The Maryland Sports Blog

Yesterday, I gave you some players to start at QB, RB and WR. Today, I’ll give you some bonus WR’s to look at, if you need to start one, as well as some TE’s and players you’ll want to probably leave on the bench for Week 8.

Bonus WR’s I like: Jabar Gaffney (WAS) @ BUF, Steve Breaston (KC) vs. SD, Greg Little (CLE)@ SF

Tight Ends:

Fred Davis (WAS): Davis caught six balls for 80 yards and a score last week at Carolina. Both he and Jabar Gaffney led the team with eight targets last week so expect to see the football come his way again. The Redskins lost Chris Cooley for the season, and Santana Moss for a few games with a broken hand, so Davis is now the go-to-guy. Buffalo is pedestrian against TE’s but continue to start him with confidence.

Fearless Prediction: 6/86/1 TD

Vernon Davis (SF): The 49ers face the Cleveland Browns, a team that has yielded five TD’s to the TE position so far this season. Coach Jim Harbaugh will want his Niners to run the football down the throat of the Browns defense, and Davis will most certainly be rewarded with some red zone looks.

Fearless Prediction: 5/49/1 TD

Jake Ballard (NYG): If you were able to grab Ballard off the waiver wire, give him a serious look at starting for your team this week. The Giants face a Miami Dolphins team that has serious issues against the TE position, to the tune of the 2nd most points allowed. He went for 5/81 in the Giants victory two weeks ago vs Buffalo. Only owned in 26% of leagues, so if he’s out there and you are hurting, go grab him.

Fearless Prediction: 4/50

Brent Celek (PHI): If Celek doesn’t have to stay in to help block like he has for most of the season, then he should put some decent numbers up against the Cowboys. Dallas gives up the 3rd most points to the TE position this season.

Fearless Prediction: 4/45

 

To The Bench

QB: Colt McCoy @ SF, Matthew Stafford @ DEN (Injury)

RB: Beanie Wells or any Cardinals RB @ BAL, Daniel Thomas @ NYG, Mike Tolbert @ KC (Injury)

WR: Andre Johnson vs. JAX (I hate putting him here, but he’s 50/50 to play, if you have better options somehow, then use it. Game time is 1:00 PM though, so check it.) Brandon Marshall @ NYG

TE: Heath Miller vs. NE, Brandon Pettigrew @ DEN, Marcedes Lewis @ HOU

Good luck to everyone with their fantasy squads for Week 8. We’ll look back next week to see how these guys perform or don’t perform.

 

 

 

Hello everyone, my name is Matt Lund and welcome to the first edition of Between the Hashes.

Quick thing about me, I’m a graduate of Towson University, Go Tigers! I love all sports, especially Football, so I’ll try to bring some insight to my blog about all things football, including everyone’s favorite distraction from work and all other daily things related, Fantasy Football. I’ve grown up watching, playing and coaching different sports, so its been a part of my life since I can remember.

Anyway, on with the show. Week 8. Week 8? We’re reaching the halfway mark of the NFL season and depending on where you are in the standings you’re either loving life or hating setting your lineups each week.

This season has been unlike any other in recent memory, partly due to the lockout, in terms of understanding roles of players on each team and whether teams themselves will be more pass or run-oriented. There’s just not much definitive about this season, but maybe that’s a good thing especially if you have players (either through the Draft, or Waiver Wire) that you’ve keyed on and have gotten you production.

If there’s one thing for certain in Fantasy, its that you start your studs and let them take you to the promise land. What this blog won’t do is tell you to “definitely” start Tom Brady or Drew Brees, Adrian Peterson, etc, because everyone knows they are bonafide starters week-in and week-out. What you will see is players that have either, (A. Good situation going, or (B. Great matchup, in case you don’t have those studs to plug into your lineup.

That being said, onto some of the players I like this week, and also players I don’t like this week, and you may not want to play these guys.

Quarterback:

Cam Newton (Car):

Newton broke onto the scene this season and quickly asserted himself. His strong arm and play-making abilities have brought the vertical game back to Carolina’s offense. He’s rushed for at least a TD in all but one game so far this season. He’s also helped to resurrect one career in particular (see Steve Smith) and should continue to roll this Sunday vs Minnesota. The Vikings who weren’t very good to begin with on the back end, will be without Chris Cook (off-field dispute) and possibly Antoine Winfield (neck) and have given up the 8th most FP to WR this season.

Fearless Prediction: 240 yards/1 TD/1 INT, 40 yds rushing, 1 TD

Eli Manning (NYG): The other Manning has played fairly well with his older brother not hogging all the attention in the family. You could argue that he has faced some soft D’s against the pass, but in Fantasy, who’s going to argue that. Even though he didn’t throw a TD his last game, he’s completing nearly 64% of his passes and should have a healthy Hakeem Nicks ready to go after the Giants bye week. Their opponent, Miami, has no pass rush and has given up the 11th most FP to QB’s in the last four weeks.

Fearless Prediction: 285 yards, 2 TD’s

Matt Hasselbeck (Ten): Yep, Hasselbeck. The Titans play the Indianapolis Colts this week after the Colts were embarassed, 62-7 last week against the Saints. The Colts are a team you want to face if you’re looking to “get better” and for Hasselbeck, that’s what he’ll want to do on Sunday. He won’t put up Brees-like numbers, but he’ll get the job done if you need him as he tries to exploit that Colts’ secondary.

Fearless Prediction: 220 yards, 2 TD’s/1 INT

 

Running Backs:

Ray Rice (BAL): # 27 for the Ravens only got the rock eight times in Monday night’s loss to the Jaguars. Not enough. Terrell Suggs know that and so does Cam Cameron. Against the Arizona Cardinals, Ray Rice will get the rock early and often as the Ravens play at the friendly confides of M&T Bank Stadium. Cards have given up the 8th most FPG to RB’s in the last four weeks. Start him.

Fearless Prediction: 23/110/1 TD

Ryan Mathews (SD): If Mathews is healthy, this matchup looks very promising against the Chiefs. Mike Tolbert is still in the mix, but he’s a little banged up. He’s averaged nearly 16 FPG in his career vs the Chiefs.

Fearless Prediction: 16/75 yards

DeMarco Murray (DAL): OK, did anyone really think Murray would set a Cowboys’ record for most yards in a single game? Me either and I didn’t start him (still won thankfully) but you’ll want to give him a 2nd try again this week against the Eagles. The Eagles, while playing better against the Redskins, are still pretty porous against the run. Murray is now the guy in Dallas and they’ll look to get him involved in this Sunday night showdown.

Fearless Prediction: 18/92/1 TD

Bonus RB’s I like: Ryan Torain (@ BUF), Jonathan Stewart (vs. MIN)

Wide Receivers:

Wes Welker (NE): Welker does everything for the Patriots. Line him up in the slot, on the outside, hell, he will give you a cup of gatorade without issue too, he’s just dependable. That will continue in this matchup at the Pittsburgh Steelers. He hit up the Steelers secondary for 8/89 last year in the blowout win.

Fearless Prediction: 10/100/TD

A.J. Green (CIN): This rookie has outplayed Juilo Jones as the top rookie WR so far. Green has 4 TD’s and has shown good chemistry the last 2-3 weeks with Andy Dalton at QB. The Bengals head to the Northwest to face the Seattle Seahawks that has some injuries in their secondary, and this could be another week where Green scores.


Fearless Prediction: 6/70/TD

Marques Colston (NO): Since coming back from a collarbone injury, Colston has been on fire. He was on the receiving end of two TD throws by Brees last week vs the Colts and the good times should continue this week against a sorry Rams defense. They have given up the 7th most points to WR’s in the last four games and I expect at least one TD from Colston this week.

Fearless Prediction: 7/85/TD

Tomorrow I will have some players to look for from the TE position as well as some players you might want to keep on the bench for Week 8.

 

 

 

 

 

I didn’t do too bad in my Week 7 fantasy pick ups.  Only Jackie Battle and Torrey Smith underperformed from my predictions.  Otherwise, we all heard the miracle Tebow performed this past weekend, and DeMarco Murray had a career day on the ground.  Kellen Winslow also proved to do well when he found the endzone for the first time this season against the Bears in London.  The Dallas defense only gave up 7 points with and interception, a fumble recovery and a sack.  Week 8 is looking really thin in the free agent market, but going with the numbers and match-ups never fail.

 

Quarterbacks-

Andy Dalton (CIN)- Dalton hasn’t been the best fantasy quarterback this season, but he’s gotten the job done.  The Bengals are on a three-game winning streak.  Their biggest positive is that they are coming off a Bye and are playing against a mediocre Seattle defense.  I’m suggesting picking up Dalton because he’s owned in close to 30% of leagues, so he’s still available.  It’s a safe pick if you’re desperate during your bye-week blues.


Inside the Numbers: Dalton and the Bengals go into Seattle.  Seattle is averaging 20 fantasy points allowed per week to quarterbacks.  I like the match-up this week for Dalton, especially coming off a Bye.  Look for him to hook up with his prime target in A.J. Green.

Advice: I would only pick up Dalton for this week, then drop him.  Dalton has performed well against below average defenses, but threw for only 157 yards with 2 picks and no touchdowns against a stellar 49er defense during Week 3.  With that said, the Bengals schedule going forward looks tough as Dalton still has to face both the Steelers and Ravens twice.

 

Running Backs-

Ryan Torain (WSH)- For those of you who never gave up on Torain and kept him on your bench, well, you’re lucky and I hate you.  Torain is going quickly in most leagues after Tim Hightower tore his ACL and will be missing the entire season.  What was a running back by committee type of running game may now be Torain’s to keep.  But, Mike Shanahan is very indecisive and wishy-washy in his decisions.  Torain may have to split carries with Roy Helu, but Torain will get the bulk.  So far this season, Torain has rushed for 152 yards  and a touchdown on 31 carries.  This isn’t Torain’s first rodeo.  He played in 10 games last season and rushed for 742 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Torain had three 100 plus-yard performances in the process.  He tallied up two receiving touchdowns on 125 yards and 18 receptions.

Inside the Numbers: Torain and the Redskins go into Buffalo this week.  Buffalo doesn’t have a great run defense as they are giving up over 22 fantasy points on average per week to running backs.

Advice: Keep him on your bench after this week.  All sources are saying he will be the guy going forward the rest of the season for the Redskins.  However, you’ll want to monitor his carries with Roy Helu also getting some touches.  He could be a solid #3 RB on your roster.

IT’S A STRETCH:

Bernard Scott (CIN)- Scott will be the starting running back for the Bengals this week against Seattle as Cedric Benson is facing a one-game suspension.  This isn’t a great match-up.  Seattle has had a great run defense this season, and Benson is expected to split carries with Brian Leonard and Cedric Peerman.

Inside the Numbers: Seattle has given up just over 16 fantasy points per week against running backs, which is some of the best numbers in the league.  Seattle gave up 110 yards rushing to the Browns, however it was on 36 carries.

Advice: This is a desperation pick, and Scott may not get many yards per carry, but Seattle hasn’t given up a rushing touchdown since Week 4, so they’re due to give up one or two.

 

Wide Receivers-

Jabar Gaffney (WSH)- Gaffney’s fantasy value just shot through the roof with the Redskins losing Santana Moss to a hand injury for the next few weeks.  Gaffney and Anthony Armstrong are expected to step up in Moss’ place.  Gaffney hasn’t put up tremendous numbers this season, but you definitely want to take advantage off the loss to Moss.

Inside the Numbers: Gaffney and the Redskins head into Buffalo to take on the Bills.  The Bills have given up over 25 fantasy points per week to wide receivers.  Weeks 2 through 5, the Bills gave up over 200 yards receiving per game, and gave up 164 yards on 11 receptions in Week 6 against the Giants.

Advice: Looks like a great match-up and a great chance to jump on a guy that is getting a chance to be the #1 receiver on the team for at least 3 weeks.  Gaffney is a good #3 WR to have on your roster.  However, when Santana Moss comes back, then you might want to cut ties with Gaffney as his value will then decrease.

TAKE A CHANCE

Demaryius Thomas (DEN)- Thomas had only 27 yards on 3 catches and a touchdown last Sunday, but he was targeted 10 times.  He seemed to have been a big part of the offense for the Broncos, and with Brandon Lloyd getting traded, then Thomas could be getting more looks each week.

Advice: The Broncos are facing the Lions this week, who are very good against the pass.  He’s worth grabbing now and monitoring how he does in the coming weeks.

 

Tight Ends-

Jake Ballard (NYG)- Ballard’s fantasy value has risen the past few games.  He only has 15 catches on the season, but he averages 18.2 yards/catch.  Manning has hooked up with him twice in the end zone this season and could see more production this week against Miami.

Inside the Numbers: The Dolphins has given up close to 12 fantasy points per week and 4 total touchdowns to tight ends.

Advice: He’s only a quick pick up for one week.  The Giants’ schedule going forward doesn’t look too good against tight ends.

 

Defense-

Cincinnati-The Bengals have allowed only 2 touchdowns in their last 2 games.  They’ve  given up over 100 yards on the ground only once in their six games this season.  Not to mention they have only allowed 3 receiving touchdowns to wide receivers.  Great match-up this week against Seattle who is without Marshawn Lynch and starting QB Tavaris Jackson.  You may want to hang on to Cincy defense if a great match-up in their schedule comes along.

It has been a while since I’ve written a Fantasy Football update article.  Football isn’t my specialty, I’m more of a baseball guy.  However, football is very similar to baseball.  It’s all about the numbers.  Stats and trends can provide insight on key matchups throughout the season.  How else do fantasy owners draft players?  They research statistics.  Now we’re at the point in the season where teams are on Bye weeks and owners are scrambling to find that quick pick-up.  That’s why it’s really important to look at the numbers and the match-ups during these troubling times.  I’ll give you some advice on a few players from each position that I believe will be decent pick-ups and starts while your stud players are riding the bench during Bye weeks, and also some players worth grabbing now for future weeks.

 

Quarterbacks-

Tim Tebow (DEN)- I never thought I’d say this, but pick up Tebow!  Seriously, why not?  Your quarterback is on a Bye, and you need some solid fantasy numbers to fill the void.  Yes, his top receiver Brandon Lloyd is gone, but Tebow is not going to air the ball out. It’s not the type of offense he plays.  In 2010, Tebow played in 7 games (3 starts), rushed for 227 yards on 43 attempts and six touchdowns.  Tebow threw for 654 yards on 82 attempts and five touchdowns with only three interceptions.

Inside the Numbers- Miami is giving up over 24 fantasy points per week to quarterbacks.  I expect Tebow to have a good game.  He won’t put up Aaron Rodgers numbers, but he can get you about 20 points.  If Mark Sanchez can put up 20 fantasy points on the Dolphins, then Tebow is more than capable of doing that.  Look for Denver’s offense to mix things up.  They’re desperate at this point…


Advice- If you’re fed up with you’re starting quarterback, like I am (Matt Ryan), then this is a guy you’ll want to play the match-ups.  Don’t make this a one week thing.  Keep him in your artillery as the Broncos play the Raiders and the Chiefs in Weeks 9 and 10 respectively.

 

JUST IN CASE:

Sam Bradford (STL)- You’re scratching your heads right now, I know, but if you have nowhere to turn to then I would grab Bradford off the waiver wire to put in your back pocket.  He’s someone worth waiting for to break out.  The new addition of Brandon Lloyd, who is now reunited with his former offensive coordinator from Denver, Josh McDaniels, will give Bradford that legitimate, reliable #1 receiver.  Plus, Mark Clayton has been activated off the PUP list.  This may not sound special, but before Clayton went down in Week 5 last season, Clayton caught 23 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Let’s not forget to mention Danario Alexander who has sealed his position as the #2 receiver on the team in front of Brandon Gibson and Greg Salas.  Bradford no longer has Mike Sims-Walker on the field, which is a positive.  Sims-Walker couldn’t seem to catch anything thrown to him this season.

Advice- Bradford suffered a high-ankle sprain last week against the Packers.  He has been using a walking boot for mobility, and his status for Sunday is still uncertain.  I would ride the hot hand of Bradford.  If you can afford to keep him on your bench, then wait for him to get healthy and see how he does with his new receiving core.  He has only thrown three touchdowns this season, so look for him to finally climb out.

 

Running backs-

Jackie Battle (KC)- Running backs are always hard to replace on your fantasy team.  Most teams have one or two really good running backs, while their bench player may be a back-up goal-line back that will get you a few points.  However, Jackie looks to be the Chiefs’ go-to guy in the backfield and will see the bulk of the carries going forward, which is very good news for fantasy owners in desperate need of a full-load running back.  He’s healthier than Thomas Jones and way bigger than Dexter McCluster.  Battle is the feel-good story leading up to this week.  He has seen next to no playing time since being an undrafted free agent in 2007.  He was bounced around to the practice squad in 2008, and then suffered a torn rotator cuff in 2009.  In 2010, the emergence of Jamaal Charles put Battle on the back-burner behind Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster.  This season looked to be the same story with another addition to the running game in LeRon McClain.  However, in Week 5, Battle got his big chance.  He ran all over the Colts by putting up 119 yards on 19 carries.  He didn’t score a touchdown, but he opened up the passing game, and the Chiefs walked away with the win.

Inside the Numbers- Oakland averages 23 fantasy points allowed per week to running backs.  This could be another big game for Battle, and could solidify his position, at least until next year when Jamaal Charles is back in action.

Advice- I don’t see the Chiefs playing musical chairs in the backfield.  Jones and/or McCluster might get a few touches, but nothing that will take away from Battle’s productivity.  Start him this week if your players are not on Byes, and then play the match-ups going forward.

 

DeMarco Murray (DAL)- Murray will get the workload for the Cowboys this week. Felix Jones suffered a high ankle sprain in the second quarter of last week’s game against the Patriots.  Murray saw 10 rushes, while Tashard Choice on saw 5 rushes.  Murray will be splitting time with Choice, but Murray is more explosive out of the backfield than Choice.  This is a desperate pick for Week 7, but as I said before it’s all about match-ups.

Inside the Numbers- The Rams are giving up close to 23 fantasy points per week to running backs.  The Rams have only held one team to under 100 rushing yards from running backs this season.  I love the match-up against the Rams, but the Cowboys are a pass-heavy team.  I expect Murray to get close to 20 touches and put up average numbers, but who knows against an awful defense in St. Louis, he could surprise.

Advice- Felix Jones will only miss a few weeks with his injury.  I wouldn’t hold onto Murray very long.  There are better options, but it’s worth taking a chance on him this week against the Rams.

 

Wide Receivers-

Greg Little (CLE)- To me, this is the best wide receiver pick-up of the week.  The rookie out of North Carolina hulled in 6 catches for 72 yards on 12 targets last week against the Raiders.  Little now leads the Browns in receptions with 20.  This marks the second week in a row Little has made at least 6 catches.  It looks like Little has solidified his position in the lineup.

Inside the Numbers- Their opponent in Week 7, the Seattle Seahawks, have given up over 24 fantasy points per week on average to wide receivers.

Advice- Little could be the go-to guy for Colt McCoy.  Monitor the situation week-to-week.  We haven’t seen too much of a running game yet out of the Browns, so look for Little to get more touches.  Start him this week, but then sit him against teams like Baltimore or Pittsburgh.

 

Torrey Smith (BAL)- He’s only owned in 44% of Yahoo! leagues, so there is still time to grab him.  I wasn’t sold on Smith at first, but with the injury to Lee Evans, Flacco has been able to find Smith on deep targets.  Torrey Smith owns three of the six longest plays from scrimmage.  He had five passes thrown his way last week against the Texans, and he held on to a 51-yard bomb from Flacco.  I can’t say Smith will continue to impress.  He’s just a rookie, and I don’t know how much production he will get when Lee Evans comes back.  Plus, with the way Flacco has been pressured in the pocket, it may be hard to find Smith downfield, but Smith is a safe play this week against the Jaguars on primetime.

Inside the Numbers- In their last 3 games, the Jaguars have given up over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns to wide receivers.  This doesn’t include the 208 yards and two touchdowns they gave up in Week 1 against Tennessee.

Advice- Flacco is a roller coaster quarterback.  However, the Ravens are facing Jacksonville this week, then Arizona and Seattle in the upcoming weeks.  Torrey Smith is a #3 or #4 guy to have in your lineup.  Start him on days your receivers have Byes, but then keep him on your bench for security.

 

Tight Ends-

Kellen Winslow (TB)- He is owned in about 75% of fantasy leagues, and it may be a good pick-up for a more shallow league of about 8-10 players.  Freeman is not the best quarterback by any means, but Winslow was targeted 10 times last week against the Saints.  He hulled in 5 catches for 40 yards, and he also had one red zone pass thrown his way.  With LeGarrette Blount missing time, the Buccaneers looked to win through the air.  Freeman threw for 303 yards on 41 attempts in their win Week 6.  Freeman could be getting back into the groove after a rough first few games.  He hasn’t scored a touchdown yet, but his time will come very soon.  The Bucs face the Bears in Week 7.

Inside the Numbers- The Bears are averaging close to 13 fantasy points allowed to Tight Ends per week.  They’ve given up 5 touchdowns already this season to the tight end.  The Bears also have not allowed less than 5 receptions in a single game to a tight end.  The Vikings even seemed to have found Shiancoe 5 times for 45 yards last week against the Bears, who has been MIA all season.

Advice- It’s a smart play.  he may be taken in most leagues, but those of you who have him on the bench then I’d play him this week.

 

Kickers-

Robbie Gould (CHI)- Kickers are interesting.  Fantasy owners go with matchups week to week with kickers depending on which offense will put up the most points, therefore giving there kicker better opportunity for attempts.  Some really good kickers get lost in the mix of the waivers, and since most owners only hold one kicker, then Gould could be available.  He’s 13-for-13 on field goal attempts this season.  According to Yahoo! Sports, if Gould gets two more field goals in a row then he surpasses Nate Kaeding as the most accurate field-goal kicker in the NFL.  They play Tampa Bay whose defense is in the bottom 10 in points allowed.

 

Dan Bailey (DAL)- Bailey has converted 15-of-16 field goals this season, and 6-6 past 40 yards.  His long is only 48 yards this season, but looks to be reliable for a Cowboys team that can put up some points.  Definitely a good pick-up this week against the Rams.

 

Defense-

Dallas- The Cowboys have 16 sacks, 6 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries along with a blocked kick.  They’re in the Top 10 in least amount of points allowed.  Dallas picked off Brady twice last week and held him to under 300 yards passing.  Great matchup this week against the 0-5 Rams and an injured Sam Bradford.  If you have another defense on your team, then Dallas is worth picking up and keeping two defenses.

 

My Week Two Fantasy Football predictions were fairly solid.  Every player put up great numbers with the exception of Legendu Naanee.  The beginning of the season is tough.  We are not able to see which players have established themselves as a stellar starter or a solid back-up.  I have two weeks of football to work with and there are some players that are catching my eye for Week Three.  Also, the BYE weeks are around the corner starting Week Four and there are some players you might want to have nestled at the bottom of the roster for a later time.  I’ll start with my WEEK THREE picks.

QB

Kyle Orton- Believe it or not, but Orton leads the league in passing yards with 1,033, as well as league leading 12 25-yard passes in the past three games.  Do not be afraid to have Orton as your number one starting QB on your roster.  This week Orton and the Broncos face a Colts defense that has given up 48 points in two games.  Orton’s passer rating is 103.9.  Many leagues are saying to bench him until he faces a bad defense.  Well, here’s your chance.  Play Orton this week.  If the Broncos are able to contain Manning and not let him throw 400 yards, then the Broncos will beat the Colts this weekend.

RB

Rashard Mendenhall- With both Ben Roethlisberger and Dennis Dixon out, Charlie Batch will try and lead Pittsburgh’s offense.  I don’t see the Steelers relying on their passing game.  Batch hasn’t started a regular season game in three years!  Mendenhall’s numbers thus far are deceiving.  Both Tennessee and Atlanta stacked the box expecting the run.  Despite both defenses trying to stop the run, Mendenhall racked up 189 yards and a touchdown.  All focus will be on the running game, which may worry fantasy owners, but it doesn’t worry the Pittsburgh Steelers as they are facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  I say go with the match up because at Week Three it is all you can really go on.  I would bench Mendenhall Week Four against Baltimore.

Darren McFadden- McFadden is coming off the best back-to-back games of his career.  It seems like Oakland has a different look as they got rid of former no. one overall pick, whats his name?…..oh well, not important.  McFadden has totaled 240 rushing yards on 48 carries.  He is second in the league in rushing behind Arian Foster from Houston.  His 145 rushing yards last week against the Rams was his career high for one game.  Yes, it was the Rams, but this weekend Oakland will be facing Arizona.  The Cards have given up 54 points in the first 2 games.  McFadden will be starting this weekend ahead of Michael Bush.

WR

Brandon Marshall- The Dolphins are playing the Jets, BUT, Mr. Revis Island, or whatever they call him, I don’t really care, will sit out because of a hamstring injury he suffered last week against New England.  What a perfect opportunity for Marshall and QB Chad Henne to become acquainted with one another.  Their chemistry hasn’t clicked just yet as Marshall is still without a touchdown.  I believe Chad Henne is a talented quarterback and Marshall is an extremely talented receiver.  This is also a division match up so Miami will do anything they can to get the ball in the end zone.  Since Marshall catches everything thrown to him look for the Dolphins to take advantage of not facing Revis.

Kevin Walter- If anyone watched the Redskins-Texans game last Sunday, they know exactly what Kevin Walter is about.  They also know what the Texans are about.  They are a pass-heavy team with many weapons on offense.  Quarterback Matt Schaub spreads the ball very well across the field, which will give Walter more touches in the future.  Some of you will say, “Well, he had one good game.”  I say nay.  Walter is a go-to receiver on the Texans offense.  Walter can make clutch plays in crucial situations.  After all, he is the no. two receiver behind Andre Johnson.  Walter had just two touchdowns and 611 yards on 53 receptions last season.  Last week? 144 yards and a touchdown on 11 catches.  In Yahoo leagues, Walter has increased 42% this week.  I would jump on the Kevin Walter bandwagon this week too.  The Texans are playing the Cowboys.  The Cowboys have gotten fantasy owners less than 10 points in the first two weeks.  It is safe to say Houston will have another big offensive game.

TE

Visanthe Shiancoe- This is a no brainer.  Fantasy owners might have gotten a little lucky with this guy.  Who would have known that Favre would only throw the ball to him!!  He led the Vikings last week with six receptions for 86 yards and was targeted nine times total.  Let’s put Shiancoe’s numbers into perspective.  Shiancoe has tallied 162 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions in the first two weeks.  All four Vikings wide receivers have totaled 13 receptions and 129 yards!  Moving on…..

Players to BENCH:

WR Pierre Garcon Indianapolis Colts-       Garcon has battled ankle and hamstring injuries this week in practice, not to mention he only has 54 yards in two games.  I would bench him, and monitor his status in practice up until Sunday.

Players off Waivers:

WR Louis Murphy Oakland Raiders- Murphy may be a player to keep an eye on in the upcoming weeks.  Bruce Gradkowski is now Oakland’s starting QB, and Murphy has been a proven number one receiver for the Raiders.  Look for Murphy and Gradkowski to hook up, but I would have him as a safety net in case you run into bye week trouble.

RB Mike Tolbert San Diego Chargers- Tolbert will be the replacement this week for rookie RB Ryan Matthews.  Matthews suffered a high ankle sprain last week and has been limited in practice all week.  Tolbert WILL START THIS WEEK.  After Matthews exited Sunday’s game, Tolbert put up 82 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.  Not only is he a great start for Week Three, but he could be valuable the next few weeks as you decide who to move from the bench to the starting position in the bye weeks.  Tolbert will get the bulk of the goal-line carries in the future even if Matthews is starter.