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.
Fantasy Savvy 