The Observer, September 21, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 4
Fantasy Tips: Week 3
Week two in the NFL was a week of upsets. The hometown Browns pulled 51 points out of their backdoor to beat the Bungles. Tampa Bay sent the Saints to an abysmal start of 0-2, and surprisingly Houston improved to 2-0, led by first-year starter Matt Schaub (the Falcons must be feeling plenty dumb). Drawing from these games, I came up with some fantasy picks to improve your team this upcoming week.
QBs
J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills – Losman has made some improvements to his game and increased his QB rating from his first week, but his improvements are going to come to an abrupt halt. Facing the intensely strong and takeaway-happy Patriots defense this week, Losman is going to put up negative points. Eventually he will put up good numbers once Lee Evans gets out of his funk, but this week he is going to be torn apart. BENCH.
RBs
Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Though he sustained an injury the first week of the season, Cadillac came back with two touchdowns this past week. With the departure of Mike Alstott, it was thought that Michael Pittman would inherit the goal line carries, but that has not been the case. Though his yardage has not been up to par, with Cadillac receiving carries in the red zone, his fantasy value will remain very good to high. START.
WRs
Dennis Northcutt, Jacksoville Jaguars – Northcutt went over to the Jaguars from Cleveland and has now become their number-one receiver. With the Jags moving to more of a passing offense and laying their fate in David Garrard's arm, expect him to put up some good fantasy numbers for the rest of the season. PICK UP
DEF
San Francisco 49ers – San Francisco has a very underrated defense. Ranked seventh in the NFL in fantasy points, the defense has allowed only 417 yards in the past two weeks and has five takeaways. Owned by only 13 percent of the leagues in ESPN, chances are that they are available to be picked up in yours. If you're defense is struggling or has a bye week coming up, the 49ers are the perfect substitute. SLEEPER.
Ks
Morten Andersen, Atlanta Falcons – Andersen is ancient, but the man can kick the ball. At 47 years old, Morten was asked back by the Falcons after struggles in their kicking game through the first two weeks. After nailing 13 of 13 kicks in his workout for the team, Andersen has proven he can be a valuable asset again this year. Also, since the Falcons offense has been sputtering with Joey Harrington at the helm, it looks as though they will be kicking a lot more field goals than scoring touchdowns this year.
