Top Targets For Week 9 (free Agents Dummy)

There are some good buys out there this week  Get to work

Ryan Moats, Houston- Moats went crazy last weekend and although Kubiak willnot commit to an answer when pressed on who will start in week 9, it will be tough to sit Moats after his 126 yards and 3 TD performance.  This is especially true considering Slaton is have a hard time shaking his case of fumblitis.  Head Smacker

LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia-  If you own Brian Westbrook, you should have drafted McCoy, but is the off chance that you did, get him.  Westbrook is going to continue to drive you crazy because he is one of the guys who is always hurt but usually plays so the only thing you can count on him for is to make you nuts. Head Smacker

Vince Young, Tennessee- Vince is back from the depths of career suicide and is doing exactly what he does…put up very mediocre fantasy numbers.  He is great with his legs though so if you play in a league that gives extra points for rushing touchdowns, he might be a decent bye week option.  Hail Mary

Alex Smith, San Francisco-  Smith is looking a lot more like the first round pick he was supposed to be coming into the league.  Notice that I did not say he is looking like the first overall pick that he was, because he is not looking like that.  He is keeping the offense moving though, something that Shaun Hill was unable to do.  Also, with the return of Frank Gore, the passing game is opening up a little but which will help.  Not So Obvious

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco-  Although I usually stay clear of rookie wide outs, especially ones who hold out for half the season, Crabtree looks good.  He is still not consistant enough to be a weekly play but might be worth a stash if you are in a keeper league that forces you to keep a certain number of players.  Not So Obvious

Kevin Walter, Houston- The loss of Owen Daniels, although not great for Matt Schaub owners is very good for Walter.  He should be the teams third option now after the omnipotent Andre Johnson and whomever is in the backfield. Not So Obvious

Malcolm Floyd, San Diego- Although Floyd had already taken his starting job, the release of Chris Chambers just cements it.   Malcolm will now get more looks in a pass heavy offense that scores points…works for me.  Not So Obvious

Top Targets For Week 8 (free Agents Dummy)

Once again a couple long shots have come through. This week, you have a opportunity to jump on some of the players I spoke about earlier but have now shown that they can produce.

Head Smackers-
Running Backs-
Ricky Williams, Miami- We talked about him before but in case there was any doubt..He went crazy this week with 3 tds. He has only missed double digit fantasy points one all year. He should be owned in all leagues but if he isn’t, head smacker.

Wide Receivers-
Miles Austin, Dallas- If there is a league out there that took a wait and see attitude with Austin, the time to hesitate is over. Miles has eclipsed Jason Witten as Romo’s goto guy and as made Roy Williams irrelevant.

Sidney Rice, Minnesota- At 6’4″ and over 200lbs, Rice has become a favorite target for Favre early and often. The only wide out on the Vikings who is not a fantasy value is the only “big name” Berrian.

Not So Obvious

Quarterbacks-
Alex Smith, San Francisco- Many thought that Smith earned the starting job in training camp but didn’t get it. There should be no more doubt. Smith looked very good taking over for the ineffective Shaun Hill and had instant chemistry with the born again Vernon Davis. Look for respectable but not transcendant numbers from Smith.

Running Backs-
Shonn Green, NY Jets- The only reason a guy who puts up 144 yards and 2 TDs is not a head smacker is because of the RB situation in New York. He will still not be the clear cut starter, but I said before that Ryan likes this kid alot. If you have room on your roster, get him.

Wide Receivers-
Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants- Nicks has looked very good since his return from injury and appears to be playing himself into a lot more work, much to the shagrin of Manningham and Smith.

Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh- I mentioned him a few weeks ago as a hail mary but he has put up double digit fantasy numbers 3 of the last 5 weeks and is a decent flew option if you are having WR trouble during bye weeks.

Hail Marys-

Wide Receivers-
Sam Aiken, New England- He is not seeing much action right now, but with the release of Joey Galloway and the injury to Julian Edelman, he is only a bad hit from being on the field a lot in a very potent offense.

Top Targets 2009 for Week 7 (Free agents Dummy!)

We have reached the point in the season where head smackers are no longer relevant. If any of the head smackers are still available in your league, you should be 6-0 and you would not need my help. So we are left with just the long shots.

Not So Obvious-
Running Backs-
Mike Bell, New Orleans- Although Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush get all the fanfare, Mike Bell is still getting the rock. Even though he is not the star Bell still got 15 carries next week even with everyone healthy. In addition, there were 3 rushing TDs scored and Pierre Thomas got none of them…but Bell did.

Wide Receivers-
Any Indianapolis Colts Receiver- I told you

Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants- The Giants are spreading the ball around and Nicks seems to be part of the fun finally. Good match up play against weak pass defenses but with Smith and Manningham also grabbing passes he is a tough play week in and week out.

Hail Marys (remember these are long shots, anybody can tell you to pick up Miles Austin after a 250 yd week)
Running Backs-
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England- With Sammy Morris getting knocked out of the game on the first play, the Pats are down to 2 running backs. Although Maroney got the carries last week, he has proven many times that he cannot keep this job. He has lost it to everyone, Morris, Taylor, Faulk and soon Green-Ellis. BenJarvus had 67 yards on just 7 attempts and had 2 catches out of the backfield. Look for an increased role down the stretch.

Jerious Norwood, Atlanta- I keep saying it and sooner or later it has to come true. Michael Turner carries a big load and those guys get hurt. It has to happen eventually.

Wide Receivers-
Sammie Stroughter, Tampa Bay- The 7th round pick for the Bucs is already leading the team in receiving and is also very active in the return game. If you are in a league that gives you return yardage or you are in a dynasty league and you want to take a big gamble, he might be worth a shot.

Mike Wallace, Pittburgh- I mentioned him earlier in the year and I am mentioning him again. The Steelers are having a harder and harder time running the ball behind an aging offensive line and Wallace is one of the 2 guys on the team who seems to be able to hold onto the ball. He will be looked to more often down the stretch.

Keenan Burton, St Louis- I know he is a Ram, but he has gone back to back 5 catch weeks and the Rams have actually been able to move the ball a little recently. (hey these are hail marys)

Top Targets 2009 for Week 6 (Free agents Dummy!)

Okay, admittedly Derek Anderson and Mohamed Massaquoi were very bad calls last week.  I am going stop short of saying I wrong because one week cannot be an indicator of a good pick up or not.  Plus, there were a couple good picks in there as well. 

 Head smackers

Quater Backs:

Kyle Orton, Denver- I have never been shy to voice my disapproval of Orton as a quarterback and wispy beard wearer but he is winning me over.  Now please make no mistake, he is still not good, but he does have weapons…that helps.  His beard is still terrible.

New feature- Bizarro Head Smackers.  People you should drop if you have been holding on to them for some stupid reason.

JaMarcus Russell and almost anyone on the Rams besides Steven Jackson (reasons not needed)

Running Backs:

Ahmad Bradshaw, NY Giants- Brandon Jacobs looks to be less important than he was and Bradshaw looks to be an important part of the offense, easy math.

Sammy Morris, New Patriots-  With fragile Fred returning,  making Morris “the guy” as much as anyone can be “the guy” in the patriots offense, he should be a sure pick up.

Wide Receivers:

Austin miles, Dallas- Miles capitalized on the absence of Roy Williams but don’t look for 200yds every week. Dallas needs a go to guy, maybe it is Austin…maybe.

Not so obvious:

Running Backs:

Donald Brown, Indianapolis-  If history serves correctly, it is only a matter of time until Addai goes down.  Trust me.

Wide Receivers:

Donnie Avery, St. Louis-  I know I am contradicting myself, but he looked pretty good.  The Rams have to get better…don’t they?

Dennis Northcutt, Detroit- Keep an eye on the Calvin Johnson injury. Although everyone is saying it is nothing big, they are very non-committal.  If he misses substantial time, Northcutt’s production should increase.

Austin Collie/Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis- I know I have picked each of these guys in the last 2 weeks and I have been right but in case you missed it,  I am just going to pick a different secondary Colt receiver every week for this spot.

 Hail Marys:

Running Backs

Chester Taylor, Minnesota- As long as Peterson is healthy, Taylor will be impossible to start on your team just because he will get 3 points one week and the next week he will catch a 3^rd down td for 12 points.  If Peterson goes down, Taylor will be a stud again.