Tag Archives: Patrick Crayton

11/23 Player Updates

Colts Receiver Austin Collie(concussion) has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chargers as a “precaution”. Blair White will fill the slot receiver role and is a solid flex play especially in PPR leagues. Teammate Joseph Addai(neck) will be participating only in non contact work this week during practice. Many believed he’d be able to return during week 12, but this news leads us to believe week 13 is more likely. Donald Brown, who looked much better this past week, would draw another start if Addai is inactive.

Chargers activated Vincent Jackson from the roster exempt list and he is expected to play a significant role in the offense Sunday in Indy. RB Ryan Mathews(ankle) is unlikely to play as well, meaning another start for Mike Tolbert against the leagues 30th ranked run defense. Malcom Floyd(hamstring) tweaked his hammy Monday night and is likely to be a game time decision Sunday. With the game being Sunday night, if you have other options i’d use them instead of holding out hope of Floyd playing. TE Antonio Gates(foot) is still unsure if he’ll be able to come back week 12. Gates is such a tough competitor, I can’t rule his return out completely in a big game like this, but we’ll have to take a wait and see approach. As with Floyd, if you have another  option use him with the game being late.

Chargers wideout Patrick Crayton, had a decent game Monday night until he dislocated his wrist. Crayton finished with 3 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown but is now likely to be sidelined at least two weeks. If Crayton and Floyd can’t go, look for Vincent Jackson and Seyi Arijotutu to get the start in a good matchup in Indy.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks is going to be out at least three weeks with compartment syndrome in his lower right leg. With fellow wideout Steve Smith already on the shelf for at least another week, look for Mario Manningham and Derek Hagan to start Sunday. The Giants also signed former Bucs wideout Michael Clayton from the UFL today. Clayton showed some flashes while in Tampa but never put it together consistently, maybe some time away from the NFL helped him develop and hopefully be able to help the Giants depleted receiving corp.

Dolphins wideout Brandon Marshall, who suffered a hamstring injury during last Thursday’s home loss to the Bears, says he will “do everything in my power to play Sunday.” Marshall has never missed a game because of injury and hopefully that streak continues, but hamstrings are very tough to recover from without the proper amount of rest, so stay tuned.

Browns QB Colt McCoy is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain during Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars. If he is unable to go this week, look for Seneca Wallace to return as the Browns starter. TE Ben Watson, was in and out of the lineup Sunday after suffering an ankle injury and was held without a catch. There currently is no updates on this matter and as soon as we have one, we will be sure to pass it along to you.

Lions RB Jahvid Best(turf toe) is having more and more issues with it and was outproduced by Maurice Morris during Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys. Best is not likely to suit up Thursday against the Patriots and with Kevin Smith placed on IR, Maurice Morris would get the start and is a decent flex play in PPR leagues.

Saints RB Reggie Bush(leg) is likely to go Thursday against the Cowboys while Pierre Thomas(ankle) was held out of Tuesdays practice and Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Time-Picayune assumes there has been a setback in Thomas’ recovery. A Thursday afternoon return is even more unlikely return date for Thomas if he’s unable to practice at all just two days prior. We will continue to monitor this but don’t give up on Thomas just yet has he could be a juggernaut for you during your fantasy playoffs.

Redskins RB Clinton Portis(groin) who started Sunday’s game against the Titans, reaggravated it and was unable to return, leaving Keiland Williams to shoulder the load. Portis, in my estimation is done this year and Ryan Torain(hamstring) is more than likely to be ruled out this week as well, leaving Williams to carry the load once again, against the Vikings.

49ers TE Vernon Davis left Sunday’s home loss to the Bucs after aggravating the same ankle he sprained a few weeks back. Davis states that its not that serious but we’ll keep an eye on this going into Monday nights game with the division rival Cardinals.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart(concussion) was unable to practice Tuesday and his week 12 status is uncertain. Stewart has missed the last two weeks with this concussion and Mike Goodson has filled in admirably. Stewart still has a ton of talent, but in re-draft leagues it is almost time to cut bait completely.

Titans WR Kenny Britt(hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 12 already. Britt more than likely won’t return until at least Week 14, if he’s lucky. With the Titans loss of Vince Young however, Britt is looking a little less attractive even if he does return if rookie Rusty Smith is under center.

Cardinals receiver Early Doucet has been diagnosed with a concussion after leaving Sunday’s game in the 2nd quarter. Doucet will be monitored throughout the week but I wouldn’t count on him suiting up Monday night against the 49ers.

Seahawks receiver Mike Williams, after posting a 6-109 day Sunday left the game in the third quarter after feeling something pop in his foot. He was unable to return to the game and his status for going forward is dependent upon his response to treatment according to coach Pete Carroll. Week 12 at the very least seems to be a wash as far as Williams is concerned so make other plans.

Jaguars receiver Mike Sims-Walker has now been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, which kept him out of Sunday’s win against the Browns. Sims-Walker is unlikely to play this Sunday against the Giants too, so make other arrangements if he’s in your current lineup.

 

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11/16 Player News

Redskins RB Ryan Torain(hamstring) will be visiting the doctor about this injury. He was expected to start last nights game before feeling some tightness and rookie Keiland Williams carried the load. Williams would be a RB2 in PPR leagues against the Titans if Torain were to sit out this week. Right now it doesn’t look good for the oft-injured Torain to go in Week 11. Stay Tuned.

Bears WR Johnny Knox(flu,ankle) practiced Tuesday and should be fine for this weeks game.

Chiefs rookie TE Tony Moeaki suffered a concussion during Sunday’s blow out loss to the Broncos. Stay tuned to us as we will monitor his test results to see if he can play this week.

Giants receiver Steve Smith(torn pectoral muscle) is expected to be out until early December, opening the door for Mario Manningham to have some big games during that stretch. 2nd year man Ramses Barden suffered a left foot injury during Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys and has been placed on IR. In a response move, they resigned WR Derek Hagans who will split #3 receiver duties with rookie Duke Calhoun.

Steelers cut K Jeff Reed today and signed former Redskin Kicker Shane Suisham. Reed, who missed a chip shot field goal Sunday against the Patriots has struggled all season.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he expects WR Hines Ward(concussion) to play this week. Ward left Sunday’s loss early and ended his 186 consecutive game streak with at least one reception. It looks like he’ll start a new streak Sunday.

Cards RB Beanie Wells(knee) who was inactive Sunday, is believed to have healed up during the week off and is expected to return Week 11.

Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey(hamstring) is in serious danger of missing this weeks game. The bye week apparently didn’t help the injury heal and you should make other arrangements if he was someone you are relying on. His absense would allow week 9 Raider hero Jacoby Ford to draw another start.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews(ankle) is still not 100% after the bye week and remains questionable for Sunday’s game.

Chargers WR Malcom Floyd(hamstring) returned to practice Monday and appears to be ready to go this week after missing the past few games. With Floyd returning as well as Vincent Jackson in week 12, Seyi Arijotutu and Patrick Crayton appear to have only one “valuable” week left in them so take advantage in week 11.

Antonio Gates(toe) still is not sure if he’ll play this week so stay tuned and be prepared to find another option in case he can’t go.

Bills rookie CJ Spiller(hamstring) is considered out indefinitely and Fred Jackson‘s value goes way up. Jackson posted 170 total yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s win vs. the Lions.

Panthers QB Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion Sunday and his week 11 status is up in the air. Fellow rookie QB Tony Pike would be next in line to start if Clausen can’t go.

Colts RB Joseph Addai(neck) is expected to return this week, but he’ll have to appear in practice at least once to guarantee. Addai’s return would be big  for the Colts especially since Donald Brown hasn’t shown anything.

Jets WR Jericho Cotchery(groin) is expected to miss at least two weeks after suffering a groin tear in Sunday’s come from behind win over the Browns.

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselback(wrist) is expected to start Sunday against the Saints.

The Saints are hoping to get Pierre Thomas(ankle) back on the practice field some time this week, but that remains very iffy. It’s more likely that we’ll see Thomas return to the field in Week 12 rather than this week. We’ll keep you posted on his status. Reggie Bush(leg) says he fully expects to play this week after missing the last eight weeks. I wouldn’t expect a huge workload from Bush even if he returns and Thomas does not as they will likely work him back into the mix slowly. Bush isn’t more than a flex starter at best for his first game back.

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Week 9 Fantasy Football Team Recovery

 

By Alan Squatrito

NFL HIT LIST
1.Donald Driver
2.Buster Davis
3.Brett Favre
4.Matt Hasselbeck
5.Ryan Torain
6.Vernon Davis
7.Zach Miller
8.Anthony Gonzalez
9. Mike Hart/Donald Brown

                       Injuries plague the NFL once again in week 8.  You never know who is going to be next on the NFL HIT LIST nor should you be surprised when you find out. After analyzing the games these past two weeks I noticed that a majority of defenders are holding back on those huge collision hits that could potentially lighten their wallets and future playing time. In my opinion, it has been nice to see these players hold up to avoid making a costly mistake for themselves and their team. It’s a win-win situation and the NFL isn’t going to lose any fans because of it. Tackles and hard hits are still going to be made and throughout these last two weeks I’ve noticed defenders keeping their heads up, wrapping, staying low, and following through with their tackles. These are the ways tackles are supposed to be made and the players seem to be playing smarter as of late, head coaches with their decisions and play calls on the other hand, that’s a totally different story. Anyway, below are waiver wire fantasy players I think you should take a look at and plug into your lineups this week if you need help at that position.

Wide Receiver Recovery List

 

1. James Jones/Jordy Nelson –With Donald Driver stating he will not play in week 9 one or both of these athletes will make a play you need for your fantasy team at home against the desperate Cowboys in week 9.  The Packers scored only 9 points last weekend against a stingy Jets D, but this week I picture a whole different story as they play the Cowboys at home in week 9. David Garrard owned the Cowboys last week throwing for four touchdowns and running one in. That was David Garrard’s best game in his NFL career. If I had to choose between Jordy and James I tend to lean towards James Jones as his production has been better thus far throughout the year, while Steve Deangelo believes Jordy Nelson is the better option. Choose wisely, despite that there will be plenty to go around. Go with James Jones!

2. Anthony Gonzalez – Anthony Gonzalez took a minute to shake off the rust on Monday night but still managed to have a product full game vs. the Texans with four receptions and 55 yards, he was a better option than Wes Welker this past week and I think he is going to shine against Philadelphia in week 9. Despite that Gonzalez managed to make the hit list this week in reality he just had some soreness after week 8’s game. Gonzalez just had to get acclimated to playing on the field for 60 minutes. He will be fine for week 9.

3. Patrick Crayton – Wow, I didn’t think I would throw Patrick Crayton up on this list once again, but he is a safe start this weekend against the Texans. With Buster Davis out for the season with a rib injury, Patrick Crayton is going to have to pick up the slack once again. Antonio Gates could use some help as well. Rivers will have to check down the ball a lot more this week and give his running back committee more looks, but Crayton will definitely get his.  

4. Earl Bennett – Mr. Bennett has slowly been sneaking up on Devin Hester and his role on the first team offense, taking away some of his snaps. I expect Devin Hester’s wide receiver role to diminish as the season continues considering that the Coaching staff for the Bears want to make sure his legs are fresh for kickoff and punt returns. I know the Bears want to run the ball, and need to run the ball against the Bills this week, but would you be surprised if they deviated from their plan? Pick Earl up with confidence this week as a number three wide receiver, especially in ppr leagues. Otherwise, he may be a gamble in td heavy leagues.

 

Running Back Recovery List

 

1. Mike Hart/Donald Brown – Mike Hart did nothing but impress during week 8’s win over the Texans. Donald Brown seemed to have struggled and there is still no word on Joseph Addai’s return. If Mike Hart is still on the waivers, say thank you to the rest of your league.Just monitor his status as he is listed as questionable going into week 9. Donald Brown may get a bigger work load if Hart is a no go.

2. LeGarrette Blount/Cadillac Williams – Cadillac Williams is averaging 2.5 yards a carry while Blount is bruising his way to 4.9 yards a carry. Blount seems to be a solid down-hill runner while Cadillac Williams has been becoming more of a pass catcher out of the back field on third downs. However, the Buccaneers travel to the Georgia Dome to play the Falcons in a division rivalry battle. Coach Raheem Morris has been talking a little too much smack as of late and boasting about his team being in first place throughout their division. I can’t picture the Buccaneers getting a win away this weekend in week 9 and I am not sure if Blount is a solid start for this game. I can picture Cadillac Williams actually having a better game because the Buccaneers may be in a situation where they will need to consistently pass the ball. In a ppr league I would start Cadillac over Blount. Other than that, start Blount.

3. Kevin Smith – Kevin Smith had 55 yards on 12 carries against the Redskins on Sunday and he has spoken highly about his new running style. Kevin has been making rash decisions before the line of scrimmage and putting his foot in the ground to get up field. He seems to understand the speed of the game better than before and looks like he is recovering from his injury very nicely. He is not a great start at all this weekend vs. the Jets, but is great to have stashed away on your bench if you have the room.

4.Keiland Williams/Clinton Portis – It has not been stated yet as to when Clinton Portis will be on the field again but Ryan Torain went down with a hamstring injury in week 8 and Keiland Williams filled in for him pretty well with a touchdown on the day. He is worth picking up and stashing just in case Torain isn’t healthy enough to play after their week 9 bye.

Quarterback Recovery List

1. Josh Freeman – This kid seems to impress me week after week and I would love to root for him if I needed to plug him in as my QB comes Sunday. I picture the Falcons waxing the Buccaneers and giving Josh Freeman chance after chance to rack up some fantasy points.

2. Matt Hasselbeck – I know the Giants are one of the best defenses in the league but when the Seahawks are playing at home they seem to look like a playoff bound team. However they are not, Matt Hasselbeck also has a concussion but is expected to play. The only reason why I like Matt this week as a filler in your lineup is because he is at home and the Giants cane sometimes play down to competition. Monitor his status for this weekend because there is still a chance Matt does not suit up.

3. Tavaris Jackson – If the Vikings are going to get rid of Randy Moss, they might as well get rid of Brett Favre. The Vikings pretty much threw in the towel this season by getting rid of Moss and it’s time to see what Tavaris Jackson can do. Tavaris provides that dual threat as he can run with the ball as well as pass. I don’t care if Favre may give you the best chance to win, that’s still a debate. They are NOT going to go to the Super Bowl with Favre this year. It’s time to look into your future quarterback situation. Pick Tavaris Jackson up if you have a roster spot to fill on your bench.

4. Troy Smith – I mentioned before that this guy was the Heisman Trophy Award winner in 2006. He beat out Brady Quinn and Darren McFadden for the award. He seems to provide a spark for the 49ers and even when Alex Smith is healthy I think the 49ers are going to be smart and play Troy Smith throughout the year. Pick him and to stash during their week bye 9 and prepare to use him in the future if he keeps up his play.

 

Tight End Recovery List

1. Jacob Tamme– uhmmmmmmmmmmmm yeah, pick him up if he’s on the waivers.

2. Greg Olsen – I just read that the Buffalo Bills have given up more fantasy points to tight ends this season than any other team. Greg Olsen is an amazing tight end that gets used sparingly in Mike Martz offense at best. Will Mike Martz negate this stat and keep Olsen on a leash again comes Sunday? I’d be surprised.

 

3. Anthony Fasano – He’s been playing well and consistent all season. The Dolphins play the Ravens this week and it will be the second straight game on the road for the Dolphins.

 

4. Dante Rosario – When Matt Moore gets his head out of his shorts Dante Rosario will see more passes come his way. Dante Rosario is an athlete and knows how to move the chains on third downs. He is a dependable guy, but Matt Moore is not. Wait to pick Rosario up or use him this week if you are desperate, he has great upside against the Saints this week.

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Halloween Eve 10/30 Player News

Carolina RB DeAngelo Williams(foot) did not travel to St. Louis therefore he will not play. Jonathan Stewart gets his first start and in his three career starts is averaging 150.3 total yards. Solid RB2 with RB1 upside.  SOURCE: Darin Gantt on Twitter

Viking QB Brett Favre(foot) is  expected to start Sunday in New England.

Colts RB Joseph Addai(shoulder) is as expected not going to play Monday night against the Texans. Donald Brown practiced in full Saturday and will likely start with Mike Hart getting some carries as well.

Texans TE Owen Daniels(knee) was a full participant in Saturday’s practice and will start Monday in Indianapolis.

Cardinals WR’s Steve Breaston(knee) and Early Doucet(groin) are both expected to return to this week’s lineup against the Bucs. Both are decent flex plays, but i’d probably hold off on playing either of them this week. Their return however should free up Larry Fitzgerald to have a solid game.

Titans QB Vince Young(knee) is expected to start Sunday afternoon in San Diego. SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Antonio Gates(toe) is going to start as we had expected against the Titans and is an obvious must start. Receivers Legedu Naanee(hamstring) and Malcom Floyd(hamstring) are out for this game. Buster Davis(ribs) and Patrick Crayton will start with Davis being worthy of a flex play and Crayton a rock solid # 3.

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Week 8 Start Em Sit Em

By Mike Cannici

 

Starts

QB

Matthew Stafford (vs WAS)- Stafford returns this week after missing the last seven weeks with a shoulder injury to face one of the worst pass defenses in the league. He is a great bye week filler and should be owned in all 12 team leagues. There obviously is the question of how his shoulder will hold up but I’d bet that the Lions would not be getting their franchise QB back on the field if he wasn’t 100%.

Matt Cassel (vs BUF)- Don’t look now but Cassel is a good start once again in a home matchup against the Bills. Buffalo’s offense has been much better of late, so look for this to be a close game but their defense is still terrible and they put zero pressure on the QB. Cassel is another example of a great matchup play or a bye week replacement.

Chad Henne (@CIN)- Henne has been very efficient since coming out of the Dolphins bye week. The big numbers haven’t been their but to his credit the turnovers haven’t been their either. CB Jonathan Joseph may be out again for the Bengals and Henne could put up similar numbers to Matt Ryan’s last week (299 yards,3 touchdowns).
RB

Ryan Torain (@DET)- Torain has played very well since taking over for Clinton Portis, with the exception of the two fumbles last week. He draws the Lions this week who are 26th vs. the run, so look for another big day out of Torain. He is a solid flex play with low end RB2 upside.

Beanie Wells (vs. TB)- Wells has been a disappointment thus far but did pick up 54 yards and a score last week. He gets the 31st ranked rush defense Sunday at home and should have his biggest day of the year, especially with Max Hall struggling with in the passing game. Wells is a great flex start and could possibly put up top 5 numbers this week as long as the Cardinals can keep it close, and if they get a solid lead, watch out, it’ll be the Beanie Wells show.

Felix Jones (vs. JAC)- Jones struggled last week against the Giants, but really who hasn’t since week three, but with the loss of Tony Romo, may actually become more valuable going forward. Jon Kitna replaces Romo, and while I don’t think Kitna will be horrible, I do think Dallas will rely on the run a little more going forward, to limit the turnovers and mistakes. This week Jones gets the Jaguars who are 25th against the run and 27th vs. the pass. Jones is a very good flex play this week and even a low end RB2 in PPR leagues.

 

WR

Pierre Garcon (vs. HOU)- With Austin Collie, Dallas Clark and Joseph Addai out, there is going to be a lot more balls to go around and Garcon will be the #2 option behind Reggie Wayne. Garcon should at least duplicate his numbers from week six against the Redskins (4-104-1) if not surpass them. Houston ranks dead last against the pass and at home, Peyton Manning will be airing it out. Solid WR3/Flex in this matchup.

Dwayne Bowe (vs. BUF)- This should almost go without saying, but I know there are a lot of owners out their wondering, should I start Bowe again this week? The answer is simple, HELL freaking yes. He has scored two touchdowns in each of the last two weeks, and playing this week at home against the Bills, it wouldn’t shock me that he does it again. Dexter McCluster will miss the next few weeks with a high ankle sprain, so Bowe’s targets should increase even more. He’s a high end WR3 with WR2 potential. Get him in lineups.

Patrick Crayton (vs. TEN)- Crayton is averaging around 100 yards in each of his last two games, and has another solid matchup this week. He makes for a great flex play and a WR3 in PPR leagues. In this pass happy offense; look for Crayton to put up 6-8 catches, around 80-90 yards and a score this week. Start him with confidence.

 
Sits

QB

Vince Young (@SD)- Young is likely to start Sunday in San Diego after missing last week’s game with knee and ankle injuries. He isn’t a good start however as he is 0-4 in his career against the Chargers. The Chargers are also ranked 4th against the run and 1st against the pass, making Young a desperation start at best.

Donavan McNabb (@DET)- I know I know most people’s eyes light up if they have a player facing the Lions, but the Lions have defended the pass pretty well and McNabb is coming off a terrible game against the Bears last week. The Lions have allowed 10 passing TD’s in 6 games and have six interceptions to go along with that and 16 sacks. McNabb is a decent start in 2QB leagues, but if you start just one, I hope you have other options.

RB

Ryan Mathews (vs. TEN)- Mathews has two things working against him this week, one is the Titans are 10th vs. the run and second the Chargers don’t like to run the ball very often. Mathews is still recovering from his ankle injury and is near 100% but their still babying him a little bit. I was watching some tape of him last night on NFL Networks playbook and saw how he still is trying to bounce it to the outside instead of following his blockers and hitting the holes. The Chargers o-line hasn’t been great, but during those highlights, their was at least three HUGE holes he could have hit for big gains. He’s just a rookie, but a rookie who should be on your bench this week if you have better options.

Saints RB’s Chris Ivory/Ladell Betts (vs. PIT)- Ivory and Betts weren’t spectacular last week against the Browns at home and this week draw the league’s best run defense in the Steelers. Ivory had that big week six game and Betts has been decent in PPR leagues, but both are better left on fantasy benches in week eight. The Steelers have only allowed two rushing touchdowns this year, and both were from less than 3 yards out and are allowing opponents 2.8 yards per carry. The Steelers have also faced backs the likes of Chris Johnson, Michael Turner, Ronnie Brown, Ray Rice and the list goes on. Ivory and Betts are nowhere near those players so keep them on benches this week.
WR

Lee Evans (@KC)- I know Evans has been solid lately and I love the guy as much as anyone, but he draws a matchup with Brandon Flowers this week, one of the up and coming star cornerbacks, and should be held in check. I expect Stevie Johnson to have another solid day, but keep Evans on benches this week if it’s feasible. With that Kansas City crowd noise, I’d expect Ryan Fitzpatrick to have a lot of trouble moving the ball.

Mike Williams (@OAK)- Williams has been great the last two weeks, but is about to hit a wall, and that wall’s name is Nnamdi Asomugha. The Seahawks are also not nearly as good on the road as they are at home and similar to Ryan Fitzpatrick, I think Hasselback will have problems with the crowd noise and finding Mike Williams open on a regular basis. Williams will be great the rest of the way, I just don’t see this week being one of those great weeks.

Michael Crabtree (vs. Den in London)- Crabtree’s value took a big hit last week with the loss of QB Alex Smith to a separated shoulder. Crabtree was just starting to get it going and will now be relegated to a flex play at best with Troy Smith or David Carr at the helm. Troy Smith is definitely the better of the two options, but I don’t see Crabtree having the big games we saw from him during weeks four through six. It pains me to say this as I am a Crabtree owner in a keeper league and two redraft leagues but keep him on the bench this week, at least until we see what we have with Troy Smith.

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Waiver Wire Adds Week 8

By Mike Cannici

QB’s

Ryan Fitzpatrick- The Bills QB put up some great numbers yet again during Sunday’s loss to the Ravens. He finished with 374 yards and 4 touchdown passes as well as 20 yards rushing. He has started four games now for the Bills and has scored over 20 pts in each. If you’re in need of QB help, Fitzpatrick might just be your guy. He has brought value back to Bills receivers even Lee Evans who has been non-existent for the past few seasons.

Matt Moore- Moore regained the starting job this week and had a great game in a victory over the 49ers. He did lose pro bowler Steve Smith to injury after returning from an ankle injury and his diagnosis is not yet known. Moore compiled 308 yards and 2 touchdowns Sunday and may be a decent start in 2QB leagues or even a bye week filler with the Rams, Saints and Bucs coming up on the schedule.

Josh Freeman-Josh put up another solid fantasy game this week with 212 yards, a touchdown and 40 yards rushing. The consistent touchdown numbers aren’t quite there yet but he has now scored at least 15 fantasy points in 5 of the Bucs six games. The Bucs have just three remaining games vs top 10 pass defenses and Freeman could help out plenty of fantasy owners.

 

RB’s

LaGarette Blount- Blount is another guy who has made this list previously but might actually become the starter for the Bucs going forward. He had a 72 yard effort during Sunday’s comeback win over the Rams while current starter Cadillac Williams had just 4 carries for 12 yards but did contribute in the passing game, something Blount isn’t quite adept to yet. Blount should be the top waivers add at RB with a starting job in his very near future maybe even by this week. He draws the Cardinals, Falcons, Panthers, 49ers and Ravens the next five weeks so Blount could begin a breakout campaign.

Willis McGahee- Fantasy owners who do not yet own this guy need to go grab him now as it seems pretty obvious he’s going to be involved in this offense especially around the goal line. He finished with 64 yards on 11 carries and a TD Sunday against the Bills. It looks like him and Rice will share carries going forward likely to keep Rice fresh and that shouldn’t decrease Rice’s value too much. Grab McGahee if he’s available because the Ravens love to run the ball.

Darren Sproles –Sproles had his best game of the season Sunday and has now posted two consecutive double digit weeks in a row in PPR formats. He caught 9 balls for 70 yards to go along with 10 yards on the ground. Sproles complained last week about not getting involved more in the offense and Coach Norv Turner certainly obliged his request to do so. Sproles is a good add especially in PPR leagues going forward. If Ryan Mathews were to go down with an injury again Mike Tolbert would likely take majority of the carries but Sproles should have decent value rest of the season regardless of who the main back is.

WR’s

David Gettis – The return of Matt Moore under center plus the fact that Steve Smith was injured lead to the rookie Gettis to have a big week against the 49ers. Gettis did drop a late TD that would have won the game earlier, but on the next possession made up for it and caught the eventual game winning TD. He finished with 8 catches for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns on the day. Gettis was a sixth round pick out of Baylor and has probably solidified himself as the Panthers number two receiver. If Matt Moore can build on Sunday’s effort, Gettis could be a solid flex or low end WR3 going forward especially if Steve Smith were to miss any significant time.

Patrick Crayton/Buster Davis- The current Chargers starting receivers both had solid games Sunday and with Malcom Floyd at least another week from returning and VJAX a month away, these guys could provide solid numbers for you going forward. Crayton is a talented receiver who was set free by the Cowboys with the addition of rookie Dez Bryant while Davis is a former first round pick who has struggled to remain healthy. I like them both as WR4 going forward and shouldn’t lose a ton of value after Floyd returns with pass happy Phillip Rivers under center. When VJAX returns however that may be a different story but take a shot and ride the wave with these two guys.

Brandon LaFell- LaFell was the second of the Carolina rookie receivers to post a career day grabbing 6 balls for 91 yards including a great catch down the sideline during the comeback drive. LaFell has a lot of talent and if he can build off this game it could pay off huge dividends. Right now he’s more of a speculative add, rather than a must own but he has the size and hands to be a quality receiver in this league.

James Jones- Jones had his best game of the 2010 season Sunday night during the Packers win over the Vikings. Jones tallied four catches for 107 yards on eight targets. Veteran Donald Driver was held without a catch and it’s likely that his quad injury may have been an issue. If Driver continues to struggle with this injury that could open the door for Jones to have a great second half. He needs to continue to be consistent but definitely has all the tools you look for in a number two receiver.

Jordan Shipley- Shipley, who was Browns QB Colt McCoy’s roommate and best friend at the University of Texas, had his biggest game of his young career Sunday. Shipley recorded six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. His numbers may be slightly skewed as the Bengals were down 24-3 at the half but he has a ton of potential as a slot receiver and if you’re in need of some WR depth, Shipley can definitely add that and be a decent bye week filler.

TE’s

Todd Heap- Heap was able to play Sunday against the Bills after suffering a concussion during week six. Heap hauled in three passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns. The question with Heap has never been talent it’s been his inability to stay healthy and thus far he has been. Heap is a high end TE2 with low end TE1 upside and makes for a great bye week filler at the very worst going forward.

Jermaine Gresham- Gresham didn’t have a great game this week but in PPR leagues he had decent production with four receptions for 26 yards. 6.6 points isn’t an amazing number but he is averaging over six targets per game and now has 26 receptions and two touchdowns. He’s an amazing talent and should eventually turn into a top TE. If you’re in a bind and want to take a chance on the “next big thing” this is your guy. The Bengals have found themselves down in games lately and have been forced to air it out. Gresham is a big target who Palmer does like to look for in the red zone as well so keep your eye on this kid.

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