This week is likely the most important week of the season so far. In my league, it is the last week of the regular season. For many others, this is the first round of the playoffs. Either way, it can
This week is likely the most important week of the season so far. In my league, it is the last week of the regular season. For many others, this is the first round of the playoffs. Either way, it can mean winning or going home. We’re going to look at some players to start who weren’t household names at the beginning of the season and what some name-brand players to bench that haven’t lived up to expectations. Good luck on your title run!
Put me in (start)
• Quarterbacks
If you need a fill-in for an injured QB, Kellen Clemens (Jets) should make a nice start against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. I know he isn’t a no-name anymore, but Derek Anderson (Browns) just continues to impress. Even though he finally threw his first interception last week, David Garrard (Jaguars) has been very consistent. Possibly getting his first start of the season, Chris Redman (Falcons) should shine on Monday Night Football.
• Running backs
Brett Favre will probably do a lot of handing off to Ryan Grant (Packers) who started the season third on the depth chart. The last time Fred Jackson (Bills) played football was for the Sioux City Bandits and now he goes against the Miami Dolphins who are probably worse than some of the teams in the United Indoor Football League. Kolby Smith (Chiefs) has played very well in place of his two predecessors and should find plenty of room against Denver’s awful run defense. Another backup of a backup, Earnest Graham (Bucs) has four straight games with a touchdown.
• Wide receivers
With injuries to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, Bryant Johnson (Cardinals) could fill in very nicely for you. There hasn’t been anyone as consistent as Bobby Engram (Seahawks) who has become Matt Hasselbeck’s favorite target. Playing against the Saints has been a blessing for the receivers in this league so Roddy White (Falcons) should already be smiling. With most of the coverage focused on Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton (Cowboys) could find pay dirt once again.
• Tight ends
Owen Daniels (Texans) has quietly become a favorite target for Matt Schaub. Even with him out, Daniels could still have a good day. A guy who is finally staying free of injuries, Kellen Winslow (Browns) continues to get better week after week.
Hold my clipboard (sit)
• Quarterbacks
Sage Rosenfels (Texans) is only advised if you have nobody else to start. One brother is great and one brother is….well, Eli Manning (Giants). Vince Young (Titans) has one good game, then a bad game, and now he gets San Diego’s inspired defense. Jay Cutler (Broncos) will have problems against a very good Chiefs secondary.
• Running backs
With a passing game like the Patriots, Laurence Maroney has suffered the most. Minnesota has the NFL’s best run defense and Frank Gore (49ers) hasn’t been that good anyway. Kevin Jones (Lions) will find little to no room as Jon Kitna tries to win through the air. Warrick Dunn (Falcons) is done. I know that was bad.
• Wide receivers
Steve Smith (Panthers) has been lost without Jake Delhomme and the Jags will make it that much harder. Even if he plays, Santonio Holmes (Steelers) will be shut down by the Patriots defense. With Favre ailing, Donald Driver’s (Packers) stats will suffer this week. And until Javon Walker (Broncos) shows he is fully healed, I would let him ride the pine.
• Tight ends
Oakland is surprisingly good against tight ends so if you have better options, sit down Tony Scheffler (Broncos).
• Roy Skaggs, Fantasy Football columnist, can be reached at royjskaggs-fantasyfootball@yahoo.com.
