Top Targets for 2011 Weeks 6
See the dust cloud? It is everyone screaming to pick up Tim Tebow! His athleticism and ability to run for yards and touchdowns make him a intriguing thought, but if I have not caved on Cam Newton, how can I tell you to pick up Tebow??
Quarterbacks
Head Smacker
Not So Obvious:
Curtis Painter, Indianapolis Colts – With everyone clambering to scoop up Tim Tebow after the announcement that he will be the starter, Painter’s great improvement over the last couple of weeks has gone largely unnoticed. Although Painter is no Peyton Manning, he is still surrounded by Manning’s talented support staff and if the Colts continue to spend the season trailing he could put up respectable numbers. Curtis appears to have sent Collins back where he belongs, the training table!
Hail Mary:
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts – The Colts owner said that he gives 50/50 odds that Manning will be back before the year is over. 50% of Peyton Manning is better than most QBs…metaphorically speaking. But is all seriousness if you are in a league that gives you tons of bench space, he might be worth a gamble if he has even a chance of making it back down the stretch.
Running Backs
Not So Obvious
Jonathon Dwyer, Pittsburgh Steelers –Remember everything I said about Redman last week…apparently it applies to Dwyer instead. After averaging over 9 yards per carry, you can’t help but be enticed by him. The reason I have him down graded from Redman’s rating last week is that Mendenhall will be back at some point and it looks like the Steelers are going to continue to share the load between Redman and Dwyer. Jonathon won’t be a surprise to the Jags next week.
Jackie Battle, Kansas City Chiefs – Battle should be a head smacker because he looks like the heir apparent to the injured Jamaal Charles. But a bye week next weeks makes him moderately less valuable. Plus, the Chiefs have been able to move the ball on the ground in exactly one game all season, so Battle might not be what he seems.
Wide Receivers:
Head Smacker
Darrius, Heyward-Bey, Oakland Raiders– I know, I know I said that Raiders were not good fantasy options, but I can change my mind right? Heyward-Bey was the quintessential Al Davis draft day muddle, ignore the needs of the team and draft speed! Al is gone and will be missed by many but Darrius is still here and he is still fast and has developed some real chemistry with Jason Campbell. Raiders might actually be for real.
No So Obvious:
Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks – Robinson was a player that was mentioned a few times last season in this column. He has good skills and given an opportunity he could become a very consistent WR2. With Miles Austin and Dez Bryant trading stints on the trainer’s table, Robinson might be getting that opportunity.
