Don't Just Play, Win! Have you ever walked into your fantasy football draft unprepared? Carrying a 
Week 2 is behind us, but not without some injuries to some key players. But before I go into that let me just gloat for a moment, Laurent Robinson?!?! What did I say? Ced Benson? and Cadillac found the end zone again…I am just saying. Okay here we go.
Head Smackers:
Quarterbacks:Eli Manning, New York Giants- Although the junior Manning is a super bowl winner, first overall pick and starting QB for a dominant team, he has never really been looked at as a premier fantasy performer, but he might be out to change that this season. (We all know that NFL players care greatly about their fantasy stock)
Running Backs:
Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys- Breaking News has Marion Barber out for several weeks. The only surprise here is how soon it happened. There are varying reports as to the length of time Barber will miss but Jones looks like a safe pickup against a weak Panthers run defense this week.
Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens- I guess we can all agree that contrary to the preseason speculation, McGahee is going to be very involved in the offense. By any measuring stick 4 touchdowns in 2 games is involved.
Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers- I said on Jan. 25th of this year that L.T. is no longer a first round fantasy pick, now you know why. If you are unlucky enough to have him on your team and you did not handcuff your studs, and Sproles is still out there…….pick him up!! If you are in a league where he is still available, pick him up. He is too small to be every down back for too long but he is the best option while LT is sidelined which looks to be often, again.
Wide Receivers:
Mario Manningham, New York Giants- 3 for 58 TD week one. 10 for 150 and a TD in week 2. It appears that the former Michigan stand out has finally arrived in the NFL. Manningham had some problems with drops in college and if you saw his TD on Sunday it looked like he might re-live the good old days but his early childhood training with Barnum and Bailey’s came in quite handy.
Not So Obvious:
Quarterbacks:
Seneca Wallace, Seattle Seahawks- Wallace might not be Matt Hasselbeck in fact I am sure he is not Matt Hasselbeck, but he does have John Carleson, T.J. Houshmanzedah, Nate Burleson and Julius Jones to throw to. He is not a long term solution for your QB woes but he will be a good spot start against some of the weaker pass defenses.
Running Backs:
Correll Buckhalter, Denver Broncos- Buckhalter has broken off big yards per carry and is looking like the most effective RB on the team right now. Moreno does appear to be their first option with 17 carries but Buckhalter continues to impress in a limited role.
Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys- With the injury history of both Barber and Jones, Tashard is always one play from being a starter and he as performed well when given the opportunity.
Wide Receivers:
Donald Driver, Green Bay- Every year people seem to forget how consistent this guy is in fact, the seem to forget about him all together. I can see why, all he does is catch 80 balls for 1000 yards and 8 TDs every season. With Jennings getting banged up, he should see more action and when Jennings gets back, Driver will get single coverage all day.
Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears- Knox was one of Cutler’s favorite targets against the Steelers going for 70 yards and a TD. If he keeps it up, he will knock the disappointing Earl Bennett off the field.
Hail Mary:
Quarterbacks:
Mike Vick, Philadelphia Eagles- Kevin Kolb looked adequate backing up the injured McNabb last weekend but you can bet that contrary to what the Eagles brass is saying today, if McNabb misses any length of time Vick is going to see the field at some point.
Wide Receivers:
Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears- Knox was one of Cutler’s favorite targets against the Steelers going for 70 yards and a TD. If he keeps it up, he will knock the disappointing Earl Bennett off the field.
