)

13. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (at Denver)

14. Matt Ryan, ATL (at Philadelphia)

15. Donovan McNabb, WAS (vs. Indianapolis)

16. Brett Favre, MIN (vs. Dallas)

17. Kevin Kolb, PHI (vs. Atlanta)

18. Chad Henne, MIA (at Green Bay)

19. Shaun Hill, DET (at New York Giants)

20. David Garrard, JAC (vs. Tennessee)

21. Jason Campbell, OAK (vs. San Francisco)

22. Josh Freeman, TB (vs. New Orleans)

23. Sam Bradford, STL (vs. San Diego)

24. Vince Young, TEN (at Jacksonville)

25. Matt Cassel, KC (at Houston)

Running backs

1. Chris Johnson, TEN (at Jacksonville)

2. Adrian Peterson, MIN (vs. Dallas)

3. Ray Rice, BAL (at New England)

4. Frank Gore, SF (vs. Oakland)

5. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (vs. Cleveland)

6. Michael Turner, ATL (at Philadelphia)

7. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (vs. Tennessee)

8. Steven Jackson, STL (vs. San Diego)

9. LeSean McCoy, PHI (vs. Atlanta)

10. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (vs. Detroit)

11. Arian Foster, HOU (vs. Kansas City)

12. Matt Forte, CHI (vs. Seattle)

13. Jamaal Charles, KC (at Houston)

14. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (at Denver)

15. Ryan Mathews, SD (at St. Louis)

16. Ryan Torain, WAS (vs. Indianapolis)

17. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (at Chicago)

18. Michael Bush, OAK (at San Francisco)

19. Felix Jones, DAL (at Minnesota)

20. Ronnie Brown, MIA (at Green bay)

21. Jahvid Best, DET (at New York Giants)

22. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (vs. Baltimore)

23. Shonn Greene, NYJ (at Denver)

24. Joseph Addai, IND (at Washington)

25. Peyton Hillis, CLE (at Pittsburgh)

26. Thomas Jones, KC (at Houston)

27. Brandon Jackson, GB (vs. Miami)

28. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (vs. New York Jets) ** Injury Concern

29. Cadillac Williams, TB (vs. New Orleans)

30. Ricky Williams, MI (at Green Bay)

31. Marion Barber, DAL (at Minnesota)

32. Pierre Thomas, NO (at Tampa Bay) **Injury Concern

33. Ladell Betts, NO (at Tampa Bay)

34. Darren McFadden, OAK (at San Francisco)

35. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (vs. Detroit)

36. Jason Snelling, ATL (at Philadelphia)

37. Willis McGahee, BAL (at New England)

38. Justin Forsett, SEA (at Chicago)

39. Chester Taylor, CHI (vs. Seattle)

40. Laurence Maroney, DEN (vs. New York Jets)

41. John Kuhn, GB (vs. Miami)

42. Mike Tolbert, SD (at St. Louis)

43. Jerome Harrison, PHI (vs. Atlanta)

44. Chris Ivory, NO (at Tampa Bay)

45. Mike Bell, CLE (at Pittsburgh)

46. Derrick Ward, HOU (vs. Kansas City)

47. Mike Hart, IND (at Washington)

48. Fred Taylor, NE (vs. Baltimore)

49. Donald Brown, IND (at Washington)

50. Darren Sproles, SD (at St. Louis)

Wide receivers

1. Reggie Wayne, IND (at Washington)

2. Miles Austin, DAL (at Minnesota)

3. Andre Johnson, HOU (vs. Kansas City)

4. Roddy White, ATL (at Philadelphia)

5. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (vs. Detroit)

6. Randy Moss, MIN (vs. Dallas)

7. Brandon Marshall, MI (at Green Bay)

8. Anquan Boldin, BAL (at New England)

9. DeSean Jackson, PHI (vs. Atlanta)

10. Wes Welker, NE (vs. Baltimore)

11. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (vs. New York Jets)

12. Malcom Floyd, SD (at St. Louis)

13. Marques Colston, NO (at Tampa Bay)

14. Greg Jennings, GB (vs. Miami)

15. Steve Smith, NYG (vs. Detroit)

16. Santana Moss, WAS (vs. Indianapolis)

17. Hines Ward, PIT (vs. Cleveland)

18. Percy Harvin, MIN (vs. Dallas)

19. Donald Driver, GB (vs. Miami)

20. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (vs. Atlanta)

21. Michael Crabtree, SF (vs. Oakland)

22. Mike Wallace, PIT (vs. Cleveland)

23. Pierre Garcon, IND (at Washington)

24. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (at Denver)

25. Dwayne Bowe, KC (at Houston)

26. Kenny Britt, TEN (at Jacksonville)

27. Austin Collie, IND (at Washington)

28. Calvin Johnson, DET (at New York Giants)

29. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (vs. New York Jets)

30. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (at Denver)

31. Mike Williams, Tb (vs. New Orleans)

32. Johnny Knox, CHI (vs. Seattle)

33. Brandon Tate, NE (vs. Baltimore)

34. Davone Bess, MIA (at Green Bay)

35. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC (vs. Tennessee)

36. Lance Moore, NO (at Tampa Bay)

37. Dez Bryant, DAL (at Minnesota)

38. Nate Burleson, DET (at New York Giants)

39. Roy Williams, DAL (at Minnesota)

40. Danny Amendola, STL (vs. San Diego)

41. Louis Murphy, OAK (vs. San Francisco)

42. Kevin Walter, HOU (vs. Kansas City)

43. Deion Branch, NE (vs. Baltimore)

44. Mike Thomas, JAC (vs. Tennessee)

45. Devin Hester, CHI (vs. Seattle)

46. Derrick Mason, BAL (at New England)

47. Dexter McCluster, KC (at Houston)

48. Eddie Royal, DEN (vs. New York Jets)

49. Robert Meachem, NO (at Tampa Bay)

50. Nate Washington, TEN (at Jacksonville)

Tight ends

1. Antonio Gates, SD (at St. Louis)

2. Vernon Davis, SF (vs. Oakland)

3. Zach Miller, OAK (vs. San Francisco)

4. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (at Philadelphia)

5. Dallas Clark, IND (at Washington)

6. Chris Cooley, WAS (vs. Indianapolis)

7. Dustin Keller, NYJ (at Denver)

8. Brent Celek, PHI (vs. Atlanta)

9. Mercedes Lewis, JAC (vs. Tennessee)

10. Aaron Hernandez, NE (vs. Baltimore)

11. Kellen Winslow, TB (vs. New Orleans)

12. Jason Witten, DAL (at Minnesota)

13. Tony Moeaki, KC (at Houston)

14. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (vs. Dallas)

15. Heath Miller, PIT (vs. Cleveland)

16. Owen Daniels, HOU (vs. Kansas City)

17. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (at New York Giants)

18. Greg Olsen, CHI (at Seattle)

19. John Carlson, SEA (at Chicago)

20. Andrew Quarless, GB (vs. Miami)

21. Kevin Boss, NYG (vs. Detroit)

22. Jeremy Shockey, NO (at Tampa Bay)

23. Todd Heap, BAL (at New England)

24. Benjamin Watson, CLE (at Pittsburgh)

25. Tony Scheffler, DET (at New York Giants)

Defense/Special Teams

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Cleveland)

2. Chicago Bears (vs. Seattle)

3. Green Bay (vs. Miami)

4. New York Jets (at Denver)

5. San Diego Chargers (at St. Louis)

6. Tennessee Titans (at Jacksonville)

7. New York Giants (vs. Detroit)

8. New Orleans Saints (at Tampa Bay)

9. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Atlanta)

10. Dallas Cowboys (at Minnesota)

11. Baltimore Ravens (at New England)

12. San Francisco 49ers (vs. Oakland)

13. Atlanta Falcons (at Philadelphia)

14. Minnesota Vikings (vs. Dallas)

15. Kansas City Chiefs (at Houston)

16. Indianapolis Colts (at Washington)

17. Oakland Raiders (at San Francisco)

18. Miami Dolphins (at Green Bay)

19. St. Louis Rams (vs. San Diego)

20. Houston Texans (vs. Kansas City)

21. Cleveland Browns (at Pittsburgh)

22. New England Patriots (vs. Baltimore)

23. Seattle Seahawks (at Chicago)

24. Denver Broncos (vs. New York Jets)

25. Detroit Lions (at New York Giants)

Posted under Uncategorized

We’re a quarter of the way into the season and it’s time to take a step back and look at the guys who have met expectations and who has left us disappointed.

I’m very disappointed in you…

QB: Brett Favre, Minnesota: There’s a reason we all pay attention to Favre, he is a hall of famer. But this season, he’s struggled mightily. He does have three touchdowns in three games, but he’s also turned the ball over seven times. As a point of reference, Charlie Batch has more fantasy points in two games as a starter. Charlie Batch should never be better than Brett Favre. With Randy Moss on the roster, hope is on the way. But still, Brett Favre, I’m disappointed in you.

RB: Ray Rice, Baltimore: In almost all drafts, Rice went in the first five picks. But through four games, he’s hardly played like it. Rice has been outscored by 27 running backs through the first four weeks. Seriously, 27! Guys like Mike Tolbert and Jason Snelling are outscoring a top-5 pick. Now, it’s not time to give up on Rice, not with Ray-Ray still battling injuries. But Ray Rice, I’m disappointed in you.

WR: Steve Smith, Carolina: I know Carolina has had problems at quarterback. But when you have as much talent as Smith, you’d expect him to still make plays. Smith is currently the 30^th ranked wideout in fantasy football. I know it’s not all your fault, but Steve Smith, I’m disappointed in you.

WR: Randy Moss, New England: Moss certainly doesn’t have the same quarterback issues, yet he’s only a few points ahead of Smith for the season. At no point was his fantasy struggles more obvious than last week when he put up a big goose egg for fantasy owners. Much like Favre, a change of scenery will help, but Randy Moss, I’m disappointed in you.

TE: Jason Witten, Dallas: 3 games, 12 points. Not what you expect from a top-flight tight end. With so many tight ends putting up good numbers this year, Witten has fallen far behind in the pack. We know Dallas can score points, so it’s probably premature to cut ties, but still, Witten, I’m disappointed in you.

D/ST: San Francisco 49’ers: I lauded the Niners before the season because they attack the ball and looked to have improved the run game. But San Fran is 29^th out of a possible 32 teams in scoring. They’ve twice posted negative fantasy point numbers. 49’ers, I’m disappointed in you.

Atta Boy…

QB: Kyle Orton, Denver: Captain Neckbeard strikes again. Through four games, no one has thrown for more yards than Orton, yet he gets almost no fantasy love. He’s the fifth best fantasy quarterback, better than guys like Brees and Brady. Think Chicago wouldn’t secretly like him back? Atta boy Kyle Orton.

RB: Peyton Hillis, Cleveland: Hillis was the third wheel in college at Arkansas behind guys like RUN DMC and Felix Jones. In his two years in Denver, he was passed over time and time again. Guess who’s getting the final laugh? Hillis has more fantasy points than any of his former teammates, and has a touchdown in all four games. Atta boy Peyton Hillis.

RB: Arian Foster, Houston: A subpar senior year at Tennessee cost Foster a chance to be drafted. But he’s taken advantage of every opportunity on the field. He wasn’t selected as a top back in fantasy drafts, but he’s sure played like one; Foster is the top ranked back in Fantasyville. Atta boy Arian Foster.

WR: Austin Collie, Indianapolis: Collie was 25 when he came into the NFL out of BYU, and he’s played like a seasoned veteran. He’s outpaced fellow stud receiver Reggie Wayne with his five touchdowns and is third in the league in yards. Atta boy Austin Collie.

TE: Dustin Keller, New York Jets: He’s developed into a consistent passing threat for the Jets, and a guy defenses need to account for. He’s clearly got a good repoirte with Mark Sanchez, especially around the goal line. Keller’s five touchdowns trail only Antonio Gates for most in the league. Atta boy Dustin Keller.

D/ST: St. Louis Rams: I can count myself among the fantasy experts who weren’t high on the Rams defense coming into the season. But they’ve absolutely impressed, forcing 10 turnovers in just four games. Clearly, Coach Steve Spagnuolo brought his great defensive scheme with him to St. Louis. Atta boy Rams.

Bye Week Pickups

Teams on bye: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks

QB: Sam Bradford (St. Louis), Kevin Kolb (Philadelphia), Shaun Hill (Detroit), Bruce Gradkowski (Oakland)

RB: Ryan Torain (Washington), Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller (Buffalo), LeGarrette Blount (Tampa Bay), Tim Hightower (Arizona), Mike Bell (Philadelphia)

WR: Michael Crabtree (San Francisco), Louis Murphy (Oakland), Mike Thomas (Jacksonville), Santonio Holmes (NY Jets), Lee Evans (Buffalo)

TE: Tony Moeaki (Kansas City), Tony Scheffler (Detroit), Jermaine Gresham (Cincinnati), Benjamin Watson (Cleveland)

Week 5 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1.  Peyton Manning, IND (vs. Kansas City)

2. Drew Brees, NO (at Arizona)

3. Phillip Rivers, SD (at Oakland)

4. Aaron Rodgers, GB (at Washington)

5. Matt Schaub, HOU (vs. New York Giants)

6. Tony Romo, DAL (vs. Tennessee)

7. Kyle Orton, DEN (at Baltimore)

8. Matt Ryan, ATL (at Cleveland)

9. Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. Denver)

10. Eli Manning, NYG (at Houston)

11. Brett Favre, MIN (vs. New York Giants)

12. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (at Minnesota)

13. Donovan McNabb, WAS (vs. Green Bay)

14. Kevin Kolb, PHI (at San Francisco)

15. Sam Bradford, STL (at Detroit)

16. Carson Palmer, CIN (vs. Tampa Bay)

17. Shaun Hill, DET (vs. St. Louis)

18. David Garrard, JAC (at Buffalo)

19. Vince Young, TEN (at Dallas)

20. Bruce Gradkowski, OAK (vs. San Diego)

21. Todd Collins, CHI (at Carolina)

22. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (vs. Jacksonville)

23. Matt Cassel, KC (at Indianapolis)

24. Josh Freeman, TB (at Cincinnati)

25. Alex Smith, SF (vs. Philadelphia)

Running backs

1. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (at Buffalo)

2. Frank Gore, SF (vs. Philadelphia)

3. Arian Foster, HOU (vs. New York Giants)

4. Steven Jackson, STL (at Detroit)

5. Chris Johnson, TEN (at Dallas)

6. Adrian Peterson, MIN (at New York Jets)

7. Peyton Hillis, CLE (vs. Atlanta)

8. Michael Turner, ATL (at Cleveland)

9. Cedric Benson, CIN (vs. Tampa Bay)

10. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (at Houston)

11. Ray Rice, BAL (vs. Denver) **Injury Concern

12. DeAngelo Williams, CAR (vs. Chicago)

13. LaDanian Tomlinson, NYJ (vs. Minnesota)

14. Matt Forte, CHI (at Carolina)

15. Jamaal Charles, KC (at Indianapolis)

16. Jahvid Best, DET (vs. St. Louis)

17. Ryan Mathews, SD (at Oakland

18. Darren McFadden, OAK (vs. San Diego) **Injury Concern

19. Ryan Torain, WAS (vs. Green Bay)

20. Joseph Addai, IND (vs. Kansas City)

21. Beanie Wells, ARI (vs. New Orleans)

22. Pierre Thomas, NO (at Arizona)

23. Thomas Jones, KC (at Indianapolis)

24. Marion Barber, DAL (vs. Tennessee)

25. Shonn Greene, NYJ (vs. Minnesota)

26. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (at Baltimore) **Injury Concern

27. Cadillac Williams, TB (at Cincinnati)

28. Mike Tolbert, SD (at Oakland)

29. Fred Jackson, BUF (vs. Jacksonville)

30. C.J. Spiller, BUF (vs. Jacksonville)

31. Tim Hightower, ARI (vs. New Orleans)

32. Jonathan Stewart, CAR (vs. Chicago)

33. John Kuhn, GB (at Washington)

34. Brandon Jackson, GB (at Washington)

35. Mike Bell, PHI (at San Francisco)

36. Felix Jones, DAL (vs. Tennessee)

37. Michael Bush, OAK (vs. San Diego)

38. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (at Houston)

39. Chris Ivory, NO (at Arizona)

40. LeGarrette Blount, TB (at Cincinnati)

41. Jason Snelling, ATL (at Cleveland)

42. Laurence Maroney, DEN (at Baltimore)

43. Chester Taylor, CHI (at Carolina)

44. Willis McGahee, BAL (vs. Denver)

45. Ladell Betts, NO (at Arizona)

46. Kenneth Darby, STL (at Detroit)

47. Donald Brown, IND (vs. Kansas City)

48. Correll Buckhalter, DEN (at Baltimore)

49. Jerome Harrison, CLE (vs. Atlanta)

50. Derrick Ward, HOU (vs. New York Giants)

Wide receivers

1.  Calvin Johnson, DET (vs. St. Louis)

2. Reggie Wayne, IND (vs. Kansas City)

3. Miles Austin, DAL (vs. Tennessee)

4. Roddy White, ATL (at Cleveland)

5. Andre Johnson, HOU (vs. New York Giants)  **Injury Concern

6. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (at Houston)

7. Greg Johnson, GB (at Washington)

8. Anquan Boldin, BAL (vs. Denver)

9. Randy Moss, MIN (at New York Jets)

10. Austin Collie, IND (vs. Kansas City)  **Injury Concern

11. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (vs. New Orleans)

12. Marques Colston, NO (at Arizona)

13. DeSean Jackson, PHI (at San Francisco)

14. Donald Driver, GB (at Washington)

15. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (vs. Tampa Bay)

16. Santana Moss, WAS (vs. Green Bay)

17. Steve Smith, NYG (at Houston)

18. Mark Clayton, STL (at Detroit)

19. Terrell Owens, CIN (vs. Tampa Bay)

20. Malcom Floyd, SD (at Oakland)

21. Dwayne Bowe, KC (at Indianapolis)

22. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (at Baltimore)

23. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (at San Francisco)

24. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (vs. Minnesota)

25. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (vs. Minnesota)

26. Lance Moore, NO (at Arizona)

27. Michael Crabtree, SF (vs. Philadelphia)

28. Kevin Walter, HOU (vs. New York Giants)

29. Percy Harvin, MIN (at New York Jets)

30. Johnny Knox, CHI (at Carolina)

31. Dez Bryant, DAL (vs. Tennessee)

32. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (at Baltimore)

33. Derrick Mason, BAL (vs. Denver)

34. Mike Williams, TB (at Cincinnati)

35. Louis Murphy, OAK (vs. San Diego)

36. Legedu Naanee, SD (at Oakland)

37. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC (at Buffalo)

38. Mike Thomas, JAC (at Buffalo)

39. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (at Baltimore)

40. Lee Evans, BUF (vs. Jacksonville)

41. Kenny Britt, TEN (at Dallas)

42. Devery Henderson, NO (at Arizona)

43. Nate Washington, TEN (at Dallas)

44. Roy Williams, DAL (vs. Tennessee)

45. Devin Hester, CHI (at Carolina)

46. Robert Meachem, NO (at Arizona)

47. Jacoby Jones, HOU (vs. New York Giants)

48. Pierre Garcon, IND (vs. Kansas City)

49. Mario Manningham, NYG (at Houston)

50. Danny Amendola, STL (at Detroit)

Tight ends

1.  Antonio Gates, SD (at Oakland)

2. Dallas Clark, IND (vs. Kansas City)

3. Dustin Keller, NYJ (vs. Minnesota)

4. Jermichael Finley, GB (at Washington)

5. Vernon Davis, SF (vs. Philadelphia)

6. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (at Cleveland)

7. Chris Cooley, WAS (vs. Green Bay)

8. Zach Miller, OAK (vs. San Diego)

9. Jason Witten, DAL (vs. Tennessee)

10. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (at New York Jets)

11. Brent Celek, PHI (at San Francisco)

12. Greg Olsen, CHI (at Carolina)

13. Tony Moeaki, KC (at Indianapolis)

14. Mercedes Lewis, JAC (at Buffalo)

15. Kellen Winslow, TB (at Cincinnati)

16. Kevin Boss, NYG (at Houston)

17. Jeremy Shockey, NO (at Arizona)

18. Tony Scheffler, DET (vs. St. Louis)

19. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (vs. St. Louis)

20. Owen Daniels, HOU (vs. New York Giants)

21. Bo Scaife, TEN (at Dallas)

22. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (vs. Tampa Bay)

23. Benjamin Watson, CLE (vs. Atlanta)

24. Todd Heap, BAL (vs. Denver)

25. Travis Beckum, NYG (at Houston)

Defense/Special Teams

1.  Baltimore Ravens (vs. Denver)

2. New Orleans Saints (at Arizona)

3. New York Jets (vs. Minnesota)

4. Green Bay Packers (at Washington)

5. San Diego Chargers (at Oakland)

6. Philadelphia Eagles (at San Francisco)

7. Chicago Bears (at Carolina)

8. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Tampa Bay)

9. Dallas Cowboys (vs. Tennessee)

10. Atlanta Falcons (at Cleveland)

11. Minnesota Vikings (at New York Jets)

12. San Francisco (vs. Philadelphia)

13. St. Louis Rams (at Detroit)

14. Houston Texans (vs. New York Giants)

15. Indianapolis Colts (vs. Kansas City)

16. Tennessee Titans (at Dallas)

17. Denver Broncos (at Baltimore)

18. New York Giants (at Houston)

19. Carolina Panthers (vs. Chicago)

20. Cleveland Browns (vs. Atlanta)

21. Detroit Lions (vs. St. Louis)

22. Washington Redskins (vs. Green Bay)

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (at Buffalo)

24. Buffalo Bills (vs. Jacksonville)

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Cincinnati)

Posted under Uncategorized

Even with three weeks already in the book, it’s finally time for the strategy element of fantasy football to set in. Week four of the season is the first chance for players to kick their feet up and watch the games on their bye weeks. Good for the players, but a headache for fantasy owners.  Hopefully you took the proper precautions in the draft to have guys you like available to fill in. If not, don’t worry, there are plenty of guys on the waiver wire who will fill in nicely for your team.

Bye Week Pickups

Teams on bye: Dallas, Kansas City, Minnesota, Tampa Bay

QB: Kyle Orton, DEN (at Tennessee): I don’t know what Orton ever did to anyone, but people do not like him. As pointed out on my weekly radio spot, it’s likely his odd choices in facial hair. Either way, Capt. Neckbeard is second in the league with 1078 yards and adds four touchdowns to the mix. He’s available in nearly 40% of leagues, there’s no excuse for him to be on the waiver wire.

QB: Bruce Gradkowski, OAK (vs. Houston): Gradkowski doesn’t have the biggest arm, the fastest 40 time, or the sexy pedigree, but no matter how many times he’s passed over, he always makes his way back to the field. If you need one start from the position, this is not a bad matchup for Gradkowski.

QB: Mark Sanchez, NYJ (at Buffalo): He wasn’t impressive in the preseason or week one, but he’s put up 470 yards and 6 touchdowns in the last two games. He’s available in 45% of leagues, and a great start against a struggling Bills defense.

RB: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (at. Miami): BJGE got the bulk of the carries in a game the Pats tried to establish the run. All he did was put up 98 yards and a score. If you’ve got Adrian Peterson on the bench, Green-Ellis is a decent play against Miami.

RB: Peyton Hillis, CLE (vs. Cincinnati): Hillis wasn’t even in the discussion when the Browns were deciphering their running back depth chart before the season. But he’s got a touchdown in all three games, and when given starter-type carries last week, he ran for 144 yards. Jerome Harrison is still nursing a thigh injury, and the other Peyton is the only thing working on offense for Cleveland.

RB: Willis McGahee, BAL (at Pittsburgh): I don’t love the matchup, heck I don’t even love the player. But with Ray Rice’s status for Sunday’s game against the Steelers, Rice owners might want to hedge their bets.

WR: Devin Hester, CHI (at New York Giants): There was a point watching Monday’s game that two years of angst as a Bears fan was finally rewarded. Watching Hester make that single cut and simply outrun everyone is the reason he became a fantasy option to begin with. If this is the start of a trend, you’re going to want to be ahead of the curve. At the very least, he has flex play appeal as a wide receiver.

WR: Louis Murphy, OAK (vs. Houston): Gradkowski has chosen his favorite target, and it’s the most dynamic option on the Raiders roster. Murphy has over 200 yards and a score in his last two games, and Houston’s pass defense gives up yards. He’s available in 50% of leagues, making him a very nice bye week pickup.

WR: Brandon Lloyd, DEN (at Tennessee): No one knows who the top Denver receiver is. Four different guys are getting extensive looks from Orton. Jabar Gaffney got the most targets last week (14), and understandably had more catches. But Lloyd made the most of his six catches, going for 169 yards and a score. He’s a better big play threat, and won’t be lined up with Tennessee’s top corner.

TE: Dustin Keller, NYJ (at Buffalo): If you haven’t noticed the type of season Keller is putting together, you’re probably not watching a lot of football (or reading this blog). Keller is Sanchez’s favorite and most reliable target. He’s only available in 18% of leagues, but if that’s the case in yours, pick him up right now… I’ll wait….

TE: John Carlson, SEA (at St. Louis): As far as consistency goes, I love Carlson. He gets about 5 catches a game, 50-70 yards, and is a weapon around the goal line. If you need a bye week starter, you can count on getting some points from J-C.

TE: Aaron Hernandez, NE (at Miami): He’s the type of dynamic weapon that the Pats haven’t had at the tight end position since Brady has been under center. He’s got 12 catches in the last two games, but has yet to find the end zone. That will change soon. Like Carlson, feel comfortable starting Hernandez if your top guy is on a bye.

Week 4 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, IND (at Jacksonville)

2. Aaron Rodgers, GB (vs. Detroit)

3. Philip Rivers SD, (vs. Arizona)

4. Drew Brees NO, (vs. Carolina) ** keep an eye on his knee injury

5. Tom Brady, NE (at Miami)

6. Matt Schaub, HOU (at Oakland)

7. Michael Vick, PHI (vs. Washington)

8. Donovan McNabb, PHI (at Philadelphia)

9. Kyle Orton, DEN (@ Tennessee)

10. Jay Cutler, CHI (at New York Giants)

11. Eli Manning, NYG (vs. Chicago)

12. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (at Buffalo)

13. Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. San Francisco)

14. Bruce Gradkowski, OAK (vs. Houston)

15. Carson Palmer, CIN (at Cleveland)

16. Chad Henne, MIA (vs. New England)

17. Sam Bradford, STL (vs. Seattle)

18. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA (at St. Louis)

19. Joe Flacco, BAL (at Pittsburgh)

20. Shaun Hill, DET (at Green Bay)

21. Alex Smith, SF (at Atlanta)

22. Vince Young, TEN (vs. Denver)

23. David Garrard, JAC (vs. Indianapolis)

24. Derek Anderson, ARI (at San Diego)

25. Charlie Batch, PIT (vs. Baltimore)

Running backs

1 Chris Johnson, TEN (vs. Denver)

2. Frank Gore, SF (at Atlanta)

3. Arian Foster, HOU (at Oakland)

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (vs. Indianapolis)

5. Pierre Thomas, NO (vs. Carolina)

6. Michael Turner, ATL (vs. San Francisco)

7. Darren McFadden, OAK (vs. Houston)

8. LeSean McCoy, PHI (vs. Washington)

9. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (vs. Baltimore)

10. Cedric Benson, CIN (at Cleveland)

11. DeAngelo Williams, CAR (at New Orleans)

12. Peyton Hillis, CLE (vs. Cincinnati)

13. Matt Forte, CHI (at New York Giants)

14. Ronnie Brown, MIA (vs. New England)

15. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (at Buffalo)

16. Steven Jackson, STL (vs. Seattle) ** Injury concern

17. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (vs. Chicago)

18. Ray Rice, BAL (at Pittsburgh) ** Injury Concern

19. Beanie Wells, ARI (at San Diego)

20. Clinton Portis, WAS (at Philadelphia)

21. Shonn Greene, NYJ (at Buffalo)

22. Jahvid Best, DET (at Green Bay) ** Injury Concern

23. Mike Tolbert, SD (vs. Arizona)

24. Joseph Addai, IND (at Jacksonville)

25. Justin Forsett, SEA (at St. Louis)

26. Ryan Mathews, SD (vs. Arizona) ** Injury Concern

27. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (at Miami)

28. Marshawn Lynch, BUF (vs. New York Jets)

29. Laurence Maroney, DEN (at Tennessee)

30. Ricky Williams, MIA (vs. New England)

31. Brandon Jackson, GB (vs. Detroit)

32. C.J. Spiller, BUF (vs. New York Jets)

33. Willis McGahee, BAL (at Pittsburgh)

34. Jonathan Stewart, CAR (vs. New Orleans)

35. John Kuhn, GB (vs. Detroit)

36. Jason Snelling, ATL (vs. San Francisco)

37. Tim Hightower, ARI (at San Diego)

38. Donald Brown, IND (at Jacksonville)

39. Correll Buckhalter, DEN (at Tennessee)

40. Kenneth Darby, STL (vs. Seattle)

41. Ryan Torain, WAS (at Philadelphia)

42. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (vs. Chicago)

43. Fred Taylor, NE (at Miami)

44. Chris Ivory, NO (vs. Carolina)

45. Michael Bush, OAK (vs. Houston)

46. Fred Jackson, BUF (vs. New York Jets)

47. Chester Taylor, CHI (at New York Giants)

48. Bernard Scott, CIN (at Cleveland)

49. Jerome Harrison, CLE (vs. Cincinnati)

50. Maurice Morris, DET (at Green Bay)

Wide receivers

1. Randy Moss, NE (at Miami)

2. Brandon Marshall, MIA (vs. New England

3. DeSean Jackson, PHI (vs. Washington)

4. Reggie Wayne, IND (at Jacksonville)

5. Andre Johnson, HOU (at Oakland)

6. Roddy White, ATL (vs. San Francisco)

7. Anquan Boldin, BAL (vs. Pittsburgh)

8. Calvin Johnson, DET (at Green Bay)

9. Greg Jennings, GB (vs. Detroit)

10. Santana Moss, WAS (at Philadelphia)

11. Wes Welker, NE (at Miami)

12. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (at San Diego)

13. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (vs. Washington)

14. Chad Ochocino, CIN (at Cleveland)

15. Austin Collie, IND (at Jacksonville)

16. Steve Smith, CAR (at New Orleans)

17. Marques Colston, NO (vs. Carolina)

18. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (vs. Chicago)

19. Donald Driver, GB (vs. Detroit)

20. Malcom Floyd, SD (vs. Arizona)

21. Johnny Knox, CHI (at New York Giants)

22. Steve Smith, NYG (vs. Chicago)

23. Mike Wallace, PIT (vs. Baltimore)

24. Mark Clayton, STL (vs. Seattle)

25. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC (vs. Indianapolis)

26. Kevin Walter, HOU (at Oakland)

27. Hines Ward, PIT (vs. Baltimore)

28. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (at Tennessee)

29. Eddie Royal, DEN (at Tennessee)

30. Louis Murphy, OAK (vs. Houston)

31. Terrell Owens, CIN (at Cleveland)

32. Michael Crabtree, SF (at Atlanta)

33. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (at Buffalo)

34. Lance Moore, NO (vs. Carolina)

35. Devin Hester, CHI (at New York Giants)

36. Legedu Naanee, SD (vs. Arizona)

37. Lee Evans, BUF (vs. New York Jets)

38. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (at Tennessee)

39. Golden Tate, SEA (at St. Louis)

40. Jacoby Jones, HOU (at Oakland)

41. Mario Manningham, NYG (vs. Chicago) ** Injury concern

42. Nate Washington, TEN (vs. Denver)

43. Pierre Garcon, IND (at Jacksonville)

44. Josh Cribbs, CLE (vs. Cincinnati)

45. Devery Henderson, NO (vs. Carolina)

46. Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK (vs. Houston)

47. Robert Meachem, NO (vs. Carolina)

48. James Jones, GB (vs. Detroit)

49. Demaryius Thomas, DEN (at Tennessee)

50. Kenny Britt, TEN (vs. Denver)

Tight ends

1. Antonio Gates, SD (vs. Arizona)

2. Jermichael Finley, GB (vs. Detroit)

3. Dallas Clark, IND (at Jacksonville)

4. Dustin Keller, NYJ (at Buffalo)

5. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (vs. San Francisco)

6. Chris Cooley, WAS (at Philadelphia)

7. Greg Olsen, CHI (at New York Giants)

8. Vernon Davis, SF (at Atlanta)

9. Zach Miller, OAK (vs. Houston)

10. John Carlson, SEA (at St. Louis)

11. Aaron Hernandez, NE (at Miami)

12. Brent Celek, PHI (vs. Washington)

13. Owen Daniels, HOU (at Oakland)

14. Jeremy Shockey, NO (vs. Carolina)

15. Kevin Boss, NYG (vs. Chicago)

16. Mercedes Lewis, JAC (vs. Indianapolis)

17. Tony Scheffler, DET (at Green Bay)

18. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (at Cleveland)

19. Rob Gronkowski, NE (at Miami)

20. Anthony Fasano, MIA (vs. New England)

21. Heath Miller, PIT (vs. Baltimore)

22. Benjamin Watson, CLE (vs. Cincinnati)

23. Todd Heap, BAL (at Pittsburgh)

24. Bo Scaife, TEN (vs. Denver)

25. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (at Green Bay)

Defense/Special Teams

1. New York Jets (at Buffalo)

2. Baltimore Ravens (at Pittsburgh)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Baltimore)

4. Green Bay Packers (vs. Detroit)

5. Cincinnati Bengals (at Cleveland)

6. New Orleans Saints (vs. Carolina)

7. San Diego Chargers (vs. Arizona)

8. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Washington)

9. Chicago Bears (at New York Giants.

10. San Francisco 49ers (at Atlanta)

11. Atlanta Falcons (vs. San Francisco)

12. Indianapolis Colts (at Jacksonville)

13. Tennessee Titans (vs. Denver)

14. New York Giants (vs. Chicago)

15. New England Patriots (at Miami)

16. Miami Dolphins (vs. New England)

17. Houston Texans (at Oakland)

18. Seattle Seahawks (at St. Louis)

19. Oakland Raiders (vs. Houston)

20. St. Louis Rams (vs. Seattle)

21. Arizona Cardinals (at San Diego)

22. Carolina Panthers (at New Orleans)

23. Cleveland Browns (vs. Cincinnati)

24. Denver Broncos (at Tennessee)

25. Washington Redskins (at Philadelphia)

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