The Observer, December 7, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 13
Fantasy Tips: Week 14
The only thing I can say this week is that the NFL has lost a true soldier. Sean Taylor's death came as a shock to fans and players across the nation. A humble father and feared safety, his punishing hits delivered every week made him a human missile crisis. A loved and respected human being, thousands showed up to give their final respects at his funeral Dec. 3. He leaves behind an 18-month old daughter. R.I.P. Sean Taylor.
QB
Josh McCown, Oakland Raiders – Josh looked great this week. Sixty-six percent completion percentage, 141 yards, and three TDs is a good stat line. Too bad it is all for naught. McCown is just a man to fill the gap until No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell is ready to make his first start. This event seems to be coming soon. The Raiders have said they want to ease JaMarcus into his role and this past week he played a couple drives, but was not able to put up any points. Right now Josh is playing for a backup role with either the Raiders or another NFL team, but his snaps are running short. WATCH OUT.
Vince Young, Tennessee Titans – I have never been a Vince-basher, but I just don't think this is the week to play him. The Chargers defense is looking to wreak havoc on the Titans, throwing all sorts of different types of blitzes and defensive schemes at Young. Of course there's also Shawne Merriman. This freak leads a fast defense of big hitters that will be able to run down and lay the smack down on Vince if he tries to resort to his legs. San Diego needs the next few wins to solidify their playoff chances. Bad luck for Vince. BENCH.
WR
Bryant Johnson, Arizona Cardinals – This is another case of injuries forcing a decent player to rise up in the depth chart and play like a good/great player. It seems as though Fitzgerald and Boldin are switching off weeks being on the field, and until they are on the field at the same time, Johnson is filling in at the No.2 WR spot and getting chances to make big plays because of it. I smell a touchdown this week for Bryant. If you trust my sense, this man is a pick-up for possibly the rest of the season. PICK UP.
DEF
Buffalo Bills – If both of your defenses have tough matchups going up against point-scoring machines like Dallas or Indianapolis, the Bills defense is a great pick this week. Facing potentially the worst team ever, the Dolphins, I can confidently predict this won't be a shootout. Buffalo will be able to prey on Miami's youth and inexperience. The team's main weapons are a rookie QB, rookie WR, and a veteran RB who did not play in the league last year. Mistakes are bound to happen and the Bills will have plenty of chances to capitalize. PICK UP.
