Six Big Fantasy Names to Sell

Sometimes you just have to know when to say goodbye.

Every year, a handful of first, second, and third-round picks disappoint fantasy owners. The honeymoon starts to wear off after the second or third poor performance of the early season. And by the time midseason arrives, some of these players have found their way to the bench.

For every early-round stud there are almost an equal amount of early round duds.

Steve Slaton may have been that guy for your fantasy team a few weeks ago. His average draft position peaked near the late part of the first round in standard leagues this summer but his season got off to a rather lukewarm start.

He has since turned it around and hopefully you took my advice to buy low on Slaton a few weeks ago.

The problem most fantasy owners have at midseason with under-performing big name draft picks, like Slaton was earlier this year, is what to do with these players? Bench, cut, stick it out, or trade?

Benching the player is usually the first sign the honeymoon is well over. Frustration is well-embedded once a fantasy owner gets to this stage. The big-name draft pick likely laid a couple of eggs that may have cost an owner a win or two.

Cutting the player outright is difficult for most owners. The feeling that this guy could bounce back and be who-you-thought-he-was still exists deep in the fantasy subconscious.

Only the most audacious owners actually cut one of these guys. And those who do incur the risk of watching this guy blow up—you knew it!—as a waiver wire gem on somebody else’s roster.

Some decide to stick it out. You drafted these guys to anchor your fantasy teams and would hate to see them end up being productive on another owner’s roster. Besides, loyalty is an important quality for your fantasy team.

Another option—one detailed in some length below—is trading these players now . Despite the ineffectiveness of some of these guys, fantasy owners still may be in a position to make a playoff push.

Trading some of these big names (perhaps for a handcuff or two? ) could land fantasy owners an up-and-coming prospect with more promise down the stretch.

 

Players with Big Names to Sell

Steve Smith, WR, Panthers

A quarterback change—though not happening this weekend —could be imminent in Carolina. Smith’s situation could go from bad-to-worse with a change now, though it is hard to believe it gets much worse than Jake Delhomme right now.

The one redeeming quality of Delhomme is he tries to get the ball to Smith. Who knows if the same synergy will develop between Smith and whomever becomes the starting quarterback once Delhomme gets the hook?

Analyzing the Schedule

Potential Cupcakes: Cardinals (8), Falcons (10), Buccaneers (13)
Potential Beasts: Jets (12), Vikings (15), Giants (16)

The Cardinals are hard to figure right now and could abuse the Panthers this weekend. The Falcons and Bucs are torch-able opponents. The Jets, Vikings, and Giants figure to be tough down the stretch.

 

Brian Westbrook , RB, Eagles

Complicating matters for Westbrook right now are the implications of the concussion he incurred during Monday Night Football against the Redskins. The Eagles have not ruled him out for this weekend yet.

Chances are Westbrook misses at least a week if not more. LeSean McCoy would start in his place. Might be kind of hard to move him after the injury but perhaps the McCoy owner would be interested in some insurance.

Analyzing the Schedule

Potential Cupcakes: Chargers (10), Bears (11)
Potential Beasts: None

Whoever starts at running back for Philly has a nice schedule down the stretch for the most part. None of the match-ups are uber scary, but that does not mean a dominant performer will emerge out of the Eagles backfield every week.

 

Brandon Jacobs , RB, Giants

Few have underperformed on Jacobs’ level so far this season. I mean, the guy is supposed to score touchdowns. Forget the yards. Just get the touchdowns.

He has a grand total of two touchdowns this season. TWO.

That is awful for a guy considered by many to be the league’s best goal line running back. And what is more frustrating for fantasy owners is the Giants’ insistence to get Ahmad Bradshaw involved, even near the goal line.

Analyzing the Schedule

Potential Cupcakes: Chargers (9), Cowboys (13)
Potential Beasts: Eagles (8), Eagles (14), Vikings (17)

Dallas has been decent against the run of late but Jacobs usually plays well against the ‘Boys. It might be hard to trade him after this weekend, but the match-up with the Chargers should allow Jacobs to rebound some value.

 

Matt Forte, RB, Bears

Forte has one studly game to his credit this season. He is ranked in the 30s among running backs in most standard-scoring leagues. He has two double-digit performances to date.

Not the kind of production fantasy owners expected of this mid-first round draft pick.

The Bears get a gift on the schedule this weekend with Cleveland coming to town. Forte should pick up his third double-digit fantasy day of the season. After this weekend, ship him out of town.

Analyzing the Schedule

Potential Cupcakes: Browns (8), Rams (13), Lions (17)
Potential Beasts: Eagles (11), Vikings (12), Packers (14), Vikings (16)

Forte also gets the Ravens in Week 15, whose defense is hit-or-miss this season. That could be one heck of a playoff slate for Forte with the Packers, Ravens, and Vikings in consecutive weeks. It should be noted that Forte’s final cupcake comes in Week 17, at which time most fantasy leagues have already crowned a champion.

 

LaDainian Tomlinson , RB, Chargers

A week after taking Tomlinson out at the goal line in favor of Darren Sproles , the Chargers gave him the keys to the offense near pay dirt against the Chiefs.

And he failed. Miserably.

Tomlinson owners who watched the box score know of the misery inherent in seeing your back stuffed, over and over again, inside the five-yard line.

It was not his best day as a professional football player and perhaps a sign that, yes, LT2’s best days are now well behind him.

Analyzing the Schedule

Potential Cupcakes: Raiders (8), Chiefs (12), Browns (13), Titans (16)
Potential Beasts: Giants (9), Eagles (10), Broncos (11)

Tomlinson has some nice games on the radar but will he finally start to produce against inferior opponents? The old LT2 used to feast on these teams. The Broncos, fighting to secure playoff positioning, will be a tough draw for the Chargers.

 

Greg Jennings, WR, Packers

Some fantasy pundits blame the Packers’ lackluster offensive line for Jennings’ poor start to this season. His play certainly is not what most fantasy owners thought it would be by midseason of the 2009 season.

Unless he switches roles with Donald Driver as the short-route, possession-type receiver in the coming weeks, Jennings should continue to be too hit-and-miss for his owners. A top-tier wide receiver should not be this inconsistent.

Analyzing the Schedule

Potential Cupcakes: Buccaneers (9), Cowboys (10), Lions (12), Bears (14), Seahawks (16), Cardinals (17)
Potential Beasts: Vikings (8), Steelers (15)

Pitch the upcoming schedule when trying to trade Jennings. He does have some tasty match-ups that could be enticing to an owner who still believes in him. Even the Vikings’ game this weekend could be decent in the home confines of Lambeau Field.

Fantasy owners still should be able to get some decent value out of Jennings in trade.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Daily Haze: Buh-Bye Larry Johnson, Hello Jamaal Charles

Larry Johnson was not really winning fantasy owners over so far this season. So he decided to go all next level on the football public.

Frustrated with the Chiefs poor start, Johnson’s acrimony boiled over onto everyone’s current favorite sounding board: Twitter. He called out head coach Todd Haley and maintained Internet fights (the best kind) with other Twitterers (Tweeters?).

And if that was not in poor taste enough, Johnson went after the more traditional media with a few not-so-nice choice words.

Needless to say, none of this sat well with Haley. Johnson has been removed from all team activities while an internal investigation is conducted and has apologized for his potty mouth.

Have fantasy owners seen the last of LJ on the field this season? It seems likely with a new coach trying to change the culture in Kansas City. An outburst like Johnson’s does not generally go unpunished when a new coach is trying to settle into his first job.

What Johnson’s public breakdown does, however, is swing the door wide open for backup running back Jamaal Charles.

Already averaging more yards per carry this season than LJ, Charles should challenge Shonn Greene as the most-added player off the waiver wire in fantasy leagues this week.

Here are today’s great reads:

• Fantasy experts discuss and debate the biggest buy low candidate for the remainder of the season. [Fantasy Football Xtreme]
• Waiver wire advice for those fantasy owners playing in individual defensive player leagues. [Kilroyz Krystal Ball]
• An in-depth look at the target numbers from week 7 . Sidney Rice is quickly becoming an every-week starter for fantasy owners. [Roto Arcade]
• Greg Jennings’ fantasy owners can blame his lack of production on the Packers’ lack of protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. [Sports Data Hub]
• With Brian Westbrook likely out, LeSean McCoy might be ready to step into a larger role. Fantasy owners also could look to stash Mike Bell for use down the stretch. [Fantasy Football Fools]

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter . If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page . Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

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Daily Haze: Updating Andre Johnson’s Chest Injury

Injury updates two days in a row? That is when you know things are getting hairy in fantasy football.

The worst injury across the wire yesterday may have been Leon Washington’s season-ending broken leg , but the injury generating the most unrest among the fantasy public was that suffered to Andre Johnson in week 7.

Johnson left the game with a chest injury and headed for the hospital. News outlets were reporting by Sunday evening that he should not miss any time. Now Johnson’s injury is being called a lung contusion and his status is listed as day-to-day.

This news is not only disconcerting to Johnson owners but also to all owners invested in the Texans’ offense, starting with quarterback Matt Schaub. He led the league in touchdown passes heading into week 7 but now could be without his main target and one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL.

The loss of Johnson also would affect Owen Daniels, who has been one of the best fantasy tight ends in the game so far this season. Without Johnson to suck coverage away, defenses will begin focusing more attention on Daniels, Kevin Walter and Steve Slaton in the passing game.

Great fantasy offenses can often overcome the loss of a great player (see the Saints last year after Marques Colston went down in week 1). Look for Kevin Walter to step up if Johnson misses any time.

 

Before today’s great reads, a few more injuries to mention this morning

• Last night’s game between the Eagles and Redskins was a bloodbath. The carnage: Chris Cooley , Brian Westbrook and DeSean Jackson . Just a scare for Jackson. [ProFootballTalk]
• JerMichael Finley caught an early pass against the Browns and got hurt on the play. He never returned to the game and is going to miss a couple of weeks . [FFToolBox]
• Vikings’ receiver Bernard Berrian still is dealing with a hamstring issue . He also is being passed by Sidney Rice on the Brett-Favre’s-favorite list. [FFToolBox]

 

Here are today’s great reads

• There was a lot of talk during the summer about Michael Turner and the curse of 370 (carries). So far: Advantage curse. [The Big Lead]
• Matt Forte and LaDainian Tomlinson likely went in the first round of fantasy drafts this summer. Now what should fantasy owners do with these disappointing running backs ? [FanHouse]
• There are an inordinate number of stud fantasy football quarterbacks so far this season. This will lead to a run on quarterbacks earlier in drafts next summer. [CBSSports.com]
• More waiver wire advice for week 8 , including Beanie Wells. The Cardinals seem to be getting more comfortable with the idea of Wells starting at running back. [Lester’s Legends]
• Vernon Davis’ three-touchdown performance — in the second half — against Houston wins the most beastly fantasy award this week. [National Football Post]

 

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter . If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page . Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Daily Haze: Updating Andre Johnson’s Chest Injury

Injury updates two days in a row? That is when you know things are getting hairy in fantasy football.

The worst injury across the wire yesterday may have been Leon Washington’s season-ending broken leg , but the injury generating the most unrest among the fantasy public was that suffered to Andre Johnson in week 7.

Johnson left the game with a chest injury and headed for the hospital. News outlets were reporting by Sunday evening that he should not miss any time. Now Johnson’s injury is being called a lung contusion and his status is listed as day-to-day.

This news is not only disconcerting to Johnson owners but also to all owners invested in the Texans’ offense, starting with quarterback Matt Schaub. He led the league in touchdown passes heading into week 7 but now could be without his main target and one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL.

The loss of Johnson also would affect Owen Daniels, who has been one of the best fantasy tight ends in the game so far this season. Without Johnson to suck coverage away, defenses will begin focusing more attention on Daniels, Kevin Walter and Steve Slaton in the passing game.

Great fantasy offenses can often overcome the loss of a great player (see the Saints last year after Marques Colston went down in week 1). Look for Kevin Walter to step up if Johnson misses any time.

 

Before today’s great reads, a few more injuries to mention this morning

• Last night’s game between the Eagles and Redskins was a bloodbath. The carnage: Chris Cooley , Brian Westbrook and DeSean Jackson . Just a scare for Jackson. [ProFootballTalk]
• JerMichael Finley caught an early pass against the Browns and got hurt on the play. He never returned to the game and is going to miss a couple of weeks . [FFToolBox]
• Vikings’ receiver Bernard Berrian still is dealing with a hamstring issue . He also is being passed by Sidney Rice on the Brett-Favre’s-favorite list. [FFToolBox]

 

Here are today’s great reads

• There was a lot of talk during the summer about Michael Turner and the curse of 370 (carries). So far: Advantage curse. [The Big Lead]
• Matt Forte and LaDainian Tomlinson likely went in the first round of fantasy drafts this summer. Now what should fantasy owners do with these disappointing running backs ? [FanHouse]
• There are an inordinate number of stud fantasy football quarterbacks so far this season. This will lead to a run on quarterbacks earlier in drafts next summer. [CBSSports.com]
• More waiver wire advice for week 8 , including Beanie Wells. The Cardinals seem to be getting more comfortable with the idea of Wells starting at running back. [Lester’s Legends]
• Vernon Davis’ three-touchdown performance — in the second half — against Houston wins the most beastly fantasy award this week. [National Football Post]

 

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter . If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page . Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Daily Haze: Updating Andre Johnson’s Chest Injury

Injury updates two days in a row? That is when you know things are getting hairy in fantasy football.

The worst injury across the wire yesterday may have been Leon Washington’s season-ending broken leg , but the injury generating the most unrest among the fantasy public was that suffered to Andre Johnson in week 7.

Johnson left the game with a chest injury and headed for the hospital. News outlets were reporting by Sunday evening that he should not miss any time. Now Johnson’s injury is being called a lung contusion and his status is listed as day-to-day.

This news is not only disconcerting to Johnson owners but also to all owners invested in the Texans’ offense, starting with quarterback Matt Schaub. He led the league in touchdown passes heading into week 7 but now could be without his main target and one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL.

The loss of Johnson also would affect Owen Daniels, who has been one of the best fantasy tight ends in the game so far this season. Without Johnson to suck coverage away, defenses will begin focusing more attention on Daniels, Kevin Walter and Steve Slaton in the passing game.

Great fantasy offenses can often overcome the loss of a great player (see the Saints last year after Marques Colston went down in week 1). Look for Kevin Walter to step up if Johnson misses any time.

 

Before today’s great reads, a few more injuries to mention this morning

• Last night’s game between the Eagles and Redskins was a bloodbath. The carnage: Chris Cooley , Brian Westbrook and DeSean Jackson . Just a scare for Jackson. [ProFootballTalk]
• JerMichael Finley caught an early pass against the Browns and got hurt on the play. He never returned to the game and is going to miss a couple of weeks . [FFToolBox]
• Vikings’ receiver Bernard Berrian still is dealing with a hamstring issue . He also is being passed by Sidney Rice on the Brett-Favre’s-favorite list. [FFToolBox]

 

Here are today’s great reads

• There was a lot of talk during the summer about Michael Turner and the curse of 370 (carries). So far: Advantage curse. [The Big Lead]
• Matt Forte and LaDainian Tomlinson likely went in the first round of fantasy drafts this summer. Now what should fantasy owners do with these disappointing running backs ? [FanHouse]
• There are an inordinate number of stud fantasy football quarterbacks so far this season. This will lead to a run on quarterbacks earlier in drafts next summer. [CBSSports.com]
• More waiver wire advice for week 8 , including Beanie Wells. The Cardinals seem to be getting more comfortable with the idea of Wells starting at running back. [Lester’s Legends]
• Vernon Davis’ three-touchdown performance — in the second half — against Houston wins the most beastly fantasy award this week. [National Football Post]

 

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter . If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page . Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Week Eight Waiver Wire Adds

We are halfway through most fantasy leagues’ regular seasons, and the time is now to make your move to grab that illustrious playoff spot.

Of course, with new guys stepping up in place of injured players, the waiver wire is a great place to look to find the missing piece, or pieces, for your championship run. Here are some guys worth grabbing in all leagues:

 

Shonn Greene [RB, New York Jets]

Greene had 144 yards and two touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders yesterday. Was this Greene’s coming out game? Possibly.

Up until this game, Greene was buried on the depth chart behind Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. However, Washington went down with a broken fibula and is going to be out for the remainder of the season.

Expect Jones to still see the lion’s share of the carries with Greene, getting about 10 to 15 touches per game.

 

Alex Smith [QB, San Francisco 49ers]

The former first round pick came in during the second half to replace Shaun Hill, then went on to complete 15-of-22 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns (all to Vernon Davis).

While we cannot forget Smith’s ineffectiveness is years past, another performance like yesterday’s could yield him the starting job back for good.

 

Mike Wallace [WR, Pittsburgh Steelers]

The ex-Ole Miss standout has now reeled in 174 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games. Typically, rookie wideouts are not the best fantasy options, but Wallace has clearly solidified his big-play ability in this Steelers offense.

 

New Orleans Saints [DST]

As much talk as the Saints get for their offense, the defense is just as deserving. The 34 points Miami scored on the Saints was very misleading, as the defense was put on a short field on several occasions.

However, the two interceptions returned for touchdowns cannot be denied. If for some reason the Saints’ D is still on the waiver wire, scoop them up immediately.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Matt Cassel Looking to Turn the Corner for Fantasy Owners

Sleeper picks are getting tougher to find. I have a few ideas at the skill positions that could lend your team a hand if you have a player injured or on a bye.

But first, how did we do last week?

Last week’s sleeper picks :
Kyle Orton: 229 yards, 2 touchdowns
Jonathan Stewart: 17 carries, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
Donnie Avery: 1 catch, 17 yards, 1 touchdown
Brandon Pettigrew: Nothing

Not terrible. Avery could have had a bigger day had he not left to injury so early in the game.

 

Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs

Cassel has been a disappointment thus far in Kansas City, but this week he is up against a Chargers defense that is no longer intimidating.

The Chiefs got their first victory last week against the Redskins and will try and continue their winning ways and Cassel will be the key. Expect a shoot out between Cassel and Philip Rivers.

 

Justin Fargas, RB, Raiders

Fargas had a successful return against the Eagles last week, helping lead his team to a win. He is facing the Jets’ defense that has not been the same since facing Miami’s Wildcat offense.

The Jets will also be without nose tackle Kris Jenkins. Jenkins is a force against the run that the Jets cannot replace immediately.

 

Robert Meachem, WR, Saints

Meachem has “big play” written all over him when he steps onto the field. He is averaging over 25 yards per catch this season and facing a Miami pass defense that is near the bottom of the NFL.

Meachem should be able to beat the Dolphins deep on Sunday.

 

Jeff King, TE, Panthers

A diamond in the rough tight end is hard to find evident by last week’s pick . King is facing a Bills team that may or may not be trying to win games.

The Panthers are mainly a running team, but if they get near the goal line, a play-action pass to King will be open.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Matt Cassel Looking to Turn the Corner for Fantasy Owners

Sleeper picks are getting tougher to find. I have a few ideas at the skill positions that could lend your team a hand if you have a player injured or on a bye.

But first, how did we do last week?

Last week’s sleeper picks :
Kyle Orton: 229 yards, 2 touchdowns
Jonathan Stewart: 17 carries, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
Donnie Avery: 1 catch, 17 yards, 1 touchdown
Brandon Pettigrew: Nothing

Not terrible. Avery could have had a bigger day had he not left to injury so early in the game.

 

Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs

Cassel has been a disappointment thus far in Kansas City, but this week he is up against a Chargers defense that is no longer intimidating.

The Chiefs got their first victory last week against the Redskins and will try and continue their winning ways and Cassel will be the key. Expect a shoot out between Cassel and Philip Rivers.

 

Justin Fargas, RB, Raiders

Fargas had a successful return against the Eagles last week, helping lead his team to a win. He is facing the Jets’ defense that has not been the same since facing Miami’s Wildcat offense.

The Jets will also be without nose tackle Kris Jenkins. Jenkins is a force against the run that the Jets cannot replace immediately.

 

Robert Meachem, WR, Saints

Meachem has “big play” written all over him when he steps onto the field. He is averaging over 25 yards per catch this season and facing a Miami pass defense that is near the bottom of the NFL.

Meachem should be able to beat the Dolphins deep on Sunday.

 

Jeff King, TE, Panthers

A diamond in the rough tight end is hard to find evident by last week’s pick . King is facing a Bills team that may or may not be trying to win games.

The Panthers are mainly a running team, but if they get near the goal line, a play-action pass to King will be open.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Start and Sit Week Seven: Brett Favre at Pittsburgh? Thanks, but No Thanks

Pittsburgh’s defense has had its share of trouble with offenses—particularly passing offenses—in the second half of games this year. Enter Brett Favre and the Vikings’ suddenly high-flying passing attack.

And I want absolutely nothing to do with Favre this weekend.

Look, I love the guy. Few football fans were as happy as I when he decided to come back from retirement—again—and play this season. And he is playing so well for the Vikings this season.

But Favre’s opponent is the defending Super Bowl champions. With Troy Polamalu in the fold. At home. In football weather. Among the Terrible Towels.

It sounds like a stage set for Favre and one of his spectacular performances. It also sounds like vintage Steelers football. This could be an old-fashioned, knock-down-drag-out type of football game with plenty of running, defense and punting.

It should be fun to watch, unless you start Favre this Sunday.

Injury updates and start/sit advice for week seven after the jump.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals : This has all the makings of a game-day decision. Boldin worked out with a trainer on Thursday and did some jogging. The Cardinals want to see if he can practice in at least a limited fashion later today. Check on his again this evening and throughout the weekend, but prepare other options (including one of his teammates listed in the start advice below).

Adrian Peterson , RB, Vikings : He keeps saying all the right things but was officially limited in practice on Thursday. However, I do expect No. 28 to be on the field for a huge road game against Pittsburgh. He is a must-start despite any match-up or nagging injury, as long as he plays.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets : Head coach Rex Ryan seems optimistic that Cotchery can play this weekend but his inability to participate fully in practice is a dubious sign. If he can do more at practice today I might like his chances a little better but still think he will be a game-time decision on Sunday.

Frank Gore, RB, 49ers : Gore has returned to practice in a full capacity and is set to resume his role as the 49ers’ work horse running back this weekend at Houston. Not a bad match-up at all for his first action since the week three injury. In fact, it is so good I may have to advise owners to start him without hesitation this weekend…

Start ’em

Quarterbacks

Donovan McNabb @ Redskins: The Eagles threw the ball a ton last week with poor results. The running game will be more involved against an NFC East foe, but that should help open things up down the field for McNabb.

Eli Manning vs. Cardinals : Bounce-back week for most of the Giants, especially Manning. Do not let last week’s shut down of Seattle’s passing game fool you. The Cardinals are susceptible through the air. Big game in store for Manning and Co.

Running Backs

Frank Gore @ Texans : Gore is expected to return for the first time since injuring his ankle in week three against the Vikings. He could not have personally scheduled a better match-up. The forecast calls for fireworks.

Ryan Grant @ Browns : The Browns defense keeps losing tacklers which does not bode well against teams with offenses. Especially potent offenses. Grant should get a lot of work in this one.

Wide Receivers

Hines Ward v. Vikings : Minnesota’s secondary is banged up. The veteran Ward is having a fine season for fantasy owners and should find some holes over the middle. In my opinion, he still clearly is the team’s No. 1 wide receiver.

Steve Breaston @ Giants : If Boldin cannot go—likely—Breaston steps into the starting lineup. Remember this story? Yeah, it has been written before. Here is a refresher of the plot in case you forgot: Boldin gets hurt, misses game(s), Breaston owns.

Tight End

Brent Celek @ Redskins : The Eagles should bounce back in a big way this weekend against a maligned division opponent. Of course they also were supposed to take care of business last weekend against Oakland…

Sit ’em

Quarterbacks

Brett Favre @ Steelers : As outlined above, I am not a fan of Favre on the road this weekend. Huge game, has defensive battle written all over it despite the potency of both offenses. I like the ground games, Hines Ward and kickers in this one.

Kurt Warner @ Giants: Something tells me the Giants defense is going to bounce back at home after getting embarrassed in New Orleans last weekend. This should be a long road trip for Warner and the Cardinals.

Running Backs

Brandon Jacobs vs. Cardinals : It took six weeks but I have officially grown weary of the man-child. The way to attack the Cardinals defense is through the air, which means lots of Eli Manning and handcuff Ahmad Bradshaw . Now that I called him out, watch Jacobs blow this up in my face.

Clinton Portis vs. Eagles : Few on the Redskins’ offense are startable every week in fantasy. In fact, I think Chris Cooley may now be the team’s only every-week starter. Portis draws the ire of an angry team coming off a laughable loss to the Raiders.

Wide Receivers

Roy Williams vs. Falcons : Welcome to the Miles Austin show. After his explosive performance two weeks ago, all eyes—including Tony Romo’s—will be on the newly-anointed starting wide receiver .

Devin Hester @ Bengals : You have to give it to the Bengals’ defense—Other than Andre Johnson, No. 1 wide receivers have done little on this unit to date. Hester is not a true No. 1 yet but will draw the attention of a secondary looking to get back on track.

Tight End

Zach Miller vs. Jets : Miller goes as JaMarcus Russell goes. He is a good bye week fill in for an idle fantasy starter, but little else. Use only if necessary and know that a bad day from Russell, which has proven to be the norm of late, could spell doom for Miller.

For more great fantasy roster advice this week, including a plethora of Start & Sit links and consensus rankings, head over to the Fantasy Football Librarian . Don’t forget to grab your library card.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

In Preparation for the Fantasy Playoff Push, Target Handcuffs Now

A popular draft strategy employed by many fantasy owners is to handcuff stud running backs with their heir-apparents.

Not one of those owners?

Join the club.

While some owners made a point to pair the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles or Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy during fantasy drafts this summer, others decided it best to utilize a different drafting technique altogether. There are pros and cons to each approach, but it really comes down to the personal preferences of fantasy owners.

This story is not going to go in-depth on which draft strategy is better or worse. That is a discussion for the offseason.

But for those in the not-reaching-for-a-stud’s-backup camp, the avoidance of such players during drafts is not a season-long commitment. In fact, a savvy Tomlinson, Westbrook or other stud-owner would try and target the appropriate handcuffs at some point during the regular season.

Especially if said owner is in the midst of a playoff push.

With midseason in fantasy football leagues right around the corner, now is a good time for owners without a stud’s backup to start targeting some of these players. If you own the stud starter for any of these handcuffs, start toying with the idea of acquiring the appropriate handcuff for the fantasy football playoff push.

If for no other reason, the security of owning these players could continue a strong playoff push by a fantasy owner. Injuries suffered to fantasy starters after midseason could be critical blows to owners without the depth to cope with such a loss.

 

Chester Taylor, RB, Vikings
For all of the Adrian Peterson owners out there.

Adrian Peterson is human. The sooner fantasy owners realize this, the better prepared they will be if something were to happen to him. Sure, the ankle injury he sustained last weekend does not appear to be serious. But at some point, with all the touches this guy gets on a weekly basis, something could happen to him. And it could be serious.

 

Leon Washington, RB, Jets
For all of the Thomas Jones owners out there.

Although Thomas Jones fails to relinquish his starting job to Washington, sooner or later it is going to happen. The Jets are going to get Washington more and more involved in the offense and see if he is capable of carrying the load. It has to happen sometime and it could be by the end of this season if things keep going south for the Jets.

 

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants
For all of the Brandon Jacobs owners out there.

Bradshaw may be the better running back in the Giants backfield right now. At some point, Jacobs has to bounce back this season— he is just too talented not to get better. But the more Bradshaw steals away from Jacobs now, the more balls the Giants will give him down the line. Besides, Jacobs has not always been a beacon of health.

 

Mike Bell, RB, Saints
For all of the Pierre Thomas owners out there.

Pierre Thomas is not technically a stud yet, especially on an offense that loves to spread the wealth. However, the starting running back in New Orleans has proven to be a very lucrative position. Thomas owners need to own Bell, who has proven to be a capable player in this offense and a preferred option near the goal line.

 

Glen Coffee, RB, 49ers
For all of the Frank Gore owners out there.

OK, the numbers Coffee put up filling in for Gore the last few weeks were not great. But San Francisco kept giving him the ball, almost regardless of the end result. So if Gore goes down again, who do you think is going to get the call?

 

Darren Sproles, RB, Chargers
For all of the LaDainian Tomlinson owners out there.

The Chargers took Tomlinson out of the game on third-and-goal against Denver in a crucial situation on Monday night. Darren Sproles replaced him and proceeded to get stuffed at the line of scrimmage. Why Norv Turner thinks Sproles is better suited to punch in a tough touchdown in crunch time may never be known, but the fact that the coaching staff has apparently lost some confidence in LT should say it all to Tomlinson’s owners.

 

Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins
For all of the Ronnie Brown owners out there.

Brown is playing too well to be replaced by Williams straight up. The only way Williams has significant value to a Brown owner is if something injury-related were to befall Brown. Better to get that insurance now rather than later, when the cost would be much higher.

 

LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles
For all of the Brian Westbrook owners out there.

In Westbrook’s absence earlier this season, McCoy showed that he is capable of handling the lead role in the Eagles’ offense. One thing fantasy owners fear about Westy every year is the potential for missed action. This time of year, it is more important than ever to have the proper insurance in case of an ill-timed injury.

 

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers
For all of the DeAngelo Williams owners out there.

Trading for Stewart may be fairly unlikely for Williams’ owners because Stewart carries so much of his own value with or without the presence of Williams. So if a Williams owners really wants to get his/her hands on JStew, prepare to pony up a pretty penny.

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