Pick Me, Pick Me!
Jabar Gaffney. Wide Receiver for the Washington Redskins
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.
